Baked Chicken Tostadas

These Baked Chicken Tostadas are a Mexican night favorite! Crispy fried corn tortillas layered with refried beans, salsa chicken, and melty cheese, then finished with lettuce, pico, and a drizzle of sour cream and lime juice. Just 10 minutes of prep needed!

this Recipe

Ingredients + Substitutions

• Shredded Chicken – I used Rotisserie chicken, but feel free to use any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand. I love to make this recipe when I have some extra Mexican chicken in the fridge already!
• Salsa – You can use your favorite store-bought salsa or try my Easy Homemade Salsa Recipe.
• Taco Seasoning – Add a store-bought blend or make your own using my Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe in just 10 minutes.
• Refried Beans – You can keep it quick with a can of refried beans or lean into the homemade aspect with my Mexican Style Crock Pot Refried Beans.
• Cheddar Cheese
• Tostada Shells – I use store-bought tostada shells to keep this recipe simple.
• Toppings – Use any of your favorite classic toppings! I love shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, lime juice, and sour cream.

Make sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full quantities and ingredients list.

Recipe Variations

If you love this recipe as much as we do and want some quick ways to change it up for variety, these little tips will do the trick!

• Swap the meat – Instead of chicken, try these tostadas with my Mexican Shredded Beef or another meat of your choice.
  
• Make vegetarian tostadas – Skip the meat and make a tasty vegetarian dinner using refried beans or black beans and fajita veggies and/or a plant-based protein.
  
• Add other toppings – Customize these tostadas with any and all of your favorite taco toppings. Try guacamole, pickled red onion, black olives, cotija cheese, diced or sliced jalapeño, etc.

Recipe Step by Step

I am going to highlight a few key steps in the recipe here, but make sure to jump down to the recipe card for comprehensive instructions on how to make this Easy Chicken Tostada Recipe.

Recipe Tips

1. Use leftover chicken – If you have leftover cooked chicken on-hand, this is a great way to use that up! I love to make these using my Mexican Chicken Marinade or Mexican Style Chicken Thighs.
   
2. Double layer the cheese! – A layer of cheese before and after the meat helps the toppings stick to the tostada shells. Who can resist extra cheesiness anyway?!
   
3. Serve immediately – I recommend serving these right away after baking to maintain the crunchiness of the shells. If you’re not enjoying right away, you can prep everything, but keep your ingredients separate until you’re ready to eat.

What to Serve with Baked Chicken Tostadas

Since this protein based dinner has the delicious flavors of Mexican spices, it will pair well with many of your favorite Mexican-inspired side dishes.

Choose one or several of these side dishes to create a wholesome, well-rounded dinner. There are both classic options and some healthy options to keep it light.

Side Dish Ideas

• Easy Mexican Rice – This Mexican Rice comes together in just 25 minutes and is packed with flavor from onion, tomato sauce, serrano peppers, and more—the perfect way to round out your meal!
• Mexican Roasted Veggies – Mexican Roasted Veggies are a delicious and simple lighter side dish to pair with your chicken tostadas. This recipe features a vibrant blend of red onion, bell pepper, broccoli, and squash coated in taco seasoning and lime juice.
• Mexican Street Corn Casserole – Make a restaurant-quality meal with this Mexican Street Corn Casserole. It’s rich, creamy, fluffy, and baked in just one dish. Just 5 minutes of prep needed!