Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Mini Chicken Taco Cups are the perfect bite-sized appetizer or meal! With seasoned ground chicken, a crispy taco shell, and all your favorite toppings, these little cups are both delicious and easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a party, having a casual dinner, or just craving a quick and flavorful meal, these taco cups will satisfy everyone’s taste buds.

Mini Chicken Taco Cups

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 packet taco seasoning
1/4 cup water
12 small flour tortillas
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded lettuce
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup sour cream
Salsa, for serving (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground chicken and chopped onion. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the onions are soft.
Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
While the chicken mixture is simmering, brush both sides of the tortillas with olive oil. Cut each tortilla into a circle using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass, then press them into a muffin tin to form small taco cups.
Bake the tortilla cups in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden and crispy.
Once the cups are ready, spoon the chicken mixture into each taco cup, and top with shredded cheddar cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese has melted.
Remove from the oven and top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve with salsa on the side if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 mini taco cups
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Protein Swap: Use ground beef, turkey, or even black beans as a substitute for ground chicken.
Toppings: Customize your toppings with guacamole, jalapeños, or sliced olives for extra flavor.
Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses for a different taste.
Taco Shell: For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free tortillas.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover taco cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until warm. You can also microwave them for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, but they might lose some crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I make the taco cups ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the taco cups and store the tortilla shells and filling separately in the fridge. Assemble and bake them when ready to serve.

2. Can I use soft taco shells instead of flour tortillas?

Yes, you can use soft taco shells; however, they might not crisp up as much as flour tortillas, so be sure to bake them longer if needed.

3. Can I make these mini taco cups in advance?

You can make the chicken filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble the taco cups when you are ready to bake them.

4. Can I freeze the mini taco cups?

Yes, freeze the assembled taco cups (without toppings) in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container and store for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until warm.

5. How can I make these taco cups spicier?

Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture to increase the heat. You can also top the cups with spicy salsa.

6. Can I use corn tortillas for the taco cups?

Corn tortillas can be used, but they may break easier. To prevent this, you might want to bake them longer to get them crispy before adding the filling.

7. Can I make the taco cups larger?

Absolutely! Use larger tortillas and a larger muffin tin to make bigger taco cups, perfect for a meal rather than an appetizer.

8. How can I make these taco cups vegetarian?

Substitute the ground chicken with black beans, corn, or a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian option.

9. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Feel free to swap out cheddar for other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack cheese.

10. Can I add beans to the taco cups?

Yes, you can add black beans or refried beans to the chicken mixture to make the taco cups more filling.

Conclusion

Mini Chicken Taco Cups are a fun, customizable, and easy-to-make dish that everyone will love! Perfect for parties, appetizers, or a quick dinner, these taco cups are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly meal or a crowd-pleasing snack, this recipe delivers on flavor and convenience. Enjoy!