The No-Fail Chicken Tostada Recipe: Ready in 20 Minutes

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Need a delicious chicken tostada recipe that won’t keep you in the kitchen all evening? Look no further! I’ve perfected a crispy, cheesy chicken tostada that can be on your table in just 15-20 minutes.

These easy chicken tostadas are certainly one of my go-to meals when time is short but I still want something flavorful and satisfying. You can make chicken tostadas with minimal effort, especially if you use a rotisserie chicken from the store (which costs about $4.99 at Costco). Furthermore, if you prepare extra chicken, you can freeze it for up to three months for future meals.

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to make chicken tostadas with simple ingredients, share my tips for creating perfectly crispy shells, and explain the best ways to layer your toppings for maximum flavor. Whether you’re new to Mexican cuisine or just looking for an easy chicken tostada recipe to add to your weeknight rotation, this no-fail approach will have you enjoying restaurant-quality tostadas without the wait or expense.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Chicken Tostadas

Creating delicious chicken tostadas starts with selecting the right ingredients. The perfect combination of crispy shells, tender chicken, and flavorful toppings makes this Mexican classic both satisfying and customizable to your taste preferences.

Core ingredients you’ll need

Every authentic chicken tostada recipe requires a few fundamental components. First, you’ll need tostada shells – either store-bought or homemade from corn tortillas. While store-bought shells save time, they sometimes contain artificial colors and hydrogenated oils.

For the protein, shredded chicken forms the heart of your tostadas. This can be prepared using boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Chicken thighs add more flavor, though breasts take on seasonings nicely. A rotisserie chicken from the grocery store works perfectly for an even quicker meal.

Beans provide a creamy foundation that helps other toppings adhere to the shell. Choose between refried pinto beans or black beans depending on your preference. The beans should have a creamy texture and be well-seasoned.

Basic seasonings elevate your chicken’s flavor. A simple homemade blend of chili powder, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper works wonderfully. Alternatively, taco seasoning packets offer convenience.

Optional toppings to customize

What makes easy chicken tostadas so appealing is their adaptability. Popular toppings include:

• Fresh vegetables: Shredded lettuce (romaine or iceberg), diced tomatoes, and finely diced red onions add freshness and crunch.
• Creamy elements: Avocado slices, guacamole, or sour cream balance the flavors and add richness.
• Herbaceous touches: Fresh cilantro and lime wedges bring brightness to each bite.

Additionally, you can incorporate pickled jalapeños, pickled red onions, or even roasted vegetables for extra dimension. Tostadas also accommodate leftovers beautifully – try adding any chopped vegetables you have on hand.

Best cheese and salsa choices

The cheese you select significantly impacts your tostada’s flavor profile. Cotija cheese, a crumbly Mexican variety, offers an authentic touch. If unavailable, queso fresco provides a similar fresh, milky quality.

For melting cheeses, consider these options:

• Monterey Jack – mild with excellent melting properties
• Sharp cheddar – bolder flavor
• Mexican-style cheese blend – combines Monterey Jack, cheddar, queso quesadilla, and asadero

Regarding salsa, versatility reigns supreme. Traditional pico de gallo adds fresh chunky texture, while tomatillo salsa brings tangy brightness. For heat lovers, chipotle-based salsas infuse smoky spiciness. When selecting store-bought options, look for salsas that aren’t too thin to prevent soggy shells.

The beauty of chicken tostadas lies in their flexibility – start with these core ingredients and adjust based on your preferences for a customized Mexican meal that’s ready in minutes.

How to Make Crispy Tostada Shells at Home

Crispy tostada shells form the foundation of any memorable chicken tostada recipe. Making your own shells at home gives you control over freshness and crispiness – essential qualities for supporting your delicious toppings.

Baking vs. frying methods

Both baking and frying create excellent tostada shells, yet each method offers distinct advantages:

For baking tostada shells, preheat your oven to 400°F. Brush corn tortillas on both sides with a neutral oil like vegetable oil and sprinkle lightly with salt. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 5 minutes, then flip and bake for another 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy. This method creates less mess and offers a healthier alternative to frying.

A clever trick: stabbing tortillas a few times with a knife before baking helps release steam, resulting in flatter, crispier shells.

Alternatively, frying tostada shells enhances the corn flavor and provides more consistent crispiness. Heat about ¼ inch of vegetable oil to 340-350°F in a skillet. Using tongs, carefully place one tortilla at a time in the oil for 30-45 seconds per side until golden brown. This method requires more attention yet produces shells with superior taste and texture.

Tips for using store-bought shells

Store-bought tostada shells save time despite occasionally being brittle. To refresh stale pre-made shells, heat them in a 400°F oven for a few minutes – they’ll become as crisp as freshly made ones.

Look for tostada shells near the hard taco shells in most grocery stores. Their convenience makes them perfect for quick weeknight chicken tostadas.

How to keep shells crunchy

Store homemade tostada shells at room temperature in an airtight container or resealable bag for optimal crispness. Properly stored shells remain fresh for 1-2 weeks.

After making fried shells, drain them thoroughly on paper towels before storing. For baked shells, allow them to cool completely – they actually become crispier as they cool.

Should your tostada shells lose their crunch over time, simply reheat them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes to restore their satisfying texture.

Quick Chicken Prep for a 20-Minute Meal

The key to making 20-minute chicken tostadas lies in smart protein preparation. With the right techniques, you’ll have flavorful chicken ready in no time for your tostada recipe.

