23 Easy Chicken Appetizers To Wow Your Guests

Here is how long these chicken appetizers take and their calorie content. 

Quick Table: Fun & Easy Chicken Appetizers

Recipes	Calories Per Serving	Preparation Time
Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Wings	93	4 Hours
Slow Cooker Chicken Ranch Bacon Dip	461	2 Hours
Wingstop Garlic Parmesan Wings	330	35 Minutes
Chicken Enchilada Bites	170	3 Hours30 Minutes
Bang Bang Chicken	370	40 Minutes
Cream Cheese Dip	364	30 Minutes
Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos	590	1 Hours40 Minutes
Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites	200	30 Minutes
Sweet Chili Chicken	470	25 Minutes
Chicken Salad Caprese	301	45 Minutes
Chicken Cilantro Eggrolls	150	40 Minutes
Buffalo Chicken Tenders	260	20 Minutes
Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs	261	30 Minutes
Buffalo Chicken Wraps	660	30 Minutes
Sweet and Spicy Chicken Bites	177	20 Minutes
Chicken Taquitos	220	32 Minutes
Crack Chicken Crescent Bites	310	28 Minutes
Baked Buffalo Chicken Sliders	371	30 Minutes
Spicy Chicken Cheeseballs	360	30 Minutes
Bacon Wrapped Chicken Skewers	360	32 Minutes
Chicken Florentine Flat Bread Pizza	500	35 Minutes
Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos	140	20 Minutes

Chicken is one of the most versatile foods to be incorporated in appetizers as they cook fast and are literally sold everywhere. Whether you have a day or evening event, chicken appetizers will surely be a hit as hearty snack appetizers for your crowd. 

Ensure you wow your guests with easy yet tasty chicken appetizers because regardless of the occasion, people will always judge the event based on what is served.

You might have banging music, unmatched decor, and even the best in dressing, but if the recipes are subpar at best, that is what the whole event will be judged by.

So, with food having such importance, it’s in order to have the best chicken appetizers to entice people to the main course.

Take a look at some of the most delicious chicken appetizers as inspiration to help you plan for your next event. 

1. Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Wings 

Buffalo wings are some of the most popular kinds of chicken appetizers in the market, and with good reason. When the main event is something more casual, the Buffalo wings appetizers are often served as the only thing with refreshments on the sides.

Being mess-free, Buffalo wings are finger foods that make it easy to munch on without worrying about drippings all over and being self-conscious.  

The bonus is they are in a league of their own and extremely tasty. When cooking the recipe, you might want to start a little early, making sure that the chicken soaks into all the marination.

A little extra time in the oven without going overboard will also ensure that the wings are extra crispy. 

Calories Per Serving: 93 

Preparation Time: 4 Hours

2. Slow Cooker Chicken Ranch Bacon Dip

Chicken recipes are usually to die for but adding bacon makes it the ultimate chicken appetizer. Shredding the chicken to mix in the bacon perfectly will make for a versatile, creamy, tangy flavor once the cooking is complete.

However, the dip should be made ahead of time to give it time to settle and let the flavors mesh into one. If you are one to like it spicy, then no doubt have a few jalapenos, cayenne, and even buffalo sauce.

Serving it with tortilla chips or tiny bread will make it unbelievably appealing and tasty.

Calories Per Serving: 461

Preparation Time: 2 Hours

3. Wingstop Garlic Parmesan Wings 

If you are up for something different, it doesn’t get better than having some dry wings. Seasoning is the heart of these chicken appetizers. Be sure to rub the wings with parmesan butter sauce, garlic, cayenne, paprika, and mixed herbs. 

Get the guests biting into the wings by adding a little seasoned mix and cook until crispy because who likes chewy chicken? The sauce should be the final kick to keeping it juicy.

Calories Per Serving: 330

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes 

4. Chicken Enchilada Bites 

You can never go wrong by trying a Mexican recipe on your guests as the introduction appetizer. The secret ingredient is beer, and the chicken, in this case, will be far from bland.

The timing should be perfect, as, after the initial seasoning, it’s time to get all crazy having the green chili and beer seasoning coat for a finger-licking finish.

Calories Per Serving: 170

Preparation Time: 3 Hours 30 Minutes

5. Bang Bang Chicken 

There are thousands of ways to serve chicken appetizers, but none keeps your party on its toes, such as the bang bang chicken appetizer. The chicken on its own is fantastic.

However, the highlight is undoubtedly the bang bang sauce with ingredients such as chili, garlic sriracha mayo, and honey. 

Serving the chicken with some leafy greens such as spinach will keep the sauce centered and avoid dripping, making it possible to enjoy without a mess and over some cocktails.

Calories Per Serving: 370

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes

RELATED: 14 Thai Appetizers That Are Easy To Make

6. Cream Cheese Dip 

Chicken bacon is a little paradise on earth that no one can dispute hits home perfectly. The other thing that can make it even better is ranch.

