Chicken Appetizers for a Party: Easy, Cheap, and Delicious Ideas

Hosting a party and need to impress your guests with some mouth-watering appetizers? Look no further! Chicken appetizers are an excellent choice for any event, from casual get-togethers to fancy gatherings. Whether you are looking for easy chicken appetizers, cheap finger foods, or creative chicken appetizer recipes, we’ve got you covered. Chicken is versatile, delicious, and can be used in countless ways to create bite-sized delights that will keep your guests coming back for more.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best chicken appetizer ideas, including easy chicken appetizers, pinwheel wraps, wontons, and other simple yet tasty options that are perfect for your next party.

Why Choose Chicken for Appetizers?

Chicken is a popular choice for appetizers for a party because it is affordable, versatile, and can be prepared in numerous ways. Whether baked, fried, grilled, or sautéed, chicken pairs well with a variety of flavors and ingredients. Its mild flavor allows it to complement a wide range of sauces, dips, and seasonings, making it suitable for various palates.

Additionally, chicken is easy to work with and can be cooked in bulk, which is ideal when serving a crowd. Plus, chicken appetizers are perfect for serving as finger foods, which make them convenient and less formal, allowing guests to mingle and snack as they please.

Easy Chicken Appetizers for a Party

If you’re short on time but still want to impress your guests, these easy chicken appetizers are perfect for you. Each of these recipes requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor and appeal.

1. Chicken Pinwheel Wraps

Pinwheel wraps are one of the easiest chicken appetizers to make. They are portable, bite-sized, and bursting with flavor. Pinwheel wraps consist of cooked chicken wrapped in a tortilla along with various fillings like cheese, veggies, and spreads. You can make them ahead of time, which is a huge time-saver when preparing for a party.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 cup cream cheese (softened)
• ½ cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon dried dill
• 4 large flour tortillas

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, green onions, and dried dill. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a thin layer of the chicken mixture over the entire surface of the tortilla.
3. Roll the tortilla tightly around the chicken mixture, ensuring it is sealed well.
4. Slice the roll into bite-sized pinwheels and arrange them on a serving platter.
5. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and chicken mixture.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

These pinwheel wraps are a hit at any party, and they can be customized with various fillings, like spinach, ham, or even bacon, to suit your preferences.

2. Chicken Wontons

Wontons are a crispy and savory appetizer that combines tender chicken with a crispy exterior. These little pockets of flavor are incredibly versatile and can be stuffed with a variety of fillings. For a chicken wonton recipe, you can use ground chicken, along with vegetables and seasonings, for a perfect finger food.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• ½ cup chopped green onions
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 24 wonton wrappers
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, green onions, shredded carrots, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic powder. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
2. Lay a wonton wrapper flat on a clean surface. Place a small spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center of the wrapper.
3. Wet the edges of the wrapper with water and fold the corners up, pinching them to seal the wonton.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the wontons in batches until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
6. Serve the wontons with a dipping sauce, such as sweet and sour sauce or soy sauce.

These chicken wontons are not only delicious but also fun to eat. The crispy texture combined with the juicy filling makes them an irresistible appetizer for any party.

3. Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

If you’re looking for a spicy kick to your chicken appetizers, buffalo chicken meatballs are the way to go. These bite-sized meatballs are made with ground chicken and are coated in a zesty buffalo sauce. They’re perfect for any party, especially for those who love a little heat.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup buffalo wing sauce
• Blue cheese dressing (for dipping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Roll the chicken mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
5. In a small saucepan, heat the buffalo sauce over medium heat. Once the meatballs are cooked, toss them in the buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
6. Serve the buffalo chicken meatballs with blue cheese dressing for dipping.

These buffalo chicken meatballs are a fantastic choice for a party appetizer. The buffalo sauce gives them an irresistible, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy blue cheese dressing.

4. Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce

If you’re in the mood for grilled chicken appetizers, chicken skewers are a great option. These skewers are easy to make, especially when you marinate the chicken overnight. Paired with a creamy peanut dipping sauce, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ cup peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1-2 tablespoons water (to thin the sauce)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and mix until the chicken is coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for the best flavor).
2. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers.
3. Grill the chicken skewers for 5-6 minutes on each side, until they are cooked through and slightly charred.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and water to create the peanut dipping sauce.
5. Serve the chicken skewers with the peanut sauce on the side.

These chicken skewers with peanut sauce are a savory, satisfying appetizer that will transport your guests to another flavor dimension. The peanut sauce adds richness and depth, making these skewers irresistible.

5. Mini Chicken Quesadillas

Mini chicken quesadillas are another great option for a party appetizer. These cheesy, bite-sized treats are easy to make and full of flavor. You can make them ahead of time and serve them with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
• 4 small flour tortillas
• Olive oil for cooking
• Salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat a small amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface and sprinkle cheese evenly over one half of the tortilla. Add the chicken mixture on top of the cheese and fold the tortilla over.
4. Heat a little more olive oil in the skillet and cook the quesadilla for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden and crispy.
5. Remove from the skillet and slice into small wedges.
6. Serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping.

Mini chicken quesadillas are perfect for a party because they are easy to eat with your hands and full of cheesy, chicken goodness.

Conclusion

Chicken appetizers are the perfect addition to any party. Whether you’re looking for cheap finger foods, easy chicken appetizers, or unique chicken appetizer recipes, there are plenty of options to satisfy your guests’ cravings. From pinwheel wraps to wontons, buffalo chicken meatballs, chicken skewers, and mini quesadillas, there is something for everyone.

These appetizers are not only delicious but also simple to prepare, making them ideal for busy hosts. So the next time you’re planning a party, try these chicken appetizer ideas for an unforgettable event that your guests will love.