Get ready to welcome some bold and irresistible flavors right into your kitchen with these Easy Chicken Tostadas! This dish marries crispy tostada shells, tender spiced chicken, creamy beans, crunchy lettuce and bright, fresh toppings in every single bite. Whether you’re aiming for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party platter, you’ll love how this recipe satisfies the craving for Mexican-inspired fare—without any fuss. Simple ingredients, lightning-fast assembly, and guaranteed smiles: that’s what Easy Chicken Tostadas are all about!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Easy Chicken Tostadas lies in the fresh, unfussy ingredients. Each component serves a purpose, bringing out a zesty tang, hearty texture, or vibrant color—making every bite a delight. Here’s what you’ll need and why you won’t want to skip a thing!
- Cooked Shredded Chicken (2 cups): The heart of the tostadas; using rotisserie chicken makes this even easier.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Helps bloom the spices and keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful.
- Chili Powder (1 teaspoon): Delivers a smoky, punchy backbone to the chicken seasoning.
- Cumin (1/2 teaspoon): Adds that warm, classic Mexican depth to the filling.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for savory aroma without chopping fresh garlic.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Balance out all the flavors—taste as you go!
- Tostada Shells (8): Super crispy vessels for all your toppings; use store-bought for maximum convenience.
- Refried Beans (1 can, 15 oz, warmed): Brings lush creaminess and acts as a “glue” for the toppings.
- Shredded Lettuce (1 cup): Lends a cool crunch that contrasts the warm toppings beautifully.
- Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese (1 cup): Melty, savory, and totally irresistible!
- Diced Tomatoes (1/2 cup): Juicy bits of color and freshness.
- Chopped Red Onion (1/4 cup): Offers a little bite and beautiful color.
- Chopped Fresh Cilantro (1/4 cup): Infuses a burst of herbaceous zest; skip if you’re not a fan.
- Sour Cream or Mexican Crema (1/4 cup): Creamy drizzle brings tang and balances the spice.
- Lime, cut into wedges (1): The finishing touch—squeeze right before enjoying for a bright, citrusy note.
How to Make Easy Chicken Tostadas
Step 1: Season and Warm the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium and pour in the olive oil. Toss in your shredded chicken, then sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, and let it cook for 3-4 minutes. The chicken should be heated through, lightly crisped in spots, and flavorful from the spices soaking into every strand. This step is all about infusing the chicken with personality!
Step 2: Build the Base
Spread a generous layer of warm refried beans over each crisp tostada shell. This is more than delicious—it’s practical! The beans act like culinary glue, helping your toppings stay put while lending creamy texture and rich flavor.
Step 3: Load Up the Toppings
Pile on the seasoned chicken onto the bean-slathered shells. Next, scatter a handful of shredded lettuce, followed by a sprinkling of melty cheese. Then, let those little pops of color shine: diced tomatoes, a scatter of red onion, and plenty of fresh cilantro. The layers should feel bountiful but balanced, so every bite is packed with contrast and freshness.
Step 4: Drizzle and Brighten
Just before serving, drizzle each Easy Chicken Tostada with sour cream or Mexican crema. Bring out the lime wedges and encourage everyone to give theirs a good squeeze—this quick finishing touch makes the flavors sing, adding coolness and acidity.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Now comes the best part: serve your Easy Chicken Tostadas immediately, while the shells are crispy and the toppings are fresh. Line them up on a platter and watch them disappear! These tostadas shine as a main dish, snack, or party centerpiece.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Tostadas
Garnishes
Garnishing your Easy Chicken Tostadas is where you can let your creativity take over! Offer extra cilantro, a shower of thinly sliced jalapeños, or a pinch of crumbled queso fresco for added flair. Serve lime wedges on the side for that custom squeeze of brightness, and keep a spicy salsa nearby for anyone yearning for a little extra heat.
Side Dishes
Round out your tostada night with a side of classic Mexican rice, zesty corn salad, or a bowl of black beans. Chips and guacamole or a simple pico de gallo are also tried-and-true crowd-pleasers that keep the meal feeling festive and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange all your toppings buffet-style and let everyone build their own Easy Chicken Tostadas—perfect for a laid-back gathering or family night! For a charming touch, serve the tostadas on a wooden board surrounded by colorful garnishes in tiny bowls. Or slice each tostada in quarters and pass them around as bite-sized appetizers. These tostadas love a little improvisation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got leftovers, simply store the chicken, beans, veggies, and cheese separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps each ingredient at its best and prevents your tostada shells from getting soggy. When you’re ready, assemble just what you need for a fresh, crispy experience every time.
Freezing
You can freeze the seasoned shredded chicken for future Easy Chicken Tostadas—just tuck it into a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Avoid freezing the assembled tostadas, as the shells and fresh toppings won’t hold up well in the freezer.
Reheating
To reheat the chicken, a quick spin in the microwave or a toss in a hot skillet will do the trick. Warm the refried beans in the microwave or over low heat on the stove so they’re easy to spread. Toast your tostada shells for a few minutes in a low oven if they need extra crisping before assembling.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for Easy Chicken Tostadas?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a huge time saver and brings plenty of flavor to the party. Just shred it and follow the recipe for seasoning and warming the meat.
Are Easy Chicken Tostadas gluten-free?
They can be! Just make sure your tostada shells and refried beans are certified gluten-free. Always double-check labels if you’re serving anyone with gluten sensitivities.
What’s the best way to keep the tostada shells crispy?
Don’t pile on the sauces or beans until you’re ready to serve. Assemble right before eating, and if the shells seem soft, re-crisp them in a 350°F oven for 3-4 minutes.
Can I make Easy Chicken Tostadas vegetarian?
Of course! Substitute the chicken with sautéed peppers and onions, or use black beans for a protein boost. The beauty of tostadas is how adaptable they are to your favorite fillings.
What other toppings work well with Easy Chicken Tostadas?
Get adventurous! Avocado slices, pickled onions, shredded radishes, cotija cheese, or even a dollop of guacamole all work fabulously as extra toppings. Mix and match to keep it interesting!
Final Thoughts
These Easy Chicken Tostadas are proof that weeknight dinners can be vibrant, fun, and absolutely delicious with minimal effort. If you’re craving big flavor and lots of color—without lots of work—this is the recipe to try. Break out the tostada shells and let everyone dig in; you’re about to become the hero of dinnertime!
Print
Easy Chicken Tostadas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (2 tostadas per person)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Chicken Tostadas are a delicious and quick Mexican-inspired meal perfect for a weeknight dinner. Crispy tostada shells topped with seasoned chicken, refried beans, cheese, and all your favorite toppings!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Tostadas:
- 8 tostada shells
- 1 can (15 ounces) refried beans, warmed
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add shredded chicken, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until heated through and seasoned.
- Assemble Tostadas: Spread refried beans on tostada shells. Top with seasoned chicken, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Drizzle with sour cream.
- Serve: Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Notes
- To make it easier, use rotisserie chicken. Add guacamole, jalapeños, or hot sauce for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tostadas
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
