Chicken tostadas are a fun and tasty dish! Crispy tortillas are topped with juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy avocado. It’s a crunchy bite of happiness!
When I make these, I love getting creative with the toppings. Sometimes I even let my guests build their own! It’s like a party on a plate! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn Tortillas: Corn tortillas are classic for tostadas, adding a great crunch. If you can’t find them, try flour tortillas. Just remember, they’ll be softer and won’t have the same crunch.
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here. It’s already cooked, tender, and full of flavor! Leftover chicken or turkey works great as well. For a vegetarian option, use black beans or seasoned jackfruit.
Enchilada Sauce: I love using red enchilada sauce for its rich flavor. Salsa roja is another option. If you’re looking for something less spicy, a mild red sauce can work too.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives a burst of freshness. If you’re not a fan, try parsley or simply leave it out.
How Do I Get That Perfectly Crispy Tortilla?
Frying the tortillas is key to achieving that delicious crispiness. Here’s a simple guide:
- Use enough oil to cover the bottom of the skillet (about 1/2 inch) and heat it to medium-high.
- Fry each tortilla for about 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Don’t rush this step; it’s worth the wait!
- Once they’re crisp, place them on paper towels immediately to drain off excess oil. This helps keep them crunchy!
Enjoy your Chicken Tostadas and feel free to mix and match toppings as you like! The more the merrier! 🌮
How to Make Chicken Tostadas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (you can use rotisserie or homemade)
- 1 cup red enchilada sauce or salsa roja
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican cheese blend
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup white onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese
- Vegetable oil, for frying tortillas
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes from start to finish—10 minutes for prep and about 10 minutes for cooking and assembling. It’s quick, delicious, and perfect for a weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Fry the Tortillas:
Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add each tortilla to the skillet. Fry them for about 1-2 minutes per side until they are golden and crispy. Once done, take them out and let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
2. Preheat the Broiler:
While your tortillas are cooling, preheat your broiler or oven to the broil setting. This will help melt the cheese quickly and give your tostadas that yummy bubbly topping.
3. Assemble the Tostadas:
Take each crispy tortilla and place them on a baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on each one. Then, pile on your shredded chicken and sprinkle a generous amount of cheese over the chicken.
4. Melt the Cheese:
Pop the baking sheet under the broiler for just about 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; you want the cheese to melt but not to burn!
5. Add Fresh Toppings:
Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, take the tostadas out of the oven. Now it’s time to add the fun stuff! Top each tostada with diced avocado, chopped onions, fresh cilantro, and crumbled queso fresco. You can add as much or as little as you like!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Chicken Tostadas immediately with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze some lime juice over the top for a zesty kick, and enjoy every delicious bite!
These Chicken Tostadas are great for dinner or even as a fun appetizer. Enjoy your cooking adventure! 🌮✨
Can I Use Store-Bought Shredded Chicken?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just shred the meat before using it in the recipe. You can also use leftover chicken if you have any on hand!
What If I Don’t Have Enchilada Sauce?
No worries! You can substitute with salsa roja, which is just as delicious. If you prefer a milder flavor, use a mild taco sauce or even a simple tomato salsa instead.
How Do I Store Leftover Tostadas?
To store leftovers, keep the toppings and tortillas separate. Place any leftover chicken and toppings in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the tortillas, wrap them in foil or place them in a zip-top bag. Reheat the tortillas in the oven or skillet for the best texture before assembling again!
Can I Make These Vegetarian?
Definitely! You can replace the shredded chicken with black beans, refried beans, or seasoned jackfruit for a tasty vegetarian option. Load them up with your favorite veggies for extra flavor!