Easy Chicken Tostadas: A Quick and Delicious Dinner Recipe
Experience the ease and deliciousness of easy chicken tostadas for a weeknight dinner that tastes like a treat. In just 30 minutes, create a flavorful meal using crispy tostada shells topped with spiced chicken, beans, and fresh veggies.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Cost: $
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This easy chicken tostadas recipe is not only quick to prepare but also packed with a punch of flavors. The combination of creamy refried beans, seasoned chicken, and fresh toppings brings a satisfying crunch and zest to your dinner plate. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers, these tostadas are sure to become a family favorite. Plus, they are highly customizable, making them a versatile addition to your meal repertoire.
Context/Background
Tostadas, a classic Mexican dish, offer a crisp base for a variety of savory toppings. Traditionally crafted with corn tortillas, roasted or fried until golden, tostadas serve as a delightful canvas for chicken, seafood, or beef. The origins of this dish can be traced back to the early Mexican cuisine, where simplicity met diverse flavors to create hearty meals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold toppings straight from the fridge: Allow your toppings to come to room temperature for better flavor distribution.
- Overloading the tostada: Keep toppings light to prevent the shell from breaking when picked up.
- Not seasoning the chicken properly: Seasoning is key to enhance the flavors in each bite.
Tips for Perfect Easy Chicken Tostadas
- Warm the tostada shells briefly in the oven for extra crispiness before adding toppings.
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation, saving you time.
- Fresh toppings like lettuce and tomatoes add a refreshing contrast; add them just before serving.
- Mix and match toppings based on what you have on hand, ensuring you maintain a good balance of flavors.
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap chicken with ground beef or pork for a different flavor profile.
- Use black beans instead of refried beans to alter the texture and taste.
- Try adding sliced avocado or guacamole for an added creaminess.
- For a spicier kick, incorporate jalapeños or hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these easy chicken tostadas with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh corn salad for a complete meal. A cold beverage like a margarita or iced tea would complement the flavors beautifully.
Storage and Leftovers
Store leftover chicken and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reassemble before serving, heating the chicken and shells in the oven for optimum freshness.
Make Ahead Instructions
Prepare all toppings in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Cook and shred the chicken, mixing with spices. When ready to serve, reheat chicken and assemble tostadas.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 2g
Dietary Notes
- Gluten-Free (ensure tostada shells are certified gluten-free)
- High Protein
- Nut-Free
The Recipe
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Medium bowl
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 8 tostada shells
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken with cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread a thin layer of refried beans over each tostada shell.
- Divide the seasoned chicken evenly on each tostada shell.
- Top with shredded cheese and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Remove from oven and top with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and salsa.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with more beans or grilled vegetables.
- Adjust seasoning levels to suit your taste.
Community Tips and Photos
Share your experience with this recipe! Tag us using #tostadalovers on social media.
Questions and Answers
- Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken? Yes, it saves time and adds a nice roasted flavor.
- Can these tostadas be grilled? Yes, grilling adds a smoky flavor. Just ensure shells do not burn.
- What’s the best way to reheat them? Reheat in an oven or toaster oven to keep the shells crisp.