Easy Chicken Fajita Cups Recipe

Introduction

These Easy Chicken Fajita Cups are a fun and flavorful twist on classic fajitas, perfect for parties or a simple weeknight dinner. Combining tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and warm spices in crispy phyllo shells, they’re sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 large chicken breast
• 1.9 ounce box of Phyllo Shells (15 count)
• ½ cup sliced bell peppers
• ¼ cup sliced yellow onions
• ¼ cup refried beans
• Cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
2. Step 2: Thinly slice the chicken breast. In a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, add the chicken, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is nearly cooked through.
3. Step 3: Add the sliced bell peppers and yellow onions to the skillet with the chicken. Continue cooking until the onions are caramelized and the peppers are tender. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
4. Step 4: Place the phyllo shells on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of refried beans evenly into each shell.
5. Step 5: Fill each phyllo cup with the cooked chicken and vegetable mixture. Top each cup with a little shredded cheese of your choice, if desired.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the phyllo shells are toasted and the cheese is melted.
7. Step 7: Garnish the cooked fajita cups with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lime juice and seasonings for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Swap refried beans for black beans or guacamole for a different twist.
• Add shredded cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend for a melty topping.
• Use mixed bell peppers for a vibrant, colorful presentation.
• If phyllo shells are not available, mini tart shells or wonton wrappers can be good alternatives.

Storage

Store any leftover fajita cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes to maintain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this may make the phyllo shells soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used and will add extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked before adding the vegetables.

Are these fajita cups gluten-free?

Traditional phyllo shells contain gluten, so these fajita cups are not gluten-free unless you find a gluten-free phyllo or use a suitable alternative like gluten-free tart shells.

Easy Chicken Fajita Cups Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 137 reviews

Discover the delicious and easy-to-make Easy Chicken Fajita Cups, a perfect appetizer or snack featuring tender, seasoned chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, and melted cheese all nestled in crispy phyllo shells. These flavorful fajita cups combine classic Tex-Mex spices with a convenient preparation method, making them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 15 fajita cups 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fajita Seasoning

• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt & pepper to taste

Fajita Cups

• 1 large chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 1.9 ounce box of Phyllo Shells (15 count)
• ½ cup sliced bell peppers
• ¼ cup sliced yellow onions
• ¼ cup refried beans
• Cilantro for garnish
• Shredded cheese for topping (approximately ½ cup, optional but implied)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside to prepare for baking the fajita cups.
2. Cook Chicken and Seasonings: In a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, add the thinly sliced chicken breast along with the fajita seasoning ingredients—lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes until it is mostly cooked through.
3. Add Vegetables: Add the sliced bell peppers and yellow onions to the skillet with the chicken. Continue to cook the mixture until the onions become caramelized and the vegetables are tender. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
4. Assemble Fajita Cups: Take each phyllo shell and spoon about 1 teaspoon of refried beans into the bottom. Then, evenly distribute the cooked chicken and vegetable mixture into each cup. Top each cup with shredded cheese to your preference.
5. Bake: Place the filled phyllo cups on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the phyllo cups are crisp and toasted and the cheese has melted beautifully.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the cups from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your easy chicken fajita cups.

Notes

• You can substitute shredded cheese with a dairy-free alternative to make this recipe lactose-free.
• Adjust the seasoning quantities according to your spice preference.
• Use any bell pepper color or a mix for a colorful presentation.
• Phyllo shells can be found in the freezer or refrigerated section of most grocery stores; thaw as directed on the package before use.
• Leftover fajita cups can be stored in an airtight container and reheated gently in the oven to maintain crispness.

Keywords: Chicken, Fajita, Appetizer, Phyllo Shells, Easy Recipe, Tex-Mex, Party Food, Chicken Cups