Sweet & Spicy BBQ Chicken Puff Pastry Cups

Why You’ll Love Sweet & Spicy BBQ Chicken Puff Pastry Cups Recipe

• It’s easy and quick to make — using leftover or store‑bought chicken cuts prep time drastically.

• The puff pastry cups give a buttery, flaky bite that pairs perfectly with smoky BBQ chicken and gooey cheese.

• They make great finger food for gatherings, game‑day snacks or casual get‑togethers.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

puff pastry sheet (frozen, thawed)
cooked shredded chicken (about 1 ½ cups)
oil (e.g. extra virgin olive oil or vegetable oil)
chopped yellow onion (about ½ cup)
salt and cracked black pepper (to taste)
chipotle pepper (about ½–1 teaspoon, for heat)
BBQ sauce (about ½ cup, store‑bought)
shredded cheddar cheese (about ½ cup; sharp works especially well)
chopped fresh cilantro (for topping — optional)
chopped red onion (for topping)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 450 °F (232 °C). Spray a mini muffin pan or mini square pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

2. In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil. Add the chopped onion and shredded chicken. Cook for about 4–6 minutes until the onion is translucent and the chicken begins to brown slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and chipotle pepper. Stir in the BBQ sauce until all the chicken is well coated. Remove from heat.

3. Cut the thawed puff pastry into 12 even squares. Gently press each square into a cup of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes.

4. With a small spoon, press down the center of each puff pastry cup to make room for filling. Fill each with about two tablespoons of BBQ chicken, then top with shredded cheddar. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes.

5. Allow the cups to cool for about 5 minutes. Top with chopped cilantro and red onion. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Makes 12 puff pastry cups.
Total time: about 30 minutes

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Replace chicken with ground beef, pulled pork, or shredded brisket.

• Add chopped jalapeños, green onions, corn kernels, or diced tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.

• Use mild cheddar if you prefer a less sharp cheese flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Prepare the chicken mixture ahead and refrigerate until ready to use.

• Store leftover assembled cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• Reheat in the oven for best texture, or use a microwave for a quick option.

FAQs

What kind of chicken works best for this recipe?

Leftover roasted chicken, store‑bought rotisserie chicken, or any cooked dark or white meat works well. Dark meat tends to have more flavor.

Can I use a different kind of pastry instead of puff pastry?

Yes, although puff pastry provides the flakiest texture. Phyllo dough or biscuit dough can be used for a different bite.

Can I make the chicken filling ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare it 1–2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

Can I freeze the filled cups?

Yes, you can freeze baked and cooled cups. Reheat them in the oven from frozen until warm and crisp.

How spicy does this dish get?

It’s mildly spicy. Start with ½ teaspoon of chipotle pepper for a gentle kick, or go up to 1 teaspoon for more heat.

What if I don’t like cilantro?

Cilantro is optional. Substitute with chopped green onion, parsley, or leave it out entirely.

Can I make these cups vegetarian?

Yes. Substitute the chicken with roasted veggies, black beans, or plant-based meat and keep the BBQ and cheese.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, easily. Use two puff pastry sheets and double all ingredients to make 24 cups.

Do I need to thaw puff pastry before using?

Yes, thaw it according to package instructions before cutting and baking.

What side dishes or dips go well with these cups?

They pair great with a crisp green salad, coleslaw, ranch or sour cream dip, or extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Conclusion

Sweet & Spicy BBQ Chicken Puff Pastry Cups are the ideal combination of flaky pastry, tender chicken, and bold flavor. They’re fast to prepare, easy to customize, and guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering. Whether you serve them for a party, snack, or appetizer, they deliver crowd-pleasing taste in every bite.