Spicy BBQ Chicken Wonton Cups with Apple Coleslaw: The Ultimate Flavor-Packed Appetizer
Looking for an appetizer that truly stands out at your next gathering? These Spicy BBQ Chicken Wonton Cups are an absolute game-changer! Imagine crispy, golden-baked wonton cups generously filled with tender, shredded chicken, all infused with the unique kick of spicy apple habanero BBQ sauce. Topped with a vibrant, crunchy apple coleslaw, each bite delivers a delightful explosion of sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory flavors. Ready in just 35-40 minutes, they’re the perfect crowd-pleaser for game days, relaxed backyard BBQs, festive parties, or any occasion that calls for something deliciously different.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored byHead Country Bar-B-Q. As always, all opinions are my own. We only partner with brands we truly love and believe in.
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About These Spicy BBQ Chicken Wonton Cups
As the crisp autumn air rolls in and football season kicks off, my kitchen automatically shifts into full-on game day mode. For me, that means one thing above all else: BBQ! There’s just something about the smoky, savory, and often sweet flavors of barbecue that perfectly complement the excitement of a gathering, whether it’s a tailgate party, a cozy backyard get-together, or a lively celebration with friends and family.
This year, I’m taking my love for BBQ and transforming it into an unforgettable appetizer that’s both easy to make and incredibly impressive. These Spicy BBQ Chicken Wonton Cups are a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. The star of the show, of course, is the amazing Head Country Bar-B-Q sauce. While their Original BBQ Sauce is a timeless classic that always hits the spot, for this recipe, I’m reaching for their Apple Habanero BBQ Sauce. Trust me, it’s a flavor revelation!
What makes the Apple Habanero sauce so special? It boasts a unique balance of sweet and tart notes from real apples, perfectly intertwined with a subtle yet building heat from habanero peppers. This isn’t just a spicy sauce; it’s a nuanced flavor profile that adds incredible depth and excitement to any dish. It transforms ordinary BBQ chicken into something truly spectacular and memorable. Plus, with apples in peak season during fall, it’s the ideal choice to infuse your appetizers with seasonal freshness. The apple elements not only come through in the chicken but are beautifully echoed in the fresh, crunchy coleslaw topping, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
Beyond the incredible flavor, these wonton cups are incredibly simple to prepare, making them a stress-free addition to any menu. The juicy, shredded apple habanero BBQ chicken fills perfectly crunchy, golden-baked wonton cups, which are then crowned with a light, refreshing, and tangy apple coleslaw. Every single bite delivers a delightful interplay of textures and tastes – a crisp shell, succulent chicken, and crisp, cool slaw. It’s a symphony for your palate, offering sweetness, a pleasant heat, a touch of tartness, and satisfying crunch.
My mouth literally waters just reminiscing about these delectable bites! They’re so easy that you can certainly whip them up on the day of your event. However, for those who love to get ahead, you can also prepare many components in advance. I’ve included detailed tips below on how to make these ahead of time, along with answers to frequently asked questions and more helpful suggestions to ensure your success. Keep scrolling for all the fantastic details, or simply use the convenient Table of Contents above to jump directly to the section you need, including the full recipe card!
Key Ingredients for Flavorful Wonton Cups
Crafting these delicious wonton cups requires a balanced mix of fresh produce and pantry staples. Here’s a closer look at the key ingredients you’ll need to bring this recipe to life:
- Chicken Broth: This liquid gold forms the base for our Instant Pot shredded chicken, ensuring it cooks up tender and juicy. Feel free to use your favorite store-bought brand or a rich homemade chicken broth for an extra layer of flavor.
- BBQ Sauce: The star of our chicken filling! We’re specifically highlighting Head Country Apple Habanero BBQ Sauce. Its distinct flavor profile, combining the sweet-tartness of apple with a pleasant, building habanero heat and their signature blend of spices, is simply incredible. It’s not only perfect for chicken but also fantastic with pork. You’ll only need one bottle for this recipe, divided between cooking and finishing the chicken.
