These Chicken Tostadas are a quick, flavorful dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Crispy tostada shells are piled high with seasoned chicken, black beans, and sweet corn, then topped with fresh vegetables, shredded cheese, and a creamy cilantro lime sauce. This easy Mexican-inspired recipe is ready in about 30 minutes, making it a go-to weeknight meal.
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Need a quick, flavorful, dinner idea? These chicken tostadas are simple to make, full of flavor and loved by kids and adults alike.
This dish is also highly customizable. Everyone can add their favorite toppings to make the tostadas their own. Serve with chips and White Queso for a full, crowd-pleasing meal.
What Is a Tostada?
A tostada is a traditional Mexican dish made with a crispy fried corn tortilla topped with ingredients such as beans, meat, cheese, and fresh vegetables. Unlike a taco, a tostada is served flat, which allows for a colorful, layered presentation and a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Why This Recipe Works
- Quick and easy: This recipe is ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Family-friendly: Mild, customizable flavors that kids love.
- Gluten-free option: Use corn tostada shells for a naturally gluten-free meal.
- Full of flavor: Traditional Mexican seasonings with a bright, zesty cilantro lime sauce.
Ingredients
Chicken Tostada Filling
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into approximately 1-inch pieces)
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (divided; homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup black beans (canned; drained and rinsed)
- 1/2 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 lime (juiced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (minced)
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
For Assembling the Tostadas
- 8 tostada shells
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup tomatoes (diced)
Optional Toppings
- Shredded lettuce
- Sliced avocado
- Diced onions
- Salsa
- Jalapeños
The entire recipe and instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can also print the recipe from the card, if needed.
How to Make Chicken Tostadas
Prep!
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking, and prepare homemade taco seasoning if using.
Chef’s Tip: A store-bought taco seasoning packet works perfectly if you want to save time.
Create!
Chicken Tostada Filling
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning. Cook 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
Stir in the black beans and corn and cook 2 more minutes until warmed through.
Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
Cilantro Lime Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, minced cilantro and remaining 1 teaspoon of taco seasoning.
Mix until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Chef’s Tip: For extra tang, add a little more lime juice.
Present!
Place tostada shells on serving plates.
Spoon the chicken, bean, and corn mixture onto each shell.
Top with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes and any other toppings you desire.
Drizzle with the cilantro lime sauce and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
Serve immediately for crispy tostadas.
Tips and Techniques for the Best Chicken Tostadas
- Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut: Shredded rotisserie chicken can replace diced chicken. Just heat it along with the beans and corn.
- Don’t overload tostadas: Too many toppings can make them hard to eat. Start light and add more if needed.
- Warm the shells: Place tostada shells in a 350°F oven for 2-3 minutes to make them extra crispy.
- Customize toppings: Lettuce, salsa, onions, avocado, or jalapeños all work great.
Storage
Store leftover chicken filling and cilantro lime sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Assemble tostadas just before serving to keep shells crispy. Leftover chicken filling can also be used in tacos, burrito bowls, or quesadillas.
FAQs
What is a Chicken Tostada?
A chicken tostada is a Mexican-inspired dish made with a crispy corn tortilla topped with seasoned chicken, beans, vegetables, and cheese. It’s similar to a taco but served flat for a crunchy, layered bite.
What Toppings Go on Chicken Tostadas?
Common toppings include lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, avocado, salsa, onions, and cilantro. You can also add your favorite toppings to customize your tostadas.
What Sides Go Well with Chicken Tostadas?
Chicken tostadas pair well with Mexican rice, corn salad, chips with queso, or a fresh green salad.
More Mexican-Inspired Recipes to Try
Love this Chicken Tostadas recipe? Follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook for more easy dinner ideas and family-friendly recipes.
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and star rating. Thank you!
Chicken Tostadas with Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce
Ingredients
Chicken Tostada Filling
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into approximately 1-inch pieces)
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup black beans (canned; drained and rinsed)
- 1/2 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 lime (juiced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (minced)
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
For Assembling the Tostadas
- 8 tostada shells
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup tomatoes (diced)
Optional Toppings
- lettuce (shredded)
- avocado (diced)
- onions (diced)
- salsa
- jalapeños (sliced)
Instructions
Chicken Tostada Filling
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Add the chicken and 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning. Cook 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- Stir in the black beans and corn and cook 2 more minutes until warmed through.1/2 cup black beans, 1/2 cup corn
- Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
Cilantro Lime Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, minced cilantro and remaining 1 teaspoon of taco seasoning.¼ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sour cream, 1 lime, 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
- Mix until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Assemble the Tostadas
- Place tostada shells on serving plates.8 tostada shells
- Spoon the chicken, bean, and corn mixture onto each shell.
