Chicken Tostadas
Crispy fried corn tortillas piled high with seasoned shredded chicken, refried beans, and fresh toppings. A fun, customizable Tex-Mex classic that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a party.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Poach and Shred Chicken
- b.Place chicken breasts in a medium pot. Add half of the onion (quartered), smashed garlic cloves, and 1 tsp of salt.
- c.Cover with about 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
- d.Cook for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (165°F or 74°C).
- e.Remove chicken from the pot, reserving 1/4 cup of the broth. Let the chicken cool slightly, then shred it using two forks.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Season the Chicken
- b.In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, 1/4 tsp salt, and black pepper.
- c.Pour the reserved 1/4 cup of warm chicken broth over the seasonings and toss until the chicken is evenly coated and moist.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Fry the Tostada Shells
- b.In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
- c.Carefully place one tortilla in the hot oil. Fry for 30-60 seconds per side, until golden and rigid.
- d.Using tongs, remove the tostada shell and let it drain on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate. Lightly sprinkle with salt while hot.
- e.Repeat with all remaining tortillas, working in batches.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Prepare Toppings
- b.While the tortillas fry, prepare the pico de gallo. In a small bowl, mix the diced tomatoes, the remaining half of the onion (finely diced), minced jalapeño, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Season with a pinch of salt.
- c.Warm the refried beans in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until smooth and easily spreadable.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Assemble and Serve
- b.To assemble, spread a layer of warm refried beans evenly over a crispy tostada shell.
- c.Top with a generous amount of the seasoned shredded chicken.
- d.Add shredded lettuce, a spoonful of pico de gallo, and sliced avocado.
- e.Finish with a sprinkle of crumbled Cotija cheese and a drizzle of Mexican crema. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a faster version, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken.
- 2You can also buy pre-made tostada shells to save time on frying.
- 3Assemble the tostadas just before serving to ensure the shells stay crispy.
- 4Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the tortillas; cook them in batches for the best results.
- 5Warming the refried beans makes them much easier to spread without breaking the tostada shell.
- 6For a healthier, lower-fat version, bake the tortillas. Lightly brush with oil, sprinkle with salt, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes per side until crispy.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein
Substitute the chicken with seasoned ground beef, shredded pork (carnitas), or black beans for a vegetarian option.
ToppingTopping
Add a layer of guacamole instead of sliced avocado, or top with pickled red onions for a tangy crunch.
Spice LevelSpice Level
For a milder version, omit the jalapeño from the pico de gallo. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Chicken breast is a fantastic source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Toppings like avocado, tomatoes, and cilantro provide essential nutrients, including Vitamin C, potassium, and healthy monounsaturated fats, which support heart health.
Customizable for Dietary Needs
This recipe is easily adaptable. Use black beans for a vegetarian, high-fiber option, or bake the tortillas and use Greek yogurt instead of crema for a lower-fat meal.
Frequently asked questions
Assemble them right before you plan to eat. The layer of refried beans acts as a helpful barrier, but moisture from the toppings will eventually soften the crispy shell.