Rotisserie Chicken Tostadas are a quick and tasty way to enjoy a bit of crunch and a lot of flavor. Crispy tostada shells piled high with juicy, tender rotisserie chicken, fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and any salsa you love make each bite exciting. The mix of textures—from the crunchy base to the juicy chicken—makes this dish really fun to eat.
I love using rotisserie chicken because it’s so easy and already packed with flavor, which means less time cooking and more time enjoying. I usually add a little sprinkle of cheese and a dollop of sour cream or crema on top to make it creamy and refreshing. It’s a great way to turn a simple chicken dinner into something everyone at the table loves and asks for again.
These tostadas feel like the perfect casual meal, especially on busy nights or when friends drop by. I like to set up a sort of taco bar with all the toppings so everyone can build their own. It makes dinner fun and interactive, and it’s always a hit because you can easily mix and match what’s on top. Plus, serving it with some lime wedges and a side of beans or rice makes it feel like a complete, cozy meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn Tortillas: Small corn tortillas make the best tostada shells because they crisp up nicely in hot oil. If corn tortillas are hard to find, small flour tortillas can work, but the texture will be softer.
Rotisserie Chicken: Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves loads of time and adds great flavor. If you prefer, shredded grilled or baked chicken breast works just as well.
Mexican Crema or Sour Cream: Crema is a bit thinner and less tangy than sour cream, but sour cream is a perfect easy swap and gives a creamy balance to the crunchy tostadas.
Pickled Red Onions: These add a tangy crunch that brightens the dish. If you can’t find them, quick-pickled onions made with vinegar and sugar or raw red onions will work too.
Avocado: Fresh avocado adds creaminess and richness. You can mash or dice it based on your texture preference.
How Do You Get Perfectly Crispy and Non-Greasy Tostada Shells?
Frying tortillas until they are crisp without making them greasy takes a bit of practice but is easy to master.
- Use about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil heated to medium-high. The oil should be hot (around 350°F or 175°C) before frying.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry one or two tortillas at a time to keep the oil temperature steady.
- Fry each tortilla for about 1-2 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
- Remove tortillas and drain on paper towels right away. Sprinkle salt while still warm for extra flavor.
- If you want a lighter option, you can bake tortillas brushed with oil at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes until crisp.
These tips help keep your tostadas crisp and not greasy, so they hold up well under your toppings.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Heavy skillet or deep frying pan – I prefer it because it heats evenly and makes frying the tortillas easier.
- Slotted spoon or tongs – helps you turn and remove the tortillas without splashing oil.
- Paper towels – essential for draining excess oil and keeping the shells crispy.
- Cooking spoon or spatula – for warming the chicken quickly in the pan.
- Serving platter or plate – to assemble and present the tostadas beautifully.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap the shredded chicken for cooked shrimp or seasoned ground beef for different protein options.
- Use crumbled queso fresco or shredded Monterey Jack instead of or along with sour cream for extra cheesy flavor.
- Add diced tomatoes or roasted corn on top for more texture and sweetness.
- Spice it up with a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat.
Rotisserie Chicken Tostadas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 small corn tortillas (about 5 inches)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 ripe avocado, diced or mashed
- 1/4 cup pickled red onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Salt and chili powder (or Tajín seasoning), to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes total. You’ll spend a few minutes frying the tortillas until crisp, warming the chicken, and assembling the tostadas with the fresh toppings.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tostada Shells:
Pour about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil into a heavy skillet and heat it over medium-high. When the oil is hot (but not smoking), carefully fry each corn tortilla one at a time. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove them with tongs and place on paper towels to drain. Sprinkle lightly with salt while warm.
2. Warm the Chicken:
While the tortillas are frying, warm the shredded rotisserie chicken in a clean skillet over medium heat. Add a pinch of salt and some chili powder if you like a little spice. Stir occasionally until heated through.
3. Assemble the Tostadas:
Spread about 1 tablespoon of Mexican crema or sour cream over each crisp tostada shell. This adds creaminess and helps the other toppings stick.
4. Add Chicken and Fresh Toppings:
Top each tostada with a generous handful of warm shredded chicken. Then layer shredded lettuce, diced or mashed avocado, pickled red onions, and chopped cilantro on top.
5. Season and Serve:
Sprinkle a bit of chili powder or Tajín seasoning over each tostada for extra flavor. Serve with lime wedges on the side so everyone can add a fresh squeeze of lime juice just before eating.
Can I Use Store-Bought Tostada Shells Instead of Frying Tortillas?
Absolutely! Store-bought tostada shells are a convenient shortcut and work great if you want to save time. Just toast them lightly in the oven for extra crispiness before topping.
How Can I Store Leftover Tostadas?
Because the shells get soggy once topped, it’s best to store components separately. Keep shredded chicken, crema, and toppings in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble just before eating.
Can I Make These Vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for black beans, refried beans, or grilled vegetables. Add your favorite cheese and fresh toppings for a delicious plant-based version.
What’s the Best Way to Warm the Rotisserie Chicken?
Reheat the shredded chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. You can add a splash of chicken broth if it seems dry, to keep it moist.
