Short introduction
Tex-Mex Chicken Tortilla Cups are a delightful bite-sized treat filled with the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine. They feature a crispy tortilla shell that cradles a savory mix of shredded chicken, cheese, beans, and veggies. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or simply as a tasty snack, these cups are not only easy to make but also sure to please a crowd.
Why you’ll love it
These tortilla cups offer a variety of benefits. They’re quick to prepare, making them a great option for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. The combination of ingredients packs a nutritional punch, providing protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. They’re also incredibly versatile; you can customize them to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Plus, they look impressive, making them an excellent choice for entertaining!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup corn
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 10 small tortillas
Substitutions & key variations
You can easily customize this recipe based on your preferences:
- Chicken: Swap for turkey or lean beef if you prefer.
- Cheese: Use your favorite cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a spicy kick.
- Beans: Substitute black beans with pinto beans or even lentils for a different texture.
- Vegetables: Add bell peppers, jalapeños, or even spinach for extra nutrition.
- Tortillas: Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
Step-by-step
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature will help to crisp the tortillas and melt the cheese perfectly.
Step 2
In a bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, cheese, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, chopped green onions, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until evenly mixed.
Step 3
Lightly grease a muffin tin. Take the small tortillas and press them into the cups of the muffin tin to form little bowls.
Step 4
Fill each tortilla cup generously with the chicken mixture. Make sure not to overfill them, as they may spill over during baking.
Step 5
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. The tortillas should turn crispy, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly.
Step 6
Serve warm and enjoy your Tex-Mex Chicken Tortilla Cups!
Success tips
To achieve the best results with your tortilla cups:
- Ensure the muffin tin is well-greased to prevent sticking.
- Don’t skip preheating the oven, as this helps in cooking the tortillas evenly.
- Bake just until the tortillas are crispy—keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- If the tortilla cups feel soggy, they may need a few more minutes in the oven.
How to serve
Tex-Mex Chicken Tortilla Cups are fantastic on their own. For added flavor, serve with sides of salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. They also pair well with a fresh salad or coleslaw for a complete meal.
Storage & reheating
To store your tortilla cups, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For reheating, place the cups back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them for about 30 seconds, but this may soften the tortillas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and assemble the cups, then store them in the fridge until you are ready to bake.
Q2: How do I prevent soggy tortillas?
Make sure to bake the cups until they are crispy. Using a greased muffin tin also helps prevent them from getting soggy.
Q3: Can I freeze the tortilla cups?
Yes, you can freeze them. Assemble the cups and freeze before baking. When you are ready to eat them, bake straight from frozen for about 25-30 minutes.
Q4: What can I serve with Tex-Mex Chicken Tortilla Cups?
They pair well with sides like guacamole, fresh salsa, or a zesty salad.
Q5: Are these cups suitable for kids?
Absolutely! They make a great finger food, and you can customize the filling based on your children’s taste preferences.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
Each filling ingredient adds to the nutritional profile, making the cups a balanced choice packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins. The tortillas also serve as a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy.
Conclusion
Tex-Mex Chicken Tortilla Cups are a fantastic addition to your recipe collection. Quick, easy, and absolutely delicious, they are sure to impress your family and friends. Give these a try today, and enjoy the wonderful flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine!
Links to related recipes
- Guacamole Recipe
- Salsa Fresca Recipe
- Mexican Rice Recipe
- Black Bean and Corn Salad Recipe
Tex-Mex Chicken Tortilla Cups
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup corn
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 10 small tortillas
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, cheese, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, chopped green onions, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until evenly mixed.
- Lightly grease a muffin tin. Take the small tortillas and press them into the cups of the muffin tin to form little bowls.
Baking
- Fill each tortilla cup generously with the chicken mixture and ensure not to overfill.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until tortillas are crispy and cheese is melted.
- Serve warm and enjoy your Tex-Mex Chicken Tortilla Cups!