Mini Tacos

These Mini Tacos are a delightful treat that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine right to your table. Perfect for parties, weeknight dinners, or game day gatherings, these bite-sized tacos are not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavor. The combination of crispy tortillas and savory chicken makes them a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Crowd-Pleasing: With up to 24 mini tacos, there’s plenty to go around for family and friends, ensuring everyone gets a taste.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or substitute ingredients to suit your taste.
• Baked to Perfection: Baking instead of frying gives you crispy tacos without the extra oil and mess.
• Flavorful Filling: The taco-seasoned chicken is flavorful and satisfying, paired perfectly with melted cheese.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools on hand can make preparing your mini tacos even easier. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Brush or cooking spray
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Essential for evenly baking the mini tacos, providing a crispy texture.
• Brush or cooking spray: Helps coat the tortillas with olive oil for optimal crispiness without excess grease.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining your shredded chicken and seasoning before filling the tortillas.

Ingredients

These mini baked chicken tacos come together in about 20 minutes with just a handful of simple ingredients. They’re perfect for feeding a crowd and simple enough to throw together for an easy weeknight dinner! Street taco corn tortillas are filled with taco-seasoned chicken and shredded cheese then baked to perfection for a crispy chicken taco the whole family will love.

For the Filling

• 1 lb. cooked shredded seasoned chicken breast (3-4 cups shredded chicken breast)
• 8 oz. shredded colby jack cheese

For the Tacos

• 20-24 street taco corn tortillas
• Olive oil or cooking spray

For Serving

• Sour cream
• Salsa
• Fresh chopped cilantro

How to Make Mini Tacos

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your mini tacos bake evenly and become wonderfully crispy.

Step 2: Prepare Tortillas

Place the street taco corn tortillas on a baking sheet in a single layer.

Step 3: Add Oil

Brush or spray both sides of each tortilla with olive oil. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect golden-brown texture.

Step 4: Fill Tortillas

Add a heaping tablespoon of the shredded chicken mixture onto each tortilla. Top generously with a heaping tablespoon of shredded colby jack cheese.

Step 5: Bake Tacos

Bake the tacos in the preheated oven for about 2 minutes or until the cheese has melted.

Step 6: Fold Tacos

Carefully remove from the oven and fold each tortilla in half, gently pressing them together to form the shape of a taco.

Step 7: Final Bake

Return them to the oven and bake for another 12-15 minutes, or until the corn tortillas are crispy on the outside.

Step 8: Serve

Serve your delicious mini tacos hot with sour cream, salsa, and fresh cilantro. Enjoy!

How to Serve Mini Tacos

Serving mini tacos is a delightful experience that allows you to customize each bite to your liking. These tasty bites can be enjoyed with various toppings and sides, making them perfect for any gathering or a simple family dinner.

Classic Toppings

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy texture that balances the flavors.
• Salsa: Fresh salsa provides a zesty kick, enhancing the overall taste of the tacos.
• Chopped Cilantro: This herb adds freshness and a vibrant color to your mini tacos.

Creative Additions

• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices can elevate your mini tacos with their rich flavor.
• Pickled Jalapeños: For those who enjoy heat, pickled jalapeños offer a spicy punch.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice brightens up the flavors and adds acidity.

Side Pairings

• Mexican Rice: A side of fluffy Mexican rice complements the mini tacos beautifully.
• Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide a hearty addition that pairs well with the meal.

How to Perfect Mini Tacos

Perfecting mini tacos is all about technique and quality ingredients. With these tips, you’ll achieve crispy, flavorful tacos every time.

• Use Fresh Tortillas: Fresh corn tortillas hold up better and enhance the flavor of your mini tacos.
• Don’t Overstuff: Keep fillings modest to prevent tearing and ensure even cooking.
• Preheat Your Oven: A hot oven is key for achieving that crispy texture on your tacos.
• Experiment with Seasonings: Customize your chicken seasoning for unique flavor profiles, such as adding cumin or chili powder.
• Let Them Cool Slightly: Allowing them to cool for a minute after baking helps them set up without becoming soggy.

Best Side Dishes for Mini Tacos

Pairing side dishes with mini tacos enhances your meal experience. Here are some delicious options to consider:

1. Spanish Rice: Flavored with tomatoes and spices, this rice dish is a classic pairing for any taco night.
2. Guacamole: This creamy avocado dip adds richness and pairs perfectly with crunchy chips or directly with the tacos.
3. Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad with lime dressing provides sweetness and crunch alongside your mini tacos.
4. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with salsa make for an easy appetizer or snack alongside your main dish.
5. Black Beans: Simple, seasoned black beans are nutritious and complement the flavors of chicken tacos well.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies add smokiness and color, making for a healthy side option.
7. Pico de Gallo: This fresh tomato salsa brings brightness and zest, enhancing each bite of taco goodness.
8. Cabbage Slaw: A crunchy slaw can add texture while providing a refreshing contrast to the warm mini tacos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make the perfect mini tacos, avoid these common pitfalls.

• Overfilling the tortillas: Adding too much filling can cause the tortillas to break. Use only a heaping tablespoon of chicken and cheese for each taco.
• Skipping oil or cooking spray: Not greasing the tortillas can lead to sticking. Always brush or spray both sides of the tortillas with olive oil before baking.
• Not preheating the oven: Failing to preheat your oven can result in uneven cooking. Make sure your oven is at 425 degrees before placing the tacos inside.
• Ignoring baking time: Overbaking can lead to hard tacos. Bake until just crispy, usually around 12-15 minutes after folding.
• Using regular-sized tortillas: Using larger tortillas will change the cooking time and texture. Stick with street taco corn tortillas for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store mini tacos in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Mini Tacos

• Allow cooked mini tacos to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Mini Tacos

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place mini tacos on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm each taco for about 2-3 minutes on each side until crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Mini Tacos?

Mini tacos are smaller versions of traditional tacos, typically made with street taco corn tortillas filled with seasoned meat and cheese.

Can I use different meats in my Mini Tacos?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken, beef, lamb, or turkey based on your preference.

How do I customize my Mini Tacos?

You can add various toppings such as guacamole, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños for added flavor.

Can I make Mini Tacos ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them in advance by storing uncooked mini tacos in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to bake them.

Final Thoughts

These mini tacos are not only quick and easy but also highly customizable. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, they are sure to please everyone. Feel free to experiment with different fillings and toppings!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Mini Tacos

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• Author: Alexia
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings (24 mini tacos) 1x

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Description

Mini Tacos are the perfect blend of flavor and fun, making them an ideal choice for gatherings or cozy family dinners. These bite-sized delights come together in just 20 minutes, featuring crispy corn tortillas filled with savory chicken and melted cheese. Easy to customize with your favorite toppings, they promise to be a hit at any occasion. Whether served as appetizers or a main dish, these mini tacos offer a satisfying crunch and are sure to please everyone at your table.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb. cooked shredded chicken breast
• 8 oz. shredded colby jack cheese
• 20–24 street taco corn tortillas
• Olive oil or cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Arrange the street taco corn tortillas on a baking sheet in a single layer.
3. Lightly brush or spray both sides of each tortilla with olive oil.
4. Place one tablespoon of shredded chicken onto each tortilla, followed by a tablespoon of shredded cheese.
5. Bake for 2 minutes until the cheese melts.
6. Fold each tortilla in half and bake for an additional 12-15 minutes until crispy.
7. Serve hot with sour cream, salsa, and fresh cilantro.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 mini tacos (70g)
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 35mg