Easy Chicken Tostada Recipe
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Tostadas are delicious, open-faced tacos of goodness. Set up a “make your own tostadas” bar and bask in the glow of your happy family and friends for your next game day!
My kids looked at me like I was a nutty the first time I made chicken tostadas – “What are they?! Did you break the tacos, mom?” But it only took a quick bite for them to learn the wonderfulness of this easy recipe! Serve yours with baked cauliflower rice, and lime margaritas!
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Tostada
Easy Chicken Tostada Recipe
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Tostada Ingredients
- Corn tostadas – It’s a little strange that the name of the recipe is also the name of an ingredient, but what can you do? Corn tostadas are typically found in the same aisle as tortillas and will look like corn tortillas, except they’re crunchy instead of soft.
- Refried beans – We used Rosarita refried beans! Yum!
- Chicken – We used shredded baked chicken, but this is also a great opportunity to use up whatever leftovers you have on hand. Try it with ground beef, grilled steak, sliced pork, shredded pork, or even no meat at all!
- Mexican blend cheese – Some markets will call this Fiesta blend cheese. You could also just use cheddar.
- Tomatoes with green chilies – We used Rotel! (One of my favorite secret cooking weapons.) Buy an extra can and make our Mexican Lasagna recipe next!
- Avocado – If you’re not able to get your hands on a ripe avocado, check the refrigerated produce section for guacamole.
- Queso fresco – Our market carries queso fresco near the feta cheese. Probably because it’s very similar. If you can’t find queso fresco, feta will work as a substitute.
- Fresh cilantro – Some folks have strong feelings about cilantro. In our house we love it, but if you’re not Team Cilantro, try green onion instead.
- Optional garnishes – Cilantro garlic sauce, olives, sour cream, fresh or pickled jalapenos, fresh or pickled onions, roasted salsa.
What is a Tostada?
A tostada typically means a crunchy flat or bowl-shaped tortilla. It can also refer to recipes, like this one, using a tostada as a base.
How to Make a Tostada (Step by Step)
⭐ First, place corn tostadas on a baking sheet and layer with refried beans, meat, then shredded cheese.
⭐ Then, bake until cheese is melted and bubbly.
⭐ Next, top with tomatoes & chilies, avocado, queso fresco, and cilantro.
⭐ Finally, enjoy immediately while warm.
Preparation
Can I prepare tostadas ahead of time?
While the components can be made up ahead of time (cooking the meat, shredding the cheese, and so forth) the actual tostadas recipe should be put together and cooked immediately before serving for best results.
Corn or Flour Tostadas for Chicken Tostadas Recipe?
This recipe typically uses corn, but it can also be made with flour if you wish. If you are unable to find crunchy flour tostadas at your grocery store, soft flour tortillas can be baked or fried to crispy and then used.
Leftovers and Storage
How to store leftover Mexican tostadas?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for one to two days in a sealed, airtight container. If you have several to store, use parchment paper between layers.
How do you reheat leftover tostadas?
Leftovers are best reheated in a toaster oven or traditional oven. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 – 10 minutes until warmed and crispy. We do not recommend using a microwave to reheat these leftovers.
Nutrition
Are tostadas gluten free?
Yes, keeping in mind to check the labels on all your ingredients. This recipe as written is gluten free.
Are tostadas healthy?
Tostadas can be healthy, but this will depend on two factors – first, what diet you are following and second what toppings you choose.
A tostada made with chicken breast, Rotel, fat free refried beans, and lettuce will be considerably lower in calories than one dripping in sour cream and cheese. But sometimes you need cheese and sour cream to feed your soul.
Complete your meal with these suggestions
Chicken Tostados can easily be a meal in and of themselves, but if you’re looking for the perfect side dishes, definitely try our black bean soup recipe, fresh Pico de Gallo, and a pineapple margarita to wash it all down! (And don’t forget dessert! How about an easy peach dump cake!)
More Mexican Inspired Recipes
Suggested Tools
- Bakers half sheet – It’s cool, we only have about six of these bakers half sheets because they’re good for absolutely everything. Cookies? Yes! Steak? Yes! Cake? Oh yeah! Roasted veggies? Uhhhh huh!
- Santuko knife – My favorite knife for cutting vegetables! This knife is the perfect size and shape, handles great, and is super reasonably priced. Also, I just love that it’s fun and colorful!
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How to Make a Mexican Tostada
Tostada
Ingredients
- 6 - 8 corn tostadas
- 1 can refried beans (we used Rosarita!) 16 ounces
- 1 pound chicken or other protein, cooked/shredded
- 1 cup finely shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1 can tomatoes with green chilis (we used Rotel!) 10 ounces (drained)
- 1 avocado thinly sliced
- 1 cup crumbled queso fresco
- Fresh cilantro rough chopped
- Other topping ideas: cilantro garlic sauce olives, sour cream
Instructions
- Place corn tostadas on a baking sheet and layer with refried beans, meat, then shredded cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.
- Top with tomatoes & chilis, avocado, queso fresco, and cilantro.
- Enjoy immediately while warm.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
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Love chicken? Try this smoked drumsticks recipe next!
Easy Chicken Tostada Recipe
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This recipe was originally sponsored by Conagra. All opinions and content belong to Mama Loves Food.
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I LOVE tostadas. They are one of my all time favorite Mexican foods. My youngest also loves them. Rosarita may be my favorite brand of beans. They are wonderfully simple without a lot of extra unnecessary ingredients. I even used them as baby food when my kids were young as they were already mushed (and delicious/nutritious). Love these baked tostadas. Great recipe.
This is the perfect way to use up leftover chicken! Such a easy dinner to get on the table!
This was the perfect dinner! It was super easy to make and everyone got to compile their own however they liked so there was no complaining.:)
Yum! These tostadas are so good. I loved that they were relatively easy and that my whole family liked them.