For many, ranches are the secret sauce to a good life, and you can experiment with almost anything from pizza to even fries. 

The blend of herbs and spices makes it the ultimate dip. Go a little extra and get the ranch as cold as possible for a mesh of tastes and an explosion of goodness in the mouth. Its velvety goodness is a must-have.

Calories Per Serving: 364

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes 

7. Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos 

Wontons are traditionally made with soup and are delicious in every way. However, they can be made dry using this easy and quick chicken appetizer recipe. The chicken dumplings in this regard are baked until golden brown to attain the perfect crispiness. 

The chicken mixture is then filled in individual wrappers for a simple and tasty appetizer dish. Finishing curb, the Asian-inspired dip made of cilantro, sesame seeds, and sweet chili sauce gives guests the perfect kick.

Calories Per Serving: 590 

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 40 Minutes

8. Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites 

Chicken cordon bleu is one of the most popular main dish recipes, and for a good reason. With a mix of flavors blended, chicken cordon Bleu is an appetizer none of the guests will want to miss.

The surprise is the Swiss cheese in every chicken bite that is melted to give it a cheesy look and flavor. With the mustard dipping sauce, it will be a big hit at your next event.

Calories Per Serving: 200

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

9. Sweet Chili Chicken 

Sweet chili chicken is a traditional food associated with Asia. The only way to celebrate such goodness is to share it with guests the next time you have an event.

With the sweet chicken appetizer talking about 25 minutes from start to finish, focusing on the marination stage is a sure way to ensure that the flavors are soaked in. 

The secret is having the cilantro blend with Thai sauce and sesame seeds made earlier then letting the chicken sit in it to marinate. After deep frying, the finger food can be enjoyed as an appetizer and later on as side dish to steamed rice.

Calories Per Serving: 470

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

10. Chicken Salad Caprese 

Chicken salad Caprese is one of the few straightforward appetizer recipes and is sure to bring outstanding results when followed to the tee.

However, to get the simple ingredients working, have the herbs and spices mixed earlier and the chicken sitting in it for some time to soak thoroughly. 

When frying the chicken, the goal is to have crunchy toast. The use of French bread baguettes works best in this case as it holds the chicken appetizer in place even after slicing into it.

However, getting the flavor right with the bread is possible by running garlic clove on the toasted bread before drizzling some balsamic vinegar when serving. 

Calories Per Serving: 301

Preparation Time: 45 Minutes

RELATED: 17 Popular Japanese Appetizers

11. Chicken Cilantro Eggrolls 

Cilantro is one of the most inclusive herbs there is, and it’s undoubtedly the best for chicken appetizers. However, the cilantro is indeed an acquired taste, and within no time, you will be cooking other things with it, such as egg rolls.

With the fragrant herb ingredient taking center stage, adding jalapenos, salt sugar, mayo, cabbage, vinegar, and cranberries with a cup full of cilantro in the wrappers make for a perfect base.

Once the chicken is deeply fried, every bite is none other than fulfilling.

Calories Per Serving: 150 

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes 

12. Buffalo Chicken Tenders 

The buffalo chicken tenders appetizers are some of the most recommended appetizer recipes. They are juicy, crispy, and full of flavor. However, the preparation method is vital to get it right the first time and should be followed just as the recipe dictates. 

Use classic buttermilk to get the insides soft and inviting to get the best kick. After deep frying, homemade buffalo dipping sauce will do wonders, primarily if you use ranch dressing.

Calories Per Serving: 260

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

13. Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs 

Only a few foods are as good as Mediterranean chicken meatballs. Although its history is rich, the ingredients to make the bites for your guests can be sourced locally in all stores.

Go all out and pick the best in panko, feta, eggs, onions, tomatoes, and dried herbs to mix to ground chicken. The golden fried yet colorful finish is moist and flavorful with a crunchy outer coat that makes for a satisfying appetizer.

Calories Per Serving: 261 

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

14. Buffalo Chicken Wraps 

Simplicity always wins in the end, which is necessary when making chicken appetizers.  The buffalo chicken wraps are perfect. With the correct sizing, guests can have finger foods that guests are comfortable eating without congregating at a table. 

With the wraps, the goal is to have the color blends inviting and the flavor permeating into the noses of every person. The buffalo chicken wraps guarantee mess-free tortilla-like mini dishes for your guests as they mingle.

Calories Per Serving: 660

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

15. Sweet And Spicy Chicken Bites 

Sweet and spicy chicken bites are always the go-to chicken appetizers for events where you need the guests to have a topic of conversation. The ultimate hack, in this case, is the five ingredient sauce used. 

The best part is that it’s perfect for those on a diet or who have sensitive makeup as it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and a Paleo choice. With the blends perfect for a party, guests are likely to reach for more than one as it is the perfect crowd pleaser.

