Looking for an easy weeknight meal? Try making these delectable Chicken Tostadas that your whole family will love!

Growing up in Southern California, I found myself immersed in a world of delicious and authentic Mexican food. One of my absolute favorite spots back home was Los Primos in Costa Mesa. It wasn’t just a restaurant; it was a neighborhood favorite and a cozy hangout. After sports practices and business meetings, the tiny restaurant and its parking lot would come alive with people eagerly enjoying burritos, tacos, taquitos, and, most importantly, their legendary chicken tostadas. The delightful aroma of their scrumptious chicken and freshly fried corn tortillas wafted through the air, and after a long day at school, every bite tasted like a slice of heaven.
Now that I’m living in Europe, I find myself on a quest for a great Mexican place like Los Primos, but nothing really compares—except for this amazing chicken tostadas recipe! Whenever I get a craving for that delightful Mexican flair, I whip up this recipe right away. You can easily find all the ingredients at any grocery store, and it’s a breeze to make during those busy weeknights! Each element, from the crispy tostada shell and refried beans to the tender shredded chicken, takes me back to grabbing a box of freshly made tostadas after water polo practice. So, the next time you’re in the mood for some Mexican food, why not try making this delicious chicken tostada recipe?

What other protein can I use besides chicken?
Not into chicken? Don’t worry, there are plenty of protein options besides chicken you can use for your tostadas! I recommend using cooked ground turkey, pork, or beef. Season with a bit of taco seasoning or keep it simple with salt and pepper. For a more authentic option, you can make slow-cooked shredded pork (carnitas style) that is tender and pairs wonderfully with the other tostada toppings. I’ve made tostadas with pulled pork, and they tasted amazing! If you’re looking to avoid meat, you can try topping it with hearty mushrooms like finely chopped cremini or shiitake, which can be sautéed with taco seasoning for a vegetarian-friendly option.

How do I store leftovers?
Once it’s fully cooled, you can store any leftover chicken tostadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend keeping all of the components in separate containers and reheating everything either on the stovetop or in the microwave until fully warmed through. Just remember the tostadas will get more soggy the longer you leave them.

Serving suggestions
While this chicken tostada recipe is absolutely delicious on its own, it’s even better when it’s served with a few dishes of veggies! I recommend you serve it alongside this tasty Three-Bean Mexican Corn Black Bean Salad and a bowl of this vibrant Mexican Chopped Salad. Anytime I make this recipe, I also love making this scrumptious Guacamole Recipe and spicy Salsa Recipe. Last, but not least, for dessert, you can make this Delicious Sopapilla Cheesecake.


Ingredients
- 8 corn tostada shells
- 4 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 1/2 tablespoons taco seasoning, plus more to taste
- 1 15-ounce can refried beans, warmed
- 1 1/2 cups Mexican blend cheese, shredded
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Sour cream, for serving (optional)
- Hot sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F. Place the tostada shells on a baking sheet and lightly brush each side with vegetable oil. Bake for 5-8 minutes, flipping them halfway for an evenly crisp texture.

- In a skillet over medium heat, mix the shredded chicken, salsa, and taco seasoning. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, letting the flavors combine and the mixture heat through.

- Spread a thin layer of warm refried beans on each crispy shell. Top with the chicken mixture, then sprinkle with shredded cheese, diced tomato, and shredded lettuce.

- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges. Drizzle on sour cream and hot sauce if preferred.

Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.


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