Peanut Chicken Wonton Cups Recipe

I absolutely love how the Peanut Chicken Wonton Cups Recipe comes together—crispy, golden wonton shells filled with a creamy, tangy peanut chicken mixture and topped with a fresh, crunchy slaw. It’s the kind of finger food that instantly brightens up any gathering, and honestly, I find myself making it whenever friends drop by or for quick weeknight dinners that feel fancy but don’t require hours in the kitchen.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed by how the flavors balance so perfectly—the richness of the peanut sauce, the zing of lime juice, and the slight heat from chili crisp all wrapped in that irresistible crispy wonton. It’s also pretty forgiving and straightforward, which means you’ll have little trouble getting these right even if you’re not a kitchen pro. Trust me, once you make this Peanut Chicken Wonton Cups Recipe, it’ll quickly become a crowd favorite in your home too.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Peanut Chicken Wonton Cups Recipe are simple yet pack a punch together. Using store-bought wonton wrappers keeps things easy, and fresh veggies add crunch and brightness to balance the rich peanut sauce.

• Cooking spray: Essential to keep your wonton cups from sticking and to help them crisp up nicely in the oven.
• Wonton wrappers: These form the crispy little cups; I like the standard 12-pack muffin tin size for perfect bite-sized portions.
• All-natural crunchy peanut butter: Adds texture and authentic peanut flavor; crunchy works better than smooth here for extra interest.
• Water: Used to thin out the peanut sauce for a smooth, pourable consistency.
• Hoisin sauce: Brings a slight sweetness and depth—don’t skip it as it really rounds out the flavor.
• Chili crisp: My secret ingredient for that addictive chili crunch and spicy kick—feel free to adjust the amount to suit your heat tolerance.
• Fresh lime juice: Adds brightness and zing that contrast perfectly with the richness of peanut butter.
• Chopped rotisserie chicken meat: A time saver with great flavor—using rotisserie chicken makes prep speedy while keeping it delicious.
• Carrot: Adds sweetness and crunch, finely grated so it blends well without overpowering.
• Red Fresno chile: Gives a mild heat and vibrant color; you can swap this for a milder pepper if preferred.
• Shredded green or purple cabbage: This forms the crunchy slaw topping that lightens each bite.
• Thinly sliced red onion: For a subtle sharpness and color contrast in the slaw.
• Fresh cilantro leaves: Brings a fresh herbaceous note—add extra on top for garnish if you love cilantro as much as I do.
• Kosher salt: To season the slaw just right and bring out all the flavors.

Variations

I love making this Peanut Chicken Wonton Cups Recipe my own by tweaking the ingredients depending on what’s in the fridge or the occasion. Feel free to get creative—this recipe is a fantastic canvas for flavor experiments!

• Make it spicy: I once added extra chili crisp and a dash of sriracha to the peanut sauce for a fiery twist that my spice-loving friends adored.
• Vegetarian version: Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or roasted chickpeas for a meat-free alternative that’s just as tasty.
• Different nuts: Try almond or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a slightly different nutty flavor.
• Fresh herbs: Mint or basil can be added to the slaw for a fresh twist that brightens the whole dish.

How to Make Peanut Chicken Wonton Cups Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Wonton Cups

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray two 12-cup muffin tins generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Press one wonton wrapper into each muffin cup, making sure it’s pressed down flat on the bottom—this helps achieve a nice cup shape. Then, lightly spray the tops of the wonton wrappers with cooking spray too. Bake them for 12 to 15 minutes until they turn gorgeous golden brown and crispy. Let them cool for about 5 minutes before handling so they hold their shape well.

Step 2: Mix the Peanut Sauce and Toss the Chicken

While the wonton cups bake, whisk together the peanut butter, water, hoisin sauce, chili crisp, and half of the lime juice until smooth—it should be creamy but pourable. Save about ¾ cup of this peanut sauce in a separate bowl for serving. Toss the chopped rotisserie chicken in the remaining peanut sauce until fully coated and flavorful. This step is where the magic happens; the sauce clings to the chicken and flavors it beautifully.

Step 3: Prepare the Crunchy Slaw

In a large bowl, combine the grated carrot, chopped red Fresno chile, shredded cabbage, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Add the kosher salt and the remaining lime juice, then toss everything together well to make a zesty, crunchy slaw that perfectly complements the rich peanut chicken.

Step 4: Assemble the Wonton Cups

Carefully transfer the cooled wonton cups to a serving platter. Spoon the peanut chicken mixture evenly into each cup, then top with a generous amount of the fresh slaw. Drizzle the reserved peanut sauce over the top and finish with some extra cilantro for a burst of color and flavor. These are best served immediately to keep the wonton shells crisp.

How to Serve Peanut Chicken Wonton Cups Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing these wonton cups with extra chopped cilantro and a little sprinkle of crushed peanuts for added crunch. If I’m feeling fancy, I sometimes add a few thin slices of fresh red chili on top for a pop of color and subtle heat—it always impresses guests!

Side Dishes

This Peanut Chicken Wonton Cups Recipe pairs great with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or a crisp cucumber salad to balance the richness of the peanut sauce. For a full spread, I often serve with Asian-inspired dishes like edamame or sesame noodles to keep the flavors consistent and exciting.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like arranging the wonton cups on a beautiful platter lined with banana leaves or large lettuce leaves for a festive, tropical vibe. Another fun idea is to serve them as part of a DIY appetizer bar where guests can add their own slaw and extra toppings—always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover peanut chicken mixture and the slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Wonton cups don’t hold their crispness well once filled and stored, so I recommend assembling just before serving.

Freezing

While I don’t freeze the filled wonton cups, the baked empty wonton shells freeze surprisingly well. Just thaw them at room temperature and re-crisp in the oven for a few minutes. You can also freeze the peanut chicken mixture to have on hand for quick assembly later.

Reheating

To keep the peanut chicken warm without sacrificing the wonton crispness, I reheat the filling gently in a pan or microwave and then assemble immediately into freshly crisped wonton cups. Avoid reheating assembled cups as they get soggy quickly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Chicken Wonton Cups Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it feels both fun and approachable—perfect for impressing guests with minimal stress. I hope you give this a try soon and discover how easy it is to whip up something genuinely delicious and unique. Once you do, it’ll be a go-to recipe you’ll reach for again and again, trust me!

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