Rotisserie Chicken Tostadas are a quick and tasty way to enjoy a crunchy, satisfying meal. Crisp tostada shells piled high with juicy, shredded rotisserie chicken, fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and a drizzle of tangy sauce make this dish a favorite for busy nights or casual get-togethers.
I love using rotisserie chicken for this recipe because it saves so much time without sacrificing flavor. It’s my go-to shortcut when I want something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, the combination of textures—from crispy shells to tender chicken—makes every bite enjoyable and easy to customize.
My favorite way to serve these tostadas is with a side of zesty salsa and a squeeze of lime. It brightens up the flavors and makes the meal feel fresh and lively. These tostadas always bring smiles around the table, and they’re great for sharing or making just a few for yourself when you’re craving something crunchy and flavorful.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotisserie Chicken: This is a lifesaver for quick meals. Using pre-cooked chicken means less prep and lots of flavor. If you don’t have rotisserie, cooked shredded chicken from leftovers works perfectly too.
Corn Tortillas: These give the tostadas their signature crunch. If you prefer, you can use store-bought tostada shells or crisp flour tortillas, but corn adds the best texture and flavor.
Refried Beans or Avocado: Both create a creamy base. Refried beans add a traditional touch, while avocado keeps things fresh and lighter. Feel free to mix them or use one depending on your mood.
Queso Fresco or Cotija Cheese: These crumbly cheeses add salt and richness. If you can’t find them, feta cheese is a decent alternative, but avoid very soft cheeses to keep the texture right.
Red Onions & Cilantro: These fresh toppings brighten the dish with crunch and herbal notes. If you don’t like raw onion, try pickling them briefly for milder flavor.
How Can You Get Toasty, Crunchy Tostada Shells Every Time?
Getting the tortillas crisp without being greasy is key. Here’s how I do it:
- Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
- Test the oil by dropping in a small piece of tortilla – it should bubble right away.
- Fry each tortilla for 1-2 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
- Remove carefully and drain on paper towels to soak excess oil.
- If you want less oil, you can bake tortillas at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
This simple method gives you the perfect crunchy base that holds up under all the toppings without getting soggy too fast.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Skillet or frying pan – I recommend using a heavy-bottomed skillet to get evenly crispy tortillas without burning.
- Tongs or slotted spoon – helps turn the tortillas easily and remove excess oil.
- Paper towels – to drain the fried tortillas and keep them crispy.
- Small spoon or spreader – for spreading refried beans or mashed avocado smoothly.
- Knife and cutting board – for slicing onions, cilantro, and lime wedges.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try shredded beef or pork instead of chicken for a different flavor.
- Add sliced jalapeños or pickled veggies for extra heat and crunch.
- Use crumbled queso blanco or shredded Monterey Jack cheese if you don’t have queso fresco.
- Mix in diced tomatoes or corn for a fresh, sweet twist on the toppings.
Rotisserie Chicken Tostadas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2-3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 4 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup refried beans or mashed avocado
- 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 1/2 tsp chili powder or Tajín seasoning (optional)
- Vegetable oil for frying tortillas
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe can be ready in about 15-20 minutes including prep and cooking. It’s quick because the chicken is already cooked—most time goes to crisping tortillas and assembling the toppings.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Frying the Tortillas:
Pour enough vegetable oil into a skillet to cover about 1/2 inch. Heat it over medium-high until hot but not smoking. Fry each corn tortilla for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip carefully. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
2. Preparing the Chicken:
While the tortillas fry, warm the shredded rotisserie chicken in a pan or microwave. Season it with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
3. Assembling the Tostadas:
Spread a layer of refried beans or mashed avocado on each crispy tortilla—this adds creaminess and helps hold toppings in place. Then evenly top with the warmed shredded chicken.
4. Adding Fresh Toppings:
Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese on top of the chicken. Add thinly sliced red onions and chopped cilantro for bright flavor and crunch. If you like a little spice, dust with chili powder or Tajín seasoning.
5. Serving:
Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing fresh lime juice over the tostadas before eating. This finishes the dish with a zesty, fresh touch.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Heavy-bottomed skillet or frying pan
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Paper towels
- Knife and cutting board
- Spoon or spreader for the beans or avocado
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try shredded beef, pork, or even grilled vegetables instead of chicken.
- Add sliced jalapeños or pickled vegetables for extra heat and crunch.
- Swap queso fresco for crumbled feta or shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
- Top with diced tomatoes, sweet corn, or sliced radishes for fresh texture.
Can I Use Store-Bought Tostada Shells Instead of Frying Tortillas?
Absolutely! Using store-bought tostada shells is a convenient shortcut. Just add your toppings directly—no frying needed. Keep in mind, freshly fried tortillas tend to be crunchier and less oily.
Can I Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can shred and season the chicken a day ahead and store it in the fridge. For best crispiness, fry tortillas and assemble tostadas just before serving to avoid sogginess.
How Should I Store Leftover Toppings and Tortillas?
Keep leftover shredded chicken and toppings in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store unfried tortillas separately at room temperature or fry and reheat quickly before assembling.
What Can I Use Instead of Queso Fresco or Cotija Cheese?
If you can’t find these Mexican cheeses, crumbled feta or grated Parmesan make good substitutes. They’ll add a nice salty flavor, though the texture will differ slightly.