- Top with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes and any other toppings you desire.1 cup cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup tomatoes, lettuce, avocado, onions, salsa, jalapeños
- Drizzle with the cilantro lime sauce and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
- Serve immediately for crispy tostadas.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut: Shredded rotisserie chicken can replace diced chicken. Just heat it along with the beans and corn.
- Don’t overload tostadas: Too many toppings can make them hard to eat. Start light and add more if needed.
- Warm the shells: Place tostada shells in a 350°F oven for 2-3 minutes to make them extra crispy.
- Customize toppings: Lettuce, salsa, onions, avocado, or jalapeños all work great.
- Store leftover chicken filling and cilantro lime sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Assemble tostadas just before serving to keep shells crispy.
- Leftover chicken filling can also be used in tacos, burrito bowls, or quesadillas.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published on December 19, 2015. It was updated with new images, step-by-step instructions, tips, techniques, storage instructions and FAQs in March 2026.
shelby says
These are some of my favorite flavors! The tostadas were delicious.
Heidi says
Loved this super easy weeknight meal!
Traci says
These tostadas were so much fun…and easier than hard shell tacos (since you don’t have to stand them up LOL). I love your taco seasoning too. Skip the store-bought…it’s so easy and tasted way better!
Mark says
Great tasting tostadas! I always make my own taco seasoning at home too, its so easy and most importantly I know exactly what’s in it!
Janette | Culinary Ginger says
They really are so festive and so many great flavors.
Lane & Holly @ With Two Spoons says
You had me at cilantro lime sauce!
ourlittleeverything says
Girl…its so good! I put some kinda version of this sauce on SO many different things!
Emma says
I’m gluten free so these are right up my street! Will give them a go!
ourlittleeverything says
Yay – hope you love them!
Kim says
This looks so yummy and fresh…I LOVE Mexican food
Lindsey says
This will be great for busy soccer practice nights with the kids!
ourlittleeverything says
Yes they will be – quick, easy and yummy!
emma francis says
These look so good, I cannot wait to try them
Tamara Mason says
Beautiful pictures, it looks so yummy!
Rocy says
That looks delish. Will def be trying it soon. Thanks for sharing
ourlittleeverything says
Thank you Rocy, glad you stopped by! If you do try it, I hope you love it!
Justina says
These look awesome. I pinned your recipe for later.
ourlittleeverything says
Thank you Justine!
Louisa says
This looks like a very yummy and easy recipe to make. I’ve never made chicken tostadas before. Now I can’t wait to make it.
ourlittleeverything says
A little messy to eat, but oh-so-good!
Bri says
This looks amazing! I love to add corn and beans with chicken!!!
ourlittleeverything says
Thanks Bri – it’s really good!
Kim says
This looks so delicious! I need to try this recipe out soon!
ourlittleeverything says
Thank you Kim!
Kari says
Yum! This looks fantastic! I love that you made your own seasoning. I usually get lazy and just use taco or fajita seasoning.
ourlittleeverything says
I used to but anytime anyone tried this seasoning they would comment how good the tacos were so now I just do this instead 🙂
courtney says
Ooh those look so delicious! Mexican food is my favourite and I am always looking for new recipes, I might just make this tonight!
La Belle Sirene
ourlittleeverything says
Thanks Courtney! I hope you love it!
Wendy says
This looks and sounds so good! I love tostadas and this looks like a version that I need to try! Thanks so much for sharing.
ourlittleeverything says
You’re welcome – thanks for stopping by!
Rachel says
Bookmarking this for the taco seasoning mix alone! Looks delish.
ourlittleeverything says
Thanks so much Rachel!
Brianna Leigh says
I heat a lot of chicken and sometimes get bored of it. This looks like a cool way to spice it up and try new cuisine. Thanks for sharing!
ourlittleeverything says
No problem! I hope you like it, if you try it!
