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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Create a robust base layer by spreading creamy refried beans across each crisped tortilla, enhancing both texture and nutritional profile.
- 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.
- 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