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Full size Chicken Tostadas are just right for dinner, but they can be tricky at parties. So how about Mini Chicken Tostadas 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.
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!
Ingredients for Mini Chicken Tostadas
- Shredded Chicken: Use cooked chicken that’s moist and easy to shred. You can get this from a store-bought rotisserie chicken, or make your own using recipes like Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken, Chicken Tinga, or Chicken Carnitas.
- Tortilla Chips: Look for 2-inch round tortilla chips – ideal for tiny tostadas that are just a bite or two.
- Refried Beans: Use a can of your favorite refried beans, or make a batch from scratch using pinto or black beans (Homemade Refried Beans or Refried Black Beans). Make sure they’re nice and creamy, with plenty of flavor.
- Cheese: Use a cheese that you love. Sharp cheddar will give you a bold taste, while Monterey Jack is milder and melts well. For an authentic Mexican vibe, try crumbled Queso Fresco or Cotija.
- Salsa: Use your favorite salsa, whether it’s from a jar or homemade (like Fire Roasted Salsa or Pico de Gallo). Chunky salsas work great, but smooth ones are tasty too.
- Avocado: You’ll want a couple of ripe avocados. They should be a little soft but not mushy. Slice them up right before serving so they don’t turn brown.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of regular sour cream adds richness, or try Mexican Crema for a tangy twist.
- Cilantro: You’ll need a bunch of fresh cilantro. Give it a good rinse, then roughly chop the leaves. Skip this if you’re not a cilantro fan.
- Lime Wedges: Slice up a lime or two into wedges for squeezing over your tostadas. The citrus adds a bright, fresh pop of flavor.
How to Make Mini Chicken Tostadas
- Spread tortilla chips in a single layer on a large platter or baking sheet.
- Smooth a small spoonful of warm refried beans over each chip.
- Top the beans with a pinch of shredded chicken.
- Sprinkle on some shredded cheese and top with a small avocado slice, a small spoonful of salsa, and a dollop of sour cream or Mexican Crema. If you like, garnish with a leaf or two of fresh cilantro and serve.
- Or for an easy party setup, create a tostada bar. Serve the chips and toppings in separate bowls and let guests assemble their own mini tostadas.
Watch How to Make These Tiny Tostadas!
Mini Chicken Tostadas
Video
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 cups shredded chicken (See Recipe Note #1 for options)
Tostadas and Toppings
- 60 2-inch round tortilla chips fewer if the rounds are larger
- 16 ounce can refried beans warmed
- 3 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack or Queso Fresco
- 2 large avocados thinly sliced
- salsa
- sour cream or Mexican Crema
- chopped fresh cilantro
- lime wedges for serving, optional
Instructions
Assemble Mini Tostadas
- On one chip, spread about a teaspoon of warm refried beans followed by a large pinch of shredded chicken, pinch of cheese, small avocado slice, spoon of salsa and a small dollop of 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 with lime wedges if desired.
Notes
- For the shredded chicken, my slow cooker Shredded Chicken or a store bought rotisserie chicken are convenient options. But for the best flavor, I recommend making Chicken Tinga or Chicken Carnitas.
- To serve these at a party, arrange the chips and toppings on a table so that guests can assemble their own!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Oh what a cool idea to use tortilla chips as mini tostadas! These look delicious, and they’re the ultimate party food. Kinda similar to nachos…just a lot easier to eat!
Thanks, David! They’re really fun to serve.
I’ve always liked mini / individual foods / servings – convenient and elegant. Plus, a smaller size means fewer calories so you can eat more (Ben’s logic lol) And these bites do look fancy and tasty!
Love it! Thanks, Ben!
What a great idea! And perfect for a party. They also make scoops, which I get for cheesy dips. Those would work, too, I think!
Thanks, Mimi!