If you like quick & easy Mexican foods, you’ll love this authentic chicken tostada recipe!

Ready in 30 minutes! Tostadas are cheap to make, and fun for weeknight dinner or a Cinco de Mayo celebration.

This traditional tostada recipe features tender shreds of chicken and crumbled cotija cheese.

Sprinkle with your favorite hot sauce and enjoy!

Authentic Mexican Tostadas

Authentic chicken tostadas consist of crispy fried corn tortillas topped with succulent shredded chicken, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, refried beans, and cotija cheese.

The toppings are crisp and refreshing, providing the perfect contrast to the rich and savory chicken.

Serve with a side of black bean soup, pico de gallo, cucumber tomato avocado salad, or Mexican rice.

Ingredients

Corn tortillas: These are the base for the tostada, which are fried or grilled until crispy. They provide a crunchy texture that pairs well with the other toppings.
Shredded chicken: The main protein source, can be cooked in different ways such as grilled, boiled, or fried. Once cooked, it is shredded before it is added to the tostadas as toppings. This gives the dish its core protein source and added texture.
Lettuce: Fresh crisp lettuce, usually iceberg or romaine, adds a refreshing crunch and a cool contrast to the dish. It also provides a balance to the other toppings.
Tomatoes: Juicy and ripe tomatoes add a pop of color and freshness to the dish. They give a sweet, acidic contrast to the savory toppings and provide a burst of freshness.
Refried beans: Use canned refried pinto or black beans. Or make your own.
Salsa: A tangy salsa, made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro and lime juice, adds a bold and delicious flavor to the dish. It is the perfect combination of tangy, spicy and fresh flavors that make the dish so special.
Cotija cheese: A sprinkle of cotija cheese adds a salty and savory flavor to the dish. It is a traditional Mexican cheese that is crumbly and has a strong flavor, adding a nice touch to the overall taste of the dish.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright and fresh flavor to the dish. It is a common herb used in Mexican cuisine, adding a nice touch of freshness.
Lime: A squeeze of lime juice adds a bright and acidic contrast to the dish. Lime juice is often used to finish a dish and add a nice acidic contrast to the flavors in the dish.

Top with sour cream, guacamole, Monterey jack cheese, and with layered stacks for a Tex-Mex variation.

How to Store Tostadas in The Fridge

Tostadas are best enjoyed when they’re fresh, but if you have leftovers, don’t worry they can still be enjoyed.

To store your tostadas, make sure they are completely cooled, then place them in an airtight container or a plastic bag.

When storing, it is important to keep the tostadas separate from any wet ingredients, such as salsa or guacamole, as this will prevent them from becoming soggy.

Stored in the refrigerator, tostadas can last for up to 3 days.

By following these tips, you can enjoy tasty tostadas even after a few days in the fridge.

How to Store Tostadas in The Freezer

Tostadas are also a great option for meal prepping, as they can be easily frozen for up to 2 months.

To freeze them, assemble the tostadas as you would normally, but make sure they are fully cooled.

Once assembled, place them on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for 2 hours or until they are frozen solid.

Once frozen, transfer the tostadas to an airtight container or freezer bag.

Be sure to label the container with the date so you can easily identify them.

How to Reheat Tostadas

Reheating tostadas can be done in a few different ways. The most important thing to keep in mind is to reheat them in a way that will bring back the crispiness of the tortilla and the heat of the toppings. Here are a few methods to reheat tostadas:

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and place the tostadas on a baking sheet. Heat them in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until they are heated through. This method will help to bring back the crispiness of the tortilla.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, place the tostadas on the skillet and heat for 1-2 minutes per side or until they are heated through. This method will help to bring back the crispiness of the tortilla and will melt any cheese on top of the tostadas.
Microwave: Place the tostadas on a plate, cover them with a damp paper towel and heat them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or until they are heated through. This method will be the quickest but might not bring back the crispiness of the tortilla as well as the other methods.

Make sure you keep an eye on the tostadas while they are reheating, to avoid burning them.

More Traditional Mexican Recipes

Authentic Mexican Tostadas FAQs

Can I use store-bought tostada shells?

While store-bought tostada shells can be used, frying your own corn tortillas is preferred for maximum crispiness and freshness.

What is a good substitute for cotija cheese?

Goat cheese can be used for a brighter flavor, or shredded Monterey jack cheese for a more subtle flavor.

What are some variations of tostadas?

There are many variations of tostadas. Some popular variations include fish tostadas, shrimp tostadas, and even vegetarian tostadas.

Are tostadas supposed to be crispy?

Tostadas are traditionally supposed to be crispy, but some people like them a bit softer and less crunchy, it depends on personal preferences.

Authentic Mexican Chicken Tostadas Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Course: MainCuisine: Mexican

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Total time

minutes

Here's how to make the best-ever Mexican chicken tostadas

Ingredients

8 8 corn tortillas
2 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cloves 2 garlic, minced
2 teaspoons 2 chili powder
1 teaspoon 1 cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup 1/4 vegetable oil
1/2 head 1/2 iceberg or romaine lettuce, shredded
1 16 oz can 1 refried pinto beans
2 2 tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup 1/2 salsa
1/2 cup 1/2 crumbled cotija cheese
Lime wedges for garnish
Cilantro leaves for garnish

Directions

In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture onto the chicken breasts.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken breasts. Cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Remove from the skillet and shred the chicken using two forks.
In the same skillet, add the vegetable oil and heat to 350°F. Carefully add the tortillas to the skillet, one at a time, and cook for about 20 seconds on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
To assemble the tostadas, place the crispy tortillas on a plate. Add a spoonful of refried beans on each tortilla, followed by shredded chicken, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and salsa.
Sprinkle with crumbled cotija cheese and garnish with lime wedges and cilantro leaves.
Serve hot and enjoy your homemade, authentic Mexican chicken tostadas with cotija cheese.

Notes

Make your own refried beans as it will add great flavor to the tostadas and it's more authentic than using canned beans.
Use high-quality salsa, either store-bought or homemade, to ensure that your tostadas have a bold and authentic flavor.
Layer your toppings starting with refried beans, followed by chicken, salsa, and cheese to keep your tostadas from getting soggy.
Add heat to your tostadas by incorporating jalapeños, chili powder, or salsa to make it spicy.