Chicken Tostada

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy: Assemble in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.

  • Customizable: Tailor toppings to your taste preferences.

  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare components in advance for a hassle-free meal.

  • Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings or family dinners.

  • 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.)

  • 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


directions

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Warm Beans: In a separate pan, heat the refried beans until warmed, stirring occasionally.

  4. Assemble Tostadas: Spread a thin layer of refried beans on each crispy tortilla. Top with seasoned shredded chicken.

  5. Add Fresh Toppings: Layer with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, and avocado. Sprinkle with cotija cheese and chopped cilantro.

  6. Serve: Garnish with lime wedges and optional sour cream or hot sauce. Serve immediately.


Servings and timing

  • Servings: 8 tostadas

  • Prep time: 10 minutes

  • Cook time: 15 minutes

  • Total time: 25 minutes


Variations

  • Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.

  • Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms or grilled vegetables.

  • Cheesy Delight: Top with melted cheese before adding fresh toppings.

  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tostada shells and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

  • Tinga Style: Prepare chicken with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky flavor.


storage/reheating

  • Refrigerator: Store leftover components separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

  • Freezer: Freeze shredded chicken and refried beans in separate containers for up to 2 months.

  • Reheating:

    • Chicken & Beans: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

    • Tostada Shells: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes until crispy.

    • Assemble: Reassemble tostadas with fresh toppings just before serving.


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

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Chicken Tostada

Chicken Tostada

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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.

  • Author: Laura
  • 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


  1. 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.

  1. 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.
  2. Warm Beans: In a separate pan, heat the refried beans until warmed, stirring occasionally.
  3. Assemble Tostadas: Spread a thin layer of refried beans on each crispy tortilla. Top with seasoned shredded chicken.
  4. Add Fresh Toppings: Layer with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, and avocado. Sprinkle with cotija cheese and chopped cilantro.
  5. 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
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