Tostadas have a way of bringing everyone to the table, and if you’re looking for a meal that’s packed with flavor, super easy to make, and totally customizable, then this Easy Chicken Tostadas recipe is about to become your new go-to. Perfect for those busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or meal prepping for the week ahead, these tostadas are all about crispy, crunchy goodness topped with tender, seasoned chicken and a medley of fresh toppings. And the best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes!
Whether you’re craving something quick and healthy, or looking for a budget-friendly dinner that won’t leave you with a ton of cleanup, this recipe has got you covered. You can switch up the toppings, add your favorite sauces, and make these tostadas your own every time. Let’s dive into why this is the perfect recipe for any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Tostadas Recipe
If you’re someone who loves Mexican-inspired meals, then this easy chicken tostadas recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. It’s a dish that checks all the boxes: fast, flavorful, and completely customizable. Here are some reasons why I know you’re going to love this recipe:
- Quick and Simple: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes! Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something tasty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
- Healthy and Customizable: Whether you’re following a high-protein meal plan, trying to keep it low-carb, or simply looking for something delicious, these tostadas are easy to tweak. Add extra veggies, swap out the sour cream for Greek yogurt, or even make them vegan by using plant-based protein.
- Bursting with Flavor: Every bite combines crispy tortillas, tender chicken, and fresh toppings. The taco seasoning gives the chicken that perfect amount of spice, while the fresh ingredients (think avocado, shredded lettuce, and cilantro) balance it all out.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: These tostadas are so versatile, making them great for meal prep. The chicken can be cooked ahead of time, and the toppings can be prepped in advance. All you need to do is assemble when you’re ready to eat!
What Makes This Recipe Special?
What sets this recipe apart from other Mexican-inspired meals is the simplicity and convenience. While a lot of tostada recipes require making your own shells or having a ton of different ingredients on hand, this one is quick and straightforward. Using pre-cooked shredded chicken (hello, rotisserie chicken!) and store-bought tostada shells cuts down on prep time while still delivering a meal that’s full of flavor. Plus, you can tweak the seasonings to your liking, whether you like things spicy or mild.
This recipe also gives you the flexibility to customize your tostadas with toppings, meaning no one at the table has to settle for a topping they don’t love. Plus, who doesn’t love a dish that’s crispy, savory, and topped with all the good stuff?
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t need any fancy ingredients for these chicken tostadas—just simple, fresh ingredients that are packed with flavor. And the best part? You probably already have most of these in your pantry! Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need:
Chicken: 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (I love using rotisserie chicken for convenience, but you can cook your own if you prefer!)
Seasoning: 1 packet of taco seasoning or 1 tbsp homemade seasoning (you’ll need cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and a little salt and pepper)
Corn Tortillas: 8 small corn tortillas (the key to a perfect tostada is the corn tortilla, but you can use flour if that’s your preference)
Toppings: Fresh ingredients like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro (add anything else you love, like pickled jalapeños or salsa)
Oil: 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil for frying the tortillas (or you can use an air fryer for a healthier, less greasy option)
How to Make It Step-by-Step
Ready to make your tostadas? Let’s walk through it step by step!
- Prepare the Tortillas:
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, fry each tortilla until golden and crispy, about 1 minute per side. Once they’re crispy, place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Alternatively, you can air fry the tortillas at 375°F for 3-4 minutes for a healthier, oil-free version. - Season the Chicken:
In a medium skillet, mix the shredded chicken with your taco seasoning. If you’re using homemade seasoning, just add a bit of water to help it come together and coat the chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is warmed through and well-coated with the seasoning. - Assemble the Tostadas:
Spread a thin layer of refried beans on each crispy tortilla (this is optional but adds a great extra layer of flavor). Then, top each tortilla with the seasoned chicken, followed by your choice of toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. - Serve and Enjoy:
These tostadas are best enjoyed immediately for that perfect crispy texture. Serve them with lime wedges and your favorite hot sauce to add a bit of zing. Trust me, they’re addictively delicious.
Tips for Best Results
To make these tostadas the absolute best, here are a few helpful tips:
- Opt for Corn Tortillas: Corn tortillas are more authentic and hold up better when fried, giving you that perfect crunch. They’re also naturally gluten-free, so if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, these are the way to go.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a super quick and easy meal, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It adds flavor and cuts down on cooking time, which is perfect for a busy weeknight.
