Baked Chicken Tostadas
When it comes to weeknight dinners that pack a punch of flavor while keeping things simple, Baked Chicken Tostadas are a top contender. With a delightful combination of crispy tortillas, seasoned chicken, and fresh toppings, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—perfect for using up leftover chicken or customizing with your favorite toppings. Let’s dive into why these tostadas are a must-try!
Why Cooks Rave About It
Baked Chicken Tostadas are a culinary masterpiece that brings together texture and taste in every bite. The crispy base of flour tortillas acts as a perfect foundation for the tender chicken and vibrant toppings. Not only are these tostadas easy to make, but they’re also a healthier alternative to their fried counterparts. The balance of spices, fresh vegetables, and creamy toppings creates a dish that is both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re serving them for a casual family dinner or entertaining guests, these tostadas are sure to impress.
Ingredients at a Glance
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can fire roasted corn, drained
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 8 (6-inch) flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salsa, for serving
- Sour cream, for serving
- Diced tomatoes, for garnish
What You’ll Need (Gear)
- Baking sheet: For crisping up the tortillas in the oven.
- Mixing bowls: To combine all the ingredients and dressings.
- Measuring spoons: To ensure your flavors are just right.
- Knives and cutting board: For chopping all those colorful veggies.
- Spatula: To help you assemble your tostadas effortlessly.
Baked Chicken Tostadas: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, sugar, black pepper, cumin, and chopped cilantro. This marinade will infuse your chicken with incredible flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the shredded cooked chicken in a bowl and pour the marinade over it. Toss to coat the chicken evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure your tortillas get crispy and golden.
Step 4: Prepare the Tortillas
Arrange the flour tortillas on a baking sheet. Lightly brush each tortilla with a bit of olive oil for extra crispiness. Bake in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until they just start to turn golden.
Step 5: Assemble the Tostadas
Once the tortillas are ready, remove them from the oven. Start by layering each tortilla with the marinated chicken, then add a generous spoonful of black beans, fire roasted corn, diced red pepper, jalapeno, and sliced green onions.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Bake Again
Top each assembled tostada with a handful of shredded cheese. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Step 7: Serve with Fresh Toppings
Remove the tostadas from the oven and let them cool slightly. Top each tostada with shredded lettuce, salsa, sour cream, and diced tomatoes. Sprinkle a bit more fresh cilantro on top for a pop of color and flavor.
Substitutions by Diet
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
- Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with extra black beans or roasted vegetables.
- Dairy-Free: Omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Low-Carb: Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas for a low-carb version.
Mistakes Even Pros Make
- Overbaking the tortillas: This can lead to a hard texture instead of a crispy one. Keep an eye on them while they bake!
- Skipping the marination: Marinating your chicken is key to infusing flavor. Don’t rush this step!
- Using too much topping: While it’s tempting to pile on the ingredients, too much can make the tostadas soggy.
- Ignoring freshness: Fresh ingredients make a world of difference, especially with toppings like cilantro and veggies.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
These Baked Chicken Tostadas are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze them, assemble the tostadas without the fresh toppings and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Reader Q&A
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken can save you time and still provide delicious flavor. Just shred the chicken and toss it with the marinade.
What if I don’t like spicy food, can I skip the jalapeno?
Yes, feel free to omit the jalapeno if you prefer a milder flavor. You can also replace it with a sweet bell pepper for added color and crunch.
How can I make these tostadas more filling?
For a heartier meal, add avocado slices or guacamole on top before serving. You could also increase the amount of beans or chicken.
Can I make these tostadas ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and toppings ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble and bake the tostadas just before serving to maintain the crispiness of the tortillas.
Don’t Miss These
- Chicken Flautas – Another tasty chicken dish that’s sure to please!
- Homemade Bbq Chicken Pizza – A delicious twist on pizza night with BBQ flavors.
- Chicken Taco Salad – A fresh and vibrant salad that makes a great light meal.
In Closing
Baked Chicken Tostadas are more than just a meal; they are a celebration of flavors, textures, and colors that come together in a vibrant dish that everyone will adore. Easy to make and packed with nutritious ingredients, this recipe is a perfect choice for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating a delicious meal that your family will request time and again. So grab those tortillas, get cooking, and enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite of your Baked Chicken Tostadas!
Baked Chicken Tostadas
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, sugar, black pepper, cumin, and chopped cilantro.
- Place the shredded cooked chicken in a bowl and pour the marinade over it. Toss to coat and let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the flour tortillas on a baking sheet and lightly brush each with olive oil. Bake for about 5-7 minutes until golden.
- Layer each tortilla with marinated chicken, black beans, corn, red pepper, jalapeno, and green onions.
- Top each tostada with shredded cheese and bake again for 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Top with shredded lettuce, salsa, sour cream, diced tomatoes, and cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Assemble tostadas without fresh toppings for freezing; they last up to 2 months.
- Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes.
