If you love the perfect fusion of spicy, creamy, and cheesy bites packed into a crispy shell, you are absolutely going to adore this Buffalo Chicken Wontons Recipe. These irresistible little pockets deliver all the beloved flavors of buffalo chicken wings but in a playful, bite-sized version that’s perfect for parties, game days, or even just a fun snack. Imagine tender chicken blended with cream cheese, ranch dressing, sharp cheddar, and a good splash of hot sauce all wrapped up in golden, crunchy wonton wrappers—pure finger-licking bliss!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients ready for this Buffalo Chicken Wontons Recipe is delightfully straightforward, yet each component plays a crucial role to build layers of flavor and texture. From creamy to spicy and sharp cheddar to crispy wontons, every single ingredient brings something special to the table.
- Cooked chopped chicken (2 cups): Use shredded or finely chopped to give the filling a great texture without being chunky.
- Cream cheese (8-oz, softened): This adds luscious creaminess that balances the heat perfectly.
- Bottled ranch dressing (½ cup): The cool, herby ranch helps mellow out the spice and adds a tangy zip.
- Garlic powder (½ tsp): Just a little garlic punch to enhance all the savory flavors.
- Onion powder (½ tsp): Provides a subtle depth that you barely notice but would miss if it wasn’t there.
- Frank’s hot sauce or wing sauce (¼ cup): The star of the show—this brings classic buffalo wing heat and tang.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (¾ cup): Sharp and melty cheese that adds richness and a bit of bite.
- Wonton wrappers (12-oz package): Thin, delicate sheets that crisp up beautifully to hold all the delicious filling.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Wontons Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. It’s important to have it hot and ready for when your wontons are assembled because baking them promptly will ensure the wrappers crisp up perfectly. Don’t forget to lightly spray two mini muffin pans with nonstick cooking spray so the wontons don’t stick and come out clean and neat.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, stir together your chopped cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, hot sauce, garlic and onion powders, and shredded cheddar cheese. Combine everything thoroughly so that every single bite is bursting with that classic buffalo chicken flavor and a creamy, cheesy texture.
Step 3: Fill the Wontons
Press each wonton wrapper gently into the mini muffin pan cups—this helps shape them into perfect little baskets for the filling. Then carefully spoon the buffalo chicken mixture into each wonton wrapper, filling it nearly to the top. This step is where your Buffalo Chicken Wontons Recipe truly starts to come to life with mouthwatering promise.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Bake the filled wontons for about 18 to 20 minutes, or until the filling bubbles with cheesy goodness and the wonton wrappers turn a gorgeous golden brown. This baking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully while giving you that satisfying crunch that’s so essential. Once out of the oven, you can even brush on some extra hot sauce for more kick or sprinkle chopped green onions for freshness.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Wontons Recipe
Garnishes
When serving these buffalo chicken wontons, I love adding a few vibrant garnishes to elevate both look and flavor. A drizzle of extra Frank’s hot sauce or a sprinkle of thinly chopped green onions gives a fresh pop that contrasts wonderfully with the rich filling. Some freshly chopped cilantro or a dusting of smoked paprika also works beautifully if you want to mix things up.
Side Dishes
These wontons pair wonderfully with cool, crisp veggies like celery sticks or carrot batons dipped in ranch or blue cheese dressing. A simple side salad or a bowl of crunchy coleslaw also balances the spicy and creamy wontons with refreshing textures and flavors. Plus, a cold beer or your favorite cocktail makes for a festive pairing that will keep the party vibes going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, try serving your Buffalo Chicken Wontons Recipe on a platter lined with lettuce leaves or kale for some greenery. Arrange them around small bowls of ranch, blue cheese, and extra hot sauce, so everyone can customize their bites. You could even thread a couple of wontons onto skewers for a whimsical finger-food idea—perfect for entertaining or casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover buffalo chicken wontons, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining their flavors though the wonton wrappers may soften slightly. Reheating can help restore some crispness.
Freezing
You can freeze these wontons either before baking or after they’ve been baked completely. To freeze pre-baked wontons, fill and shape them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag for up to 1 month. If freezing post-bake, allow them to cool fully, then freeze in airtight containers the same way.
Reheating
For the crispiest reheated wontons, pop them into a preheated oven at 350ºF for 8-10 minutes. If crunched for time, a quick zap in the microwave will warm the filling but won’t keep the wrapper as crispy. Using a toaster oven is another great way to preserve texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I make these Buffalo Chicken Wontons Recipe vegan or vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with finely chopped cauliflower or jackfruit, and swap the cream cheese and cheddar for dairy-free versions. Use a vegan ranch dressing and a plant-based hot sauce to keep all the classic flavors without animal products.
What’s the best way to cook the chicken for the filling?
Using cooked, shredded chicken works best for texture and flavor. You can poach, roast, or even use leftover rotisserie chicken. Just make sure it’s finely chopped or shredded so it mixes well with the creamy filling.
Can I make these in advance and freeze them?
Yes, these wontons freeze really well! Assemble them, freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake them straight from the freezer adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Is it necessary to use mini muffin pans?
While mini muffin pans help shape each wonton perfectly and keep the filling contained, you can also bake them on a parchment-lined sheet. The shape might be less uniform, but they’ll still taste amazing.
Can I add a dipping sauce with the Buffalo Chicken Wontons Recipe?
Definitely! A classic ranch or creamy blue cheese dressing is a perfect match. You could also try a cooling cucumber yogurt dip or even a spicy cilantro-lime sauce for a creative twist.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely cannot recommend the Buffalo Chicken Wontons Recipe enough—these delightful little bites are the perfect combination of spicy, creamy, and crunchy that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or just craving a fun snack, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy. So grab your ingredients, get ready to bake, and prepare for some serious tasty happiness straight from your oven!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Wontons Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 48 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Wontons are a delicious, bite-sized appetizer that combine tender shredded chicken with a creamy, spicy buffalo sauce mixture, all baked inside crispy wonton wrappers. Perfect for parties, game days, or a flavorful snack, these wontons provide a satisfying blend of cheesy, tangy, and spicy flavors with an irresistible crunchy exterior.
Ingredients
Buffalo Chicken Filling
- 2 cups cooked chopped chicken
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup bottled ranch dressing
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ cup Frank’s hot sauce or wing sauce
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Assembly
- 1 (12-oz) package wonton wrappers
- Nonstick cooking spray, for greasing
- Additional hot sauce and chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Prepare two mini muffin pans by spraying them lightly with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make Buffalo Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the cooked chopped chicken, softened cream cheese, bottled ranch dressing, Frank’s hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until all ingredients are evenly mixed to create the filling.
- Fill Wonton Wrappers: Take each wonton wrapper and gently press it into the wells of the mini muffin pans. Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture evenly into each wonton wrapper, filling them generously but carefully to avoid overfilling and spilling during baking.
- Bake Wontons: Place the filled muffin pans into the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. The wontons should become golden brown and the filling should bubble, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the wontons from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Optionally, garnish with additional hot sauce and chopped green onions for extra flavor and presentation before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute blue cheese dressing for ranch dressing if desired for a different flavor profile.
- If mini muffin pans are unavailable, use mini tart pans or shallow baking dishes, but adjust baking time accordingly.
- Leftover buffalo chicken wontons can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- For a milder version, reduce the amount of hot sauce or omit it entirely.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to mix easily and achieve a creamy filling consistency.
