Chicken Tostadas

Chicken Tostadas are a fabulous dish that packs a punch of flavor in every bite! Whether you’re looking for something quick and easy for a weeknight dinner or planning a fun gathering with friends, these tostadas are the perfect choice. They are customizable, so you can adjust them to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Imagine crispy shells piled high with savory chicken, creamy guacamole, and zesty pickled onions. Doesn’t that sound delicious? Plus, making chicken tostadas is a great way to get everyone involved in preparing their own meals, allowing for a delightful shared experience.

Let’s get into why you’re going to love these Chicken Tostadas and how to make them from scratch. Get ready for a culinary adventure that’s both fun and satisfying!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tostadas

Burst of flavors in every bite

These Chicken Tostadas showcase a variety of vibrant flavors that truly come together. Each ingredient adds its own character, creating a joyful taste explosion that’s hard to resist.

Quick and easy meal prep

You’ll find that whipping up these tostadas doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. With a little organization, you can have a delicious meal ready in under 45 minutes.

Perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners

Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, these tostadas offer endless possibilities. They are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your family’s cravings.

Customizable to suit your taste preferences

The beauty of Chicken Tostadas lies in their flexibility. You can easily swap out ingredients or add toppings based on what you enjoy or have on hand.

What is a Chicken Tostadas

Overview of tostadas and their origin

Tostadas are a traditional Mexican dish that people love for their crispy texture and versatility. The word “tostada” means “toasted,” which refers to the crispy tortilla base. Originally hailing from Mexico, tostadas have become a staple for many food lovers around the world. They serve as the perfect canvas for all sorts of toppings.

Description of chicken tostadas and their components

Chicken tostadas specifically feature shredded chicken as the main topping, often seasoned with spices for extra flavor. Layered on a crunchy tostada shell, they typically include refried beans, guacamole, pickled onions, cheese, and fresh herbs like cilantro.

How they differ from other Mexican dishes

Unlike tacos or burritos, where ingredients are generally wrapped or folded, tostadas offer a unique open-faced presentation. This allows you to see all the delicious layers and creates a delightful crunch with every bite.

Ingredients for Chicken Tostadas

• 1 lb (500g) boneless, skinless Chicken Thighs (approx 6 thighs)
• 1 cup (250ml) Chicken Stock
• 1 tbsp Honey
• 1 tbsp Lime Juice (approx 1/2 lime)
• 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 heaped tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1 heaped tsp Cumin
• 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/2 tsp Oregano
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
• pinch of Black Pepper
• 2 large Avocados, halved, destoned & roughly diced
• 1 tbsp Lime Juice (approx 1/2 lime)
• 2 tbsp finely diced Coriander/Cilantro
• pinch of Chipotle Flakes/Chilli Flakes (optional)
• pinch of Salt, to taste
• 1 small Red Onion, peeled & finely sliced
• 2 tbsp Apple Cider (or White Wine Vinegar)
• 2 tbsp Lime Juice (approx 1 whole lime)
• pinch of Salt
• 5 Tostada Shells, warmed in the oven
• 1 (14oz/400g) can of Refried Beans, warmed
• 1 cup (100g) Mexican Cheese Blend, or as needed
• Coriander/Cilantro, to garnish

Preparing Your Chicken Tostadas

Pickling the Onions

To start, take your finely sliced red onion and place it in a bowl. Combine it with vinegar, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Make sure to stir everything together and let it sit for at least 30 minutes while the flavors develop. This simple step elevates your Chicken Tostadas!

Making Quick Guacamole

Now, grab a bowl for your guacamole. In it, mix together the diced avocados, lime juice, cilantro, and optional chili flakes for a bit of heat. Mash everything until it reaches your desired consistency, whether you prefer it chunky or smooth. Set this aside; you’ll love how creamy it complements the tostadas!

Preparing the Chicken

In a small pot, mix together the spices—smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. In another bowl, coat the chicken thighs with olive oil and then sprinkle the spice mix over them evenly, ensuring they are well covered.

Cooking the Chicken

Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and, once hot, place the seasoned chicken thighs in the pan. Cook them until they are nicely charred on both sides and fully cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Once done, set them aside to cool slightly before shredding with forks. The aroma will be irresistible!

Making the Chicken Sauce

In the same pan, add the tomato paste and sauté it for a couple of minutes until it’s fragrant. Pour in the chicken stock, lime juice, and honey, then let it come to a simmer. This step thickens the sauce and enhances the flavors. Once blended, add your shredded chicken to this sauce and simmer everything together for a few more minutes.

