Tex-Mex Chicken Tortilla Cups: Easy & Delicious in 30 Minutes
Short introduction
Tex-Mex Chicken Tortilla Cups are a delightful and fun way to enjoy the bold flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine. These bite-sized treats combine seasoned chicken, cheese, black beans, and corn, all nestled in crispy tortilla cups. Perfect for parties, game days, or a comforting family meal, they are quick to prepare and even faster to disappear!
Why you’ll love it
- Quick Preparation: These tortilla cups take just about 30 minutes from start to finish, making them a fantastic option for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Versatile: They can be easily adapted to suit your taste by swapping ingredients or adjusting the toppings.
- Kid-Friendly: These mini cups are a hit among children and adults alike, making them a crowd-pleaser at any event.
- Healthy Options: Packed with protein and fiber from the chicken and beans, they are a wholesome choice compared to traditional fried snacks.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn
- 1 tsp taco seasoning
- 12 small tortilla cups or mini tortillas
- Sour cream and salsa for serving
Substitutions & key variations
- Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or leftover chicken from another meal.
- Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese, like pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Beans: Substitute black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans for different flavors and textures.
- Corn: Use fresh corn, frozen corn, or even diced bell peppers if you want to add some crunch.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your tortilla cups will bake evenly and become perfectly crispy.
Step 2: Mix the filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cheese, black beans, corn, and taco seasoning. Stir well until everything is evenly mixed.
Step 3: Prepare the tortilla cups
Place your tortilla cups or mini tortillas in a baking dish. If you’re using mini tortillas, you can shape them into cups using a muffin tin.
Step 4: Fill the cups
Spoon the chicken mixture into each tortilla cup. Be generous but don’t overfill, as they need space to cook properly.
Step 5: Bake
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they are done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the tortillas are golden brown.
Step 6: Serve
Take the tortilla cups out of the oven and let them cool for a minute. Serve with sour cream and salsa on the side for dipping.
Success tips
- Temperature: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking for the best results.
- Texture: Keep an eye on the tortilla cups while baking to avoid burning. They should be nicely crisped but not too dark.
- Common mistakes: Avoid overfilling the cups, as it can lead to spillage and uneven cooking.
How to serve
Serve Tex-Mex Chicken Tortilla Cups as a fun appetizer or main dish. They are excellent for parties, potlucks, or as a quick weeknight meal. Pair them with some fresh guacamole, extra salsa, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Storage & reheating
Store any leftover tortilla cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, but the tortilla cups may lose their crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these tortilla cups in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the filling in advance and assemble the cups before baking. Keep the filling refrigerated until you’re ready to bake.
Can I freeze Tex-Mex Chicken Tortilla Cups?
Yes, you can freeze the filled tortilla cups before baking. When ready to eat, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Are there vegetarian options for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can easily make these tortilla cups vegetarian by substituting the chicken with grilled vegetables or further beans like black or pinto beans.
Nutrition notes / equivalents (optional)
Each tortilla cup is packed with protein and fiber, making them a satisfying choice for a snack or a meal. They’re relatively low in calories yet rich in flavor, especially when paired with healthy toppings like salsa and sour cream.
Conclusion + CTA
Tex-Mex Chicken Tortilla Cups are an easy, quick, and delicious recipe that everyone will love. Whether hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a night in, these tasty bites fit the bill perfectly. Try making them today and delight in the burst of Tex-Mex flavors!
Links to related recipes
- Spicy Chicken Quesadillas
- Easy Beef Tacos
- Veggie-Stuffed Mini Peppers
- Classic Nachos with Cheese and Beans
Tex-Mex Chicken Tortilla Cups
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken You can use rotisserie or leftover chicken.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) Feel free to mix different types of cheese.
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained Substitute with pinto or kidney beans for variety.
- 1 cup corn Can use fresh, frozen corn, or diced bell peppers.
- 1 tsp taco seasoning
- 12 pieces small tortilla cups or mini tortillas Shape mini tortillas into cups using a muffin tin.
For Serving
- to taste sour cream
- to taste salsa
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cheese, black beans, corn, and taco seasoning. Stir well until everything is evenly mixed.
- Place your tortilla cups or mini tortillas in a baking dish.
- Spoon the chicken mixture into each tortilla cup, being careful not to overfill.
Baking
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute before serving.
Serving
- Serve with sour cream and salsa on the side for dipping.