Tired of the same old boring appetizers that leave your guests reaching for more excitement? I know that feeling all too well. These irresistible chicken salad wonton cups are about to become your new go-to recipe when you need to impress in minutes, not hours.
Hi, I’m Michael, the heart behind Foodydish! When I first created these chicken salad wonton cups, they were meant to be a quick solution for unexpected guests. Now, they’ve become the most requested appetizer at every gathering I host. The crispy wonton shells paired with creamy, flavorful chicken salad create that perfect bite that keeps everyone coming back for more.
In this recipe guide, I’ll walk you through selecting the perfect ingredients, show you how to prep these cups in advance, and share my secret flavor combinations that make these wonton cups truly irresistible. Whether you’re planning a sophisticated dinner party or need a quick appetizer for game day, these chicken salad wonton cups will have everyone asking for your recipe.
Why This Chicken Salad Wonton Cups Recipe Works
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients you likely already have on hand
- Prep and assembly takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish
- Versatile enough to customize with seasonal ingredients
- Perfect make-ahead appetizer that still stays crispy when served
- Ideal for both casual gatherings and elegant dinner parties
- Provides the perfect balance of creamy filling and crunchy shell
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Chicken Salad Wonton Cups
Best Chicken Options for Wonton Cups
For the juiciest, most flavorful chicken salad wonton cups, rotisserie chicken is my go-to choice. It’s pre-cooked, tender, and packed with flavor right from the start. If you’re cooking chicken specifically for this recipe, chicken breasts poached in seasoned broth provide excellent texture and flavor absorption.
Buying Tips for Wonton Wrappers
Look for wonton wrappers in the refrigerated section near tofu or fresh pasta. Choose packs where the wrappers appear flexible and not dried out at the edges. Square wrappers work best for creating cup shapes in standard muffin tins.
Substitutions for Chicken Salad Wonton Cups
No chicken? Try canned tuna or salmon for a seafood twist. Vegetarians can use chickpeas or crumbled tofu seasoned with poultry seasoning for a similar flavor profile. If wonton wrappers are unavailable, phyllo cups or small tortillas pressed into muffin tins can work as alternatives.
Ingredients & Prep for Chicken Salad Wonton Cups
Wonton Cup Essentials
- 24 square wonton wrappers (kept covered with a damp towel until ready to use)
- Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing muffin tins
- 2 cups cooked chicken, finely diced
Chicken Salad Filling Components
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons toasted sliced almonds
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish Options
- Fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or chives)
- Microgreens or sprouts
- Thinly sliced radishes
- Additional toasted nuts
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Chicken Salad Wonton Cups
Pre-Cooking Prep for Wonton Cups
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Gently press wonton wrappers into muffin cups, creating a cup shape with ruffled edges.
- Lightly spray or brush the wonton wrappers with oil for extra crispiness.
Cooking Method for Wonton Cups
- Bake the empty wonton cups for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the muffin tin for 2 minutes.
- Carefully transfer the cups to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Repeat with remaining wonton wrappers if needed.
Chicken Salad Preparation
- In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and Dijon mustard.
- Add diced chicken, celery, red onion, cranberries, almonds, dill, and lemon zest.
- Gently fold ingredients together until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Assembly of Chicken Salad Wonton Cups
- Spoon approximately 1-2 tablespoons of chicken salad into each cooled wonton cup.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, microgreens, or other selected toppings.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Salad Wonton Cups
Avoiding Soggy Wonton Cups
- Bake wonton cups until fully crisp – don’t underbake
- Cool cups completely before filling
- Add chicken salad just before serving when possible
- Pat chicken very dry before mixing into salad
- Use a slightly thicker mayonnaise-based dressing to prevent liquid seepage
Tool Recommendations for Wonton Cups
- Standard muffin tin (for regular-sized cups)
- Mini muffin tin (for bite-sized appetizers)
- Small cookie scoop for consistent filling amounts
- Pastry brush for applying oil to wrappers
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips for Chicken Salad Wonton Cups
- Store baked, unfilled wonton cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
- Prepare chicken salad up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate
- For maximum crispness, assemble within 2 hours of serving
Looking for more creative appetizer ideas? Check out my Pinterest board for endless inspiration and save this recipe while you’re there! Follow Foodydish on Pinterest for more delicious recipes that will make you the star of any gathering.
Flavor Variations for Chicken Salad Wonton Cups
Herb & Citrus Chicken Salad Wonton Cups
- Add fresh tarragon, basil, and additional lemon juice
- Incorporate lemon pepper seasoning
- Finish with a tiny wedge of fresh lemon
Mediterranean Chicken Salad Wonton Cups
- Mix in chopped kalamata olives and diced cucumber
- Add crumbled feta cheese and oregano
- Drizzle with olive oil before serving
Asian-Inspired Chicken Salad Wonton Cups
- Use ginger, garlic, and a touch of sesame oil in the dressing
- Add julienned carrots and sliced water chestnuts
- Garnish with sliced scallions and sesame seeds
| Flavor Variation | Key Ingredients | Best Garnishes | Prep Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | Celery, onion, mayo | Fresh dill, almonds | 10 mins |
| Mediterranean | Olives, feta, cucumber | Oregano, olive oil | 12 mins |
| Asian-Inspired | Ginger, sesame oil, water chestnuts | Scallions, sesame seeds | 15 mins |
| Southwest | Corn, bell pepper, cilantro | Lime wedge, avocado | 12 mins |
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Salad Wonton Cups
- Arrange on a platter with fresh herb sprigs between cups
- Serve alongside a light soup for a complete lunch
- Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with citrus
- Create a DIY wonton cup bar with different fillings for interactive entertaining
FAQs About Chicken Salad Wonton Cups
Can I make these chicken salad wonton cups ahead of time?
Yes, but for best results, store the components separately. Bake and cool the wonton cups, then store in an airtight container at room temperature. Prepare the chicken salad and refrigerate. Assemble within 2 hours of serving for maximum crispness.
How do I keep my wonton cups from getting soggy?
Ensure your wonton cups are baked until golden and crisp, cool them completely before filling, and pat your chicken salad ingredients dry. You can also brush the inside of the baked cups with a thin layer of melted butter to create a moisture barrier.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe as it’s already seasoned and juicy. Simply remove the skin and shred or dice the meat as needed.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise in the chicken salad?
Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute. You can use all Greek yogurt or a combination of yogurt and avocado for creaminess without the mayo.
Conclusion
These irresistible chicken salad wonton cups have become my signature appetizer for good reason they’re quick, customizable, and always disappear first at any gathering. The contrast between crispy wonton shells and creamy chicken salad creates that perfect bite that keeps everyone coming back for more.
What I love most about this recipe is how it transforms simple ingredients into something that feels special and elevated. Whether you follow my classic recipe or experiment with one of the flavor variations, these wonton cups are sure to become a staple in your entertaining repertoire.
Don’t forget to tag @foodydish when you share your creations on social media! I’d love to see your take on these chicken salad wonton cups and hear how they were received by your family and friends. And if you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other quick appetizers that are perfect for any occasion.
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How to Make Irresistible Chicken Salad Wonton Cups in Minutes
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 24 cups 1x
Description
Crispy baked wonton cups filled with a creamy, savory chicken salad perfect as an appetizer or light lunch with the perfect crunch in every bite.
Ingredients
24 wonton wrappers
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1/4 cup celery, finely diced
1/4 cup red grapes, halved
2 tbsp green onions, sliced
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
Cooking spray
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly spray a muffin tin with cooking spray and press one wonton wrapper into each cup, shaping it to form small bowls.
3. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and let cool completely.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, celery, grapes, green onions, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
5. Spoon chicken salad evenly into the cooled wonton cups.
6. Garnish with extra parsley or green onions if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra crunch, add chopped pecans or almonds to the chicken salad.
Make the filling a few hours ahead and refrigerate — fill cups just before serving to keep them crisp.
Use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience and extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cups
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: chicken salad wonton cups, party appetizer, baked wonton cups, chicken appetizer, bite-size snack