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    Recipes » Main Course Recipes » Mexican Main Courses

    Chicken Tostadas

    Published: Apr 30, 2020 · Modified: Feb 12, 2021 by Marissa Stevens · 40 Comments

    Gluten Free

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video
    holding a chicken tostada above a platter of many chicken tostadas

    Chicken tostadas are a festive and delicious Cinco de Mayo party food (or any party or BBQ for that matter!). But they're also a great way to break out of a boring weeknight dinner routine. Fun to make and fun to eat!

    chicken tostadas served on a white platter with lime wedges

    Imagine five layers of flavor piled onto crispy corn tortillas. This version has refried beans, tender shredded chicken with Mexican spices, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and fresh cilantro. But it’s entirely versatile, swap in any ingredients you like!

    When you make these, I recommend making your own Tostada Shells (recipe and step by step video). They're so simple, perfectly flat and crisp, and baked not fried! All you need are corn tortillas, a little oil, and a baking sheet with an oven-safe rack. Try them once, and you'll never go back to the store bought version.

    chicken tostadas served on a white platter with lime wedges

    Flavor and Convenience Tip!

    For the chicken, you have lots of options. I've included my recipe for Chicken Tinga below (made in one pot with your choice of boneless skinless chicken thighs, chicken breasts (bone-in skin-on or boneless skinless), Chicken Carnitas (made in the slow cooker) or rotisserie chicken / shredded chicken - see recipe notes for more.

    If you can, I recommend making the chicken a day in advance. The flavor is even better the next day, reheats well, and is one less thing to do the day you make these tostadas. (Chicken Tinga also freezes well. We always have it on hand for Chicken Tinga Tacos, another weeknight dinner favorite.)

    Chicken Tostadas for Parties

    Full size tostadas are just right for dinner, but they can be tricky at parties. So how about a miniature version instead?

    When we’re having friends over, I love to serve appetizers that are just a bite or two and don’t require silverware. I mentioned in this Pork Carnitas Tostadas post that with full-size tostadas, I tend to get carried away. Stacking them so high that taking a bite invariably means toppled toppings. Which is fine when it’s just Keith and I, but not great for parties.

    Holding one Mini-Chicken-Tostada

    That's where round tortilla chips come in. Pile on the toppings and you have bite size chicken tostadas! You can pop one into your mouth in one bite, sans mess, particularly if you can find 2-inch diameter tortilla chips. Just think of the possibilities!

    I recommend a bottom layer of refried beans to help the toppings adhere, but from there you could layer the tostadas with seasoned ground beef or turkey, pork carnitas, carne asada, or a vegetarian version with roasted zucchini and peppers. And, for me, fresh cilantro, sour cream (or Mexican crema) and guacamole are a must! Make your favorite version of guacamole for this, or for a quick solution, make my Salsa Guacamole that’s just avocado, pico de gallo, fresh lime juice, and salt.

    To serve these, you can assemble them ahead of time.

    Mini-Chicken-Tostadas-Served on a white platter

    Or create a tostada bar for your guests to assemble their own.

    Chicken-Tostadas-Bar

    Either way, these bite-size chicken tostadas will be a hit at your next celebration!

    Mini-Chicken-Tostadas-served on-a-platter

    More Favorite Mexican Food Recipes

    • Homemade Refried Beans
    • Shrimp Tacos
    • Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
    • Carne Asada
    • Chicken Pozole Verde

    Chicken Tostadas Recipe Video

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    Holding one Mini-Chicken-Tostada featured

    Chicken Tostadas

    Marissa Stevens
    Whether you make full-size or bite-size Chicken Tostadas, they are festive and delicious for parties or fun weeknight meals!
    5 from 12 votes
    Save Recipe Saved! Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 30 mins
    Cook Time 45 mins
    Total Time 1 hr 15 mins
    Course Appetizer, Main Course
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 60 chicken tostadas
    Calories 38 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 14 ½ ounce can diced fire roasted tomatoes with juice
    • 1 small white onion finely chopped
    • 4 cloves garlic finely chopped
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 tablespoon chipotle hot sauce or more to taste
    • 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
    • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
    • 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or boneless skinless chicken breasts

