Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick & Easy: Assemble in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.
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Customizable: Tailor toppings to your taste preferences.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare components in advance for a hassle-free meal.
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Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use certified gluten-free tostada shells.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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8 corn tortillas (6-inch)
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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1½ cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or homemade)
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1 tablespoon taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
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1 can (15 oz) refried beans (pinto or black)
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2 cups shredded lettuce
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2 medium tomatoes, diced
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½ small red onion, finely diced
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1 avocado, diced
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½ cup crumbled cotija cheese
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⅓ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
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Lime wedges, for serving
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Optional: sour cream, hot sauce
directions
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Prepare Tortillas: Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Brush both sides of the corn tortillas with vegetable oil. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
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Season Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, combine shredded chicken with taco seasoning and a splash of water. Heat until warmed through and well-coated.
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Warm Beans: In a separate pan, heat the refried beans until warmed, stirring occasionally.
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Assemble Tostadas: Spread a thin layer of refried beans on each crispy tortilla. Top with seasoned shredded chicken.
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Add Fresh Toppings: Layer with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, and avocado. Sprinkle with cotija cheese and chopped cilantro.
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Serve: Garnish with lime wedges and optional sour cream or hot sauce. Serve immediately.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 8 tostadas
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 15 minutes
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Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
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Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms or grilled vegetables.
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Cheesy Delight: Top with melted cheese before adding fresh toppings.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tostada shells and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
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Tinga Style: Prepare chicken with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky flavor.
storage/reheating
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Refrigerator: Store leftover components separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
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Freezer: Freeze shredded chicken and refried beans in separate containers for up to 2 months.
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Reheating:
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Chicken & Beans: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
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Tostada Shells: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes until crispy.
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Assemble: Reassemble tostadas with fresh toppings just before serving.
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FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes, but corn tortillas provide the traditional crispiness and flavor.
How do I make homemade taco seasoning?
Combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
Can I use store-bought tostada shells?
Absolutely! Store-bought shells are convenient and save time.
How do I prevent soggy tostadas?
Ensure the beans are not too watery and serve immediately after assembling.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Prepare components in advance and assemble just before serving to maintain crispness.
Are these tostadas gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free tostada shells and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I add other toppings?
Feel free to add sour cream, hot sauce, or any other toppings you enjoy.
How do I store leftovers?
Store components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, queso fresco or shredded cheddar can be used as alternatives.
How do I make the chicken spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
Conclusion
Chicken Tostadas offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors, making them a versatile and satisfying meal. Whether you’re preparing them for a quick weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, these tostadas are sure to impress. With endless customization options, you can tailor them to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy
PrintChicken Tostada
A Chicken Tostada is a vibrant Mexican dish featuring a crispy corn tortilla topped with layers of seasoned shredded chicken, refried beans, fresh vegetables, and a variety of flavorful garnishes. This open-faced delight offers a delightful crunch with every bite, making it a perfect choice for lunch, dinner, or a festive appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 tostadas
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 8 corn tortillas (6-inch)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1½ cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or homemade)
1 tablespoon taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
1 can (15 oz) refried beans (pinto or black)
2 cups shredded lettuce
2 medium tomatoes, diced
½ small red onion, finely diced
1 avocado, diced
½ cup crumbled cotija cheese
⅓ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Lime wedges, for serving
Optional: sour cream, hot sauce
Instructions
Prepare Tortillas: Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Brush both sides of the corn tortillas with vegetable oil. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Season Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, combine shredded chicken with taco seasoning and a splash of water. Heat until warmed through and well-coated.
- Warm Beans: In a separate pan, heat the refried beans until warmed, stirring occasionally.
- Assemble Tostadas: Spread a thin layer of refried beans on each crispy tortilla. Top with seasoned shredded chicken.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Layer with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, and avocado. Sprinkle with cotija cheese and chopped cilantro.
- Serve: Garnish with lime wedges and optional sour cream or hot sauce. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños or drizzle with hot sauce.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or grilled vegetables.
- If you like cheese, melt some cheese on the tostadas before adding fresh toppings.
- Use gluten-free tostada shells if needed to make this dish gluten-free.
- For a smoky flavor, prepare the chicken with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a Tinga-style tostada.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tostada
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg