Hi, friend. I’m Sarah, a self-taught food lover with a penchant for crunchy dinners and big flavor. I first stumbled upon easy chicken tostadas during a road trip through the Southwest. One bite of that perfectly crispy tortilla topped with seasoned chicken, beans, and melty cheese, and I was hooked. Back home in my Ohio kitchen, I recreated them with pantry staples and never looked back.
What I love most about chicken tostadas is how effortlessly they transform simple ingredients, like shredded rotisserie chicken, canned corn, and black beans, into something crave-worthy. When my kids are tired of tacos, tostadas come to the rescue. They’re fun to assemble, super versatile, and honestly, a total lifesaver on chaotic weeknights.
As a mom juggling work, home, and a very opinionated cat, I need meals that deliver big flavor without the fuss. These tostadas do just that. Whether I’m blasting vinyl records in the kitchen or meal-prepping lunch for the week, this dish never fails me.
Want more bold chicken recipes? Check out the creamy richness of Homemade Butter Chicken or the zesty twist in Mediterranean Lemon Dill Chicken Bowls. Trust me, both hit the same satisfaction notes.
Table of contents:
Why These Tostadas Are the Best
This easy chicken tostadas recipe is a keeper for several reasons:
- Quick to assemble: Just bake or toast your corn tortillas, layer the toppings, and you’re done.
- Versatile ingredients: You can mix and match protein, beans, cheese, and salsa based on what’s in your pantry.
- Kid-friendly & crowd-pleasing: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a taco-night alternative, tostadas are fun for all ages.
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Corn tortillas
- Canned corn
- Shredded chicken (leftover or rotisserie)
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Taco seasoning
- Black beans
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite)
To explore similar flavors with a twist, try Zucchini Noodle Chicken Alfredo or the comforting Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes.
How to Make Easy Chicken Tostadas at Home
Ingredients You’ll Need (Pantry-Friendly)
Making easy chicken tostadas doesn’t require a trip to the specialty store. Most of the ingredients are already in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
- 1 cup canned corn, drained
- 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup salsa or pico de gallo
- 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing tortillas)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, jalapeños, chopped cilantro
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Tostada Perfection
Here’s how to whip up the best easy chicken tostadas in under 30 minutes:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Lay corn tortillas in a single layer on a baking sheet. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil. - Bake tortillas until crispy—about 5–7 minutes per side.
You want them golden and firm, not floppy. Flip halfway through. Alternatively, you can use store-bought tostada shells and heat them for 2–3 minutes. - Season the shredded chicken.
In a bowl, toss chicken with taco seasoning and a little salsa until well-coated. Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1–2 minutes. - Layer the toppings.
Start with beans and corn, then add the seasoned chicken. Top with shredded cheese. - Return to oven for 3–5 minutes.
This melts the cheese and brings everything together. - Add cold toppings and serve.
Spoon on more salsa, then add lettuce, avocado, sour cream, and anything else you love.
Want a twist on traditional toppings? Pair with a side of Chilled Watermelon Salsa or keep things Southern with Southern Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers.
Pro Tip: Want to keep the shells extra crispy? Assemble right before eating, and don’t overload with wet toppings.
These easy chicken tostadas are ideal for casual dinners, weeknight meals, or fun gatherings. Once you try them, they’ll likely become part of your regular rotation—just like Taco Soup does in our house during cozy seasons.
How to Serve Chicken Tostadas
Tostadas are one of those meals that invite creativity, which is exactly why I adore them. When I serve these easy chicken tostadas, I like to make a toppings bar, bowls of chopped lettuce, tomatoes, jalapeños, avocado, and sour cream, so everyone can build their own. For brunch, I’ll sometimes add a fried egg on top or serve them with a side of fresh fruit and Blueberry Breakfast Quesadilla for that sweet and savory balance. They’re also great paired with a light salad like Strawberry Spinach Salad or even just a citrusy sparkling drink to keep things fresh.
If you’re entertaining, serve them appetizer-style by using smaller tortillas and cutting them into halves or quarters after baking. Whether it’s brunch, lunch, or dinner, these chicken tostadas hold their own, crispy, flavorful, and made to be eaten with your hands. Honestly, they’re one of the few dishes my picky eaters and foodie friends both get excited about.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
When I make these ahead for Sunday brunch, I find that prepping each part separately saves me so much time. I’ll bake the tostada shells and store them in an airtight container, prep the seasoned chicken, and keep all the toppings ready to go. That way, all I need to do is heat, layer, and serve, no stress.
