Why You’ll Love Mini Chicken Taco Cups Recipe

They combine all your favorite taco flavors — chicken, beans, cheese, salsa — in a crunchy, portable form.
They’re versatile: you can change up the toppings, spice level, or even substitute beef or pork if you prefer.
Great for parties, casual dinners, or a fun “Taco Night” — the mini format makes them easy to serve and share.
Using a rotisserie or pre‑cooked chicken cuts down prep time, so you can have these ready significantly faster.

Ingredients

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

Salsa
Refried beans
Tortillas
Chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
Spices — such as cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, coriander
Cotija cheese
Sour cream
Guacamole
Cilantro (for garnish)

Directions

Preheat your oven and prepare a 12-cup muffin pan. Cut small rounds from flour tortillas (about 5″ rounds work well).
Add about ½ teaspoon of olive oil to the bottom of each muffin cup. Press a tortilla round into each cup and bake for 5–7 minutes until they begin to crisp.
Cook or shred pre-cooked chicken and season it with Mexican spices, salt, and pepper.
In a bowl, mix refried beans with salsa, cumin, and garlic powder.
Add a small spoonful of the bean mixture into each tortilla cup, top with seasoned chicken, then sprinkle with Cotija cheese.
Bake the filled cups for another 5–7 minutes until the cheese is melted and everything is warmed through.
Remove from the oven and top each taco cup with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and chopped cilantro. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: about 12 mini taco cups
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 50–60 minutes

Variations

Beef or Pork: Swap chicken for ground beef, pulled pork, or shredded turkey.
Vegetarian: Use seasoned black beans, corn, bell peppers, and cheese for a meat-free version.
Spicy: Add diced jalapeños, hot salsa, or spicy cheese to kick up the heat.
Toppings Bar: Serve plain cups and let guests choose their own toppings.
Different Cheeses: Try shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a spicy pepper jack instead of Cotija.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortillas to accommodate dietary needs.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shells soggy. These are best enjoyed fresh but can be refreshed in the oven if needed.

FAQs

How long do these taco cups stay good in the fridge?

They stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.

Can I freeze the taco cups?

Freezing is not recommended, as the tortilla shells can become soggy after thawing.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, both the chicken and bean mixture can be made a day or two ahead and refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble and bake.

What if I don’t have Cotija cheese — what can I use instead?

You can substitute Cotija with cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or any melty cheese you like.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes, but corn tortillas are more fragile and may break more easily when forming into cups.

I don’t like refried beans — can I skip them?

Absolutely. You can omit them or replace them with black beans, pinto beans, or even more chicken.

Is there a vegetarian version of these taco cups?

Yes, use beans, vegetables like corn and bell peppers, and cheese as your filling for a meatless option.

How can I make them spicier?

Use a spicier salsa, add chopped jalapeños, or include cayenne pepper or hot sauce in the filling.

Are these suitable for a party or gathering?

Yes, their small size makes them perfect finger food for parties, potlucks, or game-day snacks.

Can I double the recipe to serve more people?

Definitely. Just multiply the ingredients and bake in additional muffin pans to make larger batches.

Conclusion

Mini Chicken Taco Cups are an easy, customizable, and crowd-pleasing dish that brings the flavors of classic tacos into a fun handheld format. Whether you’re hosting friends, feeding family, or just craving a quick taco fix, these bite-size taco cups are the perfect solution. Give them a try and enjoy the crispy, cheesy, flavorful goodness in every bite.