Tex-Mex Chicken Tortilla Cups: Quick & Delicious Snack
Short Introduction
Tex-Mex Chicken Tortilla Cups are a fun and flavorful way to enjoy a classic Tex-Mex meal in a handheld form. These crunchy tortilla cups filled with savory chicken, cheese, and spices make for an excellent appetizer, party food, or an easy weeknight dinner. They are easy to prepare and take less than an hour to bake, making them perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love It
These tortilla cups are not only tasty, but they offer plenty of benefits. They are a great way to use up leftover chicken, loaded with proteins and fiber from beans and corn, and are customizable to fit your taste preferences. Plus, they are kid-friendly and can be made ahead of time. Each bite packs a punch of flavor, making them a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 12 small flour tortillas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Substitutions & Key Variations
- Protein: You can easily swap the chicken for ground beef, turkey, or even a plant-based protein for a vegetarian option.
- Cheese: Feel free to use other kinds of cheese, such as pepper jack for extra kick or mozzarella for a milder taste.
- Tortillas: Corn tortillas can be used instead of flour for a gluten-free option.
- Add-ins: Consider adding diced bell peppers for extra crunch or jalapeños for some heat.
Step-by-Step
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the tortilla cups to crisp up perfectly and melt the cheese.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cheese, black beans, corn, salsa, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
Step 3: Grease the Muffin Tin
Brush a muffin tin with olive oil to prevent the tortilla cups from sticking.
Step 4: Form the Tortilla Cups
Cut the tortillas into circles using a round cutter or the rim of a glass. Press each circle into the muffin tin to create small cups that will hold the filling.
Step 5: Fill the Cups
Spoon the chicken mixture into each tortilla cup, filling them generously.
Step 6: Bake
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Step 7: Cool & Serve
Once baked, let the cups cool slightly before serving. This prevents burns and allows the flavors to settle in.
Success Tips
- Make sure not to overfill the tortilla cups, as this can cause them to spill over while baking.
- Ensure the oven is fully preheated for even cooking.
- If the tortillas seem dry, you can lightly spray them with cooking spray before filling.
How to Serve
Tex-Mex Chicken Tortilla Cups are best served warm, straight from the oven. You can garnish them with fresh cilantro, diced avocados, or a dollop of sour cream and guacamole. They are perfect for parties, game day snacks, or a fun family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover tortilla cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Microwave can also be used, but they may lose their crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze Tex-Mex Chicken Tortilla Cups?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked cups. Assemble them and place them in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the filling and tortilla cups earlier in the day, then assemble and bake them right before serving.
What can I serve with these cups?
They pair well with salsa, sour cream, or fresh guacamole. You can also serve a side salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Notes / Equivalents
Each serving of Tex-Mex Chicken Tortilla Cups is packed with protein from chicken and black beans, along with vitamins and minerals from vegetables. They are a balanced option for those watching their diet while still enjoying delicious flavors.
Conclusion
Tex-Mex Chicken Tortilla Cups are a versatile, delicious, and easy recipe to bring a festive touch to your table. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a lively gathering, these cups are sure to please. So why not give them a try? Your taste buds will thank you!
Links to Related Recipes
- Spicy Chicken Quesadillas
- Cheesy Mexican Stuffed Peppers
- Easy Beef Enchiladas
- One-Pan Mexican Quinoa
- Vegetarian Taco Salad
Tex-Mex Chicken Tortilla Cups
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Use leftover chicken for convenience.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) You can also use pepper jack or mozzarella.
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed Provides added fiber and protein.
- 1 cup corn kernels Fresh or frozen corn can be used.
- ½ cup salsa Choose your favorite type.
- 12 small flour tortillas Corn tortillas can be used for a gluten-free option.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For greasing the muffin tin.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder Adjust to taste.
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cheese, black beans, corn, salsa, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Brush a muffin tin with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Cut tortillas into circles using a round cutter or the rim of a glass. Press each circle into the muffin tin to create cups.
- Spoon the chicken mixture into each tortilla cup, filling them generously.
Baking
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Serving
- Let the cups cool slightly before serving to prevent burns.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro, diced avocados, or a dollop of sour cream and guacamole.