This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
My crazy-busy season of the year has officially hit. From conferences and launching new programs at work, to teaching my first-ever cooking class last night at church (SO fun!), to taking my choir on the road to sing in a national gospel choir competition in St. Louis (believe it!), to our fitness challenge at work, to weddings and concerts and times out with friends galore…somehow I haven’t had a night at home to myself now in weeks. Nor, apparently, has there been much time to blog. Or cook. Eeks. (I’m working to remedy this!)
But as you’ve read on here before, one of my favorite defaults when pressed for time is to bring home the most deliciously-smelling item at the grocery store — a rotisserie chicken. I’m telling you — they are little miracles. So delicious, easy, and versatile. I usually just cook for one or two, so I generally can stretch mine into at least three recipes. Love it!
This week, I ended up going with a classic Mexican favorite – chicken tostadas. (Also quite delicious, easy and versatile!) Decided to take the extra few minutes to make my own refried black beans, but you can also buy them canned at the store. Then loaded the tostadas up with some favorite veggies, cheese, cilantro, and of course — that delightful chicken. So flavorful, and so good.
Until I’m back here again (sorry – may be a little while this season), ENJOY! :-)
Delicious, easy and versatile… you will LOVE this Chicken Tostadas recipe!
Ingredients
Scale
4 (6-inch) corn tortillas
3 tsp. olive oil
1 cup refried beans, canned or homemade (see recipe below)
1 small red onion, diced
1/2 tsp. chili powder
2 cups shredded (cooked) Rotisserie chicken
juice from 1 lime
grated cheddar (or Monterrey Jack) cheese
shredded lettuce
tomato (seeded and diced)
avocado (halved, pitted, peeled, and diced small)
fresh cilantro (stems removed and chopped)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly brush both sides of tortillas with 2 teaspoons oil and place on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until golden and crisp, 10 minutes. Remove, and top each tortilla with 1/4 cup refried beans, and then sprinkle with some shredded cheese. Return to oven. Bake until cheese is bubbling, about 3 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat 1 teaspoon oil over medium-high. Add half of the diced red onion and cook 3-5 minutes or until softened. Add chicken, chili powder and lime juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook until chicken is warmed through (about 2 minutes).
Then divide chicken among the tortillas and place on top of the melted cheese. Continue to layer on the lettuce, diced tomato, avocado, remaining onion, and cilantro. Serve warm.
There are more complex refried bean recipes out there (with more spices), but here was the quick version I threw together:
1 Tbsp. olive oil
half of a small onion, finely diced
1 can black beans (save the juice – don’t drain!)
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp. cumin
1/4 tsp. cayenne
pinch of dried oregano
Heat oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and saute until onion is cooked and translucent. Add in the remaining ingredients and stir until beans are heated through.
Then either use a potato masher to mash up all of the ingredients. Or add them to a food processor and pulse until combined. (I like smooth refried beans, so I usually go for the food processor!)
That’s so funny — there’s a butcher shop around the corner from my house that does rotisserie chicken, and just *yesterday* I walked past and thought, “Why don’t I ever just go buy one of those and make tacos or tostadas or something? It would be so EASY.”
You’ve inspired me to stop in for one next time I need something quick/easy/comforting/delicious.
ha our crazy season has hit too…I pray I make it to Oct 31st :) So cool that your choir is coming to STL…that’s where I live…where are you guys performing?
These look great! I want to try making my own refried beans..yum!
I just bought a rotisserie chicken meal at lunch today. I am also a single cook and was wondering what to make with the leftovers. This is officially on my menu for the next pay period. YUM!!
This is a great recipe to use up that rotisserie chicken.
I am trying to watch calories, so I skipped the tortilla and made a plate with a generous spoonful of refried beans (can of beans, about 1/4 c sour cream, and a generous tbsp of hot sauce all heated together), chicken and onion mixture, avocado, shredded cheese, lettuce, and a little dry roasted corn (frozen corn in the skillet for about 10 minutes until it browned a little).
And I have bonus left overs for dinner tomorrow night.
Definitely will make this again!
Hey, I’m Ali!
My favorite thing in life is time spent around the table. And all the better with some seriously tasty food to bring us all together. more about me »
It’s so funny – I was TOTALLY craving these yesterday!!! This look amazing, as usual! Have a beautiful day. =)
That’s so funny — there’s a butcher shop around the corner from my house that does rotisserie chicken, and just *yesterday* I walked past and thought, “Why don’t I ever just go buy one of those and make tacos or tostadas or something? It would be so EASY.”
You’ve inspired me to stop in for one next time I need something quick/easy/comforting/delicious.
ha our crazy season has hit too…I pray I make it to Oct 31st :) So cool that your choir is coming to STL…that’s where I live…where are you guys performing?
These look great! I want to try making my own refried beans..yum!
I just bought a rotisserie chicken meal at lunch today. I am also a single cook and was wondering what to make with the leftovers. This is officially on my menu for the next pay period. YUM!!
yummy these crunchy chicken tostada looks very good, I think I will give it a try next week :) thanks for the recipe
Winner winner chicken dinner!
This is a great recipe to use up that rotisserie chicken.
I am trying to watch calories, so I skipped the tortilla and made a plate with a generous spoonful of refried beans (can of beans, about 1/4 c sour cream, and a generous tbsp of hot sauce all heated together), chicken and onion mixture, avocado, shredded cheese, lettuce, and a little dry roasted corn (frozen corn in the skillet for about 10 minutes until it browned a little).
And I have bonus left overs for dinner tomorrow night.
Definitely will make this again!