Tex-Mex Chicken Tortilla Cups: Delicious and Quick in 40 Minutes
Short introduction
Tex-Mex Chicken Tortilla Cups are a fun and tasty way to enjoy the classic flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine. These cups are easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s game day, a party, or a family dinner. Made with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and flavorful spices, they are both satisfying and healthy.
Why you’ll love it
These tortilla cups are not just delicious; they are also incredibly versatile. You can fill them with your favorite ingredients, making them suitable for any dietary preferences. Plus, they are quick to make, taking just 40 minutes from start to finish. Best of all, they are a hit with both kids and adults!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 12 small tortillas (corn or flour)
- Cooking spray or olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Salsa and sour cream, for serving (optional)
Substitutions & key variations
If you want to make this recipe vegetarian, you can skip the chicken and double the amount of beans. You can also use any variety of beans like kidney beans or pinto beans. For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can experiment with different veggies as well, such as zucchini or spinach.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your tortilla cups are crispy and golden.
Step 2: Prepare the fillings
In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced bell pepper, diced onion, and taco seasoning. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 3: Shape the tortillas
Using a muffin tin, spray it lightly with cooking spray. Take a tortilla and gently press it into each muffin cup, creating a bowl shape. If the tortillas are too stiff, you can warm them slightly in the microwave for about 20 seconds to make them more pliable.
Step 4: Fill the cups
Spoon the chicken mixture into each tortilla cup. Fill them generously, but don’t overstuff them so they won’t spill out.
Step 5: Add cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of each filled tortilla cup.
Step 6: Bake
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Success tips
To achieve the best texture, make sure not to overfill the tortilla cups. Opt for fresh, soft tortillas rather than stale ones for a better result. If you notice the edges browning too quickly while baking, you can cover them lightly with aluminum foil during the cooking time.
How to serve
Serve your Tex-Mex Chicken Tortilla Cups warm, garnished with fresh cilantro. Provide salsa and sour cream on the side for added flavor. They can be served as a main dish or as an appetizer for gatherings.
Storage & reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the cups in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them for 1-2 minutes, but they may not be as crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I freeze the tortilla cups?
A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked tortilla cups. Wrap them tightly and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Bake directly from the freezer; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: What can I use if I don’t have muffin tins?
A: You can use a mini baking dish or a cast-iron skillet to bake the tortilla cups. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble the tortilla cups just before baking for a fresh taste.
Nutrition notes / equivalents (optional)
These Tex-Mex Chicken Tortilla Cups are a great source of protein from the chicken and beans, and they offer plenty of fiber from the vegetables. You can also adjust the cheese for a lighter option.
Conclusion + CTA
Tex-Mex Chicken Tortilla Cups are a delightful, quick, and flavorful dish that everyone will enjoy. Perfect for busy evenings or casual get-togethers, they offer a little taste of the Southwest in every bite. So gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
Links to related recipes
Tex-Mex Chicken Tortilla Cups
Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded You can use leftover or rotisserie chicken.
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed Can use canned or cooked beans.
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned Fresh corn can also be used.
- 1 whole bell pepper, diced Any color bell pepper works.
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) Can use lighter cheese if preferred.
Tortilla and Cooking Ingredients
- 12 small tortillas (corn or flour) Use soft tortillas for best results.
- fresh cilantro for garnish Optional but recommended.
- salsa and sour cream, for serving Optional toppings.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced bell pepper, diced onion, and taco seasoning until well combined.
- Spray your muffin tin lightly with cooking spray. Take a tortilla and gently press it into each muffin cup, creating a bowl shape. Warm tortillas in the microwave for about 20 seconds if too stiff.
- Spoon the chicken mixture into each tortilla cup generously without overflowing.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each filled tortilla cup.
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted.