These Rotisserie Chicken Tostadas are the perfect answer to a busy weeknight, turning simple ingredients into a meal that feels like a little celebration. Using store-bought rotisserie chicken makes this Easy Mexican dish come together in minutes, layered with savory beans, sweet corn, and bubbly, melted cheese.
These tostadas take me right back to my mom Eva’s kitchen. She had a special way of turning simple pantry staples, like a rotisserie chicken and a can of corn, into a weeknight meal that felt like a warm hug, gathering us all around the table.
A Few Little Things to Love About This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This recipe uses pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and pantry staples for a delicious meal in under 20 minutes.
- Family-Friendly: With customizable toppings, everyone can build their own tostada just the way they like it.
- Flavorful: A simple chicken taco seasoning blend transforms the shredded chicken into a savory, irresistible topping.
- Versatile: Easily swap black beans for refried beans or change up the cheese to suit your family’s tastes.
What You’ll Need From Your Pantry and Fridge
- 6 tostada shells (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (or your favorite chicken seasoning)
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained (option: refried beans, warmed)
- 1 cup canned corn kernels, drained
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or Cheddar)
- 1 tomato, diced
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Optional toppings: sour cream or Mexican crema, salsa, sliced radishes, shredded lettuce
My Trusted Kitchen Helpers
Baking Sheet
A sturdy baking sheet is a must for toasting the tostadas evenly until they’re perfectly golden and crisp.
Small Skillet
I like to use a small skillet to gently warm the shredded chicken with the spices, which really helps the flavors wake up and bloom.
Let’s Walk Through It Together
First, Getting the Kitchen Cozy
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, arrange your tostada shells on a large baking sheet. I always find giving them a little space helps them get perfectly crisp all around.
Waking Up the Flavors in the Chicken
In a small skillet over medium heat, gently toss the shredded chicken with the chicken taco seasoning. Let it warm for just 2–3 minutes until the aroma fills your kitchen. This little step makes such a big difference in flavor!
Spreading on the First Layer of Comfort
If you’re using refried beans, now is the time to spread a thin, even layer onto each tostada shell. If you’re using black beans, you’ll sprinkle them on in the next step. Either way is absolutely delicious.
Piling on All the Goodness
Evenly divide the seasoned chicken among the tostadas. Follow with a sprinkle of black beans (if using) and the drained canned corn. Building these layers is the fun part!
Blanketing It All in Melty Cheese
Sprinkle a generous amount of Colby Jack cheese over each tostada. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 5–7 minutes, just until the cheese is wonderfully melted and bubbly.
Finishing with a Pop of Freshness
Carefully remove the tostadas from the oven. Top them with fresh, diced tomato and a few cilantro leaves. Set out bowls of sour cream and salsa so everyone can finish their Chicken Tostadas just the way they like.
A Gentle Note on Nutrition
Please note that the nutritional information provided for this recipe is an estimate. The values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, as well as the serving size. For precise nutritional information, I recommend using your preferred online calculator.
Simple Swaps for a Lighter Touch
- Whole Wheat Tostadas: Look for whole wheat tostada shells or bake your own using whole wheat tortillas for an extra boost of fiber.
- Leaner Cheese: You can reduce the fat content by using a reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend. It still melts beautifully!
- Greek Yogurt Swap: Instead of sour cream, try using plain Greek yogurt as a topping. It offers a similar tangy flavor with the added benefit of more protein.
A Few Ideas for Your Dinner Table
- With a Simple Salad: I love serving these tostadas with a light side salad of mixed greens, sliced avocado, and a simple lime vinaigrette. It’s a fresh and crisp contrast to the warm, cheesy tostada.
- Alongside Mexican Rice: A scoop of Spanish or cilantro-lime rice makes this a more substantial meal, perfect for a hearty family dinner.
- As a Platter: Arrange the finished tostadas on a large platter for a fun, shareable appetizer at a party or family gathering. They disappear so fast!
A Few Kitchen Whispers From Me to You
- Don’t Overdo the Toppings: It’s tempting to pile everything high, but this can make the tostada shell soggy and difficult to eat. A thin, even layer of each ingredient is key to a perfect crunch.
- Always Warm the Chicken: Please don’t skip the step of warming the shredded chicken with the spices. It coaxes out all the flavor and ensures every bite is savory and delicious.
- Keep an Eye on the Oven: Watch the tostadas closely as they bake. You only need the cheese to melt; any longer and the shell can become too hard or even burn at the edges.
Storing for Another Day
These Chicken Tostadas are best enjoyed fresh, as the shells can lose their crispness over time. If you do have leftovers, it’s best to store the individual components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The seasoned chicken, beans, and toppings will keep for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply assemble a fresh tostada and warm it in the oven or a toaster oven for a few minutes.
From My Kitchen to Yours
Food, for me, is all about the memories we create while sharing it. I hope this simple Rotisserie Chicken Tostadas recipe brings as much warmth and ease to your dinner table as it does to mine. May it be the start of new traditions and happy moments in your own kitchen, shared with the people you love most.
Just in Case You Were Wondering…
Can I use a different kind of chicken?
Absolutely! While this recipe is designed for the convenience of rotisserie chicken, you can easily use any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand. Just shred it and season it as directed.
What if I don’t have chicken taco seasoning?
No problem at all! You can make a simple chicken seasoning blend by combining chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
How can I make my own tostada shells?
It’s easy! Lightly brush corn tortillas with oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake them in a single layer at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are golden and crispy.
Print
Rotisserie Chicken Tostadas
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 tostadas 1x
Description
These Rotisserie Chicken Tostadas are a quick and flavorful dinner using store-bought rotisserie chicken, melty cheese, and vibrant toppings for a meal that feels like a celebration.
Ingredients
- 6 tostada shells (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (or your favorite chicken seasoning)
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained (or refried beans, warmed)
- 1 cup canned corn kernels, drained
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or Cheddar)
- 1 tomato, diced
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Optional toppings: sour cream or Mexican crema, salsa, sliced radishes, shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and arrange tostada shells on a baking sheet.
- In a small skillet over medium heat, warm shredded chicken with taco seasoning for 2–3 minutes.
- If using refried beans, spread a thin layer on each tostada shell. If using black beans, add them in the next step.
- Evenly divide the seasoned chicken among the tostadas. Top with black beans (if using) and drained corn.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over each tostada.
- Bake for 5–7 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and top with diced tomato and cilantro.
- Serve with optional toppings like sour cream, salsa, radishes, or shredded lettuce.
Notes
For the best flavor, always warm the chicken with seasoning. Don’t overload the tostadas to keep the shells crispy. Watch the oven closely to prevent over-baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tostada
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: chicken tostadas, rotisserie chicken, Mexican dinner, quick meal