Chicken tostadas are crispy tortillas topped with seasoned chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy avocado. They’re colorful, crunchy, and oh-so-tasty!
Making them is super fun! I love how easy it is to customize each tostada with my favorite toppings. Plus, they are a hit for lunch or dinner! 🥑🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn Tortillas: These are the base of the tostadas. If you can’t find corn tortillas, feel free to use flour tortillas or even small pita bread. You can also use store-bought tostada shells for convenience.
Shredded Chicken: I recommend rotisserie chicken for its flavor and ease. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try poached chicken breasts or even canned beans for a vegetarian twist.
Red Salsa: You can use store-bought salsa, but homemade is often fresher. If you want it milder, use a green salsa or plain tomato sauce mixed with spices. Feel free to mix in some diced jalapeños for a kick!
Avocado: Fresh avocado adds creaminess. If avocados aren’t ripe or are out of season, consider using guacamole or a dollop of sour cream as alternatives.
Cheese: I love using queso fresco for its crumbly texture, but feta or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar can also work. For a dairy-free option, skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
How Do You Make Perfectly Crispy Tostada Shells?
Getting your tostada shells crispy is key for a great texture! Here’s how to achieve that:
- Heat the oil over medium-high heat. Make sure it’s hot but not smoking to avoid burning the tortillas.
- Fry each tortilla for about 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan!
- If baking, place them on a baking sheet, brushing lightly with oil, and bake until they are crisp, flipping halfway.
- Let fried tostadas drain on paper towels to absorb extra oil, leading to less greasiness. The result will be perfectly crunchy bases for all your tasty toppings!
How to Make Delicious Chicken Tostadas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (can use rotisserie or boiled chicken)
- 1 cup red salsa or enchilada sauce
Toppings:
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Others:
- Cooking oil (vegetable or canola) for frying or baking tortillas
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping your ingredients and about 10 minutes cooking and assembling them. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Tostada Shells:
Start by heating about 1/2 inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully fry the corn tortillas one at a time. Cook each tortilla for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they’re golden and crispy. When done, remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. If you prefer to bake them, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the tortillas on a baking sheet for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are crispy.
2. Warming the Shredded Chicken:
If your chicken is cold, gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Just make sure it’s not too hot and dry! A pinch of salt and pepper will help bring out the flavor.
3. Assembling the Tostadas:
Now comes the fun part! Grab your crispy tortillas and start by spreading a generous spoonful of red salsa or enchilada sauce on each tortilla base. This will be the delicious flavor foundation for your tostadas.
4. Layering the Chicken:
On top of the salsa, layer on the warm, shredded chicken evenly. This adds a hearty and satisfying element to each tostada.
5. Adding Fresh Toppings:
Next, sprinkle the diced tomato, chopped red onion, and diced avocado over your chicken layer. These fresh ingredients add color, flavor, and nutrients!
6. Finishing Touches:
Top everything off with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and crumbled queso fresco for that authentic Mexican taste. These will add freshness and creaminess to your tostadas.
7. Squeeze the Lime:
For the perfect zing, squeeze a little fresh lime juice over each tostada before serving. It adds a wonderful burst of flavor!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the tostadas immediately to keep them nice and crispy. They make a fun and vibrant meal. Enjoy every bite of your tasty chicken tostadas!
Can I Use Store-Bought Tortillas?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought corn tortillas or pre-made tostada shells are perfect substitutes. Just follow the frying or baking instructions to ensure they get crispy!
What Can I Substitute for Shredded Chicken?
If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can use black beans or refried beans instead of chicken. For other proteins, shredded beef or pork would also work well!
How Do I Store Leftover Tostadas?
Store any leftover ingredients separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The tostada shells can get soggy if stored with toppings. Assemble fresh tostadas when you’re ready to eat!
Can I Make Tostadas Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the toppings in advance, like dicing the avocado and tomatoes, and store them in the refrigerator. Just assemble the tostadas right before serving to keep them crispy!
