Crispy Chicken Tacos cups

Crispy chicken taco cups are a great party appetizer or dinner for a weeknight. These taco cups are sure to be a favourite in your family. They have a crunchy crust, chicken that is seasoned and savoury, plus all of your favourite toppings. Each cup is packed with flavour and can be customized to your tastes.

Ingredients for Crispy chicken taco cups:

For the Chicken

• 1 lb. chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer)
• Olive oil 1 tablespoon
• 1 tablespoon chilli powder
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• Half a teaspoon of cumin
• Paprika, 1/2 teaspoon
• To taste: salt and pepper
• Half a cup of water or chicken broth

Taco Cups

• 12 small flour tortillas (or corn tortillas, if preferred)
• Grease can be made with cooking spray or melted Butter

For the Toppings

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Half a cup of diced tomatoes
• Half a cup of shredded lettuce
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup guacamole
• 1/4 cup salsa (optional).
• Jalapeno slices (optional)
• Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish).
• Serve lime wedges

Instructions for Crispy chicken taco cups:

1. Prepare the chicken:

• Start by cutting the breasts into bite-sized pieces or strips. The chicken will cook faster and more evenly.
• Heat olive oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and season with cumin, chili powder, garlic, onion powder and paprika.
• Cook the chicken in the oven for 6-8 mins, stirring it occasionally, until the meat is fully cooked.
• To keep the chicken moist, add 1/2 cup water or chicken broth. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 more minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated and the chicken has been coated with seasoning. Set aside.

2. Taco Cups are ready to be prepared:

• Preheat your oven to 375degF.
• Grease a muffin pan lightly with cooking spray or Butter melted.
• Press each flour tortilla into the muffin pan, gently creating a cup-shaped shape. It may be necessary to cut the flour tortillas into smaller circular shapes (approximately 4-5 inches in size) to make them fit perfectly.
• To add extra crispiness, spray the tops of the tortillas lightly with cooking spray.
• The tortilla cups should be baked in a preheated oven until they are golden brown and crispy. Set them aside after removing them from the heat.

3. Assemble Taco Cups

• When the taco cups have cooled enough to handle, add the chicken generously into each one.
• Sprinkle with cheddar cheese shredded. The heat of the chicken will melt the cheese slightly, making it gooey and delicious.
• Add toppings of your choice: diced tomato, lettuce, a tablespoon of guacamole and salsa, if desired.
• For a fresh burst, garnish with freshly chopped lime and cilantro.

4. Serve:

• Serve the taco cups with crispy chicken warm as an appetizer or as a fun option for dinner. These are perfect for a family taco party or to serve guests at a gathering.
• Add optional toppings such as jalapeno for extra spice or your favourite taco salsa.

Tip and variations:

• Prepare the chicken in advance and store it for up to two days in the fridge. Taco cups can be made ahead and baked just before serving.
• Try turkey, ground beef or black beans as a vegetarian alternative. When using ground beef, drain the excess fat from the meat after cooking.
• Tortilla options: Although flour tortillas are the most common, you can use corn tortillas for a gluten-free version. It may be necessary to bake the tortillas a bit longer in order to get the same crisp texture.
• Topping variations: Add additional toppings to your taco cup, such as olives, shredded onions or hot sauce, for an extra kick.

Nutritional Information per Serving:

Note: The nutritional values listed are approximations and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: ~220
• Protein: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 350mg

Crispy chicken taco cups are the perfect blend of crunchy, savoury and fresh. These are easy to make, and you can customize them to your taste. You can serve them as an appetizer or for dinner at your next party.