Zesty Crispy Chicken Tostadas with Avocado Salsa Recipe – A Tasty Fiesta

Sizzling and golden, these mouthwatering crispy chicken tostadas with avocado salsa bring a burst of Mexican-inspired flavor to your plate.

Each crunchy bite promises a delightful blend of textures and zesty notes that dance across your taste buds.

The tender, seasoned chicken rests atop a perfectly crisp tortilla, creating a satisfying crunch with every mouthful.

Vibrant avocado salsa adds a fresh, creamy contrast that cuts through the richness of the chicken.

Packed with bold spices and fresh ingredients, this dish transforms a simple meal into a restaurant-quality experience.

Colorful, easy to assemble, and irresistibly delicious, these tostadas will become your new favorite weeknight dinner that everyone will be talking about.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Calories: 362 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients for Crispy Chicken Tostadas with Avocado Salsa

• Corn Tortillas: Thin, golden discs that transform into crispy bases with a quick oven bake.
• Cooking Spray: Helps create a golden, even crispiness without excess oil.
• Salt: Enhances the natural corn flavor and adds a delightful seasoning touch.

• Tomatoes: Juicy, vibrant base that adds freshness and bright color to the salsa.
• Avocados: Creamy, rich fruit that provides a smooth, buttery texture and healthy fats.
• Red Onion: Sharp, zesty ingredient that gives a crisp bite and aromatic punch.
• Cilantro: Herbaceous green leaves that bring a citrusy, refreshing flavor profile.
• Cumin: Warm, earthy spice that adds depth and complexity to the salsa.
• Chili Powder: Delivers a subtle heat and smoky undertone to the mix.
• Lime Juice: Tangy citrus that brightens flavors and prevents avocado browning.
• Salt: Balances and amplifies the overall taste of the salsa.

• Black Beans: Protein-packed, creamy legumes that add substance and nutrition.
• Shredded Chicken: Tender, lean protein that provides a satisfying meaty element.
• Crumbled Cheese: Salty, creamy topping that adds richness and textural contrast.

Tools for Preparing Chicken Tostadas with Avocado Salsa

• Baking Sheet: Large, flat pan for crisping tortillas in the oven.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: Prevents tortillas from sticking and ensures even baking.
• Large Bowl: Used for mixing avocado salsa ingredients.
• Cutting Board: For chopping tomatoes, avocados, red onion, and cilantro.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for precise ingredient preparation.
• Cooking Spray: Helps tortillas become crispy and golden.
• Spatula or Tongs: For flipping tortillas during baking.
• Measuring Spoons: To accurately measure spices and salt.
• Cheese Grater: For shredding or crumbling cheese.

Steps to Make Crispy Chicken Tostadas at Home

Crispy Chicken Tostadas with Avocado Salsa

• Tostada Shell Magic Grab soft tortillas and transform them into crispy golden platforms. Arrange them on a baking sheet, giving each a light spray of oil and a whisper of salt. They'll dance in the oven until perfectly crunchy and light.
• Zesty Avocado Explosion Chop fresh ingredients into a vibrant mixture. Combine juicy tomatoes, creamy avocados, tangy onions, and bright cilantro. Splash with lime and sprinkle warming spices to create a refreshing salsa that sings with flavor.
• Delicious Assembly Carefully place your golden tostada shells on plates. Layer with tender shredded chicken, spread the colorful salsa generously, and shower with crumbly cheese. Each bite promises a carnival of textures and tastes that will make taste buds cheer.
• Finishing Touches Serve immediately while shells remain crisp and ingredients burst with freshness. This meal brings Mexican street food vibes right to your dining table, creating an experience that's both exciting and comforting.

