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Quick & Crispy Mini Chicken Tacos

These mini baked chicken tacos are easy, delicious, and ready in just 20 minutes! With only a few ingredients, they’re perfect for family dinners, parties, or a fun weeknight meal.

Mini corn tortillas are filled with seasoned chicken and melty cheese, then baked for that golden, crispy finish everyone loves.

Ingredients

  • Shredded Chicken: Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, seasoned with taco spices. You can also swap in ground beef or shredded pork for variety.
  • Shredded Cheese: Mexican blend, cheddar, or Colby Jack are ideal for that gooey texture.
  • Mini Corn Tortillas: These get super crispy in the oven. Flour tortillas work too, though they’ll be softer.
  • Olive Oil Spray: A quick mist makes the tortillas perfectly crisp.

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the tortillas: Lightly spray or brush each tortilla with olive oil and place them on the baking sheet.
  3. Assemble: Place a spoonful of seasoned chicken and cheese on each tortilla.
  4. Bake for 2 minutes until the cheese melts slightly, then carefully fold each tortilla into a taco shape.
  5. Bake for another 12-15 minutes until the tortillas are crispy and golden.
  6. Serve with toppings: Try sour cream, salsa, chopped cilantro, or diced tomatoes for extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

  • Make it Your Own: Add green chiles, diced onions, or beans for extra flavor.
  • Air Fryer Option: For an even quicker option, cook these tacos in the air fryer at 400°F for 2 minutes, fold them, then cook for another 5-8 minutes until crispy.
  • Skillet Option: Cook in a pan over medium heat, adding oil as needed. Flip each taco after a few minutes for an evenly crisp exterior.

Why You’ll Love These Mini Tacos

Perfect for parties, these handheld mini tacos are a fun twist on classic tacos. The crispy corn tortilla, melty cheese, and seasoned chicken make them a hit every time.

Customize with toppings to suit everyone’s tastes, and enjoy a dish that’s easy to prep, serve, and love!

FAQs for Mini Chicken Tacos

1. Can I make these mini tacos ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the shredded chicken filling in advance and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, assemble the tacos and bake as directed. For extra crispiness, it’s best to bake them right before serving.

2. Can I freeze these mini tacos?
Absolutely. Assemble the tacos but don’t bake them. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen at 400°F for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy.

3. What other toppings go well with mini tacos?
Besides sour cream, salsa, and cilantro, you can add diced avocado, green onions, jalapeños, shredded lettuce, or a sprinkle of queso fresco. These toppings add great flavor and texture!

4. How do I keep the tacos from falling apart when folding?
Pre-melt the cheese slightly for 2 minutes, then fold the tortillas. This helps the cheese act as a “glue” to hold the taco together. For extra help, try pressing down gently on each taco with a spatula after folding.

5. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Yes, flour tortillas work too, though they may not get as crispy as corn tortillas. If using flour tortillas, keep an eye on them in the oven as they may cook faster.

6. How do I prevent the tortillas from cracking?
If your corn tortillas are cracking, try warming them in the microwave for a few seconds before assembling. This makes them more flexible and less likely to break.

7. Can I make these tacos vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute the chicken with black beans, refried beans, or a mixture of beans and vegetables like sautéed peppers and onions for a delicious vegetarian option.

Mini Tacos

Mini Tacos

Yield: 24
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

These mini chicken tacos make for a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer or dinner! With just a few ingredients, you can whip them up in around 20 minutes. Soft corn tortillas, seasoned chicken, and melty cheese all come together in the oven for the ultimate crispy bite.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. cooked and shredded chicken (about 3-4 cups; see notes for options)
  • 8 oz. shredded Mexican blend or cheddar cheese
  • 20–24 mini corn tortillas (street taco size)
  • Olive oil or nonstick cooking spray
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Prepare the tortillas by placing them on a baking sheet and lightly brushing or spraying both sides with olive oil or cooking spray.
  3. Assemble the tacos by placing a generous tablespoon of shredded chicken onto each tortilla, followed by a heaping tablespoon of shredded cheese.
  4. Bake briefly for 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese starts to melt.
  5. Fold each taco by gently pressing the tortillas in half to create a taco shape.
  6. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 12-15 minutes, or until the tortillas turn golden and crispy.
  7. Serve warm with sour cream, salsa, and a sprinkle of cilantro if desired.

Notes

  • Shredded chicken options: You can use rotisserie chicken, slow-cooker shredded chicken, or even leftover chicken. Just mix with a bit of taco seasoning for extra flavor.
  • Alternative tortillas: While the mini tortillas are great for bite-size tacos, you can use regular-size corn tortillas and adjust the filling amount accordingly
  • Nutrition Information:
    Yield: 20 Serving Size: 1 taco
    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 144Total Fat: 5.3gCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 6.1g

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