Chicken and Black Bean Tostadas (35 Minutes)

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Welcome to the vibrant world of chicken tostadas—a crispy, savory delight that’s sure to impress. With layers of black refried beans, succulent chicken, and fresh veggies, every bite is a celebration. The joy of this dish is its balance of textures and flavors, all while being a breeze to put together. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, these tostadas are your ticket to a meal everyone will talk about.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 tostadas 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4 corn tortillas
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (rotisserie works great)
  • 1 can (15 oz.) black refried beans
  • 2 cups shredded lettuce
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • 1/2 cup queso fresco or similar soft Mexican cheese
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (for the avocado)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)
  • Olive oil (for cooking)

Instructions

  1. In a skillet, warm a generous amount of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry each corn tortilla until golden and crispy, about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove and let them drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt immediately after frying.
  2. In another skillet, warm a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until it’s heated through.
  3. Warm the black refried beans in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  4. Drizzle lime juice over the sliced avocado to keep it fresh and prevent browning.
  5. Assemble the tostadas: Begin with a generous spread of black refried beans on each homemade tostada shell. Layer with chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and avocado slices.
  6. Drizzle sour cream over the top of each tostada and serve immediately.

Notes

While store-bought tostada shells can be convenient, making your own adds an unbeatable fresh crunch. If you’re aiming for a lighter version, consider baking the tortillas in the oven at 400°F until crisp instead of frying. Spice enthusiasts might enjoy a dash of cumin or paprika in the chicken sauté. A side of fresh pico de gallo or a zesty lime-cilantro rice can elevate this meal even further. And, as always, a chilled beverage, perhaps a sparkling lemonade or an icy mojito, pairs wonderfully. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 tostada
  • Calories: 470
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 560mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 27g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

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