Chicken Tostadas

Name: Chicken Tostadas
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs Chicken breast; 1 cup Taco seasoning; 12 count Corn tortillas; 1 cup Shredded lettuce; 0.5 cup Diced tomatoes; 0.5 cup Shredded cheese

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Okay, friends, let’s talk about Comfort Food, but with a *zing*.Chicken Tostadas: aren’t just any old weeknight dinner. They’re a flavor explosion, a crispy, crunchy, savory dream that’s way easier to whip up than you might think. If you love tacos, trust me, you’re going to be obsessed with these. Think of them as tacos, but elevated, lighter, and more satisfying in that perfect summer-evening-on-the-patio kind of way. This recipe has been in my family for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. I’ve tweaked it over time, perfecting the chicken marinade and finding the right balance of toppings. My kids practically inhale them, and honestly, so do I! There’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch of that perfectly baked tostada shell loaded with juicy chicken and all the fixings. Trust me, you’re going to want to bookmark this one.

What is chicken tostadas?

Alright, let’s break it down. Chicken Tostadas: are basically flat, crispy tortillas piled high with deliciousness. Think of it as an open-faced taco – only the tortilla is baked or fried until it’s perfectly crunchy. It’s essentially a blank canvas for all your favorite Tex-Mex toppings. The name “tostada” comes from the Spanish word “tostado,” which means “toasted.” Which makes perfect sense, right? It’s so much fun to customize, too! Everyone can build their own with their favorite ingredients. So think of it as a taco party, but on a crispy, crunchy bed of happiness. It’s way less messy than tacos, too, which is a win in my book. And it’s a fantastic way to use leftover chicken! It is one of the best easy dishes.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Okay, I’m about to tell you why these are the best things ever.Chicken TostadasWhat is your new go-to meal? What I love about this recipe is how incredibly flavorful it is. The chicken is marinated in a zesty blend of spices that gives it this incredible depth of flavor. How easy is it to make a pizza? What’s the best thing about this one? It’s super budget friendly. What ingredients do you have on hand to make this recipe? What are some of the best ways to serve this dish? What are some good healthy snacks to eat? I’ve tried other tostada recipes, but this combination of flavors just *hits* every time. It’s like a party in your mouth. If you’re a fan of quick, easy, and unbelievably tasty meals, like my Spicy Chicken Quesadillas or my Chicken Tacos, try these. Even my Chicken Fajita Bowls, you NEED to try this!

How do I make chicken tostadas?

Quick Overview

Making Chicken Tostadas: is way easier than you think. The secret lies in the marinade for the chicken, which infuses it with tons of flavor. Basically, you’ll marinate the chicken, bake or fry your tortillas until they’re crispy, shred the chicken, and then pile everything high with your favorite toppings. The whole process takes less than an hour, and it’s mostly hands-off time. Don’t be intimidated by the number of steps – each one is super simple, and the results are so worth it. It’s honestly the perfect weeknight meal!

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tbsp chili powder
* 1 tsp cumin
* 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
* 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
* Salt and pepper to taste
I always use high quality olive oil for the best flavor, and don’t skimp on the lime juice – it’s so good! What is the best way to brighten up marinade?

For the Tostadas:
* 8-10 corn tortillas (I prefer the smaller street taco size) * 4 cups of salsa (can be used as a side dish)
* 2 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
Can you bake these or fry them for extra crispness?

For the Toppings:
* 1 cup shredded lettuce
* 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
* 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
* 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
* 1 avocado, diced or sliced
* Sour Cream or Greek yogurt
* Salsa (your favorite kind!)
* Jalapeños, sliced (optional)
Feel free to customize these with whatever you love! Black beans, corn, cilantro – the possibilities are endless!

How do I follow step

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika and salt. Set aside. Paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. To serve: 1 cup Add the chicken breasts to a bowl and toss. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. I usually prep this in the morning so it’s ready to go when I get home from work.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. What are some ways to grill chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side? I often use my Instant Pot when I’m short on time.

Step 3: Prepare the Tostada Shells

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Is it safe to cook corn tortillas in olive oil? Arrange the tortillas in a single layer on an baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Do not overbake. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn easily! If you prefer to fry them, heat about 1/4 inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the tortillas for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred it with two forks. This is also a great time to remove any larger pieces of fat or gristle. I like to shred it pretty fine so it’s easy to eat on tostadas.

