Southwestern Chicken Wonton Cups are a fun, easy-to-make appetizer or snack. They are made with chicken, corn, black beans and spices to create a very flavorful, enjoyable experience and are perfect for entertaining, as well.
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Southwestern Chicken Cups are a fun, finger food recipe to serve when entertaining or for an appetizer or snack.
Crispy wonton shells are filled with chicken, black beans, corn and southwestern spices. They can be enjoyed as is or topped with lime, avocado, cilantro crema or other sauces, if desired.
If you love the flavors of the south, you may also like these recipes for Southwestern Chicken Pitas, Southwestern Black Bean Burgers and Southwestern Chicken Salad, which have a very similar flavor profile as this recipe.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is very easy to prepare. It can be made ahead of time, though the shells should not be filled until they are ready to be served.
The southwestern ingredients and spices add a ton of delicious flavor to the filling.
Southwestern Chicken Cups are a great option to be served for an appetizer or snack.
Southwestern Chicken Cups
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken (diced small)
- 36 wonton wrappers
- 1 cup black beans
- 1 cup corn
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (grated)
- 1/4 cup cilantro (minced)
The entire recipe and instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can also print the recipe from the card, if needed.
Prep!
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Mince the cilantro and set aside. Cut the chicken into small cubes.
Create!
Line the muffin pan with wonton wrappers to form the cups. Bake for 5 minutes, remove from the oven and set aside.
You can spray the pan with non-stick spray, but I’ve never had any issues with the wonton wrappers sticking to the pan.
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, chili powder and cumin.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until no longer pink in the center.
Stir in the black beans, corn, and half of the cheddar cheese. Cook until hot and melted.
Add about a tablespoon of the chicken mixture to each wonton wrapper.
Top each cup with a pinch of the remaining cheese and return to the oven for 5-7 minutes until the wonton wrappers just start to turn light brown.
Garnish with the fresh cilantro.
Present!
Serve warm.
Tips and Techniques
- You can use Taco Seasoning instead of chili powder and cumin, if preferred.
- These wonton cups taste great with sour cream or cilantro lime crema.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If unfilled, store extra wonton cups at room temperature. Consume within 3-4 days.
FAQ’s
Are Wonton Wrappers And Egg Roll Wrappers The Same?
Yes, wonton and egg rolls are made with the same type of dough. If you are unable to find wonton wrappers, you can use egg rolls wrappers and cut them as needed.
Can You Make Wonton Cups Ahead Of Time?
You can make wonton cups ahead of time, but it’s best to wait to fill them until you are ready are to serve them, as they may get soggy if they sit too long.
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Southwestern Chicken Wonton Cups
Ingredients
- 36 wonton wrappers
- 1 pound chicken (diced small)
- salt
- pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup black beans
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded, divided)
- 1/4 cup loosely packed cilantro leaves minced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Line the muffin pan with wonton wrappers to form the cups. Bake for 5 minutes, remove from the oven and set aside.36 wonton wrappers
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, chili powder and cumin.1 pound chicken, salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until no longer pink in the center.1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Stir in the black beans, corn, and half of the cheddar cheese. Cook until hot and melted.1 cup black beans, 1 cup corn, 1 cup cheddar cheese
- Add about a tablespoon of the chicken mixture to each wonton wrapper.
- Top each cup with a pinch of the remaining cheese and return to the oven for 5-7 minutes until the wonton wrappers just start to turn light brown.1 cup cheddar cheese
- Garnish with the fresh cilantro.1/4 cup loosely packed cilantro leaves
- Serve warm.
Notes
Tips and Techniques
- You can use Taco Seasoning instead of chili powder and cumin, if preferred.
- These wonton cups taste great with sour cream or cilantro lime crema.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If unfilled, store extra wonton cups at room temperature. Consume within 3-4 days.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published on August 9, 2017. It was updated with an improved recipe, step-by-step instructions, new images, tips, techniques and FAQ’s in July 2022.
Mallory says
Do you use a regular or mini muffin tin?
Lauren Vavala Harris says
Hi Mallory, we use a standard muffin/cupcake pan.
– Lauren
Michelle says
I love this recipe! It’s a perfect quick app for game day as well. Pinned and saved for later!
Swathi says
I like this simple chicken cups with wonton wrapper. this not only great for game day as well as holiday day get together.Chicken and beans with spices and cheese so yum.
Catherine says
These would make a fun appetizer for game day! They look delicious and I love the individual servings!
Marisa Franca says
Wonton wrappers are so versatile. I should keep them handy at all times. We do love the southwestern flavor and your chicken cups are so cute. Can’t beat finger foods especially when it comes to the kiddos. And then they would be ideal for a party. I’m pinning!!
Jenni LeBaron says
Yum! I love how versatile wonton wrappers are for delicious bites like this. These would be perfect as a larger bite at a party or even as a great, packable lunch.
Eileen Kelly says
I am a sucker for finger food or as my family calls it fun food! These Southwest cups are right up my alley! Easy to make and delish! Perfect for eating and watching the game
Pavani says
Those chicken cups look adorable. Using wonton wrappers as the ‘crust’ is a genius idea. Will have to try it out some time soon.
Veena Azmanov says
This looks so good. One of my cheat foods to create when I have kids over on play dates. Simple,easy and always fun for kids. This looks so good.
Noel Lizotte says
What pretty little treats. And I love the added combination of corn and black beans.
t’s always fun to walk down memory lane with a dish from another part of our lives.
Dianna says
These southwestern chicken cups are the perfect finger food for entertaining at the holidays. I can’t wait to make these.
Dan Zehr says
Wow, what a great appetizer! Great idea for a festive table. Love everything about this recipe! Thank you!
Karyl Henry says
I love appetizers in wonton cups! You can keep going back for more and not feel guilty 🙂 These look really good, and perfect for a gameday tailgate
Gloria says
These look like fun little party apps. Perfect for all the holiday parties that are just around the corner.
Claudia Lamascolo says
I love how creative you are and make deicious meals so easy. This is one I will def try since they are everything I love!
Natalie says
What a great finger foo for guests. I’m saving this for my next party. Looks really flavorful and so delicious. Plus it’s super easy to make.