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Crispy Cheesy Chicken Taco Muffins

crispy cheesy chicken taco muffins - featured image

These crispy, cheesy chicken taco muffins are an easy and delicious game day snack featuring a crunchy tortilla shell filled with seasoned chicken and melted cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded pepper jack cheese
  • ½ cup diced onions (yellow or white, finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 12 small flour tortillas (6-inch size)
  • Cooking spray or a light brush of olive oil
  • Optional for serving: sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh salsa or pico de gallo, avocado slices or guacamole, jalapeño slices

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken, sharp cheddar, pepper jack cheese, diced onions, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Add chopped cilantro if desired.
  3. Take one tortilla at a time and gently press it into each muffin cup, forming a little cup shape. If tortillas are stiff, warm them slightly in the microwave for 10 seconds to make them pliable. Brush or spray a little olive oil on the tortilla to help it crisp up.
  4. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken and cheese mixture into each tortilla shell. Do not overfill to avoid spillover.
  5. Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, until the tortilla edges are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly. Rotate the tin halfway through baking for even cooking.
  6. Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes so they firm up and release easily. Use a small spatula or butter knife to gently lift them out.
  7. Serve warm with optional toppings such as sour cream, salsa, avocado, or jalapeño slices.

Notes

Warm tortillas slightly before shaping to prevent cracking. Use cooking spray or olive oil on tortillas for a crispy shell. Avoid overfilling to prevent cheese spillover. Tent with foil if edges brown too fast. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness. Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken taco muffins, game day snacks, cheesy chicken muffins, crispy taco cups, easy appetizer