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To make tasty chicken tostadas, you need a few key items. Here is what you'll need: - 2 cups cooked shredded chicken - 1 cup refried black beans - 8 small corn tostada shells - 1 cup shredded lettuce - 1 cup diced tomatoes - 1/2 cup shredded cheese (Cotija or cheddar) - 1 avocado, sliced - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1 tablespoon lime juice - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, for garnish These ingredients come together to create a colorful and delicious meal. The cooked shredded chicken brings protein, while the beans add fiber and flavor. The tostada shells provide that perfect crunch. You can mix and match toppings to make your tostadas special. Here are some fun options: - Sliced jalapeños for heat - Chopped red onion for crunch - Fresh corn for sweetness - Sliced olives for a briny kick - Lime wedges for extra zest Feel free to get creative. These toppings can add layers of flavor and texture to your tostadas. Pair your chicken tostadas with tasty sides for a complete meal. Here are some ideas: - Mexican rice for a filling touch - Black bean salad for freshness - Corn salsa for sweetness - Chips and guacamole for crunch These sides enhance your chicken tostada experience. They add variety and make your meal more satisfying. Enjoy! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by mixing the chicken and spices. In a medium bowl, add 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken. Pour in 1 tablespoon of lime juice, and sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of ground cumin and chili powder. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir it well to combine. This mix gives great flavor to the chicken. Let it sit so the flavors blend nicely. Next, take 1 cup of refried black beans. Put a pinch of salt in them. Heat in the microwave for about 30 seconds. This makes them warm and smooth. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take 8 small corn tostada shells and place them on a baking sheet. Warm them in the oven for 5-7 minutes. Watch closely until they get crispy. Crispy tostada shells are key for a great bite. Once the shells are ready, it’s time to build your tostadas. Spread a layer of the warm refried black beans on each tostada shell. Then, add a generous portion of the seasoned shredded chicken on top. Next, pile on 1 cup of shredded lettuce for crunch. Sprinkle diced tomatoes over the lettuce for freshness. Top it all off with 1/2 cup of shredded cheese, either Cotija or cheddar. For the final touches, add a few slices of avocado and a dollop of sour cream on each tostada. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro for that pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your colorful and tasty chicken tostadas! To get crispy tostada shells, start with high-quality corn tortillas. I prefer to bake them. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the tortillas on a baking sheet. Bake them for about 5-7 minutes. Check them often. You want them golden brown and firm. This method keeps them crunchy without extra oil. For tasty chicken, mix it well. Use lime juice, cumin, and chili powder. This blend adds zest and depth. Add salt and pepper to taste. Let it sit for a few minutes. This resting time helps the flavors blend. You can also try adding garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra kick. Serve the tostadas on a bright platter. Arrange them neatly to catch the eye. Add lime wedges on the side for color and fun. I love to sprinkle fresh cilantro on top. It adds flavor and looks great. Each bite should be as beautiful as it is delicious. Enjoy the process of making your dish look appealing! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients, especially the vegetables and herbs, will enhance the flavor of your tostadas significantly. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings such as jalapeños, olives, or salsa to suit your taste preferences. Make It Spicy: If you like a kick, add some diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce on top of your tostadas. Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve the tostadas right after assembling them to maintain their crunch. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken for beans. Use more refried black beans for a hearty meal. Add grilled veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor. You can even use lentils for a protein boost. Top with your favorite cheese or a vegan option. To spice things up, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the chicken mix. You can also use chipotle powder for a smoky flavor. If you like heat, add diced fresh chilies on top. Don't forget to adjust the amount of lime juice to balance the spice. Think beyond classic toppings. Try adding corn for sweetness and crunch. Black olives can give a nice salty bite. You can also mix in fresh mango or pineapple for a tropical twist. For a creamy touch, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. Explore different cheeses like queso fresco or pepper jack for more flavor. To store leftover tostadas, first, let them cool down. Place the tostada shells in a single layer. You can use a plastic bag or an airtight container. Keep the chicken and toppings separate. This helps prevent the shells from getting soggy. To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the tostada shells on a baking sheet. Warm them for about 5 minutes until they get crispy again. You can also microwave the chicken and toppings. Just heat them for 30 seconds or until warm. If you want to freeze ingredients, place the cooked shredded chicken in a freezer bag. You can also freeze the refried black beans. Store them in single portions. Tostada shells do not freeze well, so use them fresh. Thaw the chicken and beans overnight in the fridge before using. The best types of chicken for tostadas are shredded chicken or grilled chicken. I love using rotisserie chicken for its flavor and ease. You can also use grilled chicken thighs for a juicier bite. Both options work well and save time. Just season the chicken before adding it to your tostadas. To make tostadas gluten-free, use corn tostada shells. Check the label to ensure they are gluten-free. You can also make your own by baking corn tortillas until crispy. This way, you know they are safe. All other ingredients, like chicken and beans, are usually gluten-free. Just avoid sauces that may contain gluten. Yes, you can prepare many parts in advance. Cook the chicken and refried beans ahead of time. Store them in the fridge until you are ready to serve. You can also warm the tostada shells just before serving. However, it's best to assemble the tostadas just before eating. This keeps the shells crispy and fresh. You can add many sauces to your chicken tostadas. Salsa, hot sauce, or guacamole are great choices. A drizzle of lime crema adds a nice touch too. You might also enjoy a chipotle sauce for some heat. Choose sauces that you love to make the meal your own. You learned how to make tasty chicken tostadas in this post. We covered the main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. I also shared ideas for variations and how to store leftovers. Remember, tostadas are all about fun and flavor. Don’t hesitate to try new toppings or spice levels. Enjoy making your perfect tostadas and share them with friends and family. Tostadas make meals special and delicious!

Crunchy Chicken Tostadas

Delicious and crispy tostadas topped with seasoned shredded chicken and fresh ingredients.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 cup refried black beans
  • 8 small corn tostada shells
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 0.5 cup shredded cheese (Cotija or cheddar)
  • 1 whole avocado, sliced
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh cilantro

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside to let the flavors meld.
  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the corn tostada shells on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until crispy.
  • While the tostadas are warming, prepare the toppings. In a small bowl, mix the refried black beans with a pinch of salt and heat them in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until warm.
  • Once the tostada shells are ready, spread a layer of refried black beans on each shell.
  • Top the beans with the seasoned shredded chicken, followed by a generous handful of shredded lettuce.
  • Add diced tomatoes and shredded cheese on top of the lettuce.
  • Finish each tostada with a few slices of avocado and a dollop of sour cream.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro for extra flavor and color.

Notes

Arrange the tostadas on a colorful platter and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Keyword chicken, easy recipe, tostadas