Calories Per Serving: 177

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

RELATED: Easy Keto-Friendly Appetizers For Any Occasion – Our 21 Top Picks

16. Chicken Taquitos 

Taquitos, loosely translated, means little tacos. When making chicken taquitos, it’s expected that the result should look like tortillas. The ingredients make the appetizer inviting – it is typically filled with chicken, beef, pork, cheese, and salsa. 

The thick creamy filling makes it possible to top up without worrying about it spilling all around and out. A little guacamole topping will do wonders for the flavor.

Calories Per Serving: 220

Preparation Time: 32 Minutes

17. Crack Chicken Crescent Bites 

There are four essential ingredients for the crack chicken crescent bites: bacon, cheese, chicken, and ranch dressing, with bacon, undoubtedly being the highlight of the appetizer.

The crescent rolls need to be stuffed with the chicken dressing before being baked until golden brown. 

The best part about the chicken mix is that it can be premade and refrigerated before the crescents are ready to be baked. When serving, do the courtesy of adding extra ranch for dipping and get ready for parties, lunch, dinner, and game days. 

Calories Per Serving: 310

Preparation Time: 28 Minutes

18. Baked Buffalo Chicken Sliders 

Baked chicken kicks just as much as fried chicken does. However, although simple, the process needs to be placed correctly from the start to avoid the pieces from falling apart.

Start the shredded chicken with coleslaw and buffalo sauce to the ranch sliders to get out-of-this-world results. 

Serve the buffalo chicken sliders before they get cold to give your guests a good first impression. They will have high expectations before the main course is served.

Calories Per Serving: 371

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

19. Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs 

For many people, pineapple is a touchy subject, with some swearing by it and others opting to avoid it altogether. One thing is sure; pineapple cooked in any force adds a unique flavor to food that cannot be found anywhere else. 

The tropical flavor easily melts in the mouth…it breaks down the same way bread does. Pineapple teriyaki chicken meatballs get the perfect finish given the teriyaki sauce added from the pineapple juice with a little soup sauce, sugar, and other seasonings. 

Calories Per Serving: 140

Preparation Time: 36 Minutes

20. Spicy Chicken Cheeseballs 

A spicy chicken cheese ball is a simple chicken appetizer made from everyday ingredients. With cheese working as comfort food, the chicken’s spiciness gives a kick that is perfect as an appetizer.

Show off your cooking skills by mixing all the ingredients in a large bowl before dividing them into small balls to make the meatballs. 

For the spicy flavor to seep into the chicken, pre-make the balls – it cuts down on time for preparation when the guests are almost arriving.

Calories Per Serving: 360

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

21. Bacon Wrapped Chicken Skewers 

Bacon makes the world happy, and bacon with chicken makes the perfect chicken appetizer. The bacon-wrapped chicken skewers are exceptional and only require guests to indulge in their goodness.

With a few tablespoons of barbeque sauce, enjoy the skewers while hot to have the flavor melt in your mouth.

Calories Per Serving: 260

Preparation Time: 32 Minutes

22. Chicken Florentine Flat Bread Pizza 

It’s easy to go wrong with flatbread as they are hard and unwelcoming when poorly baked. However, it is possible to get it right the first time using unleavened flour with different flavors. 

The secret is in the toppings, as tossing the chicken in the oven and adding cheese for the smokey cheese taste is a recipe worth recreating.  Only remove after the cherry tomatoes have softened, burst and chicken edges are crisp with melted cheese all over.

Calories Per Serving: 500

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes

23. Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos 

Nachos are a huge part of gatherings as it’s the easiest way to get everyone munching on something without taking hours of preparation to get things together.  However, nachos with chicken take it to a whole new level.

By remembering that nachos are inherently Mexican cuisine, striking its rules will make it easy to get the right toppings. 

The pre-made chips should be on trays spaced out to avoid getting them soggy. The toppings, in this case, contain shredded chicken with condiments such as salsa, sour cream, and guacamole, among other meats (but this is optional).

Add melted cheese to each tortilla chip and pass it around for everyone to enjoy the snacks while carrying on with the conversation. 

Calories Per Serving: 140

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

Frequently Asked Questions 

Why Are Appetizers Served Hot Or Cold? 

Most chicken appetizers are usually served cold. The goal is to have the appetizers stimulate digestion, and they must look remarkable to pick and interest the salivary glands.

Besides, the goal is to have the guests feel invited while the main dish is being made.

When Should You Serve An Appetizer? 

After the guest(s) settles in, the appetizers should be brought in within 15 minutes. The guests should be shocked at how fast the service is and ultimately have seconds and thirds if the main meal is still far from ready.

However, the appetizers should be different to keep the conversation going.  

How Do You Serve Appetizers? 

Appetizers should be served on big plates of more than 8 inches. When looking for an appetizer plate in the market, go for plates marketed as family style.

Anything smaller than that is often weird as the food simply starts touching. You want a big plate to spread the pieces to make them enticing and easy to pick.