Zesty Chicken Tostadas: A Foolproof Fiesta Recipe For Dinner

Crispy corn tortillas loaded with zesty chicken tostadas promise a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Mexican street food inspired this killer dish that comes together in minutes.

Layers of crunchy, tender goodness await you in every bite.

Fresh ingredients and bold spices create a mouthwatering experience that breaks through boring meal routines.

Colorful toppings add texture and excitement to this simple yet spectacular plate.

Quick to assemble and impossible to resist, these tostadas bring restaurant-quality magic right to your kitchen.

Lean into this culinary adventure and watch everyone at the table light up with pure deliciousness.

FAQs

• What are tostada shells made of?

Tostada shells are traditionally made from corn tortillas that are deep-fried or baked until crispy and flat, creating a crunchy base for toppings.

• Can I make this recipe spicy or mild?

Yes, you can control the heat by adjusting the number of serrano peppers. Remove the seeds for a milder salsa or add more peppers for extra spiciness.

• Is rotisserie chicken the best option for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken is convenient and adds great flavor, but you can also use leftover grilled chicken, boiled chicken, or shredded chicken from other cooking methods.

• How do I prevent my tostada shells from getting soggy?

To keep tostada shells crispy, spread a thin layer of salsa and add toppings just before serving. Serve immediately after assembling to maintain the crunch.

Chicken Tostadas Layered With Crunchy Savory Toppings

• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Rotisserie chicken and pre-made tostada shells slash cooking time, letting you create a restaurant-style meal in under 20 minutes.
• Customize with Ease: Simple base recipe allows endless personalization with additional toppings like sour cream, queso fresco, or avocado slices to match family preferences.
• Kid-Friendly Mexican Favorite: Crispy shells, shredded chicken, and mild salsa make this dish appealing to children while introducing them to vibrant Mexican cuisine flavors.

Chicken Tostadas Build Ingredients

• Tostada Shells: Crispy corn tortillas that serve as the foundation for the dish, providing a crunchy texture and sturdy base.
• Chicken: Shredded and flavorful, preferably from a rotisserie chicken for convenience and quick preparation.

• Tomatillos: Green, tangy fruits that create the base of the salsa, offering a bright and slightly acidic flavor profile.
• Serrano Peppers: Adds heat and depth to the salsa, can be adjusted based on spice preference.

• Onion, Garlic: Provides foundational flavor and aromatic base for the salsa.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds brightness and traditional Mexican flavor to the dish.

• Chicken Bouillon, Black Pepper, Cumin: Enhances overall flavor, adds depth and complexity to the salsa.

• Extra Cilantro, Lime Wedges: Fresh garnish that adds brightness and allows for personalized flavor adjustment.

Chicken Tostadas: Fry, Top, And Serve Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Salsa Verde Sauce

Toss tomatillos and serrano peppers into a saucepan, covering them with water.

Boil for about 10 minutes until they become soft and tender.

• Onion
• Garlic
• Cilantro
• Chicken bouillon
• Black pepper
• Cumin

Blend everything until the mixture transforms into a smooth, vibrant green sauce.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 2: Shred Chicken

Take your cooked chicken and use two forks to pull it apart into delicate, bite-sized pieces.

Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for a quick and easy preparation.

Step 3: Crisp Tostada Shells

Warm your tostada shells either in the oven or on the stovetop until they become perfectly crispy and golden.

Step 4: Assemble Tostadas

Spread a generous layer of salsa verde across each crunchy tostada shell.

Pile on the shredded chicken, creating a hearty topping.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the tostadas.

Place lime wedges alongside for guests to squeeze additional zesty flavor as desired.

Tostada Tips For Crisp Chicken Layers

• Use rotisserie chicken for quick, effortless shredding and maximum flavor with minimal preparation time.
• Adjust serrano pepper quantity to manage heat level, removing seeds for milder sauce or keeping them for extra kick.
• Warm shells in oven at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to ensure maximum crunchiness without burning.
• Add extra chicken bouillon or cumin incrementally while blending salsa to create a more complex, rich sauce.
• Prepare salsa and shred chicken in advance, storing separately in refrigerator for fast assembly during busy weeknights.

