Chicken tostaras are crunchy corn tortillas topped with shredded chicken, fresh veggies, and zesty salsa. It’s a fun, colorful meal that’s full of flavor!
Honestly, the best part is how creative you can get with the toppings! I like to pile on the guacamole and cheese, so I never skip those. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn Tortillas: Small corn tortillas are the base of tostadas. They provide that crunch. If you can’t find corn tortillas, use flour tortillas, but they won’t be as crispy. You can even buy tostada shells for ease!
Shredded Chicken: I love using rotisserie chicken for quickness. If you prefer, boiled chicken works too. Leftover chicken from a previous meal is a great option, or even canned chicken in a pinch!
Refried Beans or Salsa: You can spread refried beans on the tortillas for added flavor and texture. If you want something lighter, salsa is a refreshing alternative. For a spicy kick, opt for chipotle salsa or any hot sauce you like.
Avocado: Use ripe avocados for creaminess. If you’re short on avocados, guacamole is a delicious substitute. You could even add a sprinkle of lime juice to keep it from browning!
Cheese: Queso fresco is my favorite, but cotija cheese adds a similar salty bite. If you want a meltier topping, try shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella. It’ll be more gooey than crumbly!
How Do You Fry Tortillas Perfectly for Tostadas?
Frying tortillas can be tricky, but it’s key for crispy tostadas. Here’s my easy method:
- Start by heating 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough that a small piece of tortilla sizzles when added.
- Fry each corn tortilla for about 1-2 minutes on each side. Watch them—you want them golden and crisp, not burnt!
- Once fried, remove them and let them drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil. This keeps them crunchy.
With this technique, your tostadas will turn out perfectly crispy every time!
How to Make Delicious Chicken Tostadas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 6 small corn tortillas
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Chicken Filling:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
- 1 cup refried beans or salsa (optional, for spreading)
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup finely sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
- Lime wedges, for serving
Estimated Time:
This tasty dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and assemble. You’ll spend about 10-15 minutes frying the tortillas and the rest putting together the toppings. It’s quick, fun, and so flavorful!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Frying the Tortillas:
Start by heating about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough that a small piece of tortilla sizzles when you add it. Carefully place each corn tortilla in the oil and fry for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove them and let them drain on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
2. Adding the Base Layer:
Next, take your crispy tortillas and spread a thin layer of refried beans or salsa on top. This adds flavor and helps hold everything together, giving your tostadas that lovely moisture.
3. Assembling the Toppings:
Now it’s time for the fun part! Top each tortilla with a generous amount of shredded chicken. Then, layer on the sliced avocado evenly over the chicken. It’s looking good already!
4. Garnishing:
Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco, chopped cilantro, sliced red onion, and chopped green onions over the top. Each of these ingredients adds a burst of freshness and color!
5. Finishing Touches:
Drizzle sour cream or Mexican crema on top for some creaminess. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. You can adjust the seasoning to your preference!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve those delicious chicken tostadas immediately with lime wedges on the side. A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the tostadas takes them to the next level!
Enjoy your fresh, crispy, flavor-packed chicken tostadas—the perfect blend of textures and flavors in every bite! 😋
Can I Use Store-Bought Tortillas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure they’re small corn tortillas for the best texture and flavor. If you find pre-made tostada shells, those work too and save you the frying step, but homemade tortillas tend to be crispier!
Can I Make These Tostadas Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the chicken and add more toppings. You can use black beans or pinto beans as a protein substitute, and pile on extra veggies like bell peppers, corn, or even sautéed mushrooms!
How to Store Leftover Tostadas?
If you have leftovers, store the toppings and fried tortillas separately in airtight containers. The tortillas can stay crispy for about 2 days. Assemble when you’re ready to eat for the best texture!
Can I Prepare Elements of This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Certainly! You can shred the chicken and prep the toppings a day in advance. Just store them covered in the refrigerator. Fry the tortillas just before serving to keep them nice and crispy!
