I’m so excited to share my Chicken Nacho Cups recipe with you! These little bites are crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavorful chicken and classic nacho toppings. They are perfect for parties, game nights, or even a fun weeknight dinner. Bite-size, colorful, and full of flavor, they are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.
Level: Easy
Total Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 24 cups
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
I first made these Chicken Nacho Cups for a small game night at home, and everyone kept coming back for more. The magic is in how simple it is to transform basic ingredients — chicken, cheese, salsa, and wonton wrappers — into something so fun and delicious.
These cups are perfect for anyone who loves nachos but wants an easy, handheld version. They are crispy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. You don’t need any fancy equipment — just a mini-muffin pan, a skillet, and a few fresh toppings.
Whether you’re prepping snacks for a party, a kid-friendly lunch, or just craving a bite-size nacho treat, this recipe is a total winner.
How to Make Chicken Nacho Cups
These cups are easy to make because we partially bake the wonton shells first, then fill them with seasoned chicken, salsa, and cheese, and finish baking. Finally, we top them with fresh garnishes to make them look and taste amazing.
Here’s how they come together:
- Crispy wonton cups baked to golden perfection
- Tender chicken seasoned with taco spices
- Melted cheddar cheese for that gooey nacho feeling
- Topped with classic nacho garnishes like sour cream, black olives, and fresh cilantro
This is one of my favorite appetizers because it’s fun, fast, and everyone can customize their toppings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
- 24 wonton wrappers
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Optional Toppings: jalapeños, diced tomatoes, corn, guacamole, green onions
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken, sprinkled with taco seasoning, for 8–10 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove from heat and shred with two forks.
- Make the Wonton Cups:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Spray a mini-muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Press each wonton wrapper into the muffin wells. Bake for 5–7 minutes until lightly golden.
- Fill the Cups:
- In a small bowl, mix the shredded chicken with salsa.
- Spoon the chicken mixture into each partially baked wonton cup.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake to Finish:
- Return the filled cups to the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the edges of the wontons are golden brown.
- Add Toppings and Serve:
- Remove the cups from the oven and top with sour cream, black olives, and chopped cilantro.
- Serve immediately and enjoy these bite-size nachos!
Process Details
- Shredding Chicken: Shredding makes sure the filling is easy to scoop into the tiny cups and mixes well with salsa.
- Wonton Cups: Baking the wrappers slightly before adding the filling prevents them from becoming soggy.
- Cheese Melt: Adding the cheese before the second bake ensures it melts perfectly into the chicken mixture.
- Toppings: Fresh toppings like cilantro and sour cream add a burst of flavor and color.
Tips for Success
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender meat.
- Don’t overfill the wonton cups — a little goes a long way.
- For uniform cups, gently press each wrapper into the muffin pan without stretching.
- Make these ahead of time by partially baking the wonton cups and storing them in an airtight container. Finish baking just before serving.
Serving Ideas
- Perfect as a party appetizer for game day, birthday parties, or casual gatherings.
- Serve alongside guacamole, salsa, or a fresh side salad for a Tex-Mex themed meal.
- Make it a fun family dinner — everyone can add their favorite toppings!
Storage & Freezing
- Refrigerator: Store cooled, baked cups in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Freezing: Freeze unfilled, baked cups in a single layer for up to 2 months. Fill and bake fresh before serving.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Cup)
- Calories: 76
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 19mg
- Sodium: 182mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
My Chicken Nacho Cups recipe is a playful, flavorful twist on classic nachos. Crispy wonton cups, tender chicken, gooey cheese, and fresh toppings make every bite a mini celebration. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do — they are guaranteed to be a crowd favorite at any gathering or family meal.
