Chicken Tostadas Easy: Your Quick & Delicious Recipe

Chicken Tostadas Easy: Craving a vibrant, flavorful meal that’s ready in minutes? Look no further! Imagine crispy, golden tostada shells piled high with juicy, seasoned chicken, creamy avocado, and all your favorite toppings. It’s a fiesta in every bite, and the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make!

Tostadas, meaning “toasted” in Spanish, have a rich history rooted in resourceful cooking. They originated as a way to use leftover tortillas, transforming them into a satisfying and versatile dish. From humble beginnings, tostadas have become a beloved staple throughout Mexico and beyond, celebrated for their customizable nature and satisfying crunch.

What makes Chicken Tostadas Easy so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The crispy tostada provides a delightful contrast to the tender chicken and creamy toppings. The savory chicken, often seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and other spices, delivers a burst of flavor that’s both comforting and exciting. Plus, the convenience factor is a major win. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun party appetizer, these tostadas are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a taste of Mexico with this simple and delicious recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 corn tostada shells
• 1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup salsa
• Optional toppings: avocado slices, black olives, jalapenos

Preparing the Chicken:

Okay, let’s start with the star of our tostadas – the chicken! This part is super easy, I promise. We’re going for flavorful and tender chicken that will complement all the other delicious toppings.

1. Season the Chicken: First, grab your chicken breasts and pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the spices adhere better. In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined. Now, generously rub this spice mixture all over the chicken breasts, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Don’t be shy with the spices – they’re what give the chicken its amazing flavor!
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the skillet to be nice and hot before adding the chicken. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they’re nicely browned. Searing helps to lock in the juices and adds a delicious crust to the chicken.
3. Cook the Chicken Through: After searing, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and continue cooking the chicken for another 8-10 minutes, or until it’s cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can cut into the thickest part of the chicken to make sure it’s no longer pink inside.
4. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender chicken. Then, using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. You can also use your hands, but be careful – it might still be hot!

Preparing the Tostadas:

Now that the chicken is ready, let’s get the tostada shells prepped. You can use store-bought tostada shells, which are super convenient, or you can make your own if you’re feeling ambitious. I’m going with the store-bought option for this recipe to keep things quick and easy.

1. Warm the Tostada Shells (Optional): This step is optional, but I find that warming the tostada shells slightly makes them a bit more pliable and less likely to break when you’re adding the toppings. You can warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, or you can microwave them for a few seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them, or they’ll become too brittle.
2. Prepare the Refried Beans: In a small saucepan, heat the refried beans over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they’re warmed through. You can add a splash of water or chicken broth if they seem too thick. Alternatively, you can microwave the refried beans in a microwave-safe bowl for a minute or two, stirring halfway through.

Assembling the Tostadas:

This is the fun part! Now we get to layer all the delicious ingredients onto the tostada shells. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

1. Spread the Refried Beans: Spread a generous layer of refried beans evenly over each tostada shell. This acts as a base for all the other toppings and helps to hold everything together.
2. Add the Chicken: Top the refried beans with a layer of shredded chicken. Make sure to distribute the chicken evenly over each tostada.
3. Sprinkle with Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken. The cheese will melt slightly and create a gooey, cheesy layer that’s absolutely irresistible.
4. Add the Lettuce and Tomatoes: Top the cheese with shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes. These add a fresh, crisp element to the tostadas.
5. Drizzle with Sour Cream and Salsa: Drizzle sour cream and salsa over the lettuce and tomatoes. You can use store-bought sour cream and salsa, or you can make your own if you prefer. I like to use a squeeze bottle for the sour cream to make it easier to drizzle.
6. Add Optional Toppings: Now’s the time to add any optional toppings you like, such as avocado slices, black olives, or jalapenos. These add extra flavor and texture to the tostadas.
7. Serve Immediately: Serve the tostadas immediately while the tostada shells are still crispy and the toppings are fresh. Enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few tips and variations to help you customize your chicken tostadas:

• Use different types of cheese: Instead of cheddar cheese, you can use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
• Add some heat: If you like your tostadas spicy, add some diced jalapenos or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with black beans or pinto beans for a vegetarian option.
• Grill the chicken: For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken breasts instead of searing them in a skillet.
• Make it ahead of time: You can prepare the chicken and refried beans ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Then, when you’re ready to assemble the tostadas, simply warm them up and add the toppings.
• Use different types of salsa: Experiment with different types of salsa, such as mild, medium, or hot. You can also try using a fruit salsa, such as mango salsa or pineapple salsa.
• Add a squeeze of lime juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a bright, zesty flavor to the tostadas.

Serving Suggestions:

Chicken tostadas are a great meal on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of Mexican rice, black beans, or a simple salad.

Storage Instructions:

Tostadas are best served immediately, as the tostada shells can become soggy if they sit for too long. However, you can store the leftover chicken and refried beans in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply warm them up and assemble the tostadas.

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a fiesta on a plate! These Chicken Tostadas Easy are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will leave everyone wanting more. From the crispy, golden tostada shell to the savory, perfectly seasoned chicken and the fresh, vibrant toppings, every bite is an explosion of deliciousness. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying meal.

But what makes these tostadas so special? It’s the simplicity! You don’t need to be a culinary expert to whip up a batch of these beauties. The recipe is straightforward, using readily available ingredients, and requires minimal cooking time. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something flavorful but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked chicken, making it both economical and environmentally friendly.

Beyond the ease of preparation, the versatility of these tostadas is another reason why I highly recommend giving them a try. Feel free to customize the toppings to your liking. Not a fan of black beans? Swap them out for pinto beans or refried beans. Want to add a little extra heat? Incorporate some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. The possibilities are endless!

Here are a few serving suggestions and variations to get you started:

Serving Suggestions:

* Serve with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete and satisfying meal.
* Garnish with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
* Add a sprinkle of cotija cheese or crumbled queso fresco for a salty, cheesy kick.
* Offer a variety of salsas, from mild to spicy, so everyone can customize their tostadas to their preferred heat level.
* Consider a side of guacamole or a simple avocado crema for an extra layer of richness.

Variations:

* Spicy Chicken Tostadas: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of chili powder to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick.
* Vegetarian Tostadas: Replace the chicken with seasoned black beans, roasted vegetables, or crumbled tofu.
* Shrimp Tostadas: Substitute the chicken with grilled or sautéed shrimp for a seafood twist.
* Pulled Pork Tostadas: Use slow-cooked pulled pork instead of chicken for a richer, more decadent flavor.
* Mini Tostada Bites: Use smaller tostada shells to create bite-sized appetizers perfect for parties.

I’m confident that once you try this recipe, it will become a regular in your meal rotation. It’s a fun, flavorful, and customizable dish that’s perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven (or grab your favorite tostada shells), and get ready to create some culinary magic.

I’m so excited for you to try these Chicken Tostadas Easy! Don’t forget to share your creations and any variations you come up with. I’d love to see your photos and hear about your experience in the comments below. Happy cooking! Let me know what you think!