- Customize the Toppings: You can get creative with your toppings! Try adding jalapeños, pickled onions, or salsa for extra flavor. For a creamy twist, swap sour cream for Greek yogurt or try avocado crema.
- Healthy Option: If you’re looking to make this meal even healthier, air fry the tortillas instead of frying them in oil, and use low-fat cheese or non-dairy cheese.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Tostadas are all about customization, so feel free to make these your own with some ingredient swaps:
- Protein: If you’re not into chicken, try ground beef, shredded beef, or even grilled shrimp for a seafood version. You could also use black beans or tofu for a vegan twist.
- Tortillas: While corn tortillas are traditional and authentically crispy, you can always use flour tortillas for a softer option. Just be aware they won’t get as crispy as corn tortillas.
- Seasoning: If you love heat, add some chili powder or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. Or, swap the taco seasoning for Cajun seasoning or adobo seasoning for a fun twist.
Serving Suggestions
These tostadas are delicious on their own, but you can easily add a few sides to make your meal even more exciting. Here are some great options:
- Pair with a Fresh Salad: A crisp side salad with lime dressing will complement the tostadas perfectly. Or go for a Mexican street corn salad for an even more flavorful side.
- Side of Refried Beans: Refried beans are a classic pairing with tostadas, and they’re easy to make or just buy pre-made from the store.
- Guacamole and Chips: What’s better than crunchy tostadas with creamy guac and tortilla chips on the side? It’s a match made in heaven!
- Lime Wedges and Hot Sauce: Always serve with lime wedges and your favorite hot sauce for that perfect burst of tang and spice.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is unlikely, but still!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Store Ingredients Separately: Keep the tortillas, chicken, and toppings in separate containers so the tortillas stay crispy and the other ingredients remain fresh.
- Reheat Chicken: Warm the chicken in a skillet or microwave until heated through. If it’s too dry, add a little water or broth to bring it back to life.
- Re-crisp Tortillas: To reheat the tortillas and get that crunch back, pop them in the oven at 375°F for a few minutes or air fry them for a quick crisp-up.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
If you want to make this meal ahead of time or store it for later:
- Freezing Chicken: Freeze the seasoned chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, just defrost and reheat it.
- Prepped Toppings: You can also prep your toppings (like lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese) ahead of time and store them in airtight containers in the fridge.
- Assembling Later: You can make the chicken and toppings in advance and just assemble the tostadas when you’re ready to serve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few things to keep in mind to avoid mistakes:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: When frying the tortillas, don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry them in batches to ensure they get crispy on all sides.
- Don’t Skip the Drainage Step: After frying the tortillas, make sure to drain them on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
- Assembly Tip: Don’t assemble your tostadas too early. The tortillas will lose their crispiness if they sit for too long with the toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I make these tostadas with other meats instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground beef, shredded beef, pork, or even grilled shrimp work perfectly with this recipe. Just season them the same way! - How can I make the tostadas healthier?
Try baking or air frying the tortillas, using low-fat sour cream, and adding more veggies for a nutrient boost. - Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Yes, you can! Flour tortillas won’t be as crispy as corn tortillas, but they’ll still work. Just note the texture will be a little different. - What’s the best way to keep the tostadas crispy if serving later?
Store the components separately and re-crisp the tortillas in the oven before assembling them.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- Skillet
- Air fryer (optional)
- Cooking tongs
- Sharp knife for slicing toppings
- Small saucepan for warming beans
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend!
Easy Chicken Tostadas
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying tortillas, or air fryer alternative)
- 1 can refried beans (15 oz)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add shredded chicken and taco seasoning, followed by 1/4 cup water. Stir well and cook for 5-7 minutes until chicken is heated through and well-coated with the seasoning.
- Meanwhile, heat vegetable oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. Fry each tortilla for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Alternatively, you can air fry the tortillas at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to keep things healthier.
- Heat refried beans in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- Assemble each tostada by spreading a layer of warm refried beans on each crispy tortilla.
- Top with seasoned chicken, followed by shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, olives (if using), and a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately for a perfectly crunchy tostada!