The BEST Chicken, Guacamole and Bean Tostadas

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Introduction

The BEST Chicken, Guacamole, and Bean Tostadas are a vibrant, flavorful fusion of textures and tastes that will wow your taste buds. Imagine perfectly seasoned, tender chicken paired with rich, creamy guacamole and hearty refried beans, all piled high on a crispy tostada shell. This dish delivers the perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and savory goodness, making it ideal for a quick lunch, a casual dinner, or a festive appetizer for your next gathering.

The first time I made these tostadas, I was amazed by how quickly everything came together, and how satisfying each bite was. The combination of the crispy shell, juicy chicken, smooth guacamole, and the warmth of the beans was like a celebration of flavor in my mouth. It became an instant favorite, and it wasn’t long before they were devoured by everyone around the table.

What I love most about these Chicken, Guacamole, and Bean Tostadas is their versatility. You can customize them with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, salsa, or a drizzle of sour cream, and adjust the seasoning to your taste. Whether you’re serving them as a casual meal or a show-stopping dish at a party, these tostadas are bound to impress and leave everyone wanting more.

Perfect for:

  • Quick weeknight dinners
  • Mexican-inspired parties
  • Taco Tuesday
  • Game day snacks
  • Family-friendly meals

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why The BEST Chicken, Guacamole and Bean Tostadas will become your favorite go-to meal:

  • Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of seasoned chicken, creamy guacamole, and savory beans is a fresh, satisfying flavor explosion.
  • Crispy Base: The crunchy tostada shell provides the perfect base for the creamy toppings.
  • Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite toppings, such as shredded lettuce, cheese, or salsa, to suit your taste.
  • Healthy and Filling: The beans and guacamole provide a balanced meal with protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
  • Quick and Easy: These tostadas are quick to prepare, making them an ideal choice for busy nights when you want something both satisfying and flavorful.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 500-550 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 25g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make The BEST Chicken, Guacamole and Bean Tostadas:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 can (15 oz) refried beans, or 1 ½ cups homemade refried beans
  • 8 tostada shells
  • 2 ripe avocados
  • ½ lime, juiced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • ½ cup shredded lettuce (optional)
  • ¼ cup crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese (optional)
  • Salsa or hot sauce, for serving (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Boneless Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender chicken that absorbs the flavorful spices and creates the perfect topping for the tostadas.
  • Refried Beans: Adds creaminess and a rich, savory base that complements the guacamole and chicken.
  • Guacamole: A fresh, creamy guacamole made with ripe avocados, lime juice, cilantro, and red onion for a burst of flavor.
  • Tostada Shells: The crispy base that holds all the delicious toppings.
  • Queso Fresco: A soft, crumbly cheese that adds a mild tang to balance the bold flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

  1. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown.
  3. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Once cooled slightly, shred the chicken using two forks. Set aside.

Make the Guacamole:

  1. Mash the Avocados: In a medium bowl, mash the ripe avocados with a fork or potato masher until smooth but still chunky.
  2. Add the Lime and Cilantro: Mix in the lime juice, chopped cilantro, and red onion. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Warm the Beans and Tostada Shells:

  1. Heat the Beans: In a small saucepan, heat the refried beans over low heat, stirring occasionally until warm.
  2. Crisp the Tostada Shells: If using store-bought tostada shells, bake or fry according to package instructions, or crisp them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until golden and crunchy.

Assemble the Tostadas:

  1. Layer the Beans: Spread a generous spoonful of warm refried beans onto each tostada shell.
  2. Add the Shredded Chicken: Top the beans with a layer of the shredded, seasoned chicken.
  3. Add Guacamole: Spoon the fresh guacamole on top of the chicken.
  4. Add Optional Toppings: Garnish with shredded lettuce, crumbled queso fresco, and additional salsa or hot sauce, if desired.

How to Serve

  • As a Meal: Serve these tostadas with a side of rice, black beans, or a fresh salad for a complete dinner.
  • As an Appetizer: These tostadas make a perfect bite-sized appetizer for parties, gatherings, or game days.
  • With Extra Salsa: Pair with your favorite salsa or hot sauce for added heat and flavor.
  • For a Make-Ahead Meal: Prepare the chicken, guacamole, and beans in advance, and assemble the tostadas just before serving.