Flavor Tips for Avocado Salsa on Tostadas

• Protein Power: Swap chicken with pulled pork, ground beef, or black beans for a vegetarian twist that keeps the meal exciting and versatile.
• Spice Control: Adjust the heat level by adding more chili powder, jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to match your personal spice preference.
• Crunch Factor: For extra crispy tostada shells, brush corn tortillas with a thin layer of oil instead of using cooking spray, ensuring a golden and crunchy base.
• Salsa Secrets: Experiment with different salsa ingredients like diced mango, roasted corn, or pickled jalapeños to create unique flavor combinations that elevate the dish.
• Cheese Choices: Replace the crumbled cheese with queso fresco, cotija, or a Mexican blend for a delicious dairy variation that complements the tostada's vibrant flavors.

Plating Crispy Chicken Tostadas with Flair

• Fiesta-Style Plating: Arrange tostadas on a colorful platter, creating a vibrant display that showcases the crispy shells, bright salsa, and layered toppings. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or family meals.
• Fresh Garnish Boost: Sprinkle extra chopped cilantro, crumble additional cheese, or add a few lime wedges on the side. These final touches bring extra freshness and allow guests to customize their tostadas.
• Sidekick Companions: Pair the tostadas with Mexican-style rice, refried beans, or a zesty green salad. Cold beverages like horchata or margaritas complement the dish's bold flavors and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Protein Swap Adventure: Experiment with different proteins like pulled pork, carnitas, or grilled fish instead of shredded chicken. Each variation brings a unique twist to the classic tostada recipe, keeping meal times exciting and delicious.

How to Keep Tostadas Crisp and Fresh

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken tostadas disassembled to maintain maximum crispiness. Separate crispy shells, seasoned chicken, and fresh avocado salsa in different airtight containers to prevent sogginess and preserve ingredient quality.
• Freshness Window: Consume refrigerated components within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture. Chicken remains safe when stored at 40°F or below, ensuring delicious next-day meals without compromising food safety.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Revive tostada shells in a preheated oven at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crunchiness. Warm chicken separately in a skillet or microwave, then reassemble with fresh avocado salsa for a restaurant-quality experience.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Freeze cooked shredded chicken in sealed freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and quickly reheat for quick weeknight dinners, reducing meal preparation time and maintaining protein's rich flavor.

Crunchy Chicken Tostadas with Avocado Salsa

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Crispy chicken tostadas with avocado salsa bring Mexican street flavors to home kitchens with minimal effort. Crunchy tortillas topped with seasoned chicken and fresh salsa verde create a quick, satisfying meal you will devour in minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups chicken, shredded
• 15 oz (425 g) black beans, low sodium, drained & rinsed
• 8 corn tortillas or tostada shells
• 4 avocados, medium, diced
• 3 tomatoes, medium, diced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ¾ tsp salt
• ¼ cup cilantro, finely chopped
• 3 tbsps red onion, finely chopped
• Juice from 1 lime
• ½ cup feta or Cotija cheese, crumbled
• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Tostada Foundation: Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange tortillas on a parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly misting with cooking spray and seasoning with salt for a crisp, golden base.
2. Avocado Salsa Creation: In a mixing bowl, combine diced tomatoes, avocado chunks, red onion, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, and lime juice. Gently fold ingredients, allowing flavors to meld and intensify. Season with salt and let rest.
3. Tostada Assembly: Bake tortillas until transforming into golden, crisp platforms, rotating midway to ensure even browning. Remove from oven and create a robust layer of black beans across each shell.
4. Protein and Topping Layer: Distribute shredded chicken evenly over the bean foundation. Top generously with the prepared avocado salsa, ensuring vibrant ingredients are visible. Finish by crumbling cheese over the tostadas for a creamy, rich final touch.

Notes

• Optimize Tortilla Crispness: Use corn tortillas at room temperature for even, golden browning; patting them dry prevents sogginess and ensures maximum crunchiness.
• Salsa Flavor Enhancer: Let salsa sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to meld and develop a more intense, balanced taste profile.
• Chicken Preparation Tip: Shred chicken while still warm for easier, more consistent texture and better absorption of seasoning.
• Serving Strategy: Assemble tostadas just before serving to maintain the perfect balance between crispy shell and fresh toppings, preventing soggy bottoms.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 362
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 9 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 62 mg