Crispy, golden tostadas layered with shredded chicken, creamy refried beans, and a vibrant medley of fresh toppings—this dish is a true celebration of bold Mexican flavors. Inspired by street food traditions from Mexico City to Oaxaca, these tostadas balance crunch with succulence, offering a perfect bite every time.
Whether you’re crafting them for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, they bring warmth and authenticity to the table. Pair these tostadas with the Vegas Bomb Shot for a hearty, flavor-packed meal, or enjoy them alongside a chilled Vodka Margarita for a contrast of textures.
The combination of savory meats, creamy elements, and fresh toppings makes for a satisfying spread. This trio brings together the best of comfort food with global influence, blending rich flavors and familiar favorites.
The secret to the best tostadas? Lightly fry the tortillas for a crisp yet airy texture, then layering flavors with balance in mind. A hint of lime juice over the chicken adds brightness, while a dollop of crema or avocado smooths out the spice. Whether you go classic with cotija cheese and salsa or add a fusion twist, these tostadas invite creativity in every bite.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
- Inspired by Authentic Mexican Street Food – These tostadas capture the essence of market stalls in Mexico, where crisp tortillas meet slow-cooked, flavorful fillings. If you love vibrant, layered flavors, this dish delivers.
- Pairs Well with Comfort Classics – Surprisingly, these tostadas taste incredible with Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole, and chicken tenders, making them a great choice for fusion-style dinners.
- Customizable for Every Palate – Swap chicken for beef, seafood, or even roasted veggies for a delicious twist. Add pickled onions or a smoky chipotle drizzle for extra depth.
- Crispy, Crunchy, and Completely Satisfying – Every bite combines texture and flavor, from the crunch of the tortilla to the creaminess of refried beans.
- Great for Meal Prep – Make a big batch of shredded chicken and keep tostadas on hand for easy, last-minute meals with endless topping possibilities.
Would you like to add any chef-inspired tips on seasoning the chicken?
Tostadas De Pollo Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Fork
- Griddle pan or cast-iron skillet
- Tongs
- Cutting board
- Knife
Ingredients
Tostadas
- queso fresco or Feta (crumbled, as needed)
- 8 corn tostadas
- 1 medium tomato (sliced)
- 1 cup refried beans
- oil for frying
- 3 cups iceberg lettuce (shredded)
Chicken
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 2 boneless chicken thighs
- salt (to taste)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp powdered cumin
- ½ lime juice
- 1 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine oil, lime juice, garlic, onion, chili powder, pepper, and salt, mixing well with a fork.
- Add the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated with the marinade, and let it sit for 20 minutes.
- Heat a griddle pan or cast-iron skillet until it starts smoking, then lightly brush it with oil.
- Cook the chicken on both sides, flipping occasionally, until it is golden, charred, and fully cooked.
- Transfer the grilled chicken to a bowl, cover it with foil.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before shredding it with two forks and cover again to keep it from drying out.
- Spread refried beans on each tostada shell, followed by a layer of shredded chicken.
- Add shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and pickled onions.
- Finish with cheese and drizzle with your favorite salsa.
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, grill the chicken over an open flame or charcoal for a smoky taste.
- Use store-bought tostadas for convenience, or fry corn tortillas until crispy for a homemade touch.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add jalapeño slices or a few dashes of hot sauce before serving.
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 263kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 17g |
| Fibre | 3g |
| Fat | 19g |
| Protein | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 28g |
Tips To Ease Your Job!
- Marinate Ahead – Marinate the chicken a few hours in advance or overnight to enhance flavor and save prep time.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken – Skip grilling by shredding store-bought rotisserie chicken and tossing it with the seasonings.
- Batch Fry Tostadas – If making homemade tostadas, fry multiple tortillas at once and store them in an airtight container.
- Prep Toppings Early – Chop lettuce, tomatoes, and onions in advance and keep them refrigerated for quick assembly.
- Warm the Beans – Heating refried beans makes them easier to spread and helps keep the tostadas from breaking.