Assembling the Tostadas

Now, let’s assemble! Start with a crispy tostada shell as your base. Spread a generous layer of warm refried beans on top. Then, add your smashed guacamole, followed by the chicken smothered in its sauce. Sprinkle a handful of cheese, and finish with the pickled onions and fresh cilantro. Handle with care, as they’re delicate and delicious!

Serving Suggestions

For an enjoyable experience, serve your Chicken Tostadas with extra lime wedges on the side for that zesty kick. A splash of hot sauce can take these delightful bites to the next level. Pair them with fresh salads or salsas that complement the bold flavors for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Tips for Success

Achieving perfect chicken tostadas is all about a few key steps. Allow the pickled onions to sit for at least an hour; this brings out their full flavor. Feel free to adjust the seasonings based on your spice preference. Lastly, warm tostada shells right before serving for that extra crunch.

Variations

Getting creative is part of the fun! Feel free to substitute chicken with pulled pork or shrimp for a different protein base. You can also switch up toppings, like adding sliced jalapeños or queso fresco. For a lighter option, consider making a vegetarian version with grilled veggies instead of chicken.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, store the components in separate airtight containers. The chicken and beans will last about three days in the fridge. Just reheat them before assembling your tostadas again for a quick meal.

Pairing Ideas

Pairing your Chicken Tostadas is easy! A refreshing margarita or a light beer complements the flavors wonderfully. You can also serve them alongside a warm black bean soup or a vibrant corn salad.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well but might take a bit longer to cook since they’re leaner.

2. How can I make this dish more spicy?
If you’re looking for extra heat, add more cayenne pepper or throw in some fresh jalapeños.

3. Are tostadas gluten-free?
Yes, most tostada shells are made from corn, making them a great gluten-free option.

4. Can I prepare these in advance?
You can cook the chicken and prep the toppings ahead of time but try to assemble the tostadas right before serving for the best texture.

5. What can I substitute for pickled onions?
If you don’t have pickled onions, fresh diced onions or pickled jalapeños can work as great alternatives!

These Chicken Tostadas will surely bring joy and flavor to your dining table. The delightful layers—from the tangy pickled onions to the rich guacamole—are bound to impress your family and friends. Enjoy every step of the process, play around with toppings, and make it a dish that reflects your unique taste!

More Easy Grill & BBQ Recipes:

• Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
• Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Chicken Tostadas

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Chicken Tostadas are a burst of flavor with crispy shells and savory toppings. Quick to prepare, they’re perfect for weeknight meals or gatherings.

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (500g) boneless, skinless Chicken Thighs (approx 6 thighs)
• 1 cup (250ml) Chicken Stock
• 1 tbsp Honey
• 1 tbsp Lime Juice (approx 1/2 lime)
• 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 heaped tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1 heaped tsp Cumin
• 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/2 tsp Oregano
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
• pinch of Black Pepper
• 2 large Avocados, halved, destoned & roughly diced
• 1 tbsp Lime Juice (approx 1/2 lime)
• 2 tbsp finely diced Coriander/Cilantro
• pinch of Chipotle Flakes/Chilli Flakes (optional)
• pinch of Salt, to taste
• 1 small Red Onion, peeled & finely sliced
• 2 tbsp Apple Cider (or White Wine Vinegar)
• 2 tbsp Lime Juice (approx 1 whole lime)
• pinch of Salt
• 5 Tostada Shells, warmed in the oven
• 1 (14oz/400g) can of Refried Beans, warmed
• 1 cup (100g) Mexican Cheese Blend, or as needed
• Coriander/Cilantro, to garnish

Instructions

• Pickle the red onions in a bowl with vinegar, lime juice, and salt for 30 minutes.
• Prepare guacamole by mixing diced avocados, lime juice, cilantro, and optional chili flakes; mash to desired consistency.
• Coat chicken thighs with olive oil and sprinkle with spice mix made from various seasonings.
• Cook the seasoned chicken thighs in a hot pan until charred and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes per side.
• Sauté tomato paste in the same pan, add chicken stock, lime juice, honey, and simmer; mix in shredded chicken.
• Assemble by spreading warmed refried beans on tostada shells, topping with guacamole, chicken, cheese, pickled onions, and cilantro.

Notes

Allow pickled onions to sit for at least an hour for enhanced flavor.
Adjust seasonings based on personal spice preference.
Warm tostada shells right before serving for an extra crunch.

• Author: Martha
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2
• Sodium: 450
• Fat: 18
• Saturated Fat: 4
• Unsaturated Fat: 10
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 36
• Fiber: 8
• Protein: 15
• Cholesterol: 70