If you’ve got leftovers, store the toppings (beans, chicken, salsa, etc.) in separate containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep the crispy tostada shells at room temperature in a sealed bag or container; they’ll stay fresh for about 3 days. Never store assembled tostadas in the fridge—they’ll go soggy fast.
You can even freeze extra shredded chicken tossed in seasoning. It’s a trick I use to cut down prep time when I know a chaotic week is coming. Just thaw, reheat, and build your easy chicken tostadas like a pro.
Easy Chicken Tostadas Recipe – 5-Min Crunch Win Tonight
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Crispy, flavorful, and fast—these Easy Chicken Tostadas are perfect for weeknight dinners or a casual brunch spread. Topped with seasoned chicken, beans, corn, and all your favorites.
Ingredients
8 small corn tortillas
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup canned corn, drained
1 cup canned black beans, rinsed
1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
½ cup salsa or pico de gallo
2 tsp taco seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil
Optional: lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, sour cream, cilantro
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Place tortillas on a baking sheet and brush both sides with olive oil.
2. Bake tortillas for 5–7 minutes per side, flipping halfway, until crisp.
3. Mix shredded chicken with taco seasoning and salsa. Warm in a skillet.
4. Top each crisp tortilla with beans, corn, chicken, and cheese.
5. Bake for 3–5 minutes to melt the cheese.
6. Add toppings like lettuce, avocado, and sour cream. Serve immediately.
Notes
Don’t overload toppings—keep it balanced to avoid soggy tostadas.
Prep ingredients ahead to make this recipe weeknight-ready.
You can freeze seasoned chicken for fast future meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Final Thoughts: Why These Easy Chicken Tostadas Belong in Your Weekly Menu
If there’s one thing I’ve learned through all my cooking, it’s that easy chicken tostadas bring the perfect balance of crunch, flavor, and simplicity to any meal. These chicken tostadas aren’t just quick, they’re wildly customizable, satisfying, and loved by both kids and adults. Whether you’re planning Sunday brunch, rushing through a weeknight dinner, or hosting a casual dinner with friends, easy chicken tostadas are a foolproof option that never disappoints.
What makes these easy chicken tostadas so special? It’s that crispy shell holding tender seasoned chicken, creamy beans, sweet corn, and fresh toppings, all ready in under 30 minutes. Every bite delivers contrast and comfort, and there’s no better feeling than nailing a recipe that feels like a win. And when you need something different but just as delicious, dishes like Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers or Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes offer similar ease and bold taste.
I come back to these easy chicken tostadas time and time again because they fit real life. They’re easy enough for beginners, fast enough for busy nights, and fun enough for guests. Plus, once you master the base, the topping combos are endless. So, next time you need a go-to recipe that everyone will rave about, make it these easy chicken tostadas, you’ll never regret it.
Chicken Tostada FAQs – Your Questions Answered
You can top your easy chicken tostadas with endless combinations, but I recommend starting with the basics: seasoned shredded chicken, black beans, corn, cheese, and salsa. From there, go wild with toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or even pickled jalapeños. If you’re craving variety, try a tropical salsa or use leftovers from your Honey Garlic Chicken to remix the flavor.
If you’re using store-bought shells, simply heat them in a 350°F oven for 2–3 minutes to refresh the crisp. If making them from corn tortillas at home, bake each side for 5–7 minutes until they’re golden and crunchy. I recommend keeping a close eye so they don’t overbake. This crisp base is the foundation of what makes these easy chicken tostadas so satisfying.
You eat tostadas with your hands! Just pick one up and take a bite—no folding required like tacos. They’re a bit messy (in the best way), so serve with napkins. At brunch, I serve mine open-faced with eggs or alongside dishes like Breakfast Enchiladas for a hearty meal.
Tostadas are always crispy, never soft. The name itself comes from the Spanish word for “toasted.” If your shell is soft or bends under toppings, it’s not a proper tostada. The crunch is what makes it all work—especially when layered with warm chicken and cold toppings for that epic bite.