    Easy Guacamole

    • 1 large avocado or 2 small, cubed
    • ⅓ cup pico de gallo
    • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
    • kosher salt to taste

    Tostadas and Toppings

    • 60 2-inch round tortilla chips fewer if the rounds are larger, or 10-12 Full Size Tostada Shells
    • 16 ounce can refried beans warmed
    • 3 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack or Queso Fresco
    • sour cream or Mexican Crema
    • chopped fresh cilantro

    Instructions
     

    • Stir together tomatoes, onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, and chili powder in a large saucepan over medium heat; bring to boil. Add chicken thighs (or boneless skinless chicken breasts if you prefer) and season with salt and pepper. Stir to coat chicken with tomato mixture then spread into an even layer. Reduce heat and cover; keep at a low simmer for 35-45 minutes, until chicken is tender and easy to shred. Transfer chicken to cutting board. Increase heat and return sauce to boil; cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated (it should look like a very thick salsa), 8-12 minutes. Remove from heat.
    • While sauce reduces, shred chicken into bite size pieces using two forks. (If making bite-size tostadas chop shredded chicken into pieces small enough to fit on the chips without hanging over the side.)
    • Once sauce has reduced, return chicken to sauce and place over medium heat; cook and stir until heated through. (If it looks like more sauce than you want, transfer ⅓ to ½ of it to a separate bowl, stir the chicken into the remaining and add back sauce until you reach your desired consistency.)
    • To make the guacamole: In a large bowl, mash together avocado, pico de gallo and fresh lime juice. Season to taste with salt.
    • To assemble bite-size tostadas: on one chip, spread about a teaspoon of warm refried beans followed by a large pinch of chicken, pinch of cheese and a small dollop each of guacamole and sour cream. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro if desired. Repeat with remaining chips. (You can also do this assembly style, adding the layers in order to a whole tray of chips.) Serve.
    • To assemble full-size tostadas: spread on a thin layer of warm refried beans followed by a thin layer of chicken. Sprinkle with cheese and top with guacamole and sour cream. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro if desired. Repeat with remaining tostada shells.

    Notes

    1. Note that the nutrition information is for each bite-size chicken tostada. If you make 12 full-size tostadas (using the Tostada Shells) with the same proportion of toppings, they'll have ~250 calories each.
    2. If you prefer to use bone-in skin-on chicken breasts see my Chicken Tinga post for detailed instructions. To use Shredded Chicken, or rotisserie chicken for this recipe, follow the instructions for the sauce, but reduce the covered cooking time to 20 minutes. Then reduce the sauce uncovered until thickened to the consistency of a thick salsa. Stir in shredded chicken; reduce heat and simmer 5-10 minutes to reheat the chicken and allow it to soak up plenty of flavor.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 38kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 3gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 89mgPotassium: 64mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 64IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword Cinco de Mayo, easy, gluten free, party food
    Tried this recipe?I'd love to see it! Tag me on Instagram at @pinchandswirl or leave me a comment and rating below.

    More Mexican Main Courses

    • Birria Ramen
    • Slow Cooker Birria de Res
    • Shrimp Tacos
    • Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Sharon S. says

      May 21, 2022 at 5:24 pm

      5 stars
      I love the bite size chicken Tostasas but am unable to find the 2 in. Size in our stores. Can these just be cut from a 6 in. Size and then baked as per the recipe?

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        May 23, 2022 at 12:04 pm

        Hi Sharon! Just to be clear - the small rounds are tortilla chips, not store bought mini-tostada shells. I bet if you look around at your local grocery store you'll be able to find round tortilla chips. You could make a baked version from scratch, but it would be pretty time consuming and you'd likely need to bake them for a shorter amount of time than full size corn tortillas.

