Chicken Tostadas: Easy Recipe for a Flavorful Dinner

chicken tostadas

By:

Julia marin

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about chicken tostadas! These little beauties are not only incredibly delicious but also super easy to whip up. I remember the first time I tried them at a family gathering; everyone was raving about how flavorful they were, and I just had to get the recipe! The best part is that they come together in about 25 minutes, making them perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun get-together with friends. You can load them up with fresh toppings like crispy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and creamy sour cream, and trust me, each bite is a flavor explosion! Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, you’ll love how simple and satisfying making chicken tostadas can be. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe, shall we?

chicken tostadas - detail 1

Ingredients List

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (preferably from a rotisserie or leftover)
  • 8 tostada shells (store-bought or homemade, whichever you prefer)
  • 1 cup refried beans (canned or homemade for that extra love)
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce (for that nice crunch)
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh is best for flavor)
  • 1/2 cup diced onion (white or red, depending on your taste)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your favorite melting cheese)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream (to add a creamy touch)
  • 1/4 cup salsa (store-bought or homemade for some zing)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (to help crisp up those tostada shells)

How to Prepare Instructions

  1. First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your tostadas will be nice and crispy!
  2. While that’s heating up, grab those tostada shells and brush each one lightly with olive oil. This little step makes a huge difference in achieving that perfect crunch.
  3. Now, place your tostada shells on a baking sheet. Pop them in the oven and let them bake for about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them golden and crispy but not burnt!
  4. Once they’re ready, take them out and spread a generous layer of refried beans on each tostada shell. This is going to be the delicious base for all your toppings!
  5. Next, add that tasty shredded chicken on top of the beans. Don’t be shy—load it up!
  6. Now it’s time to pile on the fresh toppings! Start with the shredded lettuce, then add the diced tomatoes, onion, and a sprinkle of cheese on top.
  7. Return the loaded tostadas to the oven for another 5 minutes. This will melt the cheese and bring everything together beautifully.
  8. Finally, take them out of the oven and finish with a dollop of sour cream and a drizzle of salsa. You’re ready to serve these mouthwatering chicken tostadas!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional info for one chicken tostada. Keep in mind that these values can vary a bit depending on the exact ingredients and portions you use, but this should give you a good idea:

  • Calories: 300
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

So, there you have it! These chicken tostadas are not only delicious but also pack a decent amount of protein to keep you satisfied. Enjoy them guilt-free, knowing you’re treating yourself to something tasty and fun!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make—ready in just 25 minutes!
  • Uses simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
  • Perfect for a weeknight dinner; it’s a no-fuss meal that everyone will enjoy.
  • Customizable with your favorite toppings—go wild with add-ons!
  • Gluten-free option available, making it suitable for various diets.

Tips for Success

Alright, my friends, let’s make sure your chicken tostadas turn out absolutely amazing! Here are some tried-and-true tips to help you nail this recipe:

  • Keep an eye on those tostadas! Watch them closely in the oven to prevent burning. You want them golden brown and crispy, but not overly toasty.
  • Experiment with toppings! Don’t hesitate to add your favorites. Avocado slices, jalapeños, or even black olives can elevate your tostadas to the next level!
  • For an extra flavor boost, consider adding spices to your chicken or beans. A pinch of cumin or chili powder can add a delightful kick.
  • Don’t skip the sour cream and salsa! They’re the finishing touches that bring everything together. Plus, they add that creamy and zesty contrast that’s just perfect!
  • Try different cheeses! While cheddar is great, feel free to mix it up with pepper jack or even a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco for a unique twist.
  • Make it a family affair! Get everyone involved in assembling their own tostadas. It’s a fun way to enjoy dinner and everyone gets to customize their toppings!

