Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wonton Crisps: Your Go-To Game Day Appetizer
The excitement for the Super Bowl is building, and with it comes the universal quest for the perfect party snacks. We all want those delicious, easy-to-make appetizers that will disappear faster than you can say “touchdown” – but let’s be honest, sometimes we also want options that won’t derail our healthy eating goals. If you’ve ever hosted a party and heard the dreaded “Is this Weight Watchers food?” groan, you know the challenge! But fear not, because these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wonton Crisps are here to save your game day spread. They’re so incredibly flavorful and satisfying, your guests will never suspect they’re a lighter option. In fact, you can enjoy these guilt-free bites knowing they’re a smart choice, packing all the punch of classic buffalo chicken without the heavy calories. Get ready to impress everyone with this crowd-pleasing recipe that brings the heat and the crisp!
These buffalo chicken wonton crisps are a brilliant fusion of crispy texture and the beloved tangy, spicy flavor of buffalo chicken. They offer a fantastic alternative to traditional dips or wings, providing individual, perfectly portioned snacks that are easy to grab and enjoy. The delicate wonton wrappers bake up to a beautiful golden crisp, encasing a creamy, zesty chicken filling that delivers an explosion of taste in every bite. Whether you’re a long-time fan of buffalo chicken or simply looking for an exciting new appetizer, this recipe promises to be a hit at any gathering, from casual get-togethers to the biggest game day celebration of the year.
Why These Buffalo Chicken Wonton Crisps Are a Must-Try
- Incredibly Easy: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can master this recipe.
- Flavor Bomb: The classic combination of shredded chicken, cream cheese, Frank’s RedHot sauce, and ranch dressing creates an irresistible spicy, tangy, and creamy filling.
- Perfectly Crispy: Baked wonton wrappers provide a satisfying crunch that complements the soft filling beautifully, without the need for deep frying.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Buffalo chicken is a universally loved flavor profile, ensuring these crisps will be devoured by everyone at your party.
- Lighter Option: Using light cream cheese, fat-free ranch, and reduced-fat cheese keeps these appetizers on the healthier side, making them a fantastic Weight Watchers friendly choice at just 1 SmartPoint/PersonalPoint each.
- Quick to Make: With only 10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cook time, you can whip up a batch in just 20 minutes!
The Simple Magic Behind the Ingredients
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its reliance on readily available ingredients that pack a huge flavor punch. Let’s take a closer look at what makes these crisps so special:
- Shredded Cooked Chicken: This is your base. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken for ultimate convenience, boil and shred chicken breasts, or even use canned chicken (drained well) in a pinch. The key is finely shredded chicken for a smooth filling.
- Softened Light Cream Cheese: Essential for that creamy texture. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature so it blends smoothly with the other ingredients, preventing lumps. Using a light variety significantly cuts down on calories and fat without sacrificing creaminess.
- Frank’s RedHot Original Hot Sauce: The iconic hot sauce that defines “buffalo” flavor. Its vinegar base gives that characteristic tang and heat. Feel free to adjust the amount to your preferred spice level – add more for a fiery kick, or slightly less for a milder taste.
- Fat-Free Ranch Dressing: This ingredient adds a cool, herbaceous counterpoint to the spicy buffalo sauce, bringing balance to the flavor profile. The fat-free version helps keep the recipe light. You can also use a light blue cheese dressing if you prefer that classic pairing.
- Reduced-Fat Grated Cheese: A sprinkle of cheese enhances the creaminess and adds another layer of savory flavor. Cheddar or a mozzarella blend works well. Using a reduced-fat variety helps maintain the “lighter” aspect of the recipe.
- Wonton Wrappers: The unsung hero of this recipe! These thin dough squares bake up incredibly crispy, providing the perfect edible cup for our buffalo chicken filling. You can find them in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores, usually near tofu or fresh pasta.
- Cooking Spray: A light mist of cooking spray ensures the wontons crisp up beautifully and prevents sticking without adding excess oil.
Buffalo Chicken Wonton Crisps
Ingredients
- 4 oz shredded cooked chicken
- 1/4 cup softened light cream cheese
- 3 T franks hot sauce
- 2 T fat free ranch dressing
- 1/3 cup reduced fat grated cheese, I used ww brand
- 22-24 wonton wrappers
- cooking spray
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350F, spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray and set aside.
-
Mix all of your ingredients together (minus the wrappers)
-
Place your wrappers on the cookie sheet and spray the tops of them with the cooking spray. Top with just under a Tbsp of chicken mixture. Pat down with a fork.