Jamie says
That looks amazing! I had a similar meal recently and thought I needed to try and make it at home, now I will!
ourlittleeverything says
Thanks Jamie!
Lane & Holly @ With Two Spoons says
You had me at cilantro…these look delicious!
ourlittleeverything says
Haha! I love it too, especially with lime!
Leslie says
The cilantro lime sauce alone sounds like it’s worth trying this. Yummy!
ourlittleeverything says
Oh it is – it’s really good!
Amanda says
Oh my goodness! If I wasn’t hungry before I certainly am now! These look amazing. I will definitely be trying them out. Thanks so much for sharing!
xo, Amanda | http://www.thegoldengirldiary.com
ourlittleeverything says
Thanks so much Amanda 🙂
Danielle says
This looks so amazing! I would love to do something like this! I’m going to keep this recipe.
ourlittleeverything says
Thanks Danielle!
Amber says
These look delicious and simple!
ourlittleeverything says
Thanks Amber!
candy says
Chicken tostadas are delicious, it’s the cilantro lime sauce that I really want to try.
ourlittleeverything says
It’s SO good! It’s my favorite part!
Kate says
Thats high praise from an 8 year old! Any suggestions on making a dairy free sauce?
ourlittleeverything says
I’ve definitely used vegenaise as a replacement for mayo and couldn’t tell a difference. For the sour cream, I know there are some dairy free versions available but I haven’t tried any of them so can’t make a recommendation based on experience, sorry.
Gabrielle says
Those look delicious! I think I have most of the ingredients in my fridge right now! Can I ask which program you used to write your recipe in? If looks much neater than mine in just WordPress.
ourlittleeverything says
Hi Gabrielle! Thank you! I’m using the WP Ultimate Recipe plug-in 🙂
Kylie Travers says
Mexican dishes like this are a staple in our house. We have a seasoning similar to yours we create and put on many meats or in various dishes. This looks delicious. Will add it to my list to try.
ourlittleeverything says
Thank you so much Kylie!
Amber says
Oh my goodness…these look amazing! We have been on a taco kick around here, so I’ll definitely have to add these to the rotation.
ourlittleeverything says
I’ve been meaning to try this in taco shells! I think it would be easier to eat, but tostadas are fun too!
Chris Huston says
Oh my — this looks delicious! I can’t wait to try this recipe. This is one of my favorites:)
ourlittleeverything says
I hope you like it Chris 🙂
Aarika says
This is such a delicious and healthy recipe! I love tostadas, and this one sounds absolutely heavenly. Cilantro and lime together are such a delightful combination. I can’t wait to try this recipe!
ourlittleeverything says
I eat way too much cilantro, lime and coconut lol….but it’s sooooo good!
Liv says
We love taco night here – tostadas would definitely add some spice. Tucking this away for later.
ourlittleeverything says
Thanks Liv! I hope you like it!
Michelle says
This looks like a super yummy weeknight dinner!! I love that you made your own taco seasoning!
ourlittleeverything says
Thanks you! It’s so much better than the packets and not hard to do 🙂
Leah says
These sound great! I love the combo of flavors in these, yum!
ourlittleeverything says
Thanks Lean! This is one of my favorite dinners!
kristen says
woah, this looks so delicious! I loveeeeee tostadas! I’m pinning this for later!
ourlittleeverything says
Me too -they are a bit messy but I think it makes them more fun 🙂
Rae says
Your taco seasoning recipe is worth its weight in gold!
ourlittleeverything says
Thank You! I could never go back to packaged seasoning now!
Maggie Unzueta says
Oh yum! Looks delicious.
ourlittleeverything says
Thanks Maggie!
Shannon says
Oh this looks like a great Friday night meal! It’s only 9:00am, but I could totally go for one right now…looks delish!
Shannon
Clothes & Quotes
ourlittleeverything says
Haha! Who made up the rule you can’t eat dinner for breakfast anyway?
Kara says
This looks absolutely delicious!! I’m adding it to our meal plan for next week. Can’t wait to try that lime sauce. 🙂
ourlittleeverything says
Oh my gosh – it’s soooo good! I hope you love it too!
Brittany Giles says
Tostados are always a cheap an easy go to meal! I’ll have to try this!
ourlittleeverything says
Yep! Super easy! Hope you like them!