Additional Tips

  • Shred the Chicken by Hand: For a more rustic texture, use two forks to shred the chicken by hand rather than using a mixer or food processor.
  • Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker option, use store-bought rotisserie chicken for the shredded chicken.
  • Customize the Guacamole: Feel free to add diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or a dash of cumin for extra flavor in the guacamole.
  • Make it Spicy: Add hot sauce or sliced jalapeños to the tostadas if you prefer a spicier kick.
  • Tostada Shell Alternatives: You can substitute baked tortilla chips for a healthier option or use soft tortillas for a wrap-style version.

Recipe Variations

  1. BBQ Chicken Tostadas: Use BBQ sauce in place of the cumin and chili powder for a smoky flavor.
  2. Vegetarian Tostadas: Skip the chicken and add extra beans or grilled vegetables for a vegetarian version.
  3. Spicy Chicken Tostadas: Add chopped jalapeños or a spicy salsa to the chicken for extra heat.
  4. Cheesy Chicken Tostadas: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the chicken before adding the guacamole and broil for a melted, cheesy topping.
  5. Shrimp Tostadas: Swap the chicken for seasoned shrimp for a lighter seafood twist.
  6. Crispy Chicken Tostadas: Coat the chicken in breadcrumbs and fry it before adding it to the tostadas for an extra crunch.
  7. Citrus Chicken Tostadas: Marinate the chicken in orange and lime juice for a citrusy, refreshing flavor.
  8. Chorizo and Chicken Tostadas: Mix chorizo with the chicken for a spiced-up, flavorful combination.
  9. Grilled Chicken Tostadas: Grill the chicken breasts for a smoky flavor instead of pan-frying.
  10. Bacon Guacamole Tostadas: Add crumbled bacon to the guacamole for a smoky twist.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Freeze the cooked and shredded chicken and beans separately in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Assemble the tostadas when ready to serve.
  • Storage: Store leftover assembled tostadas in the fridge for up to 1 day. The tostada shells may lose their crunch, but the flavors will still be delicious.

Special Equipment

  • Cast Iron Skillet: Ideal for crisping the tostada shells to perfection, giving them a golden and crunchy texture.
  • Food Processor: Perfect for quickly making smooth, creamy guacamole and even for chopping or pureeing ingredients for the beans.
  • Griddle or Grill Pan: Use this to cook chicken breasts or thighs evenly, adding grill marks for flavor and presentation.
  • Tongs: Handy for flipping the tostada shells in the hot pan or handling the chicken during cooking.
  • Citrus Juicer: To extract fresh lime juice for both the guacamole and the chicken marinade, ensuring maximum flavor.
  • Sharp Knife: A good chef’s knife to easily chop chicken, vegetables, and other toppings with precision.
  • Bowl for Mixing Guacamole: A large, sturdy bowl for mashing and mixing the avocado, tomatoes, onions, and spices.
  • Tostada Shell Rack: This keeps your freshly fried tostadas upright while cooling, allowing them to stay crispy.
  • Mexican Molcajete (Stone Mortar): Ideal for making guacamole the traditional way, enhancing the flavors with its rough texture.
  • Food Warmer or Warming Tray: Keeps your prepared tostada toppings warm until serving, ensuring everything stays at the right temperature.

FAQ

  1. Can I use store-bought guacamole?
    Yes, you can use pre-made guacamole for a faster option, but homemade adds extra freshness.
  2. Can I use flour tortillas instead of tostada shells?
    Absolutely! You can use lightly fried flour tortillas for a soft version or as a wrap.
  3. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
    Simply omit the chicken and load up with extra refried beans or grilled veggies.
  4. Can I make the tostadas ahead of time?
    Yes, prepare the chicken, guacamole, and beans ahead of time. Assemble the tostadas just before serving to maintain their crunch.
  5. Can I make this recipe spicy?
    Add fresh jalapeños, hot salsa, or spicy seasonings to kick up the heat!

Conclusion

The BEST Chicken, Guacamole, and Bean Tostadas offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making them a delightful twist on a classic Mexican dish. Crispy tostada shells serve as the base for tender chicken, creamy guacamole, and savory beans, creating a mouthwatering combination that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, this dish is perfect for busy nights, casual dinners, or even a fun party meal. Add extra toppings like shredded cheese, salsa, or a squeeze of lime for a burst of fresh flavor in every bite.

I can’t wait to see your Chicken, Guacamole, and Bean Tostada creations! Be sure to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your take on this recipe. Don’t forget to share your favorite variations or tips in the comments. Happy cooking!

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