Crispy Chicken Tostadas with Avocado Salsa Recipe: Zesty Fiesta

Crispy chicken tostadas spark excitement in every kitchen with their irresistible blend of textures and vibrant flavors.

Mexican-inspired dishes often bring people together around the dinner table.

Crunchy tortillas serve as the perfect canvas for succulent, seasoned chicken.

Golden-brown edges promise a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with creamy avocado salsa.

Fresh ingredients dance together, creating a harmony of tastes that feel both comforting and adventurous.

Imagine layers of bold spices, tender meat, and zesty accompaniments that make every bite a celebration.

This recipe will transport you to a world of culinary delight with its simple yet spectacular combination of elements.

Explore a meal that promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress everyone at the table.

Why Crispy Chicken Tostadas with Avocado Salsa Are So Satisfying

• Transform basic tortillas into crispy, golden tostada shells using a simple oven method that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum texture.
• Create a vibrant avocado salsa that bursts with zesty lime, aromatic cilantro, and bold spices, offering a refreshing twist to traditional tostada toppings.
• Enjoy a restaurant-style meal in under 30 minutes with simple layering techniques that make this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
• Combine shredded chicken, black beans, and cheese for a satisfying dish that appeals to both adults and kids, making mealtime delicious and nutritious.

What You’ll Need for Chicken Tostadas

• Corn Tortillas: Crispy foundation for the tostadas, best when fresh and pliable.
• Cooking Spray: Helps tortillas become golden and crisp without excess oil.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps crisp the tortilla shells.

• Shredded Chicken, Black Beans: Hearty protein layers that add substance and nutrition.
• Cheese: Crumbly topping that provides a creamy and tangy finish to the dish.

• Tomatoes, Avocados: Fresh base for the salsa with creamy and bright flavors.
• Red Onion, Cilantro: Aromatic elements that add zest and freshness to the salsa.
• Lime Juice: Adds brightness and helps prevent avocados from browning.
• Cumin, Chili Powder: Warm spices that provide depth and complexity to the salsa.

How to Make Chicken Tostadas with Avocado Salsa

Step 1: Create Crunchy Tostada Shells

• Spray both sides with cooking spray
• Sprinkle with a light layer of salt

Bake for 6 minutes, then flip and continue baking another 6 minutes until they turn golden and crisp.

Step 2: Craft Zesty Avocado Salsa

• Diced ripe tomatoes
• Chopped ripe avocados
• Finely diced red onion
• Fresh chopped cilantro
• Ground cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Fresh lime juice

Gently mix all ingredients until well blended. Let the salsa sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to develop.

Step 3: Build Mouthwatering Tostadas

• Generous spoonful of avocado salsa
• Warm black beans
• Shredded cooked chicken
• Crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese

Serve immediately while shells remain crunchy and toppings are fresh.

Crispy Tostada Pro Tips

• Achieve Maximum Crispiness: Ensure tortillas are completely dry before baking to prevent sogginess and get that perfect crunch every time.
• Prevent Avocado Browning: Add lime juice to the salsa immediately after chopping avocados to keep them fresh and vibrant green.
• Layer Like a Pro: Build tostadas right before serving to maintain the crisp texture of the shells and prevent them from getting soft.
• Boost Flavor Intensity: Let the avocado salsa sit for 10-15 minutes before assembling to allow the spices and lime juice to fully develop and blend.
• Customize with Confidence: Experiment with different protein options like pulled pork or seasoned ground beef for variety in your tostada recipe.

Storing Crispy Chicken Tostadas

• Refrigerate: Store leftover tostadas in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep components separate to maintain crispness, placing chicken, beans, salsa, and shells in individual containers.
• Reheat Shells: Revive crispy tostada shells by placing them in a preheated 350°F oven for 3-5 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy texture.
• Consume Quickly: Enjoy refrigerated tostada components within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and flavor. Discard if any signs of spoilage appear.

