Easy Chicken Tostadas Recipe: A Crunchy, Flavor-Packed Mexican Favorite
Looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea that’s both satisfying and full of flavor? Chicken tostadas are the perfect answer! This crispy, colorful Mexican dish is easy to make at home and great for weeknight meals, family gatherings, or even meal prep.

In this article, you'll find a step-by-step chicken tostadas recipe, tips for customizing toppings, and answers to common questions. Let’s bring the vibrant taste of Mexican street food right to your kitchen.
What Are Chicken Tostadas?
A tostada is a crispy, flat tortilla that’s usually fried or baked, topped with layers of savory ingredients like refried beans, meat, vegetables, salsa, cheese, and sour cream.
Chicken tostadas use seasoned shredded chicken as the main protein and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Think of it as a crunchy, open-faced taco with beautiful textures and flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tostadas Recipe
✅ Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes
✅ Customizable: Use any toppings you love
✅ Healthy Option: Can be made lighter with baked tortillas
✅ Kid-Friendly: Fun to assemble and eat
✅ Meal Prep Friendly: Cook the chicken in advance for busy nights
Ingredients for Chicken Tostadas
Here’s what you’ll need to make 6 chicken tostadas:
For the Chicken:
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or homemade)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of ½ lime
For the Tostadas:
6 corn tortillas (or store-bought tostada shells)
1 cup refried beans (canned or homemade)
1 cup shredded lettuce
½ cup diced tomatoes
½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
¼ cup chopped red onion
¼ cup sour cream or Mexican crema
1 avocado, sliced or mashed
Fresh cilantro for garnish
How to Make Chicken Tostadas (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add shredded chicken, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 5 minutes until heated through and fragrant. Finish with lime juice.
Step 2: Bake or Fry Tortillas
Option 1 – Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush tortillas with oil and bake on a sheet for 5–7 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
Option 2 – Fry: Heat ½ inch of oil in a skillet. Fry each tortilla until crispy, about 1 minute per side. Drain on paper towels.
Step 3: Warm the Beans
Heat refried beans in a small pot or microwave. Spread a generous spoonful over each tostada shell.
Step 4: Assemble the Tostadas
Layer the toppings in this order:
Refried beans
Seasoned shredded chicken
Lettuce
Tomatoes and onions
Cheese
Avocado
Sour cream or crema
Fresh cilantro
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Serve your tostadas while the shells are still crispy! Pair with lime wedges, salsa, or hot sauce for an extra zing.
Topping Ideas & Variations
Mix and match toppings to create your perfect tostada:
Spicy kick: Add jalapeños or hot sauce
Extra protein: Add black beans or corn
Low-carb option: Use lettuce leaves instead of tortillas
Vegan version: Use plant-based meat or just beans and veggies
Cheesy delight: Top with crumbled cotija cheese or melty queso
Tips for Perfect Tostadas
Don’t overload: Too many wet toppings can make the tortilla soggy.
Keep shells crisp: Assemble just before serving.
Make it faster: Use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken breasts.
Prep ahead: Store cooked chicken and chopped toppings separately in the fridge.
Storage & Reheating
Store toppings and shells separately to maintain freshness.
Chicken and beans: refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Tostada shells: keep in an airtight container at room temperature.
To reheat: Warm the chicken and beans in the microwave or skillet before assembling.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I use flour tortillas for tostadas?
Corn tortillas are traditional and crisp up better, but you can use flour tortillas in a pinch—just expect a softer texture.
❓ What’s the best chicken to use?
Shredded rotisserie chicken is quick and flavorful. Leftover grilled or baked chicken also works great.
❓ Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use certified gluten-free corn tortillas and make sure all ingredients (like beans and seasonings) are gluten-free.
❓ Are tostadas healthy?
They can be! Use baked tortillas, lean chicken, and fresh veggies for a lighter version.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving - 1 Tostada)
Calories: ~300
Protein: 18g
Carbs: 28g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 5g
(Approximate values depending on toppings used)
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