Fiesta Chicken Tostadas with Chipotle Crema

Recipe Introduction

Ever find yourself craving something seriously tasty but also pretty easy? That's where these chicken tostadas come in. Honestly, these are so good they could rival any takeaway. Here we go!

Quick Hook: Tostada Time!

Fancy a fiesta in your mouth? These fiesta chicken tostadas are your answer. They're bursting with flavour and so easy to throw together.

The chipotle crema recipe is the real star. Think smoky, creamy goodness.

The Tostada Story

Okay, so tostadas are basically a Mexican staple. Imagine a crispy tortilla piled high with deliciousness. They're super simple to make.

This recipe takes about 30 minutes. It makes around 4 tostadas, perfect for a light meal.

Why You'll Love These Chicken Tostadas

These aren't just tasty, they're packed with protein! They are great for using leftover chicken recipes , or maybe even rotisserie chicken tostadas for a super quick dinner! They are perfect for a casual dinner party.

Everyone can customize their own.

Ingredients for Our Crispy Corn Goodness

Okay, let's get this show on the road! For these easy chicken tostada recipe , you'll need corn tortillas. Think about eight for the recipe.

Add cooked chicken and some delicious toppings, and of course, you can always change it up and have some tostada variations , adding beans and extra chicken is always a plus! Don't forget the spices!

Ingredients & Equipment: Fiesta Chicken Tostadas

Okay, let's get this show on the road! Here’s what you need to make the best chicken tostadas . This recipe is all about simple, fresh flavours. Here we go!

Main Ingredients

• Corn Tortillas: 8 (about 6 inches / 15 cm ). Crispy is key!
• Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml ).
• Cooked Chicken: 2 cups shredded (approx. 300g ). Leftover chicken works great !
• Chili Powder: 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ).
• Cumin: 1 teaspoon ( 5 ml ).
• Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5 ml ).
• Smoked Paprika: 1/4 teaspoon ( 1 ml ).
• Chicken Broth/Water: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ).
• Sour Cream: 1/2 cup ( 120 ml ). Full fat is yummy!
• Chipotle Peppers in Adobo: 1-2 , chopped fine . Adjust to your spice level.
• Adobo Sauce: 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ).
• Lime Juice: 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ).
• Garlic Powder: 1/4 teaspoon ( 1 ml ).
• Refried Beans: 1 (15-ounce) can , warmed (approx. 425g ).
• Shredded Lettuce: 1 cup (approx. 100g ).
• Diced Tomatoes: 1 cup (approx. 150g ).
• Red Onion: 1/2 cup thinly sliced (approx. 50g ).
• Fresh Cilantro: 1/4 cup chopped (optional) (approx. 15g ).
• Grated Cheddar Cheese: Optional, as much as you want.

For the chicken, look for good quality, cooked chicken. If you are buying ready-made, a rotisserie chicken is a game changer . It's quick, easy, and super flavorful. You know?

Seasoning Notes

For the fiesta chicken tostadas , it is all about the spice blend. Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and smoked paprika make a perfect combo.

This gives your easy chicken tostada recipe that classic Mexican taste. For a smokier kick, add a pinch of cayenne.

Chipotle crema is the secret ingredient. The adobo sauce totally makes it. Honestly, if you don't have chipotle peppers, a little smoked paprika and a dash of hot sauce will do in a pinch.

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Small bowl
• Food processor or blender
• Tongs
• Serving plates

You don't need fancy equipment to make mexican street food tostadas . A skillet to crisp the tortillas, a bowl to mix the spices, and a food processor for the chipotle crema.

That's it!. If you don't have a food processor, you can just finely chop the chipotle peppers and whisk everything together.

Boom.

One time, I forgot my blender. I mashed the chipotles with a fork real good then mixed everything by hand.

It was still delicious. Enjoy your quick mexican dinner ! These crispy corn tortilla toppings are waiting for you!

Cooking Method: Kicking off these Fiesta Chicken Tostadas

Okay, let's get this show on the road! We're diving headfirst into making fiesta chicken tostadas . Honestly, these are my go-to for a quick mexican dinner .

They are also perfect when you need to use up those leftover chicken recipes . You know?, Sometimes, cooking can seem daunting.

But not today. We're keeping it simple, easy, and delicious! Here we go!

Prep Steps: Tidy Kitchen, Happy Tostadas

First things first, mise en place is key! Get all your ingredients prepped and measured out. It honestly makes the whole process smoother.

Chop your tomatoes, shred the lettuce, and warm those refried beans. Time saving tip: Use rotisserie chicken tostadas from the shops to cut down on prep! Safety Reminder: Be super careful when you're frying those tortillas.

Hot oil is NO joke.

step-by-step Process: Tostada Time!

1. Spice Up the Chicken: Mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Give your shredded chicken a good toss with these spices and 2 tablespoons of chicken broth.
2. Cook the Chicken : Heat the spiced chicken in a pan. Stir until it's heated through and slightly browned.
3. Whip up the Chipotle Crema: Blend sour cream, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, lime juice, and garlic powder in a food processor. Season to your taste. This chipotle crema recipe is the real deal!
4. Crisp Those Tortillas : Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan. Fry each tortilla for 1- 2 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
5. Assemble Your Tostadas: Spread refried beans on each crispy tortilla. Top with seasoned chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion.
6. Drizzle and Garnish : Drizzle that amazing chipotle crema over the tostadas. Garnish with cilantro and cheese if you fancy.

Pro Tips: Tostada Master Edition

Expert Technique: For extra crispy tortillas, try using a cast iron skillet. Avoid overcrowding the pan! Tortillas need room to get golden.

make-ahead: The chipotle crema can be made a day in advance. Honestly, that's so handy. Common Mistakes: Overcooking the tortillas.

Watch them closely so they don't burn.

And there you have it, you're the King or Queen of mexican street food tostadas ! Enjoy your crispy corn tortilla toppings , the easy chicken tostada recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser, and it is really quick mexican dinner .

Why don't you experiment with various tostada variations ?

Recipe Notes for the Perfect Fiesta Chicken Tostadas

Okay, let's get this show on the road! These fiesta chicken tostadas are already sounding amazing, right? But before you dive headfirst into making them, let’s run through a few extra bits to make sure yours are spot on .

Plating Like a Pro

Serving Suggestions : Presentation is key, even for something as simple as mexican street food tostadas . Pile those ingredients high! A sprinkle of extra cilantro and a lime wedge? They're non-negotiable.

Serve with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salsa. Why not offer your guests a choice of salsas? Mild, medium, hot - let them choose their adventure.

Don't forget the drinks! A refreshing margarita or a cold Mexican beer is the perfect partner for your tostadas.

Storing the Leftovers (If There Are Any!)

Storage Tips : Alright, let's talk about storage. If you've somehow managed to not devour all your chicken tostadas in one sitting (major kudos to your self control!), here's the lowdown.

• Refrigerate any leftover chicken or chipotle crema separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days .
• I wouldn’t recommend freezing the assembled tostadas; the tortillas get soggy. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken filling for up to 2 months . Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave. Fry the tortillas fresh when you're ready to assemble. Crispy is the name of the game.

Tostada Transformations

Variations : Fancy a twist? No worries. These chicken tostadas are so versatile. Here are a few tostada variations .

• Dietary Adaptation : Need gluten-free? Just make sure your tortillas are 100% corn.
• Seasonal Swaps : Swap out the tomatoes for roasted butternut squash in autumn! This is amazing and changes the whole vibe, you know? This makes for a very quick mexican dinner .

Fueling Up: Nutrition Basics

Nutrition Basics : Here we go! Let's break down the nutritional side of these easy chicken tostada recipe . One tostada will give you roughly 450-550 calories.

The protein from the chicken is great for keeping you full. Refried beans provide fibre for healthy digestion. It's also a great place to use up your leftover chicken recipes

These rotisserie chicken tostadas really are a complete meal.

You Got This!

This chipotle crema recipe makes a world of difference! Don't be afraid to play around with the spice level. You will be whipping up amazing chicken tostadas in no time at all! The main reason to make this dish is that it's quick and delicious! Honestly, even if it is your first time making it, you'll rock it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make chicken tostadas ahead of time? I'm throwing a party and need to prep!

You can definitely prep elements of your chicken tostadas in advance, which is brilliant for parties! Cook the chicken and make the chipotle crema a day ahead and store them separately in the fridge. However, it's best to assemble the tostadas just before serving to prevent the tortillas from getting soggy.

No one wants a soggy bottom, right?

My tortillas always get soggy. How do I make sure my chicken tostadas stay crispy?

Crispy tostadas are essential! Make sure you're frying the tortillas in hot oil and draining them thoroughly on paper towels. Don't overcrowd the pan, either. If you're really worried, you can even give the fried tortillas a quick bake in a low oven (around 200°F / 95°C) to keep them warm and crispy.

Alternatively, you can use pre-made tostada shells to skip the frying step entirely.

I don't have chipotle peppers. What else can I use in the crema for these chicken tostadas?

No chipotles? No worries! You can substitute with a teaspoon or two of smoked paprika for a smoky flavour, or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a bit of kick. If you have any canned adobo sauce from chipotles, use that! Even a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a little heat.

The key is to add something that gives it a bit of personality.

What are some good variations for these chicken tostadas? I'm feeling adventurous!

Get creative! For a spicier version, add some chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the chicken. For a vegetarian twist, swap the chicken for black beans and roasted sweetcorn. You could also try different toppings like crumbled cotija cheese, pickled onions, or a vibrant salsa verde.

Think of it as a blank canvas, unleash your inner artist!

How long do leftover chicken tostadas last, and what's the best way to store them?

Unfortunately, assembled tostadas don't keep very well due to the risk of the tortillas becoming soggy. If you have leftovers, it's best to store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken and crema will be good for 3-4 days.

Then, when you're ready to eat, just re-crisp some tortillas and assemble fresh tostadas. Consider them ready to assemble meal kits!