If you love dishes that bring together crisp textures, warm spices, and fresh toppings, chicken tostadas are the perfect choice for your next meal. These tostadas combine crunchy shells with tender, seasoned chicken, creamy beans, fresh vegetables, and zesty garnishes for a balanced and satisfying bite every time.
Why We Love Chicken Tostadas
Chicken tostadas are more than just a meal—they are an experience. Each bite offers a combination of textures that make eating them fun and satisfying. The crispy shell provides a firm base, while the warm chicken and beans offer savory richness. Fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado slices add a refreshing crunch, balancing the flavors beautifully. Toppings like salsa and lime give a zesty lift, making every bite lively and flavorful. Plus, you can adjust the heat, toppings, and seasonings to suit your personal preferences, making them versatile and perfect for family meals. These tostadas are simple enough to prepare on a weeknight yet festive enough to serve at parties.
Ingredients for Chicken Tostadas
- 1 pound shredded chicken (choose your favorite variety or seasonings)
- 12 tostada shells (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 can refried beans (16 ounces) or 2 cups homemade refried beans
- 3 ounces shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or Queso Fresco
- 2 cups shredded lettuce (iceberg or romaine)
- 1 cup finely diced tomato
- Pico de gallo or other salsa, to taste
- 2 large avocados, peeled, pitted, and thinly sliced
- Sour cream or Mexican crema, to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
How to Make Chicken Tostadas
Making chicken tostadas is simple, and you can prepare each component separately to save time. Start by warming the shredded chicken and refried beans to ensure they are served hot. If you prefer, gently warm the tostada shells to make them crispy but not brittle.
Once the components are ready, spread a thin layer of refried beans on each shell. This creates a creamy base that keeps the chicken in place and adds flavor. Layer the shredded chicken evenly on top of the beans, making sure each tostada has a generous amount. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken, allowing it to melt slightly from the warmth.
Next, add fresh vegetables. Shredded lettuce provides a crisp texture, while diced tomatoes add juiciness and color. Spoon on some pico de gallo or your favorite salsa for a burst of tangy flavor. Top each tostada with thin avocado slices and a small dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema. Finally, garnish with chopped cilantro for freshness and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zing.
These tostadas can be customized with different chicken preparations. You can make a flavorful Chicken Tinga, Chicken Carnitas, or simply season plain shredded chicken with salt, pepper, and Mexican spices. Using rotisserie chicken is also a convenient shortcut that still delivers great flavor.
How to Serve Chicken Tostadas
Serving chicken tostadas is as enjoyable as making them. Arrange them on a large platter for a festive presentation, allowing everyone to add toppings according to their taste. You can serve them with extra salsa, lime wedges, or hot sauce for added flavor. Pair your tostadas with a fresh side salad, rice, or beans for a complete meal.
For casual meals, serving them individually works perfectly. Each person can hold their tostada and enjoy it without extra utensils, making it a fun and interactive dining experience. For gatherings, you can offer a toppings bar with extra cheese, avocado slices, chopped onions, or different salsas so everyone can customize their tostadas.
Expert Tips for Chicken Tostadas
To make your chicken tostadas truly stand out, consider a few expert tips. First, choose fresh, high-quality ingredients. Fresh vegetables and ripe avocados make a noticeable difference in flavor and presentation. When warming tostada shells, do so briefly in the oven to keep them crisp and prevent them from becoming soggy.
For the chicken, season it well. Even plain shredded chicken becomes flavorful with a simple mix of spices such as cumin, paprika, and garlic powder. Using rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut, but adding your own seasoning can elevate it further. Layer the beans, chicken, and cheese evenly so each bite has a balanced combination of flavors. Finally, always garnish with fresh cilantro and lime to brighten the flavors and enhance the visual appeal of your tostadas.
How to Store Chicken Tostadas
Chicken tostadas are best enjoyed immediately to maintain the crispiness of the shells. If you have leftovers, store the chicken, beans, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This way, you can reassemble the tostadas when ready to serve, ensuring the shells remain crisp.
Shredded chicken and refried beans can be stored for up to three days in the refrigerator. Fresh vegetables like lettuce and tomatoes should be used within a day or two for the best texture. Avocados can be stored with a bit of lime juice to prevent browning, but it’s best to slice them just before serving.
Variations of Chicken Tostadas
Chicken tostadas are versatile and allow for many variations. You can change the type of beans, cheese, or chicken preparation to suit your taste. For a spicier version, add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce. For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Experiment with different toppings such as corn, black beans, or roasted peppers. You can also make mini tostadas for appetizers or serve them as open-faced tacos on larger tortillas. Changing the cheese type or adding a squeeze of fresh lime can subtly alter the flavor profile to match your preferences. These variations make chicken tostadas adaptable for everyday meals, special occasions, or festive gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Tostadas
Can I use rotisserie chicken for chicken tostadas?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a convenient option and adds great flavor. You can season it further if desired.
What type of cheese works best for tostadas?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Queso Fresco are excellent choices. Each adds a creamy, flavorful layer to your tostada.
How do I keep tostadas crispy?
Serve them immediately after assembling. If storing, keep the shells separate and assemble just before serving.
Can I make chicken tostadas ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken, beans, and toppings in advance, but it’s best to assemble the tostadas just before serving to keep the shells crisp.
Are chicken tostadas healthy?
Yes, they are a balanced meal with protein from chicken and beans, healthy fats from avocado, and fiber from vegetables. You can customize toppings to suit your dietary preferences.
Chicken Tostadas
Equipment
- Skillet
- Platter
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb. shredded chicken seasoned to your liking
- 12 pieces tostada shells store-bought or homemade
- 1 can refried beans (16 ounces) or 2 cups homemade
- 3 oz. shredded cheese Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Queso Fresco
- 2 cups shredded lettuce iceberg or romaine
- 1 cup finely diced tomato
- Pico de gallo or salsa to taste
- 2 large avocados peeled, pitted, and sliced
- Sour cream or Mexican crema to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Warm the shredded chicken and refried beans in a skillet over medium heat until hot.
- If desired, warm the tostada shells briefly to make them crispy.
- Spread a thin layer of refried beans on each tostada shell.
- Layer the shredded chicken evenly on top of the beans.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken, allowing it to melt slightly from the warmth.
- Add fresh vegetables: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and spoon on pico de gallo or salsa.
- Top each tostada with avocado slices and a dollop of sour cream or crema.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!