-
Bake in oven for approx. 10 minutes. When they have been in about 7 minutes turn your cookie sheet around as the back ones may burn. From this point keep a close watch on them to prevent the wrappers from burning.
-
Drizzle with ranch dressing and serve immediately. 1 wonton crisp is 1pp. *Note, you can half the recipe to make less chips 🙂
Additional Info
Pro Tips for Perfect Wonton Crisps
Achieving that perfect balance of crispy wrapper and savory filling is easier than you think with a few key tips:
- Soften Your Cream Cheese: This is crucial for a smooth, lump-free filling. Take it out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before mixing.
- Don’t Overfill: A little under a tablespoon of filling per wonton is ideal. Overfilling can make the crisps soggy or cause the filling to spill out during baking.
- Even Spraying: Make sure to lightly spray both the baking sheet and the tops of the wontons with cooking spray. This promotes even browning and crispiness.
- Watch Them Closely: Wonton wrappers can go from perfectly golden to burnt very quickly. Keep a close eye on them, especially after turning the tray, and remove them as soon as they reach your desired crispiness.
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve these buffalo chicken wonton crisps as soon as they come out of the oven. The crispiness is at its peak when warm.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken filling a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When it’s party time, simply scoop it into the wrappers and bake!
Delicious Variations and Customizations
While the classic buffalo chicken wonton crisp is amazing on its own, don’t hesitate to get creative and customize them to your taste:
- Spice It Up (or Down!): For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture, or drizzle with an extra dash of hot sauce after baking. For a milder version, reduce the Frank’s hot sauce.
- Cheesy Goodness: Experiment with different types of cheese! A little crumbled blue cheese in the mixture or sprinkled on top after baking can enhance that authentic buffalo flavor. For a richer treat, use full-fat cheese.
- Herbaceous Additions: Finely chopped fresh chives or green onions mixed into the filling or sprinkled as a garnish add a lovely fresh element.
- Vegetarian Twist: For a meat-free option, swap the chicken for shredded buffalo cauliflower or mashed chickpeas mixed with the same seasonings.
- Shape Shifters: Instead of flat crisps, you can press wonton wrappers into mini muffin tins to create small cups before filling and baking. This creates a charming, bite-sized “cup” appetizer.
- Dipping Delight: While we suggest drizzling with ranch, offer a side of blue cheese dressing, extra hot sauce, or even a cooling Greek yogurt dip for guests to customize their experience.
Serving Suggestions for Any Occasion
These buffalo chicken wonton crisps are versatile enough for many occasions beyond just game day:
- Game Day Platter: Serve them alongside other classic game day fare like mini sliders, veggie sticks, and other dips. They add a pop of color and flavor.
- Party Appetizer: Perfect for any party, big or small. Their individual serving size makes them easy for guests to enjoy while mingling.
- Light Lunch: Pair a few crisps with a fresh side salad for a satisfying and light lunch.
- Kid-Friendly Option: If serving to children, you might want to create a separate batch with less hot sauce or even a non-spicy chicken and cheese filling.
The Healthier Appetizer You’ll Love
In the realm of party food, it’s often hard to find options that are both indulgent and health-conscious. These Buffalo Chicken Wonton Crisps brilliantly bridge that gap. By baking instead of frying, and utilizing lighter ingredients like fat-free ranch and reduced-fat cheese, we significantly cut down on calories and saturated fat without sacrificing any of the creamy, spicy goodness that makes buffalo chicken so irresistible. The individual portions also help with mindful eating, making it easier to enjoy a few without overindulging. At just 1 Weight Watchers PersonalPoint per crisp, they truly are a smart and satisfying choice for anyone looking to enjoy their favorite flavors while staying on track.
Final Thoughts: Get Ready to Wonton!
These Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wonton Crisps are more than just an appetizer; they’re a revelation in easy, delicious, and healthier party food. They bring the bold flavors everyone loves, wrapped in a delightful crispy package, and are designed to make your life easier in the kitchen. So, whether you’re gearing up for the Super Bowl, hosting a casual get-together, or just craving a tasty snack, give this recipe a try. You’ll love how simple they are to make, and your guests will be raving about them. Prepare to be asked for the recipe – and perhaps a little secret about how they manage to be so good, yet so light!
Don’t let the thought of healthy eating intimidate your party planning. With these Buffalo Chicken Wonton Crisps, you can serve up a dish that is both incredibly satisfying and mindful of your wellness goals. They truly are the ultimate game-day appetizer that promises big flavor without the big guilt. Enjoy every crispy, spicy bite!