What Goes Well with Avocado Salsa Tostadas

• Pair with Bright Mexican Cerveza: Grab a cold, crisp Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo Especial to complement the zesty, crunchy tostadas. The light, refreshing beer cuts through the richness of the chicken and cheese while enhancing the lime and spice notes.
• Serve with Tangy Margarita: Mix a classic margarita with fresh lime juice, tequila, and a touch of agave. Its citrusy kick perfectly matches the avocado salsa and brings out the vibrant flavors of the tostada ingredients.
• Add Cooling Cilantro Lime Crema: Whip up a quick sour cream sauce with chopped cilantro and lime zest. This creamy, bright condiment adds an extra layer of richness that balances the crispy tostada shell and spicy seasonings.
• Create Refreshing Agua Fresca: Blend watermelon or pineapple with water and a hint of mint for a light, hydrating drink that cleanses the palate between bites of the hearty tostadas.

Chicken Tostada Recipe Variations

• Seafood Fiesta Tostadas: Replace chicken with succulent shrimp or tender crab meat, adding a coastal flavor profile to the classic recipe.
• Vegetarian Verde Tostadas: Swap chicken for roasted black beans and grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and corn for a hearty meat-free option.
• Spicy Chorizo Crunch Tostadas: Substitute chicken with crispy, seasoned Mexican chorizo sausage for a bold and zesty alternative that packs extra heat.
• Mediterranean Fusion Tostadas: Transform the recipe by using Greek-inspired toppings like feta cheese, kalamata olives, and diced cucumber instead of traditional Mexican ingredients.

Tostada FAQs with Avocado Salsa

• How do I make the tostada shells crispy without burning them?

Spray tortillas lightly with cooking spray and sprinkle with salt. Bake at 400°F, flipping halfway through. Watch closely and bake for 6 minutes per side until golden and crisp.

• Can I prepare the avocado salsa ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the avocado salsa up to 2 hours before serving. Cover and refrigerate, but add the avocados just before serving to prevent browning.

• What if I don't have shredded chicken?

Rotisserie chicken works great. You can also use canned chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or quickly cook and shred chicken breasts as a substitute.

• How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace chicken with black beans or grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and corn. Keep the avocado salsa and cheese for a delicious vegetarian version.

Crispy Chicken Tostadas With Avocado Salsa Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Crispy chicken tostadas with avocado salsa bring Mexican street flavors straight to your kitchen with crunchy tortillas and zesty toppings. Spicy shredded chicken and fresh salsa create a perfect balance of textures and bold southwestern taste you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 15 ounces (425 grams) low sodium black beans, drained & rinsed
• 8 corn tortillas or store-bought tostada shells
• 4 medium avocados, diced
• 3 medium tomatoes, diced

Herbs and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup cilantro, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
• Lime juice from one lime

Garnish and Extras:

• ½ cup feta or Cotija cheese, crumbled
• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Craft crispy tostada foundations by heating the oven to 400 degrees F. Position tortillas on a parchment-lined baking sheet, coating both surfaces with a light cooking spray and delicate salt dusting.
2. Rotate tortillas midway through baking, ensuring even golden crispness. Continue roasting until shells transform into crunchy, sturdy platforms with a light golden hue.
3. Prepare vibrant avocado salsa by gently combining diced tomatoes, creamy avocado chunks, finely chopped red onion, fresh cilantro, earthy cumin, spicy chili powder, and zesty lime juice in a spacious mixing bowl.
4. Season the salsa mixture with a pinch of salt, carefully folding ingredients to distribute flavors evenly. Allow the salsa to rest, permitting ingredients to harmonize and intensify their collective taste profile.
5. Extract perfectly crisped tostada shells from the oven, creating a foundation for layered flavors.
6. Construct each tostada by spreading a generous layer of black beans across the golden shell, providing a robust base for subsequent toppings.
7. Crown the beans with tender, shredded chicken, ensuring even distribution across the tostada’s surface.
8. Generously spoon the prepared avocado salsa over the chicken, allowing vibrant colors and fresh ingredients to peek through.
9. Complete the culinary masterpiece by sprinkling crumbled cheese atop each tostada, adding a final touch of creamy texture and rich flavor.

Notes

• Prepare tostada shells ahead of time to ensure maximum crispiness and save cooking time on serving day.
• Baking tortillas creates a healthier alternative to deep-frying, reducing overall oil consumption while maintaining a satisfying crunch.
• Allow avocado salsa to sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance flavor complexity and blend ingredients smoothly.
• Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for a quick protein option that simplifies meal preparation.
• Store extra tostada shells in an airtight container to maintain their crisp texture for up to 3 days after initial baking.
• Balance toppings carefully to prevent shells from becoming soggy, adding ingredients just before serving for optimal texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 9 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg