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Zesty Chicken Tostadas
Tostadas are a dish which has been around so long that no one knows for sure exactly when and where they originated. It is known that tostadas were known to the Aztec, Maya and Inca civilizations and that the peoples of what is now Mexico had long been eating these crunchy corn tortillas before the Spanish ever set foot in the New World.
Tostadas can be topped with just about anything, from simple beans and cheese to ceviche or as in this recipe, chicken. Chicken is a very popular meat and poultry-topped tostadas were in existence even before the discovery of the New World, though the bird of choice back then would have been turkey (which would be an excellent substitute for the chicken in this recipe if you are so inclined).
This is a very quick and easy chicken tostada recipe, but just because it does not take long to make does not mean that they are not absolutely delicious. They are great as a snack, side dish or as the centerpiece of a Mexican meal.
Chicken Tostadas
Ingredients -
12 tostada shells
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
15 oz (1 can) refried beans
½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded, or ½ cup queso fresco, crumbled
½ head lettuce, shredded
¼ cup cilantro, chopped
1scallion, thinly sliced
Juice of 2 limes plus extra lime wedges for serving
Salt and pepper, to taste
Salsa and/or guacamole, for serving
Preparation:
After cooking and shredding the chicken (or reheating it if you have leftover chicken around), heat the refried beans in the microwave or on the stovetop while you shred the cheese and chop the vegetables and limes. Mix the lime juice and a little salt and pepper into the chicken and top each tostada shell with refried beans, followed by chicken, vegetables, cheese, and salsa. Serve and enjoy!
(Makes 4 - 6)
Photo Description:
This is an incredibly easy recipe to prepare - and even easier to love. If you like chicken but are burned out on your existing repertoire of recipes, this easy chicken tostada recipe makes a great change of pace. Feel free to add some fresh or pickled jalapeno peppers to this recipe as well in order to make it spicier; you can also use cheddar cheese in place of the Monterey Jack or queso fresco if you prefer (or if that is what you happen to have on hand). It is a forgiving recipe, but no less delicious for that, as you will find once you make these great chicken tostadas for yourself.