Step 5: Assemble the Tostadas

What is the fun part? Arrange the crispy tostada shells on a serving platter. Top each tostada with lettuce, shredded chicken, cheese, tomatoes, red onion, avocado and sour cream. What are the best ways to prepare salsa, sour cream, and jalap What other toppings do you like? I often throw on black beans or corn if I have some on hand.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the Chicken Tostadas immediately and enjoy! These are best eaten fresh, as the tostada shells can get soggy if they sit for too long.

What to Serve It With

Chicken Tostadas are a meal on their own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, here are some ideas:

For a light and refreshing side: Serve with a simple side salad with a lime vinaigrette. The acidity of the lime will cut through the richness of the tostadas.

For a heartier meal: Pair with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans. This makes it a super filling and satisfying meal.

For a party: Serve with a variety of salsas, guacamole, and chips for a fun and festive spread. Everyone can customize their own tostadas and enjoy the variety of flavors.

My family loves to have these with a side of elote (Mexican street corn). The sweetness of the corn complements the savory tostadas perfectly. And don’t forget the drinks! Margaritas, iced tea, or even just a refreshing glass of lemonade all pair well with these tostadas.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Tostadas

Okay, friends, I’ve made these Chicken Tostadas countless times, so I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. Here are my top tips for making them perfect:

Don’t skip the marinade: The marinade is key to infusing the chicken with flavor. Marinate it for at least 30 minutes, or longer if you have time. I’ve even let it sit overnight sometimes, and it’s even better!

Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: When baking the tortillas, make sure they are in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding them will cause them to steam instead of crisp up.

Watch the tortillas closely: The tortillas can burn easily, so keep a close eye on them while they are baking or frying. I usually check them every few minutes.

Warm the tortillas first: For extra flexibility, warm the tortillas in a skillet before baking or frying them. This will help them stay flexible and prevent them from cracking.

Use fresh toppings: Fresh toppings will make a huge difference in the overall flavor of the tostadas. I always use ripe avocados, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce.

Toast the spices: Toasting the spices before adding them to the marinade will enhance their flavor. Simply heat the spices in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or until they are fragrant.

I also like to add a squeeze of lime juice over the finished tostadas for a little extra zing. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a dollop of chipotle mayo for a smoky kick.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have leftover Chicken Tostadas (which is rare!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

Room Temperature: It’s not recommend to leave these out for long. If you have any toppings that need refrigeration you shouldn’t leave it out for more than 2 hours.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the shredded chicken and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will keep for up to 3-4 days, and the toppings will keep for 1-2 days. Store the crispy tostada shells in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay crispy for a few days.

Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing the assembled tostadas, as the tortillas will get soggy. However, you can freeze the shredded chicken in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before using.

To reheat the chicken, simply microwave it for a few minutes, or heat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Reheat your leftover fried chicken this way and make yourself some Chicken Tostadas the next day!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with black beans, pinto beans, or even crumbled tofu. Just be sure to season them well with the same spices as the chicken.

Can I use store-bought tostada shells?

Yes, you definitely can! It’s a great time-saver. Just be sure to warm them up in the oven before adding the toppings to prevent them from being too brittle.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can definitely prep the chicken and toppings ahead of time. Just store them separately and assemble the tostadas right before serving to prevent the shells from getting soggy.

How can I make this spicier?

Add more cayenne pepper to the marinade, use a spicier salsa, or add some chopped jalapeños to the toppings. You could even use a spicy cheese like pepper jack.

What other toppings can I add?

The possibilities are endless! Try adding corn, black beans, pickled onions, cotija cheese, or a drizzle of cilantro-lime dressing.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my family’s favorite Chicken Tostadas recipe! I hope you give it a try and love it as much as we do. The combination of crispy tortillas, flavorful chicken, and fresh toppings is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s so easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. If you’re looking for more quick and easy Mexican-inspired recipes, be sure to check out my Spicy Chicken Quesadillas or Chicken Fajita Bowls. Happy cooking, friends! And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how your Chicken Tostadas turn out!

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