Short introduction
Tex-Mex Chicken Tortilla Cups are a delightful blend of flavors wrapped in crispy tortillas. These bite-sized cups are perfect for parties, quick meals, or a tasty snack. With shredded chicken, zesty salsa, and melted cheese, they’re a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Why you’ll love it
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is straightforward and takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Versatile: You can customize the filling to suit your taste. Add beans, corn, or veggies for extra nutrition.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These cups are great finger foods that are sure to impress your guests during parties or family gatherings.
- Healthy Options: Using lean chicken and plenty of toppings allows you to control the healthiness of your meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup salsa
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Olive oil for brushing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Substitutions & key variations
- Chicken: You can use turkey or even cooked beans for a vegetarian version.
- Salsa: Try different types of salsa, like corn salsa or mango salsa, for a twist on flavor.
- Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or queso fresco.
- Tortillas: Flour tortillas can be used instead of corn tortillas, but remember they won’t be as crispy.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your tortilla cups will be crispy.
Step 2: Prepare the Tortilla Cups
Brush both sides of the corn tortillas with olive oil. Place each tortilla in a muffin tin, pushing down in the center to make a cup shape.
Step 3: Bake the Tortilla Cups
Bake the tortillas in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown.
Step 4: Mix the Filling
In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, salsa, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
Step 5: Fill the Tortilla Cups
Once the cups are baked, remove them from the oven. Fill each tortilla cup with the chicken mixture and top generously with shredded cheese.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese
Return the filled tortilla cups to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.
Step 7: Add Toppings
When the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the cups from the oven. Top each one with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top before serving.
Success tips
- Temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated correctly for the right texture; you want a crispy tortilla without burning it.
- Texture: Don’t skip the initial baking of the tortillas to ensure they stay crunchy after adding the filling.
- Common Mistakes: Overfilling the cups can make them soggy. Use a moderate amount of filling for best results.
How to serve
Serve Tex-Mex Chicken Tortilla Cups warm, right out of the oven. They can be a fantastic appetizer, a main dish, or even a fun addition to taco night. Offer some extra salsa or guacamole on the side for dipping.
Storage & reheating
Leftover tortilla cups can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes until heated through. This helps keep them crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture and fill the cups ahead of time. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve.
Can I freeze Chicken Tortilla Cups?
Yes, you can freeze the filled but unbaked tortilla cups. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before baking.
What can I serve with these cups?
They pair nicely with sides like rice, beans, or a simple salad.
Can I use leftovers for filling?
Absolutely! Any leftover cooked meat or veggies can be used instead of chicken.
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids love these bite-sized cups and can customize them according to their tastes.
Nutrition notes / equivalents (optional)
These tortilla cups can be made with whole grain or low-carb tortillas for a healthier option. Each cup is packed with protein from the chicken and provides vitamins from the cilantro and salsa.
Conclusion + CTA
Tex-Mex Chicken Tortilla Cups are a tasty and versatile dish that you can whip up for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for an easy family meal, these cups are sure to please. Give this recipe a try today and discover a new favorite!
Links to related recipes
Enjoy creating your delicious Tex-Mex Chicken Tortilla Cups!
Tex-Mex Chicken Tortilla Cups
Ingredients
For the Tortilla Cups
- 8 small corn tortillas Flour tortillas can be used for a less crispy texture.
- 1 cup olive oil For brushing the tortillas.
For the Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Can substitute with turkey or beans for a vegetarian option.
- 1 cup salsa Different types of salsa can be used for variations.
- 1 cup shredded cheese Cheddar or Mexican blend recommended.
- ½ cup sour cream To dollop on top.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro For garnishing.
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush both sides of the corn tortillas with olive oil and place each tortilla in a muffin tin, pushing down in the center to make a cup shape.
Baking
- Bake the tortillas in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown.
- In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, salsa, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- Once the cups are baked, remove them from the oven. Fill each tortilla cup with the chicken mixture and top generously with shredded cheese.
- Return the filled tortilla cups to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.
- When the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the cups from the oven. Top each one with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top before serving.