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Crispy Smoked Cheddar Chicken Nacho Cups

crispy smoked cheddar chicken nacho cups - featured image
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These crispy nacho cups feature smoky cheddar melted over seasoned chicken inside crunchy tortilla shells, perfect for game day or any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, finely diced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 12 small flour or corn tortillas (6-inch size)
  • 1 ½ cups smoked cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup pickled jalapeños, sliced
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
  • 1 medium tomato, diced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your 12-cup muffin tin with oil or non-stick spray.
  2. Cut each tortilla into quarters. Press each quarter into the muffin cups to form shell shapes, allowing some overlap for extra crispiness.
  3. Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of shredded smoked cheddar cheese into the base of each tortilla cup.
  4. Bake the empty cups for 6–8 minutes until edges turn golden and crispy.
  5. While cups bake, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken and season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  6. Cook chicken, stirring frequently, until cooked through and lightly browned, about 8–10 minutes, allowing excess liquid to evaporate.
  7. Remove tortilla cups from oven. Spoon cooked chicken mixture evenly into each cup without overstuffing.
  8. Top each cup with another tablespoon of shredded smoked cheddar cheese.
  9. Return tray to oven and bake for 5–7 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.
  10. Remove from oven and let cool for a couple of minutes.
  11. Dollop sour cream or Greek yogurt on top, then garnish with jalapeños, green onions, cilantro, and diced tomato if using.
  12. Serve warm.

Notes

Use smaller 6-inch tortillas for best cup shape. Pre-bake tortilla shells with cheese to prevent sogginess. Cook chicken until dry to avoid watery filling. Use smoked cheddar for best melt and flavor. For gluten-free, use corn tortillas. For dairy-free, substitute vegan cheese and yogurt. Rotisserie chicken can be used as a shortcut.

Nutrition

Keywords: nachos, chicken nachos, smoked cheddar, game day recipe, crispy tortilla cups, easy appetizer

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/crispy-smoked-cheddar-chicken-nacho-cups-easy-game-day-recipe/