- Chicken: For convenience and consistent results, boneless, skinless chicken breast is recommended. However, if you prefer a richer flavor and slightly more tender texture, boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or a combination of both) will work beautifully.
- Wonton Wrappers: These create the perfectly crispy, edible cups that hold our filling. You can typically find square wonton wrappers in the refrigerated section of your local supermarket, often near the produce or Asian ingredients. If your store doesn’t carry them, an Asian market is a great alternative.
- Mayonnaise: This forms the creamy base for our refreshing apple coleslaw. Use full-fat for a richer dressing or a light version if you’re watching calories. For a dairy-free or tangier alternative, plain Greek yogurt can be substituted, providing a similar creamy texture with a protein boost.
- Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is essential for the coleslaw dressing. Its bright, acidic notes cut through the richness of the mayonnaise and provide a lovely tang that complements the sweet apple and spicy chicken.
- Honey: A natural sweetener that balances the acidity of the vinegar and the heat of the BBQ sauce in the coleslaw. Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as a substitute if preferred.
- Spices: A simple blend of paprika (choose sweet or smoked, depending on your preference for depth), salt, and black pepper is all you need to season the coleslaw and enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Coleslaw Mix: To save time and effort, a pre-packaged bag of your favorite coleslaw mix (typically shredded cabbage and carrots) is ideal. It provides the perfect crisp base for our slaw.
- Apple: A crisp green apple, such as Granny Smith, is highly recommended for the coleslaw. Its tartness provides a fantastic contrast to the sweet and spicy chicken, while its firm texture adds a wonderful crunch.
- Green Onion: While optional, thinly sliced green onion makes for a beautiful garnish and adds a mild, fresh oniony flavor that brightens the entire dish.
Essential Equipment for This Recipe
To make these Spicy BBQ Chicken Wonton Cups efficiently and effectively, you’ll need a few key pieces of kitchen equipment. These tools will help you achieve perfectly tender chicken, crispy wonton cups, and a well-mixed coleslaw:
- Instant Pot: This is a true time-saver for preparing the shredded BBQ chicken. I personally use and love my Instant Pot Ultra (or the Instant Pot DUO is also a great option), which makes quick work of cooking the chicken to tender perfection.
- Cutting Board: Essential for shredding the cooked chicken safely and efficiently once it’s out of the Instant Pot.
- 12-Cup Muffin Tin: This is crucial for shaping and baking the wonton wrappers into crisp, individual cups. Make sure it’s a standard size for best results.
- Large Mixing Bowl: You’ll need a spacious bowl (from a set of metal mixing bowls works well) for preparing the coleslaw dressing and then tossing it with the cabbage and apple.
- Whisk: A French wire whisk is perfect for smoothly combining the ingredients for both the BBQ sauce in the Instant Pot and the coleslaw dressing.
- Wooden Spoon (or other sturdy spoon): Useful for stirring the chicken and sauce in the Instant Pot and for folding the coleslaw ingredients together. A long wooden spoon is versatile.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Spicy BBQ Chicken Wonton Cups
Creating these irresistible wonton cups is simpler than you might think! We’ll break it down into four manageable steps: making the Instant Pot BBQ chicken, baking the wonton cups, preparing the fresh apple coleslaw, and finally, assembling everything for that perfect bite.
1. Prepare the Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
The Instant Pot makes quick work of tender, shredded chicken, soaking up all that delicious apple habanero flavor. First, pour the chicken broth and ½ cup of Head Country Apple Habanero BBQ Sauce into the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Grab a whisk and thoroughly combine these two liquids to create your cooking base. Next, carefully place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the seasoned broth mixture, ensuring they are mostly submerged.
Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set it to the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting on High pressure for 10 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes. This natural release helps keep the chicken extra tender and juicy. After 5 minutes, carefully perform a manual quick release for any remaining pressure. Once the pin drops, you can safely open the lid.
Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts to a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. While the chicken is being shredded, stir the remaining BBQ sauce into the rich sauce left in the Instant Pot insert. Once shredded, return the chicken to the saucy goodness in the pot and stir well to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated.
To thicken the sauce and allow it to cling beautifully to the chicken, set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Stir consistently for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. Be careful not to let it burn. Once thickened, turn off the Instant Pot and cover it to keep the chicken warm while you prepare the other components.
2. Bake Perfect Crispy Wonton Cups
While the chicken is cooking, you can get a head start on preparing your crispy wonton cups. Begin by preheating your oven to 350˚F (175˚C). Lightly spray each cup of a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray – this helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning. Carefully press one square wonton wrapper into the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cup. Give the first wrapper a light spray of cooking spray, then gently place a second wonton wrapper on top, pressing it down firmly into the bottom of the cup to create a double-layered, sturdier cup. This double layer adds extra crispness and ensures the cups can hold the generous filling without becoming soggy. Finish with another light spray of cooking spray.
Bake the wonton cups in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and delightfully crispy. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly in the muffin tin before carefully transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them maintain their crisp texture. Set these aside until you are ready to assemble.
3. Whip Up the Fresh Apple Coleslaw
The refreshing apple coleslaw provides a perfect counterpoint to the rich, spicy chicken. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), apple cider vinegar, honey, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Use a whisk to thoroughly blend these ingredients until you have a smooth and creamy dressing. Next, add your bag of coleslaw mix and the thinly sliced green apple to the bowl. Using a wooden spoon or tongs, gently fold the coleslaw and apple into the dressing until everything is well coated and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary, adding more salt or pepper to your preference. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the coleslaw until you’re ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Assemble Your Delicious Wonton Cups
This is where all your hard work comes together! Just before serving, arrange your crispy wonton cups on a platter. Generously fill each golden cup with the warm, shredded BBQ chicken, dividing it evenly among the cups. For an extra boost of flavor and a beautiful sheen, drizzle a little additional Head Country Apple Habanero BBQ sauce over the chicken in each cup. Finally, top each filled cup with a scoop of the chilled, crunchy apple coleslaw. If using, sprinkle a pinch of thinly sliced green onion over each cup for a fresh garnish and a hint of extra flavor. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
Tips for Success & Variations
To ensure your Spicy BBQ Chicken Wonton Cups turn out perfectly every time, and to give you ideas for adapting the recipe, consider these helpful tips and variations:
- Try Pulled Pork for a Twist: If you’re a fan of pork or just want to change things up, this recipe works wonderfully with pulled pork! Simply swap the 2 pounds of chicken breast for 2 pounds of boneless pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes. In the Instant Pot, you’ll need to increase the cooking time significantly: cook on manual high pressure for 40 minutes, followed by a full natural release of pressure. Once cooked, shred the pork and proceed with the recipe as directed. The apple habanero sauce pairs exceptionally well with pork, too!
- Make a Double Batch for Larger Crowds: This recipe is incredibly easy to scale up. You don’t need to adjust the cooking times for the Instant Pot chicken, making it simple to double or even triple the amount of chicken. Just be sure to use an extra 12-cup muffin tin (or two!) for the wonton cups, and a larger mixing bowl to accommodate the increased volume of coleslaw. It’s perfect for big game days or holiday parties.
- Achieving Crispy Wonton Cups: Don’t skip the double layer and the cooking spray. The light coating of oil helps the wrappers brown and crisp up beautifully, while the double layer provides structural integrity, preventing them from becoming soft too quickly once filled. Ensure your oven is fully preheated for even baking.
- Perfect Shredded Chicken: When shredding the chicken, you can use two forks, or for even faster results, place the cooked chicken breasts (after removing from the Instant Pot) into a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and mix on low speed for about 30-60 seconds. It shreds perfectly every time!