Chicken Tostadas Stay Crisp with Smart Storage

• Store leftover chicken and salsa separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Keep tostada shells in a sealed container at room temperature to prevent sogginess. Add crispy shells just before serving to maintain their crunch.
• Warm shredded chicken gently in a microwave with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• When ready to enjoy leftovers, quickly crisp tostada shells in the oven, add warmed chicken, and top with fresh salsa for a meal that tastes just like the first serving.

Crunchy Picks For Chicken Tostadas

• Boost Flavor Harmony: Pair Zesty Chicken Tostadas with Fresh Companions
• Crisp Mexican Lager Companion: A cold Modelo Especial or Pacifico beer cuts through the tomatillo salsa's tangy heat, refreshing your palate with each crispy bite.
• Bright Citrus Cocktail Match: Craft a fresh margarita using lime juice, tequila, and triple sec to complement the tostada's vibrant salsa and enhance the citrusy notes.
• Cooling Sidekick Beverage: Serve a chilled horchata to balance the salsa's spiciness, offering a creamy, sweet counterpoint that soothes the palate and adds textural contrast.
• Herbal Wine Accent: Select a light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc with herbal undertones that mirror the cilantro and complement the tomatillo's green brightness.

Chicken Tostada Flavor Options

• Low-Carb Lettuce Wraps: Replace tostada shells with large lettuce leaves for a lighter, gluten-free alternative that maintains the fresh chicken and salsa flavors.
• Vegetarian Bean Tostadas: Swap chicken with black beans or refried beans, keeping the tomatillo salsa and adding crumbled queso fresco for protein and texture.
• Spicy Seafood Version: Use shredded white fish or small shrimp instead of chicken, enhancing the tomatillo salsa with extra serrano peppers for heat-seekers.
• Dairy-Free Option: Omit cheese garnishes and use cashew cream or avocado slices to add richness and creaminess to the tostadas while keeping the recipe allergen-friendly.

Chicken Tostadas Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Crispy Mexican chicken tostadas deliver a fiesta of flavors dancing across authentic corn tortillas. Fresh ingredients and zesty seasonings create a quick, irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1.5 cups cooked and shredded chicken
• 1 (15 ounces) can refried beans

Base and Cheese:

• 12 (6-inch) corn tortillas
• 1.5 cups shredded Mexican cheese
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Seasonings and Sauce:

• 0.5 cup salsa
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning

Optional Toppings:

• sour cream
• pico de gallo
• tomatoes
• guacamole
• cilantro
• avocado

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 450℉ and arrange corn tortillas on two baking sheets, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
2. Gently coat each tortilla with a thin layer of oil on both surfaces to promote crispy texture.
3. Bake the tortillas for 8-10 minutes, carefully turning them midway to ensure uniform crispness. Once golden and crisp, remove from oven and lower temperature to 350℉.
4. In a mixing bowl, blend shredded chicken with salsa and taco seasoning, creating a flavorful and moist filling.
5. Distribute a layer of refried beans across each crispy tortilla base, providing a creamy foundation for the tostadas.
6. Evenly spread the seasoned chicken mixture over the bean-covered tortillas, ensuring consistent coverage.
7. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken layer, allowing it to melt and bind the ingredients.
8. Return the tostadas to the oven for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese becomes fully melted and slightly bubbly.
9. Garnish with an array of fresh toppings such as sour cream, pico de gallo, diced tomatoes, guacamole, chopped cilantro, and sliced avocado to enhance flavor and texture.

Notes

• Crisp tortillas require a light, even oil coating to achieve the perfect golden crunch without soaking.
• Swap corn tortillas with flour for a softer texture, or use gluten-free alternatives for sensitive diets.
• Control sodium by selecting low-sodium salsa and reducing taco seasoning quantity for a healthier version.
• Enhance protein options by substituting chicken with black beans, shredded beef, or plant-based alternatives for vegetarian guests.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 423
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 870 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg