Tex-Mex Chicken Tortilla Cups – A Delicious Snack Ready in 30 Minutes
Tex-Mex Chicken Tortilla Cups are a fun, bite-sized twist on classic Tex-Mex flavors. These delightful treats are not only easy to make but also perfect for gatherings, snacks, or a quick weeknight meal. With their crispy tortilla cups filled with a savory chicken mixture, they’re sure to please everyone at the table!
Why you’ll love it
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only about 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Family-Friendly: Packed with flavors that kids and adults will love, making it a hit for family dinners.
- Customizable: You can easily modify the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Great for Leftovers: These tortilla cups make excellent leftovers for lunch or snacks!
Ingredients
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Substitutions & key variations
- Tortillas: Use flour tortillas if you prefer a softer texture.
- Protein: Swap the chicken for ground beef, turkey, or even a plant-based protein.
- Beans: Any type of beans will work! Try pinto beans or kidney beans if you prefer.
- Cheese: Feel free to mix cheeses like pepper jack for an extra kick.
- Veggies: Add bell peppers or diced onions to the chicken mixture for more flavor.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Tortillas
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While your oven heats up, cut the tortillas into circles using a cookie cutter or a glass. Press these circles into a greased muffin tin to form cups. This will give them their perfect shape!
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, salsa, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well so every ingredient is nicely combined.
Step 3: Fill the Tortilla Cups
Using a spoon, fill each tortilla cup with the chicken mixture. Make sure to fill them generously. After filling, top each cup with a sprinkle of shredded cheese for that melty goodness.
Step 4: Bake
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla cups are crispy and golden brown.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the tortilla cups from the oven and let them cool slightly. If you like, garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Tex-Mex Chicken Tortilla Cups!
Success tips
- Temperature: Make sure your oven is fully preheated for even baking.
- Texture: Don’t overcrowd your tortilla cups; give them enough space to crisp up.
- Common mistakes: Avoid using too much filling, as this can make the cups soggy. Just fill to the top but don’t overdo it.
How to serve
These Tex-Mex Chicken Tortilla Cups are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a light meal. You can serve them with extra salsa, guacamole, or sour cream on the side for dipping. They also pair well with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Storage & reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but they may lose some crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I freeze Tex-Mex Chicken Tortilla Cups?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Just assemble them in the muffin tin, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q2: What can I serve with these tortilla cups?
They are great on their own, but you can serve them with salsa, guacamole, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Q3: Can I make these tortilla cups in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble the cups just before baking for fresh, hot snacks.
Q4: Are these tortilla cups gluten-free?
Yes, if you use corn tortillas, they are naturally gluten-free. Always check the labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
Q5: What if I don’t have cooked chicken?
You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken, or even canned chicken if you prefer. Just shred or chop it before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
These Tex-Mex Chicken Tortilla Cups are a great source of protein from the chicken and black beans, along with healthy fibers from the beans and corn. If you’re mindful of calories, you can reduce cheese or use low-fat alternatives.
Conclusion
Tex-Mex Chicken Tortilla Cups are a fun and delicious dish that brings the flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine into a convenient, bite-sized treat. Perfect for any occasion, they offer versatility and ease of preparation. Try them today and enjoy a delightful culinary experience!
Links to related recipes
Tex-Mex Chicken Tortilla Cups
Ingredients
For the Tortilla Cups
- 8 small corn tortillas
For the Filling
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- ½ cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tortillas into circles using a cookie cutter or a glass. Press these circles into a greased muffin tin to form cups.
Make the Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, salsa, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well.
Fill the Tortilla Cups
- Fill each tortilla cup with the chicken mixture, topping with shredded cheese.
Bake
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla cups are crispy and golden brown.
Garnish and Serve
- Remove the tortilla cups from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with fresh cilantro, serve warm, and enjoy!