        Reply
    2. Shashi at SavorySpin says

      May 05, 2020 at 4:36 am

      5 stars
      Wow - so much flavor in these little tostados! Marissa, I am not embarrassed to say I would finish that whole platter if you asked me to pass it around at a party!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        May 05, 2020 at 8:15 am

        I hear ya, Shashi! So hard to stop eating them. 🙂

        Reply
    3. Samantha Paul says

      May 04, 2020 at 11:00 pm

      5 stars
      Absolute..perfect recipe....and it looks are perfect & too delicious as well....i can't wait to try it....Thanks for sharing...!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        May 05, 2020 at 8:16 am

        My pleasure, Samantha! Hope you love them! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Valentina says

      May 04, 2020 at 10:41 am

      5 stars
      This might just be my family's favorite type of dinner. We all love it. (I just knew I'd see your yummy Chicken Tinga in a new delicious recipe!) 🙂 ~Valentina

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        May 04, 2020 at 12:47 pm

        That's so sweet, Valentina. Thank you!!

        Reply
    5. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says

      May 04, 2020 at 10:29 am

      5 stars
      Perfect combination of textures Marissa! These would be a hit for Cinco de Mayo. Delicious!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        May 04, 2020 at 12:47 pm

        Thanks so much, Mary Ann!

        Reply
    6. Dawn - Girl Heart Food says

      May 01, 2020 at 7:45 am

      5 stars
      I can see the crunch and taste the flavours already!! This have got to happen soon, Marissa! They look incredible and I know they'll be devoured in 2 minutes flat 😉 Happy weekend!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        May 01, 2020 at 1:28 pm

        Love to hear that, Dawn! Happy weekend to you! 🙂

        Reply
    7. David @ Spiced says

      May 01, 2020 at 7:01 am

      5 stars
      I love the idea of keeping packs of chicken tinga frozen for quick reheating meals! These tostadas look delicious, Marissa. I'm a huge fan of guacamole, lime and cilantro...and I see all of those here! Yum!!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        May 01, 2020 at 1:28 pm

        Yes, so convenient! Thanks so much, David!

        Reply
    8. Faith (An Edible Mosaic) says

      May 11, 2017 at 4:07 am

      Oooh, I love making a meal out of little bites and these are right up my alley! So many delicious flavors going on, each bite is like a little party!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        May 15, 2017 at 12:04 pm

        Yes! Well said, my friend. 😉

        Reply
    9. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says

      May 08, 2017 at 6:34 am

      5 stars
      I swear I commented on these, Marissa... but maybe I just drooled all over them numerous times on social media and all the drool got to my brain and I just THOUGHT I commented on them here. Obviously these marvelous mini tostadas deserve a comment EVERYWHERE, because they are just EVERYTHING! I'm a huge tostada fan, but I am totally swooning over the fact that you made them miniature!!! That definitely means I can stuff more of them in my pie hole at once, which is always a win! Can't wait to make these! Pinned! Cheers, friend! xo

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        May 08, 2017 at 12:19 pm

        Cheyanne, you just make me happy, what can I say. xoxo

        Reply
    10. annie@ciaochowbambina says

      May 08, 2017 at 5:03 am

      Oh my - I love the idea of a Tostada Bar! These bite-size morsels are just perfect for entertaining! I predict these will be a very popular appetizer at our house this summer!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        May 08, 2017 at 12:19 pm

        Awesome! Come on over, Annie. We'll make it a party. 🙂

        Reply
    11. karrie @ Tasty Ever After says

      May 07, 2017 at 1:56 pm

      5 stars
      These tostadas look so delish and love how easy they are! Your pics are beautiful too Marissa. We had to postpone our Cinco de Mayo party until the 19th due to bad weather here in NH on the 5th, but good for us because now I can put this recipe on the apps menu! Woohoo and pinning! 🙂

