If you’re on the hunt for a crave-worthy weeknight dinner that practically makes itself, you’ll fall hard for these chicken tostadas loaded up with shortcut favorites and Mexican lime for squeezing. Each crispy shell creates the perfect stage for creamy refried beans, juicy rotisserie chicken, golden cheese, and a shimmer of fresh, zesty toppings, making it a fiesta on your plate. There’s just something magical about the way all those textures mingle—and when you finish with and Mexican lime for squeezing, your tastebuds will dance. Get ready, because this is the easiest gluten-free, customizable meal you’ll want to put on repeat.

Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a masterclass in simplicity: every ingredient not only saves you time, but elevates the layers of flavor, crunch, and color that make chicken tostadas irresistible. Grab these essentials—the secret is in how each one works together, especially when you finish with and Mexican lime for squeezing!
- Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: Leveraging store-bought rotisserie chicken means quick prep and tender, flavorful meat without fuss.
- Store-Bought Tostada Shells: Perfectly crunchy out of the bag, these make the entire meal lightning-fast to assemble.
- Canned Refried Beans: Creamy and smooth—warming them up transforms the base and keeps everything sticking together.
- Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese: Melts like a dream under the broiler, adding gooey, melt-in-your-mouth richness.
- Sour Cream: Adds a cooling tang that counterbalances the spices—don’t skip this creamy topper!
- Shredded Iceberg Lettuce: Crisp, fresh, and perfectly cooling—this is the finishing crunch chicken tostadas need.
- Grape Tomatoes: Sweet pops of color and juiciness in every bite.
- Sliced Black Olives: Their briny flavor gives a savory punch and brings visual drama to your tostadas.
- Optional: Guacamole, Hot Sauce, Sliced Jalapeño, and Mexican lime for squeezing: The ultimate finishing touches—especially the luscious guac, spicy heat, and the fresh zing from and Mexican lime for squeezing.
How to Make and Mexican lime for squeezing
Step 1: Prep the Beans and Chicken
Start by gently warming your canned refried beans, either on the stovetop in a small saucepan or in the microwave for extra ease. Warm the shredded rotisserie chicken briefly as well—just enough for it to be juicy and inviting, without drying out. Having both ready means you can assemble quickly, with everything piping hot and delicious.
Step 2: Build the Base
Onto each crisp tostada shell, spread a generous layer of those warm, creamy refried beans, keeping a half-inch border around the edge. This not only tastes divine but acts as delicious glue, anchoring everything to the shell. Add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese over the beans for the perfect oozy layer—and Mexican lime for squeezing can come later for that burst of flavor.
Step 3: Broil for Melty Cheese
Arrange your assembled shells on a baking sheet, then pop them under the broiler for 30 to 90 seconds—just enough to melt the cheese to golden, stretchy perfection. Keep a close eye, since tostadas can turn from melty to burned in a heartbeat and you want the shells crisp, not charred.
Step 4: Layer on Toppings
Hot out of the oven, finish each tostada with a generous topping of warm shredded chicken, a dollop of sour cream, a handful of shredded lettuce, more cheese, diced grape tomatoes, and scattered black olives. This symphony of taste and texture is begging for that finishing flourish—and Mexican lime for squeezing, of course, brightens all those flavors.
How to Serve and Mexican lime for squeezing

Garnishes
The best way to finish these is with optional garnishes—think spoonfuls of creamy guacamole, fresh hot sauce, a few sliced jalapeños, and Mexican lime for squeezing. That squeeze right at the end makes every flavor explode with freshness and a little tang, making each bite unforgettable.
Side Dishes
Pair your chicken tostadas with a side of Mexican rice, crunchy corn salad, or a bowl of tortilla chips and salsa. Each adds extra texture and color, while still begging for a spritz of and Mexican lime for squeezing to tie your meal together.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, set up a build-your-own tostada bar with all your toppings and plenty of and Mexican lime for squeezing nearby. Mini tostadas make fantastic appetizers, or you can go big and stack your shells for a dramatic “tostada tower” centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
For leftovers, store toppings and shells separately in airtight containers to keep everything at peak freshness. Assemble just before serving for the crunchiest tostadas and store and Mexican lime for squeezing in the fridge—ready for whenever you need a flavor pick-me-up.
Freezing
While the tostada shells aren’t great for freezing, the chicken and beans freeze beautifully—just portion them out and stash them for up to three months. When a craving hits, you’ll have everything you need, apart from the fresh garnishes and Mexican lime for squeezing.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken and beans gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Always assemble right before serving so those shells stay ultras crisp. Don’t forget to bring your and Mexican lime for squeezing to the table for everyone’s plate!
FAQs
How can I make these tostadas dairy-free?
Simply swap in your favorite plant-based cheese and sour cream. Most groceries now have delicious vegan alternatives that melt and taste just as great, and they’re perfect with and Mexican lime for squeezing.
What if I can’t find tostada shells?
Take regular corn tortillas and bake or fry them until golden and crisp. They’ll work perfectly as a base, ready for all your toppings and Mexican lime for squeezing.
Can I use a different meat?
Absolutely! Shredded pork, ground beef, or even grilled shrimp all make fantastic substitutes. Just be sure to keep that and Mexican lime for squeezing handy for a pop of brightness regardless of your protein choice.
How do I keep the tostadas crunchy after assembling?
Only assemble tostadas right before eating and don’t overload with wet toppings. A quick squeeze of and Mexican lime for squeezing at the end adds flavor without sogginess.
What are some fun topping ideas for kids?
Try mild salsa, little corn kernels, or a sprinkle of cotija cheese, and set out wedges of and Mexican lime for squeezing for some interactive fun at the table. Kids love building their own!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like piling up hot, crunchy tostadas with your favorite toppings, that irresistible cheese, and Mexican lime for squeezing. If you need a meal that’s faster than takeout yet feels like a celebration, this is it—so grab your ingredients and give these irresistible chicken tostadas a go tonight!
Print
and Mexican lime for squeezing Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 Tostadas
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Chicken Tostadas are a quick and delicious meal made with simple ingredients like rotisserie chicken, refried beans, and cheese. Customize with your favorite toppings for a flavorful dinner option!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tostadas:
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken breast
- 8 (store-bought) tostada shells
- 1 (16-oz) can refried beans, warmed
- 2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded Iceberg lettuce
- 5 ounces grape tomatoes, diced
- 1 (2.25-ounce) can of sliced black olives
Optional Toppings:
- Guacamole
- Hot sauce
- Sliced Jalapeño
- Mexican lime for squeezing
Instructions
- RECIPE PREP: Warm canned beans on stovetop or in the microwave. Warm shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Assembly: Spread a layer of warm beans on each tostada shell. Top with shredded cheese and broil until melted. Add chicken, sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, and olives.
Notes
- Vegan Option: Use vegetarian refried beans, plant-based cheese, and vegan sour cream.
- Gluten-Free Variation: Ensure all ingredients, including tostada shells, are labeled gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Broiling, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Tostada
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg