Name: Tasty Rotisserie Chicken Tostadas: 15 Minute Best Meal
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 8 tostada shells; 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken; 15 ounces refried beans; 1 cup shredded lettuce; 0.5 cup diced tomatoes; 0.5 cup shredded cheese; 0.25 cup sour cream; 0.25 cup salsa

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I always look for ways to simplify dinner without losing that authentic home-cooked feel. On busy weeknights these Tasty Rotisserie Chicken Tostadas are my absolute favorite solution. By using a pre-cooked chicken you can skip the long prep time and focus on building layers of fresh flavor. I first made these for a family gathering and they were gone in minutes. You will love how the crunchy shell pairs with the savory chicken and creamy beans. It is a meal that feels like a celebration but takes less than twenty minutes to put on the table.

Why You Will Love These Tasty Rotisserie Chicken Tostadas

I am telling you these are a total lifesaver when you are tired and do not want to spend an hour at the stove. The best part is how much time you save by grabbing a rotisserie chicken from the store. You get that slow-roasted flavor without actually having to roast anything yourself. Plus everyone loves a meal where they can pile on their own toppings. It is crunchy and messy and just plain fun to eat. My kids actually ask for these every single week because they love the crunch so much.

Ingredients for Your Tasty Rotisserie Chicken Tostadas

I like to keep these ingredients on hand so I can whip this up whenever I am in a pinch. Just make sure your beans are the right kind by checking that they use vegetable oil or beef fat instead of anything else.

1 rotisserie chicken shredded which is usually about 3 cups
12 corn tostada shells from the store
1 can of refried beans made with vegetable oil or beef fat
2 cups of shredded lettuce for a fresh crunch
1 cup of shredded cheddar or Monterrey Jack cheese
1/2 cup of sour cream
1/2 cup of fresh salsa or pico de gallo
1 avocado sliced up thin
Fresh cilantro to sprinkle on top
Lime wedges to squeeze over everything

How to Make Tasty Rotisserie Chicken Tostadas Step-by-Step

This is the easy part. I usually get everything laid out on the counter like a little assembly line so we can build them fast while everything is still warm.

Preparing the Filling

First you need to shred that chicken into bite-sized pieces. I just use two forks and it goes pretty quick. Put the chicken in a small pan over medium heat and pour in a splash of chicken broth. This is my secret to making sure the meat stays nice and juicy. In another little pot warm up your refried beans. If they seem too thick and hard to spread just stir in a tablespoon of broth or water until they get smooth.

Assembling the Tostadas

Now get your tostada shells ready. I like to spread a nice thin layer of the warm beans on each shell first. Think of the beans as the glue that holds all the other goodies in place. Next pile on a good amount of that warm shredded chicken. Sprinkle the cheese right on top of the chicken while it is still hot so the cheese starts to get all melty and delicious.

Expert Tips for the Best Tasty Rotisserie Chicken Tostadas

I have made these a million times and I have learned a few tricks to make them perfect every single time.

Warm the Shells. Even if they come right out of the package I like to pop them in a 350 degree oven for about 3 to 5 minutes. It makes them way crunchier and brings out that toasted corn smell.
Avoid Sogginess. Do not put the toppings on until you are actually ready to sit down and eat. If you let them sit too long with the beans and salsa the shells will get soft and lose that great snap.
Control the Mess. I know it is tempting to pile a mountain of toppings on but try to be a little careful. If you put too much on the shell will just snap in half when you take your first bite.

Variations for Tasty Rotisserie Chicken Tostadas

Sometimes I like to switch things up depending on what I have in the fridge. If you are out of chicken you can totally use shredded beef or even some ground turkey seasoned with a little cumin. If you want a bit more heat you can stir some taco seasoning into the chicken while you are warming it up. When I want something extra crunchy I use shredded cabbage instead of lettuce. It holds up really well and adds a great texture.

Nutritional Information for Tasty Rotisserie Chicken Tostadas

Here is a quick look at what is in a serving of two tostadas so you know what you are getting.

Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 28g
Total Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 7g
Sodium: 650mg

Frequently Asked Questions About Tasty Rotisserie Chicken Tostadas

I get asked these questions a lot when I share this recipe with my friends.

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can definitely get all the ingredients ready in advance but please do not put them together until you are ready to eat. I keep the chicken and beans and chopped veggies in separate containers in the fridge. Then I just warm up the meat and beans and assemble them in a flash when it is dinner time.

What can I use if I cannot find tostada shells?

If your store is out of the pre-made shells do not worry. You can just take regular corn tortillas and fry them in a little bit of vegetable oil until they are hard and golden. Just let them drain on a paper towel before you start adding your toppings.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

That is why I use the chicken broth trick. Since rotisserie chicken is already cooked it can get a little dry when you heat it up again. Adding that little bit of broth while you warm it in the pan makes it taste like it just came out of the oven.