Craving more delicious BBQ appetizer recipes? Don’t miss these crowd-pleasers:Honey BBQ Grilled Chicken Wings for sticky, sweet heat |A Hearty BBQ Charcuterie Board featuring all your smoky favorites |BBQ Short Ribs Fondue for a rich, interactive experience |Skillet Southwestern BBQ Chicken Dip – a warm, cheesy delight!
Can These BBQ Chicken Wonton Cups Be Made Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! One of the best features of these BBQ Chicken Wonton Cups is how flexible they are for meal prep. You can prepare most of the components up to 3 days in advance, significantly cutting down on your day-of party stress. Just be sure to keep each element stored separately to maintain optimal freshness and texture.
- Shredded Chicken: The spicy BBQ shredded chicken can be cooked and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before assembling, gently reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm, ensuring it’s at a pleasant serving temperature.
- Wonton Cups: Bake the wonton cups as directed and allow them to cool completely. Once cool, store them at room temperature in an airtight container. They will remain crisp for up to 3 to 4 days. Avoid refrigerating them, as moisture can make them soggy.
- Coleslaw: Prepare the apple coleslaw and store it in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Giving the flavors a little time to meld often makes the coleslaw taste even better!
When it’s time to serve, simply reheat the chicken, arrange your baked wonton cups, and spoon in the chicken and coleslaw. This strategy makes them perfect for busy hosts who want to enjoy their own party!
Can I Use a Different Flavor BBQ Sauce?
Yes, absolutely! While the Head Country Apple Habanero BBQ Sauce adds a uniquely fantastic sweet and spicy dimension to these wonton cups, Head Country offers a wonderful variety of BBQ sauces, so you can easily customize the flavor profile to your preference or what you have on hand. If you’re looking to turn up the heat even more, their Hot & Spicy BBQ Sauce would be an excellent choice. For a more classic, universally loved BBQ flavor, their Original BBQ Sauce is always a solid and delicious option. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite combination!
Are Wonton Wrappers and Egg Roll Wrappers the Same?
They are made from the same type of dough, but there’s a key difference in size and thickness. Wonton wrappers are typically thinner and smaller, usually about 3-inch squares, making them perfect for forming individual appetizer cups. Egg roll wrappers, on the other hand, are larger and often a bit thicker, designed to be rolled around a substantial filling. If you can’t find wonton wrappers at your local grocery store, don’t fret! You can absolutely use egg roll wrappers as a substitute. Simply cut the larger egg roll wrappers into approximately 3-inch squares to mimic the size of wonton wrappers. This trick ensures you can still make these delicious cups even if one ingredient is hard to find.
Need some more inspiration for game day or your next party? Explore my extensive appetizers recipe page for a wealth of ideas that are sure to impress your guests!
What to Serve with Spicy BBQ Chicken Wonton Cups
These spicy BBQ chicken wonton cups are incredibly versatile and make a fantastic addition to almost any party spread, regardless of the occasion! While they are truly spectacular for game day gatherings, their vibrant flavors and appealing presentation make them equally perfect for birthdays, casual backyard BBQs, fun game nights, or even elegant cocktail parties. They fit seamlessly into a diverse appetizer menu or can shine as a standout finger food.
To complement the sweet and spicy notes of the wonton cups, consider pairing them with a refreshing beverage. For cocktails, I love something with a bit of a kick or a crisp finish, such as a sparkling whiskey sour. If you want to lean into the apple theme present in the dish, here are some fantastic apple-infused drink options:
- A sophisticated thyme apple gin and tonic, offering herbal freshness.
- A zesty apple cider margarita, balancing sweet and tart.
- A warming apple bourbon smash, perfect for cooler evenings.
For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling cider or a crisp ginger beer would also be excellent choices to cleanse the palate between bites. Consider adding other appetizers that offer different textures or flavor profiles, such as a fresh veggie platter with a creamy dip, or some mini corn dog bites, to round out your spread.