Using rotisserie or leftover chicken

Pre-cooked chicken is the ultimate time-saver for quick tostadas. A rotisserie chicken from Costco costs about $4.99 and provides plenty of meat for multiple servings. Simply shred the chicken and you’re halfway done with meal prep.

Leftover chicken or turkey works beautifully too. In fact, just 150g of leftover roast meat makes enough for six tostadas, making this an excellent way to reinvent yesterday’s dinner. For future meal planning, consider freezing shredded chicken:

1. Cook a large batch of boneless skinless chicken breasts or buy several rotisserie chickens
2. Shred the cooked chicken and allow it to cool
3. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour
4. Transfer to airtight containers and store for up to three months

Instant Pot and slow cooker options

For hands-off chicken prep, electric appliances are lifesavers. In an Instant Pot, combine chicken breasts with pineapple juice, salsa, lime juice and seasonings. Pressure cook for 10 minutes, followed by 10 minutes natural release. The result? Tender, shreddable chicken perfect for easy chicken tostadas.

Slow cooker fans can place chicken in the cooker with taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chiles. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or set it in the morning (around 7am) for a midday meal. For a spicier option, try chicken with chipotle peppers and adobo sauce.

How to season your chicken

Boneless skinless chicken breasts take on seasoning beautifully. Create a homemade blend with:

• Smoked paprika and cumin (1 heaped tsp each)
• Oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt (½ tsp each)
• Cayenne pepper (¼ tsp) and black pepper

Moreover, simple pantry spices like chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cinnamon create depth of flavor. Subsequently, adding lime juice brightens everything up.

First-time cooks might prefer store-bought taco seasoning, which works perfectly in a pinch. Nevertheless, homemade seasoning typically tastes better than pre-packaged options.

Assembling and Serving Your Chicken Tostadas

The art of assembling chicken tostadas makes all the difference between a good meal and a great one. Once you’ve prepared your ingredients, putting everything together properly ensures each bite delivers the perfect combination of flavors and textures.

Layering order for best texture

Properly layering your chicken tostada recipe creates structural integrity and balances flavors. I always follow this sequence for the best results:

1. Start with refried beans – Spread a thin layer of warm refried beans on your tostada shell first. This acts as a “glue” that helps other toppings stick to the shell. Beans should be warmed in a small skillet before spreading.
2. Add your protein – Next, place your seasoned shredded chicken on top of the beans. Don’t overload – about 1-2 spoonfuls per tostada prevents breaking the shell.
3. Sprinkle cheese – Add cheese directly after the chicken. This position allows it to slightly melt from the warm chicken beneath.
4. Finish with cool toppings – Finally, add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and other fresh ingredients.

Melting cheese and warming toppings

For the perfect melt, place assembled tostadas (with beans, chicken and cheese) in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until the cheese becomes bubbly[223]. Alternatively, for a quick meal, warm the beans and chicken separately before assembling.

Store-bought tostada shells benefit from a quick refresh in the oven alongside your toppings. This brief heating not only melts cheese but also crisps up shells that might have softened.

Serving suggestions and sides

Complete your chicken tostadas meal with complementary side dishes. Mexican rice and refried beans make traditional accompaniments, whereas cilantro lime coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast.

For entertaining, consider setting up a tostada bar. Place warm components (shells, beans, chicken) in serving dishes with heat sources, and arrange cold toppings in separate bowls. This interactive approach allows guests to customize their own tostadas.

Other excellent sides include pico de gallo, black bean soup, or street corn salad. For a festive touch, serve with homemade guacamole and a refreshing margarita.

Conclusion

Chicken tostadas certainly rank among the most versatile and approachable Mexican dishes you can make at home. Throughout this guide, we’ve explored how to create delicious tostadas in just 20 minutes without sacrificing flavor or quality. Most importantly, these crispy, flavorful creations offer endless customization possibilities based on your preferences and what you have available.

Remember that smart preparation makes all the difference. Using rotisserie chicken or leftovers saves valuable time, while proper layering techniques ensure each bite delivers the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Your tostada journey begins with a sturdy, crispy shell – whether store-bought or homemade – followed by well-seasoned ingredients arranged thoughtfully.

What makes this recipe truly special? The combination of simplicity and flavor. Additionally, these tostadas work wonderfully for both casual family dinners and entertaining guests with a build-your-own tostada bar. Freezing extra shredded chicken extends the convenience factor even further, giving you a head start on future meals.

The next time you face the “what’s for dinner” dilemma with limited time, this chicken tostada recipe provides your answer. Quick, adaptable, and undeniably delicious – these tostadas deliver restaurant-quality results without the wait or expense. Therefore, gather your ingredients, follow our layering recommendations, and enjoy this Mexican classic that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.

FAQs

Q1. How long does it take to make chicken tostadas? You can prepare delicious chicken tostadas in just 20 minutes, making them an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner.

Q2. What are the essential ingredients for chicken tostadas? The core ingredients include tostada shells, shredded chicken, beans, cheese, and various toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado. Seasonings and salsa are also important for flavor.

Q3. Can I use store-bought tostada shells? Yes, store-bought shells are convenient and work well. You can refresh them in a 400°F oven for a few minutes to make them crispy before use.

Q4. What’s the best way to prepare chicken for tostadas quickly? Using rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken is the fastest method. Alternatively, you can use an Instant Pot or slow cooker for hands-off preparation.

Q5. How should I layer the ingredients on a tostada? Start with a layer of warm refried beans, then add shredded chicken, sprinkle cheese, and finish with cool toppings like lettuce and tomatoes. This order ensures the best texture and helps prevent the shell from breaking.