Chicken Tostadas Ultimate (Printer-friendly)
Crispy tortillas topped with seasoned chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy toppings. Ideal for family meals.
# What You Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
02 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon cumin
04 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
06 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
07 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Tostada Base
08 - 8 small corn tortillas
09 - Vegetable oil, for frying or brushing
→ Toppings
10 - 1 cup refried beans (canned or homemade)
11 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
12 - 1 cup diced tomatoes
13 - 1/2 cup diced red onion
14 - 1 avocado, sliced
15 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
16 - 1/4 cup sour cream
17 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
18 - Lime wedges, to serve
# How to Make It:
01 - In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Stir in shredded chicken and season with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through and well coated. Remove from heat and set aside.
02 - Preheat oven to 400°F or heat vegetable oil in a large skillet. For baked shells, brush tortillas lightly with oil, place on a baking sheet, and bake for 5-7 minutes per side, until crisp and golden. For fried shells, fry tortillas in hot oil for 30-45 seconds per side, then drain on paper towels.
03 - Warm the refried beans in a small saucepan over low heat.
04 - Spread a layer of warm refried beans on each crisp tortilla. Add a generous portion of seasoned chicken. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, avocado slices, shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped cilantro.
05 - Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It is an incredibly versatile way to use up leftover chicken or a quick store-bought rotisserie bird.
- The combination of warm beans, savory meat, and cold fresh toppings creates a perfect bite every time.
02 -
- Never skip draining the fried tortillas on wire racks or paper towels, or they will lose their snap quickly.
- Keep the components separate until the very last moment to prevent the shell from getting soggy under the weight of the beans and meat.
03 -
- If your tortillas are thick, microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel for 20 seconds before frying to prevent cracking.
- Season your refried beans with a pinch of cumin and lime juice for an extra layer of flavor.