Easy Sweet & Smoky Mexican Shredded Chicken Tostadas

Easy Sweet & Smoky Mexican Shredded Chicken Tostadas

  • 30 Minutes Prep
  • 1 Hour 10 Minutes Total
  • 6 Servings
  • 460 Calories per Serving
Savor the irresistible combination of crunchy pan-fried corn tortillas topped with sweet and smoky shredded chicken and an array of fresh toppings. A flavor explosion, these delightful shredded chicken tostadas are a fan favorite that will leave you craving more!

Ingredient List

  • 1 package (20 oz) boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons from 1 jar Mezco™ Sweet & Smoky Spice Blend
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 6 corn tortillas (6 inches)
  • Kosher salt for sprinkling
  • 1/2 cup refried beans, heated
  • 3/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (6 oz)
  • 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 1 avocado, thinly sliced
  • 1 container (8 oz) fresh salsa
  • 1/2 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
  • Chopped fresh cilantro, if desired

Preparation

  1. Heat oven to 400°F. Line 15x10x1-inch pan with aluminum foil or cooking parchment paper. Trim excess fat from chicken thighs. Add thighs to large bowl with olive oil, spice blend and 1 teaspoon salt; toss to coat. Place on pan.
  2. Bake uncovered 25 to 30 minutes or until juice of chicken is clear when thickest part is cut (at least 165°F). Cool chicken 15 minutes; leave oven on. Shred chicken with 2 forks.
  3. Meanwhile, pour oil for frying into 4-quart heavy-bottomed pot to a depth of about 1 inch. Place over medium heat; heat to 375°F. Add tortillas, one at a time, and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 1 1/2 minutes, turning halfway through. Using tongs, transfer to paper towel-lined pan; sprinkle with kosher salt. Set aside.
  4. Spread beans evenly over one side of each tortilla; sprinkle each with 2 tablespoons cheese. Transfer to ungreased cookie sheet; bake at 400°F 3 to 4 minutes or until cheese is melted. Divide tortillas among 6 serving plates.
  5. Evenly mound chicken on each tortilla; top with lettuce, avocado, salsa and a dollop of crema. Garnish with cilantro.

Tips

  • The tortillas must be fried until very crispy, otherwise they may become rubbery, making them difficult to cut with a knife and fork.
  • Make it a party! Prepare the tortillas, then let each person customize and add their own toppings.
  • Serve these flavorful shredded chicken tostadas with Mexican rice and beans for a deliciously filling meal!

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Information (Amount per serving)

Total Fat 30g 47%, Saturated Fat 9g 43%, Cholesterol 115mg 38%, Sodium 860mg 36%, Potassium 510mg 14%, Total Carbohydrate 20g 7%, Dietary Fiber 4g 17%, Vitamin A 10%, Vitamin C 8%, Calcium 15%, Iron 10%, Vitamin D 2%, Vitamin E 10%, Thiamin 8%, Riboflavin 25%, Niacin 30%, Vitamin B6 25%, Folic Acid 10%, Vitamin B12 20%, Pantothenic Acid 15%, Phosphorus 35%, Magnesium 15%, Zinc 25%, Selenium 45%, Copper 10%, Manganese 10%

Nutrition Other (Amount per serving)

Calories 460, Calories from Fat 270, Trans Fat 0g, Monounsaturated Fat 14g, Polyunsaturated Fat 6g, Soluble Fiber 1g, Insoluble Fiber 3g, Sugars 2g, Protein 26g, Beta-Carotene 15%, Omega-3 1/2g, Carbohydrate Choice 1, Starch 1, Fruit 0, Other Carbohydrate 1/2, Skim Milk 0, Low-Fat Milk 0, Milk 0, Vegetable 0, Very Lean Meat 0, Lean Meat 2 1/2, Medium-Fat Meat 0, High-Fat Meat 1/2, Fat 3 1/2, Fruits 0c, Vegetables 1/2c, Grains 1oz-eq, Meat & Beans 3oz-eq, Dairy 1/2c, Fats & Oils 3tsp