Name: The Best Chicken Tostada Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; Juice of 2 limes; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 10 to 12 small corn tortillas; 3 tablespoons oil (such as olive or corn oil); 1 can black beans or refried beans ((15-ounce)); Toppings such as lettuce (chopped tomatoes, sliced black olives, sour cream, hot sauce, and shredded cheddar cheese)

These easyChicken Tostadasmake dinners a snap! Ready in only 30 minutes, this is an easy chicken recipe with only a few ingredients. I’m even including simple recipe for baked tostada shells. The whole family is going to love this meal!

Chicken tostadas on a white pan with lettuce cheese and tomatoes.

Tostadas are one of my favorite dishes to get when we go out for Mexican food. I love that crispy shell, beans, and pile of shredded lettuce and salsa. I took it upon myself to figure out themost delicious homemade tostada recipe ever, just for you, and the results are awesome!

I know I can’t be the only one who gets stuck in the rut of making normal beef tacos intaco shellsover and over again. They are indeed a classic for a reason. Butget out of the rut with this simple recipe, and your family will cheer.And the best part?You probably have everything on hand to make them tonight!

grilled chicken on baked tortilla shell on a white pan with lettuce cheese and tomatoes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This easy dish is afun twist on yourclassic chicken tacosthat will make Taco Tuesday a real party (and a little more creative!).
I also lovedishes that thekids can pile on what toppings they loveand leave off what they don’t.Customizable meals are great for family dinners.
Withthese simple ingredients,you probably have everything you need on hand to make them tonight!

Recipe Ingredients

Chicken thighs –boneless, skinless
Seasonings –paprika, cumin, onion, garlic and chili powder
Limes –you will use the juice
Olive oil

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How to make Chicken Tostadas

Add the chicken, all of the spices, lime juice, and oil to a zippered bag and mix.
Heat a largeskilletand add the chicken. While the chicken cooks, heat the beans.
Prepare your tostada shells.
Chop the chicken, and prepare your other toppings. Assemble you tostadas!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this recipe meatless?

Yes! Omit the chicken altogether for a great meatless meal, and you can add more beans and even a little avocado for more substance.

Can you make refried beans from scratch?

Yes, and it’s so easy! Dump a can of black or pinto beans into a medium saucepan. Add 1/2 teaspoon each of salt, garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder and stir to combine. Simmer on low for 15 to 25 minutes, stirring often, until the liquid absorbs. About halfway through cooking, use a potato masher to lightly mash the beans, and then mash them again when most of the liquid is absorbed.This makes the most delicious homemade “refried” beans ever.

Do you heat store-bought tostadas?

I prefer them heated up. Here’s what I do to make my own tostada shells in the oven. Brush each side of a small corn tortilla with oil, and place it on a baking sheet (about 6 fit on a sheet). Bake at 400 degrees F. for 4 minutes. Remove from the oven, flip the shells over, return to the oven, and bake for 4 more minutes. Remove the shells for the oven, and allow to cool slightly. The shells will finish crisping up as they cool. Repeat with remaining shells.

What do you eat with tostadas?

I like to serve with Easy Spanish Rice in the Rice Cooker or Mango Salsa. For the tostada itself, add all the veggies! We also love homemade ranch and this blender salsa recipe on top.

grilled chicken on tortilla rounds on a white pan with lettuce cheese and tomatoes.

Expert Tips

I useboneless skinless chicken thighsfor this recipe because they don’t dry out the way chicken breast can. You can use chicken breast, but be sure not to overcook it. You can also grill the chicken if you’d like.
You can buy pre-made tostada shells at some grocery stores, but I’m here to tell you that they aresuper easy to make yourself at home(and inexpensive). All you have to do it brush a little oil on both sides of a corn tortilla, bake it, flip it, finish baking it, and 8 minutes later you are done! No frying is needed.
If making your own homemade refried beans, start them when you start the chicken, and they’ll be done at the same time.Make a double batch and eat on them all week long.