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        May 08, 2017 at 12:21 pm

        I love it that you postponed it - Happy Diecinueve de Mayo! 😉

        Reply
    12. Kevin | Keviniscooking says

      May 07, 2017 at 11:35 am

      Had to stop by and say I LOVE these. Any type of small, hand held treat is a winner and these are right up my alley. Hope you're having a blast in Hawaii!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        May 08, 2017 at 12:21 pm

        Thank you, my friend! It sure is beautiful here... 🙂

        Reply
    13. Krista says

      May 06, 2017 at 5:50 pm

      5 stars
      I think I'll make a bunch of these just for me!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        May 08, 2017 at 12:21 pm

        I wish I could make a batch for you!! I miss you...xoxo

        Reply
    14. Ben|Havocinthekitchen says

      May 05, 2017 at 9:32 pm

      5 stars
      These tostadas look pretty, Marissa! I love the idea of a tostada bar - more fun for guests = less work for us. I think that would be a great idea to have the guests clean the place after the party too. Totally make sence:)

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        May 08, 2017 at 12:22 pm

        haha, I like the way you think Ben!! 🙂

        Reply
    15. Julia Mueller says

      May 05, 2017 at 10:22 am

      These are brilliant!! I absolutely love all those flavors in one single bite...I could definitely see these beauties becoming dinner lickety split! Happy Cinco de Mayo!!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        May 08, 2017 at 12:22 pm

        Thank you so much, Julia!

        Reply
    16. Karly says

      May 04, 2017 at 4:03 pm

      So. Stinking. Cute. And so delicious, too! These are peeeerfect for a cinco de mayo party! 🙂

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        May 08, 2017 at 12:22 pm

        Thanks Karly!!

        Reply
    17. David @ Spiced says

      May 04, 2017 at 5:13 am

      Oh my gosh, these look incredible, Marissa! Talk about the perfect appetizer to serve along with some Mexi-beers or margaritas on Cinco de Mayo! I agree with you that bite-size is best when it comes to parties. Sure, it takes a little longer to prep the small bites, but it's totally worth it in the long run as you aren't wearing your food. 🙂 Love this recipe, and I hope you have a wonderful Cinco de Mayo tomorrow, my friend!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        May 08, 2017 at 12:23 pm

        So sweet, thank you David!

        Reply
    18. Dorothy Dunton says

      May 03, 2017 at 6:59 pm

      Hi Marissa. I love the idea of bite sized tostadas. Small hand held food is so much more fun. Question, you don't list chicken in the ingredients...how much did you cook? Not being critical my friend. We are having tacos or enchiladas and I found a recipe for a Chocoflan that is made in a bundt pan and ends up with a moist chocolate cake topped with a creaming caramel covered flan once it is inverted. I will let you know if it works. 🙂

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        May 03, 2017 at 9:48 pm

        Dorothy, thank you! I suppose it is an important detail to list the amount of chicken, lol! I've updated the recipe - 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs or 3 half-breasts.

        That chocoflan sounds so delicious - I'd love to hear how it goes!!

        Reply
    19. Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says

      May 03, 2017 at 4:44 pm

      Ooh this looks so much fun!! I love this as a party idea 😀 Every year I think I should do something for Cinco de Mayo but I always forget with mother's day around that time too!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        May 03, 2017 at 9:49 pm

        It's true! They're so close...I'd love to see the twist you'd put on these for a party, Lorraine!

        Reply
    20. Beeta says

      May 03, 2017 at 4:10 pm

      5 stars
      I'll have a whole tray please!!! <3 These seriously look amazing. I'm so hungry now! P.S. I'd love to be a guest at one of your parties any day!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        May 04, 2017 at 2:05 pm

        aww...what a sweet comment, Beeta! You'll ALWAYS be invited to my parties!

        Reply

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