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating chicken tostadas that are not only delicious but also impressively personalized. Enjoy the process and have fun with it!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch things up a bit, I’ve got some fantastic variations for your chicken tostadas! Trust me, these ideas will keep your taste buds excited and your meals fresh:

  • Change up the protein: Instead of chicken, consider using shredded beef, ground turkey, or even black beans for a vegetarian twist. Each protein brings its own unique flavor that can transform your tostadas!
  • Explore different cheeses: While cheddar is a classic, why not try pepper jack for a spicy kick or cotija cheese for a crumbly, salty addition? Mixing different cheeses can create a delightful flavor profile.
  • Load up on veggies: Add some grilled bell peppers, corn, or sliced jalapeños for extra crunch and flavor. You can even top with diced avocado for a creamy touch that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
  • Go for a theme: Turn your tostadas into a taco night by adding traditional taco toppings like guacamole, pico de gallo, or even a sprinkle of taco seasoning to your beans or chicken.
  • Try a different sauce: Instead of salsa, drizzle some chipotle sauce or creamy cilantro dressing over the top for a new flavor experience. It’s an easy way to change the whole vibe of your dish!
  • Seasonal twists: In the fall, add some roasted butternut squash and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a sweet twist. Or in the summer, top with fresh corn salsa and lime for a refreshing bite!

With these variations, you can keep your chicken tostadas exciting and cater to everyone’s tastes. Don’t hesitate to mix and match—after all, the kitchen is your playground! Enjoy the creativity!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve got your delicious chicken tostadas ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside them! A well-rounded meal enhances the whole experience, and trust me, you’ll want to complement those tasty tostadas with some fantastic sides.

  • Mexican rice: This fluffy, flavorful rice is the perfect partner for chicken tostadas. It soaks up all the delicious juices and adds a lovely texture to your meal.
  • Guacamole: I can’t stress enough how amazing fresh guacamole is with tostadas! The creamy avocado adds a rich contrast to the crunchy tostadas and is simply irresistible.
  • Fresh salad: A light, refreshing salad with crisp greens, diced cucumbers, and a zesty lime vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the tostadas beautifully. It’s a great way to add some extra veggies to your plate!
  • Black beans: Seasoned black beans are a classic Mexican side that not only taste great but also pack a protein punch. You could serve them on the side or even layer them on your tostadas for extra flavor!
  • Grilled corn: Sweet, charred corn on the cob or grilled corn salad brings a burst of sweetness that pairs well with the savory ingredients of the tostadas. It’s a fun, summertime addition!
  • Salsa or pico de gallo: Have some extra salsa or pico de gallo on the table for guests to add more freshness and flavor to their tostadas. It’s a great way to customize each bite!

Feel free to mix and match these sides based on your cravings or what you have on hand. The goal is to create a vibrant and satisfying meal that everyone will love. Enjoy your chicken tostadas with these delightful accompaniments, and get ready for some happy taste buds!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve whipped up a batch of those scrumptious chicken tostadas, and now you’ve got some leftovers—lucky you! Here’s how to store them properly so you can enjoy that deliciousness again later.

First, if you have any tostadas left, it’s best to store the toppings separately from the shells. This will help keep everything fresh and prevent sogginess. Place the cooked tostada shells in an airtight container at room temperature, and they should stay crispy for about a day.

For any leftover chicken, beans, and toppings (like lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese), transfer them to separate airtight containers and pop them in the refrigerator. They’ll be good for about 3-4 days, but trust me, they won’t last that long if you’re anything like me!

When it comes to reheating, here’s my favorite method to keep those tostadas crispy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tostada shells on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven for about 5 minutes. This will help revive their crunch. Meanwhile, you can heat up the chicken and beans in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

After everything is heated, assemble your tostadas again with fresh toppings, and voilà! You’ve got a tasty meal ready to go. Just remember, the fresher the toppings, the better the flavor, so add those right before serving. Enjoy those leftover chicken tostadas just as much as the first time around!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
chicken tostadas

Chicken Tostadas: Easy Recipe for a Flavorful Dinner


  • Author: Julia marin
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Delicious and easy chicken tostadas topped with fresh ingredients.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 8 tostada shells
  • 1 cup refried beans
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup salsa
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Brush tostada shells lightly with olive oil.
  3. Place tostada shells on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes until crispy.
  4. Spread refried beans evenly on each tostada shell.
  5. Add shredded chicken on top of the beans.
  6. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, onion, and cheese.
  7. Bake for an additional 5 minutes until cheese melts.
  8. Remove from oven and add sour cream and salsa before serving.

Notes

  • Use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • Feel free to add other toppings like avocado or jalapeños.
  • Watch the tostadas closely in the oven to avoid burning.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 tostada
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: chicken tostadas, easy recipe, beginner cooking

About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating