Description
Easy Chicken Tostadas are a quick and flavorful Mexican-inspired meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender shredded chicken seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder is served on crisp tostada shells layered with warm refried beans, fresh lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and a drizzle of creamy sour cream. This family-friendly recipe comes together in just 20 minutes and can be customized with guacamole, jalapeños, or hot sauce for extra zest.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tostada Assembly
- 8 tostada shells
- 1 can (15 ounces) refried beans, warmed
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the shredded chicken along with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken is heated through and evenly seasoned.
- Prepare Tostada Bases: Lay out the tostada shells and spread a generous layer of warm refried beans onto each shell. The beans add moisture and a creamy texture as a base layer.
- Assemble Tostadas: Top each tostada shell with the seasoned chicken. Then, layer shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro evenly over the chicken. Drizzle with sour cream or Mexican crema for a rich finish.
- Serve: Serve the assembled tostadas immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top to add a fresh burst of acidity.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
- For additional zest, add guacamole, sliced jalapeños, or your favorite hot sauce.
- Choose certified gluten-free tostada shells to make this recipe gluten-free.
- This recipe works well with vegan cheese and sour cream alternatives for a vegetarian version.
