Chicken tostadas are crispy tortillas topped with tasty seasoned chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy avocado. It’s a fun, hand-held meal that everyone loves!
Honestly, the best part is piling on your favorite toppings. Sometimes I get a bit carried away—my tostadas end up looking like mini mountains! 😂
I love making chicken tostadas for quick dinners because they’re easy to put together and everyone can customize their own. So grab some friends and enjoy these tasty bites!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn Tortillas: These are the foundation of your tostadas, providing that delicious crunch. If you can’t find corn tortillas, flour tortillas work too, but they’ll be softer. I love corn for the flavor!
Chicken: Boneless breasts are great, but shredded rotisserie chicken is a quick option too! For a vegetarian twist, you can substitute with black beans or lentils seasoned the same way.
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika bring out rich flavors. If you’re in a pinch, taco seasoning can replace the spices for a similar taste. Adjust to your spice level preference!
Cheese: Queso fresco or cotija offers a nice salty touch, but feel free to use feta or even cheddar if that’s what you have on hand. Cheese is always a personal touch—go with your favorite!
How Do You Make the Perfect Crispy Tostada Shells?
Getting crispy tostada shells is a must for the best texture. Here’s how to do it perfectly!
- Heat vegetable oil in a small frying pan over medium-high heat. Aim for about 1/4 inch depth of oil.
- Fry each tortilla one at a time for about 1-2 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
- Be careful not to overcrowd the pan. Drain on paper towels to keep them crispy.
Keep an eye on them as they fry to prevent burning. A perfect tostada shell is crunchy but not overly oily—just the right bite! Enjoy making your delicious meal!
Chicken Tostadas
Ingredients:
- 4 small corn tortillas
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- Your favorite barbecue sauce or salsa (for drizzling)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Vegetable oil, for frying tortillas
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick, simple, and perfect for a weeknight dinner! You’ll be enjoying your delicious chicken tostadas in no time!
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over the chicken breasts to distribute those yummy flavors.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and shred it using two forks. Set the shredded chicken aside.
3. Prepare the Tostada Shells:
In a small frying pan, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add one tortilla at a time. Fry each tortilla for about 1-2 minutes on each side, until they are golden and crispy. After frying, let them drain on paper towels to get rid of excess oil.
4. Assemble the Tostadas:
Take each crispy tortilla and place it on a plate. Start by adding a layer of shredded lettuce on top of each tortilla for a crunchy base.
5. Add Toppings:
Now it’s time for the fun part! Top the lettuce with the shredded chicken, diced avocado, diced red onion, crumbled cheese, and chopped cilantro. Feel free to be generous with the toppings!
6. Finish with Sauce and Lime:
Drizzle your favorite barbecue sauce or salsa over the toppings for an added burst of flavor. Don’t forget to serve lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tostadas before you dive in!
7. Serve Immediately:
Enjoy your crunchy, flavorful chicken tostadas right away for the best taste and texture. Each bite is sure to be a delight!
This recipe yields about 4 tostadas, making it a delicious, colorful, and satisfying meal for you and your loved ones!
Can I Use Store-Bought Tortillas?
Absolutely! You can use store-bought corn or flour tortillas to save time. Just make sure they are crisped up in oil for the best tostada base.
How Can I Customize the Toppings?
The toppings are where you can get creative! Feel free to add beans, grilled vegetables, or other cheeses. You can also switch up the sauces; salsa verde or chipotle crema can add a great twist!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover toppings and shells separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The shells stay crispy longer that way. They’ll be good for up to 2-3 days. Just reheat before assembling for a fresh taste!
Can I Make These Tostadas Spicy?
Definitely! You can add some hot sauce to the chicken while cooking or use a spicy salsa on top. Adding jalapeños or diced chili peppers is also a great way to kick up the heat!