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Chicken Tostadas

Chicken Tostadas

These Chicken Tostadas are crispy, flavorful, and easy enough for a busy weeknight dinner. Crunchy tostada shells are layered with seasoned shredded chicken, creamy refried beans, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, cheese, and your favorite toppings for a satisfying meal everyone can customize. They’re fresh, filling, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a casual party spread.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 tostadas 1x

Ingredients

For the Chicken

2 cups cooked shredded chicken

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup salsa

2 tablespoons water or chicken broth

For the Tostadas

6 tostada shells

1 can (16 oz) refried beans

1 cup shredded lettuce

1 cup diced tomatoes

1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese or cheddar cheese

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup guacamole or mashed avocado

1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)

1/4 cup chopped red onion

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)

Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

Season the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly.

Add Moisture and Flavor

Pour in the salsa and water or chicken broth. Stir and cook for 3–5 minutes until the chicken is warmed through and flavorful. Remove from heat.

Warm the Beans

In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, heat the refried beans until smooth and spreadable.

Assemble the Tostadas

Spread a layer of warm refried beans onto each tostada shell. Top with seasoned chicken, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, red onion, olives, jalapeños, and cilantro.

Finish and Serve

Add a dollop of sour cream and guacamole to each tostada. Serve immediately with fresh lime wedges.

Notes

Cooking Tips

  • Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
  • Warm the tostada shells briefly in the oven for extra crispness before assembling.
  • Spread beans first to help the toppings stick better.
  • Serve immediately so the tostadas stay crunchy and don’t get soggy.
  • Prep toppings ahead of time for a quick weeknight dinner or taco night.
  • Add hot sauce or chipotle crema if you like extra heat.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor.

Variations

1. Spicy Chicken Tostadas

Add chopped chipotle peppers in adobo or extra jalapeños for a spicy kick.

2. BBQ Chicken Tostadas

Swap salsa for BBQ sauce and top with corn, red onion, and cilantro.

3. Buffalo Chicken Tostadas

Mix the chicken with buffalo sauce and top with ranch drizzle and shredded lettuce.

4. Low-Carb Version

Skip the tostada shell and serve the toppings over chopped romaine or low-carb wraps.

5. Bean and Chicken Tostadas

Use both black beans and refried beans for extra protein and texture.

6. Cheesy Baked Tostadas

Add cheese over the chicken and bake at 400°F for 5 minutes before topping with fresh ingredients.

7. Tex-Mex Style

Top with corn, avocado, salsa verde, and crushed tortilla chips.

8. Loaded Chicken Tostadas

Pile on extras like pico de gallo, queso fresco, pickled onions, and a drizzle of crema.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 340
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 540mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 20g
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