Easy Chicken Tostadas

This post may contain affiliate links. Read full disclosure.

These easy chicken tostadas are savory, crunchy and packed with flavor. Assemble them in 15 minutes with shredded rotisserie chicken, canned refried beans, shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh produce and olives. Enjoy them for appetizers (on small tostada shells), lunch or dinner.

📌 Pin Easy Chicken Tostadas

👩🏻‍🍳 Why We Love This Recipe

Most of us are busy people. We want delicious recipes that come together quickly. These chicken tostadas fit the bill. They’re like open flat tacos. Here’s why we love this tasty recipe.

• It’s a quick easy dinner. Make these chicken tostadas in 15 minutes.
• We use plenty of fresh ingredients. Yes, we use shortcuts like canned beans, pre-formed tostada shells, and sliced black olives. But the rest of the ingredients, to include pre-shredded cheese, are all fresh items.
• It’s a money-saving recipe that can feed a hungry crowd. I recommend a rotisserie chicken from Costco. It’s tasty, large and currently sells for about $4.99. The other ingredients are also very affordable.
• It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken, either rotisserie chicken or fried chicken from yesterday’s dinner.
• This is a gluten-free recipe. Most pre-made corn tostada shells at the market are gluten free. Look for the GF “certified gluten free” symbol and wording on the label.
• This chicken tostada recipe is very versatile. It’s great for picky eaters. Everyone can select their own toppings and build a tostada that’s perfect for their taste buds. Want it spicy? Add hot sauce.
• Tostadas are also yummy Game Day eats. Served as tasty appetizers, they’ll satisfy the hunger of any sports fan.

👉🏻 The Base: Tostada Rounds

We use pre-made corn tostada shells. In large grocery stores they’re usually found in one of three areas: in the Hispanic section, or near the corn and flour tortillas, or in the bread aisle.

They’re vertically stacked in plastic sleeves or a box. For the freshest shells, check the expiration date. I prefer Guerrero “Tostadas Nortenas Clasicas.” But feel free to choose another brand or another thickness.

🛒 Ingredients

The ingredient list for chicken tostadas can be long or short, depending on the specific toppings you enjoy eating or have on hand in the fridge. But here are the basics.

• Chicken: Buy a rotisserie chicken and shred the breast meat.
• Tostada Shells: Find these pre-made shells at the market.
• Refried Beans: I use canned vegetarian (no lard) refried beans. But feel free to use homemade beans instead.
• Lettuce: Shredded Iceberg lettuce is the traditional choice. But feel free to use romaine lettuce or whatever type you have on hand.
• Sour Cream: Adds a bit of richness and tang. If desired, use Mexican crema instead.
• Cheese: Buy pre-shredded mild cheddar cheese or a Mexican blend. Or use Cobly Jack or Monterey Jack instead.
• Tomatoes: Any type, to include cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, etc. Just dice them up. Or use pico de gallo instead.
• Black Olives: Their delicious salty brine adds a punch of flavor to this easy recipe. But if you’re not a fan of olives, just leave them out.

🥑 Optional Condiments: Jalapeño slices, Mexican limes (key limes), hot sauce or salsa verde, guacamole, and tangy Mexican pickled onions.

📖 Recipe Steps

1. Open up a can of refried beans. Warm the beans on stovetop or in the microwave. Warm the shredded rotisserie chicken on stovetop or in the microwave (you may need to add a bit of water or chicken broth to the chicken so it stays moist and doesn’t dry out).
2. Spread a layer of warm beans over the crisp tostada shell, leaving a 1/2 inch border all the way around. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the beans.
3. Place the tostadas on a baking sheet. Place the tray under the broiler briefly (about 30 to 90 seconds), just until the cheese has melted. Keep a close eye on the tostadas so they don’t burn.
4. Immediately top with shredded chicken, sour cream, shredded lettuce, more shredded cheese, diced tomatoes and olives. Your quick meal is ready to serve and enjoy.

🧅 Traditional Condiments for Tostadas

Throughout Mexico, standard condiments for tostadas include a variety of freshly-made salsas, and a variety of bottled hot sauces. A staple on Mexican tables is a dish of radishes, limes and sea salt. Squeeze lime juice over a slice of radish, then sprinkle with a pinch of salt.

🔖 Recipe FAQ

These are the most commonly-asked questions for making the BEST chicken tostadas, and the most helpful answers for recipe success.

🧑🏼‍🍳 Expert Tip: How to Make Homemade Tostada Shells

It’s quick and easy to make tostada shells at home. If you have a pack of corn tortillas and cooking oil on hand you can make the shells in minutes.

For appetizers, use small corn tortillas (“street tacos” size). Even smaller ones are available at Mexican markets. Or make your own homemade corn tortillas from scratch.

1. Line a baking tray with paper towels. Put it aside.
2. Add 1/4 inch oil (vegetable, corn, soybean, or canola) to a small skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, submerge the tortilla in the bubbling oil. Let it cook for about 30 seconds, or until stiff and lightly golden. If the oil is too hot, reduce the heat to medium.
3. With cooking tongs, lift the tostada shell out of the pan and transfer it to the lined tray to drain off oil. Continue cooking more shells until you have the desired quantity.

🍽 More Easy Mexican Recipes

• Chicken Taquitos
• Mexican Chicken with Rice
• Mexican Sweet Potatoes
• Queso Fundido with Chorizo
• Mexican Street Corn Dip
• Authentic Mexican Salsa
• Mexican Churros

Rate This Recipe ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Flavor testers rated these the BEST easy chicken tostadas. They loved the authentic flavors, crisp crunchy tostada shells, and fresh produce. They appreciated how quick this easy Mexican recipe came together.

If you agree this recipe’s a keeper, give it a 5-star rating in the comments. Then be a recipe hero. Share it with friends. 📌 Pin it to Pinterest.

Print

Easy Chicken Tostadas 👉🏻 Join the Convo

Do you love Mexican food? Are you excited to make these easy chicken tostadas? Will you serve them as game-day appetizers or dinner? Share your thoughts in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you.