How to Store Leftovers & Prep Components
Proper storage is key to enjoying these spicy BBQ chicken wonton cups, whether you’re saving leftovers or preparing components ahead of time for your next event. Keep them fresh and delicious with these tips:
For Leftovers:
- If you have any assembled wonton cups leftover, it’s best to store them unassembled if possible, as the coleslaw can make the wonton cups soggy over time.
- However, if they are already assembled, place them in a single layer in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 1-2 days. The wonton cups might lose some of their crispness, but the flavors will still be delicious.
- For best reheating results for assembled cups, pop them in an air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes or in an oven until warmed through and slightly re-crisped. Be mindful not to overheat the coleslaw.
For Preparing Ahead (Recommended):
- Baked Wonton Cups: Once baked and cooled, store the crispy wonton cups in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay perfectly crisp for up to 3 to 4 days. This allows you to get the trickiest part of the prep done well in advance.
- BBQ Shredded Chicken: Cook the chicken and shred it as instructed. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, gently reheat the chicken in the microwave or a saucepan over low heat until it’s warmed through.
- Apple Coleslaw: Prepare the coleslaw dressing and mix it with the cabbage and apple. Store the coleslaw in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This gives the flavors a chance to meld even more beautifully.
By preparing these elements separately, you ensure that the wonton cups remain delightfully crispy and all components are at their freshest when you assemble and serve. This method simplifies party planning and guarantees a delicious experience!
Finally, if you make these spicy BBQ chicken wonton cups, please be sure to give this recipe a rating or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment. Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!
Oh and be sure to tag me onInstagram if you make the recipe! Love being able to see these recipes come to live in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!
Spicy BBQ Chicken Wonton Cups with Apple Coleslaw Recipe
Equipment
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Instant Pot DUO
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Instant Pot Ultra
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Long Wooden Spoon
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French Wire Whisk
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Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
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12-Cup Muffin Pan
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup nonfat Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp paprika sweet or smoked
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 lb coleslaw mix
- 1 green apple thinly sliced or julienned
- 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/4 cups Head Country Apple Habanero BBQ Sauce divided
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 24 wonton wrappers square
- Cooking Spray
- Garnish: thinly sliced green onion
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray each cup in a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray. This will prevent sticking and help the wonton cups crisp up.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), 1 Tbsp mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, paprika, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth. Add the coleslaw mix and thinly sliced green apple, tossing gently to combine thoroughly. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the coleslaw until ready to use, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Add chicken broth and 1/2 cup of Head Country Apple Habanero BBQ Sauce to the insert of your Instant Pot. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined. Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the sauce mixture.
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Secure the Instant Pot lid and set it to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on High pressure for 10 minutes. Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes before carefully performing a manual quick release for any remaining pressure.
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Carefully remove the cooked chicken to a cutting board and shred it thoroughly using two forks (or a stand mixer).
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Add the remaining 3/4 cup BBQ sauce to the sauce in the Instant Pot insert and whisk to combine. Return the shredded chicken to the insert, stirring to coat every piece evenly with the rich sauce. Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” and allow the sauce to thicken for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring consistently, until it clings well to the chicken. Turn the Instant Pot off and cover it to keep the chicken warm.
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While the chicken is cooking, finish preparing the wonton cups. Press one wonton wrapper into each cup of the prepared muffin tin, molding it to the shape of the cup. Lightly spray the first wonton wrapper with cooking spray. Place a second wonton wrapper on top of the first, pressing it down into the bottom of the cup to create a sturdy, double-layered base. Spray again lightly with cooking spray.
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Bake the wonton wrappers for 15 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly in the muffin tin before transferring to a wire rack.
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To assemble, fill each crispy wonton cup with a generous amount of the warm shredded BBQ chicken, dividing it evenly. Drizzle with a little extra Head Country Apple Habanero BBQ sauce for added flavor and shine. Top each cup with a scoop of the chilled apple coleslaw. Garnish with thinly sliced green onion, if desired, and serve immediately for the best experience.