Chicken Tostadas Recipe That’s Easy and Crunchy

Crunchy, zesty easy chicken tostadas have been my secret weapon for quick weeknight dinners.

Mexican cuisine offers incredible flavor combinations that always surprise me.

Crisp tortillas provide the perfect canvas for tender, spiced chicken.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference in this simple dish.

Colorful toppings like vibrant salsa and creamy avocado bring excitement to the plate.

You’ll love how fast these come together with minimal prep work.

Layers of texture and bold flavors await you in this irresistible meal.

Prepare to be amazed by how delicious something so simple can be.

Why Chicken Tostadas Belong in Your Rotation

• Quick chicken tostadas are a total game-changer for busy households.
• Prepare these delicious tostadas in just 20 minutes, making them perfect for hectic weeknight dinners when time is tight.
• Swap ingredients based on preferences- kids can add their favorite toppings, creating a personalized dinner experience that keeps everyone happy and engaged.
• These tostadas offer a satisfying blend of crispy tortillas, seasoned protein, and fresh toppings that appeal to both adults and children, transforming mealtime into a fun, interactive feast.

What Goes into These Chicken Tostadas

• Corn Tortillas: Crispy foundation for tostadas, corn varieties provide authentic flavor.
• Cooking Oil: Essential for frying tortillas to golden crispiness, neutral vegetable or canola oil works best.

• Shredded Chicken: Main protein source, can use rotisserie or home-cooked chicken for convenience.
• Taco Seasoning: Adds spicy and savory flavor to chicken, premade or homemade blends work well.

• Refried Beans: Optional creamy layer that adds protein and richness to tostadas.
• Lettuce: Fresh and crisp element for texture and coolness.
• Tomatoes: Adds juicy and bright flavor to the dish.
• Avocado: Creamy topping with healthy fats and rich taste.
• Sour Cream: Tangy and cooling topping that balances spicy flavors.
• Cheese: Adds creamy and salty dimension, shredded or crumbled varieties work great.
• Fresh Cilantro: Bright herb that provides fresh and aromatic garnish.

• Lime Wedges: Adds zesty citrus flavor and brightness.
• Hot Sauce: Optional spicy condiment for extra kick.

How to Assemble and Bake Chicken Tostadas

Step 1: Transform Tortillas Into Crunchy Bases

Heat a skillet with oil over medium temperature. Carefully place tortillas into hot oil, cooking each side until golden brown and deliciously crisp. For a healthier option, use an air fryer at 375F for 3-4 minutes until perfectly crunchy. Transfer tortillas onto paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 2: Spice Up the Chicken

Grab your shredded chicken and sprinkle with zesty taco seasoning. If mixture seems dry, add a splash of water. Warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating and maximum flavor infusion.

Step 3: Build Your Tostada Masterpiece

• Crisp lettuce
• Juicy diced tomatoes
• Creamy avocado slices
• Tangy sour cream
• Shredded cheese
• Fresh chopped cilantro

Step 4: Serve and Devour

Plate your tostadas immediately to maintain maximum crunchiness. Accompany with lime wedges and your favorite hot sauce for an extra flavor kick. Enjoy this Mexican-inspired feast that brings excitement to your dining table!

Tips to Keep Tostadas Crunchy and Delicious

• Customize Crispiness: Experiment with tortilla thickness to achieve your ideal crunch- thinner tortillas crisp faster, while thicker ones provide a heartier base.
• Boost Protein Power: Layer refried beans as a protein-packed foundation, creating a more filling and nutritious tostada experience.
• Master Chicken Seasoning: Create a balanced flavor by adjusting taco seasoning intensity- start with less, taste, and gradually add more to prevent overwhelming spiciness.
• Swap and Substitute: Replace chicken with shredded beef, pulled pork, or black beans for vegetarian options that maintain the dish's delicious core flavors.
• Manage Moisture Masterfully: Pat chicken and vegetables dry before adding to prevent soggy tostadas, ensuring a perfectly crisp texture every time.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Chicken Tostadas

• Store leftover tostadas disassembled in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days. Keep crispy tortillas separate from wet ingredients to prevent sogginess.
• Warm tortillas in a preheated oven at 350F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwave to maintain texture.
• Gently reheat seasoned chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.
• Add fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado after reheating to maintain crisp texture and vibrant flavors.

What Toppings Go Great with Chicken Tostadas

• Tostada Delight
• Blend fresh lime juice, tequila, and a touch of agave nectar to complement the tostada's bold Mexican-inspired flavors. The citrusy kick cuts through the richness of the chicken and beans.
• Grab a crisp, light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo Especial. Its refreshing taste balances the spicy taco-seasoned chicken and provides a perfect counterpoint to the crunchy tostada.
• Whip up a quick pico de gallo with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice. This bright, tangy condiment adds a fresh dimension that elevates the entire tostada experience and brings out the chicken's seasoned notes.
• Mix watermelon or pineapple water with a hint of mint for a light, hydrating drink that cleanses the palate between bites of the crispy, flavor-packed tostadas.

Chicken Tostada Variations You’ll Love

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with black beans or roasted tofu, seasoned with the same taco spices for a protein-packed meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas (which are naturally gluten-free) and ensure taco seasoning is certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap crispy tortillas with large lettuce leaves or use cauliflower tortillas as a base, maintaining the same delicious toppings and flavors.
• Dairy-Free Approach: Skip cheese and sour cream, replacing them with cashew cream or dairy-free yogurt, and load up with extra fresh vegetables for added nutrition.

Easy Chicken Tostadas Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor the ultimate Mexican-inspired “Easy Chicken Tostadas” that blend crispy tortillas, succulent seasoned chicken, and fresh zesty toppings. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, these tostadas invite you to enjoy a delightful explosion of authentic flavors in every crunchy bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein Base:

• 2 cups (0.47 liters) cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)

Seasonings and Oils:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons/30 milliliters homemade taco seasoning)
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) water

Tostada Toppings:

• 8 tostada shells (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) refried beans, warmed
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded lettuce
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) diced tomatoes
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) sliced black olives (optional)
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) sour cream or Mexican crema
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Transform corn tortillas into crisp foundations by submerging them in hot oil, gently frying until they turn golden and rigid. For a healthier approach, utilize an air fryer at 375F, crisping each tortilla for 3-4 minutes until perfectly crunchy. Transfer to paper towels to eliminate excess grease.
2. Shred cooked chicken and infuse with zesty taco seasoning, incorporating a splash of water to maintain moisture. Warm the seasoned protein in a skillet over medium heat, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
3. Create a robust base layer by spreading creamy refried beans across each crisped tortilla, enhancing both texture and nutritional profile.
4. Construct a vibrant topping landscape: layer the seasoned chicken over beans, then artfully arrange fresh ingredients like crisp lettuce, juicy diced tomatoes, creamy avocado slices, tangy sour cream, melted cheese, and fragrant cilantro.
5. Present these dynamic tostadas immediately to preserve their signature crunch, accompanied by bright lime wedges and a fiery hot sauce for personalized heat. Invite diners to customize their culinary experience with additional garnishes.

Notes

• Choose sturdy corn tortillas for authentic crispy base that won’t get soggy quickly.
• Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum flavor absorption and prevent excess moisture.
• Warm tostadas right before serving to maintain crunchiness and prevent softening from toppings.
• Consider swapping traditional toppings for dietary needs: use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, plant-based cheese for vegan version, or add black beans for extra protein.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer.
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg