Easy chicken tostadas- delicious 30 minute recipes!

Amazing chicken tostadas. Use up leftover tortillas and roast chicken to create a delicious and satisfying homemade chicken tostada with this easy recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want a quick yet flavorful meal, this dish makes the most of simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. It takes less than 20 minutes to prepare, making it a fantastic choice when you’re short on time but craving something tasty and fresh. The cooking time can vary from 10 to 30 minutes depending on how crispy you like your tortillas and whether you choose to warm the chicken or add extra toppings that require a bit more time. With crispy tortillas as the base, tender shredded roast chicken, and your favorite toppings—like fresh salsa, creamy avocado, tangy sour cream, and crunchy lettuce—this chicken tostada is a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish that turns leftovers into a meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Six little corn tortillas with brushing oil
Tin refried beans, 400g
Half a teaspoon of chipotle paste or ancho chilli powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin and 1/4 teaspoon garlic granules
Two ripe avocados
Fresh lime juice, 1 tablespoon
Shredded salt, freshly ground black pepper, 250g/9oz of roast chicken, a handful of fresh coriander, and finely chopped
Two large ripe tomatoes, deseeded and cut finely; a half-inch onion, chopped finely; and a handful of freshly chopped coriander
One jalapeño chilli, chopped finely (optional)
One lime, only the juice
125g/4½oz of shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce with jalapeño peppers in brine Grated soured cream with cheddar
Brush both sides of the tortillas lightly with oil, ensuring they’re evenly coated for the perfect crispiness. Heat a griddle pan over medium–high heat, then place the tortillas onto the hot surface. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they’re crisp, golden brown, and slightly charred in spots. This step gives the tostadas their signature crunch and adds a delicious smoky flavour. Once cooked, set the tortillas aside on a wire rack or paper towel to stay crisp while you prepare the toppings.
In a small saucepan, combine the refried beans with chilli powder, ground cumin, and garlic granules. Season with a little salt to taste, adjusting the spices depending on how bold you want the flavour. Place the pan over a medium-low heat and cook gently, stirring often to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom. As the mixture heats through, the spices will bloom and infuse the beans with a warm, smoky flavour. Cook for around 5–7 minutes, or until the beans are thoroughly heated and smooth. Once hot, remove from the heat and set aside, ready to spread over your crisped tortillas.
To make the pico de gallo, simply combine all the ingredients—typically finely chopped tomatoes, red onion, fresh coriander, jalapeño (if you like a bit of heat), and a squeeze of fresh lime juice—in a mixing bowl. Stir everything together until well combined, then season with salt to taste to enhance the fresh flavours. Set the bowl aside and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the ingredients to meld. This vibrant, zesty salsa adds a burst of freshness and a touch of acidity that perfectly balances the richness of the beans and chicken on your tostadas.
Using a fork, mash the ripe avocados in a bowl until you reach your desired texture—smooth or slightly chunky, depending on your preference. Add the fresh lime juice and mix well; this not only brightens the flavour but also helps prevent the avocado from browning. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then stir in freshly chopped coriander for a burst of herbaceous flavour. This simple guacamole-style topping adds creaminess and richness to your tostadas, balancing the spicy, crunchy, and zesty elements beautifully.
To assemble the tostadas, start by laying out your crisp, golden tortillas on plates or a serving board. Spread a generous layer of guacamole on each one as the creamy base. Next, spoon over the warm, spiced bean mixture, followed by a handful of shredded lettuce for a refreshing crunch. Top with the cooked shredded chicken, then add a few slices of chilli (fresh or pickled, depending on your heat preference). Sprinkle over some grated Cheddar cheese, letting the warmth of the other toppings gently melt it. Finish each tostada with a spoonful of fresh pico de gallo and a dollop of soured cream. Serve immediately while everything is crisp, fresh, and bursting with flavour—perfect as a fun, hands-on meal that's as colourful as it is satisfying.