🌮 Easy Chicken Tostadas
Description
Crispy, flavorful, and loaded with fresh toppings — these Easy Chicken Tostadas are the perfect quick dinner that brings Mexican-inspired joy to your table. Made with shredded chicken, refried beans, and crunchy tostada shells, every bite combines creamy, crunchy, and savory goodness. Great for weeknights or casual get-togethers!
Ingredients for Easy Chicken Tostadas
Servings: 4 (makes 8 tostadas)
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2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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½ teaspoon cumin
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½ teaspoon paprika
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Salt & pepper to taste
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1 cup refried beans (homemade or canned)
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8 tostada shells (store-bought or baked tortillas)
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1 cup shredded lettuce
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1 cup diced tomatoes
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½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
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¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
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¼ cup salsa or pico de gallo
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1 avocado, sliced or mashed
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Fresh cilantro and lime wedges (for garnish)
Instructions
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Prepare the chicken:
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir for 3–4 minutes until warmed and coated with the spices. -
Heat the refried beans:
Warm beans in a small saucepan or microwave until soft and spreadable. -
Assemble the tostadas:
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Spread a layer of refried beans on each tostada shell.
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Add a generous spoonful of seasoned chicken.
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Top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, avocado, and a drizzle of sour cream or salsa.
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Serve immediately:
Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of freshness.
Notes
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You can bake your own tostada shells by brushing corn tortillas lightly with oil and baking at 400°F (200°C) for 5–7 minutes per side until crisp.
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Use leftover chicken from soups or roasted meals to save time.
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Adjust the spice level by adding jalapeños, hot sauce, or chipotle powder.
Tips
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Meal Prep: Cook and season the chicken in advance for even faster assembly.
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Healthier option: Use baked tostadas and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
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Family-friendly: Set up a tostada bar with various toppings so everyone can customize their own.
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Make it vegetarian: Substitute black beans or sautéed veggies for chicken.
Servings
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Yield: 4 servings (2 tostadas per person)
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 10 minutes
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Total time: 20 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
(Approximate values)
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Calories: 380 kcal
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Protein: 25 g
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Carbohydrates: 28 g
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Fat: 18 g
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Fiber: 6 g
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Sodium: 520 mg
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Sugar: 3 g
Benefits
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High in protein for muscle repair and satiety.
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Rich in fiber from beans and vegetables for digestive health.
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Customizable and balanced meal — includes carbs, lean protein, and healthy fats.
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Quick and easy — ready in under 30 minutes!
Q & A
Q: Can I use flour tortillas instead of tostadas?
A: Yes! Simply bake or fry small flour tortillas until crispy to make your own tostada shells.
Q: How can I make it spicier?
A: Add jalapeños, chili flakes, or chipotle in adobo sauce to your chicken mixture.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can prepare the chicken and toppings in advance. Just assemble the tostadas right before serving to keep them crisp.
Q: What sides go well with chicken tostadas?
A: Try serving with Mexican rice, corn salad, or guacamole for a complete meal.