Easy Chicken Tostadas
Introduction
These Easy Chicken Tostadas are crispy, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual family meals. Made with crunchy tostada shells, juicy seasoned chicken, and fresh toppings, they deliver bold Mexican-inspired flavors in every bite. The best part? Everything comes together quickly using simple ingredients you may already have in your kitchen. Customize them with your favorite toppings and sauces for a meal everyone will love.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chicken
2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
¼ cup salsa or tomato sauce
For Assembly
6–8 tostada shells
1 cup refried beans (optional but recommended)
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup diced tomatoes
½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Mexican blend)
¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
¼ cup chopped red onion
Optional Toppings
Sour cream or yogurt
Guacamole or sliced avocado
Fresh cilantro
Lime wedges
Hot sauce
Instructions
Season the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the cooked chicken, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Add Sauce
Pour in the salsa or tomato sauce. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is heated through and well coated with flavor. Remove from heat.
Warm the Beans (Optional)
Heat refried beans in a small pan or microwave until warm and spreadable.
Assemble the Tostadas
Spread a thin layer of refried beans onto each tostada shell. Top with seasoned chicken, then sprinkle with cheese.
Add Fresh Toppings
Finish with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, olives, and your favorite toppings.
Serve
Serve immediately while the shells are crunchy. Add a squeeze of lime just before eating for extra freshness.
Tips for Best Results
Use rotisserie chicken to save time
Don’t overload the tostadas to keep them crispy
Warm tostada shells briefly in the oven for extra crunch
Serve toppings separately if feeding a crowd
Variations
Spicy Chicken Tostadas: Add chipotle sauce or jalapeños
BBQ Chicken Tostadas: Swap salsa for BBQ sauce
Healthy Version: Use baked tostadas, grilled chicken, and Greek yogurt
Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with spiced black beans or lentils
Final Thoughts
Easy Chicken Tostadas are a fun, fast, and satisfying meal that brings big flavor with minimal effort. Crispy, colorful, and endlessly customizable, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or even a quick lunch. Once you try them, they’re sure to become a regular favorite on your menu.