Easy Chicken Tostada for Dinner Recipe

This Easy Chicken Tostada recipe brings all the fun, vibrant flavors of your favorite Mexican dinner right to your table in just 20 minutes—seriously, this one’s a game-changer for busy weeknights! It features a perfectly seasoned, savory chicken filling piled high on a crispy corn shell, and then topped with all the fresh, crunchy fixings you crave. Trust me, you are going to fall head over heels for how quick, customizable, and unbelievably delicious these are.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Lightning Fast: With a prep and cook time of about 20 minutes, this is the ultimate dinner solution for those evenings when you need a delicious meal now.
• A Crunch You Can’t Resist: The tostada shell provides that satisfying, crispy base that makes every single bite texturally perfect. No soggy shells here!
• Built for Leftovers: We’re starting with pre-cooked chicken (hello, rotisserie chicken!) which makes the assembly process super speedy.
• Flavor-Packed Filling: The simple combination of spices and salsa creates a savory, fragrant chicken mixture that’s anything but bland.

Ingredients

All you need for this delicious meal is about 10 minutes of hands-on time and a handful of pantry staples to create an absolute feast! But first, gather up these must-have ingredients:

• Cooked Shredded Chicken: This is the hearty, lean protein base of our tostada. Using pre-cooked chicken (like rotisserie) is the ultimate time-saver!
• Olive Oil: Just a little bit to start the cooking process and help those aromatic veggies release their flavors.
• Onion: Finely chopped, this adds a subtle sweetness and a savory depth as it softens.
• Garlic: Stirring this in for just a minute ensures your chicken filling has a beautifully fragrant, irresistible aroma.
• Ground Cumin, Paprika, and Chili Powder: This holy trinity of spices is key to achieving that authentic, warm, and smoky Mexican flavor profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing all the lovely spices we’re adding to the mix.
• Tomato Salsa: This acts as the binder and sauce for the chicken, adding moisture and a tangy tomato punch.
• Tostada Shells: The foundation of the entire dish! Warming them up gives you that perfect, sturdy crunch.
• Shredded Lettuce and Diced Tomatoes: These are your fresh, cool, and crunchy toppings, providing a delicious contrast to the warm chicken.
• Shredded Cheese (Cheddar or Mozzarella): Because every great bite needs a little cheesy goodness! It adds creaminess and saltiness.
• Avocado: Sliced and placed right on top, it brings a luxurious, creamy texture that totally elevates the meal.
• Fresh Cilantro: A pop of green that brings a bright, herbal, and fresh finish to the dish.
• Lime Wedges: Serving with these is crucial! A squeeze of fresh lime cuts through the richness and adds a welcome burst of tang.

Note: The exact measurements and quantities for all these ingredients will be found right under this article in the recipe card!

How to Make the Easy Chicken Tostada

This process is so straightforward, you’ll be wondering why you haven’t made these every week!

Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base

In a skillet over medium heat, drizzle in your olive oil. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become tender and slightly translucent. Next, stir in that minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute—until it smells amazing—but be careful not to let it burn!

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Add your shredded chicken to the skillet. Sprinkle in the cumin, paprika, chili powder, and a dash of salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir until the chicken is beautifully coated in all those lovely spices.

Step 3: Simmer and Combine

Pour in the tomato salsa. Mix it well with the seasoned chicken. Let this simmer for about 4-5 minutes, allowing all those incredible flavors to marry and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Crisp the Tostadas

While your chicken is simmering, warm your tostada shells in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes. This step is a small effort for a HUGE payoff in crispiness.

Step 5: Assemble and Top

Now for the fun part! Spread a generous, even layer of the warm, seasoned chicken mixture over each crispy tostada shell. Pile them high with the cool, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and those beautiful slices of avocado.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Garnish each tostada with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and serve immediately with a lime wedge on the side. That little squeeze of lime is the final touch that makes these absolutely pop!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Rotisserie Chicken is Your Best Friend: Don’t skip the shortcut! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken drastically cuts down on your prep time, making this a true 20-minute meal.
• Make it Spicy: If you like some heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of your favorite hot sauce to the chicken mixture along with the salsa.
• Keep the Shells Crispy: Assemble the tostadas right before serving. If you dress them too early, the moisture from the chicken and toppings will make them soggy.
• Use the Right Pan: A non-stick skillet works best for the chicken mixture to prevent anything from sticking while you’re simmering the sauce.

How to Serve

These Chicken Tostadas are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with simple sides to create a complete, festive meal!

• Easy Sides: Pair them with a simple side of yellow rice or a scoop of black beans seasoned with a little garlic and cumin.
• Sauce Bar: Set out a topping bar with extra salsa, sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, and maybe a little guacamole for people to customize their crunch.
• Fresh Finish: A simple drizzle of Mexican crema or hot sauce, and of course, plenty of fresh lime juice, is all you need to make them perfect.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The key to good leftovers here is keeping the components separate! Store the leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store any leftover toppings (lettuce, tomatoes) in separate containers.

Freezing

The cooked chicken filling freezes wonderfully. Let it cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Do not freeze the assembled tostadas or the shells.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken filling in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Assemble the tostadas with fresh toppings and a new crispy shell, and you are good to go!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of protein besides chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe is super flexible. You can easily substitute the cooked shredded chicken with ground beef, ground turkey, or even shredded pork (like carnitas). Just make sure whatever protein you use is already cooked, and you mix it with the same delicious spice and salsa blend for that incredible flavor profile.

2. Is there a way to make the tostada shells from scratch?

Yes, and it’s surprisingly easy! If you can’t find pre-made shells or just want to try a homemade version, you can simply brush corn tortillas with a little bit of oil and bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are golden brown and perfectly crisp.

3. What are some good vegetarian substitutions for the chicken?

You can make this vegetarian and equally satisfying by swapping the chicken for one 15-ounce can of drained and rinsed black beans, which you can lightly mash, or a cup of seasoned cooked lentils. Just cook the beans/lentils with the onion, garlic, and spices until they are warmed through and coated in the salsa.

4. How can I lighten up this recipe a bit?

If you are looking to cut back on fat, you can use less shredded cheese or substitute it with a low-fat cotija or queso fresco, which crumbles nicely. You can also skip the avocado, or replace the olive oil used to sauté the onion with a splash of chicken broth or water.