Crispy tostada shells layered with avocado sauce, spicy shredded chicken, black beans, and all your favorite taco toppings! These chicken & black bean tostadas are a quick & easy meal that’s perfect for your next taco night!
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Welcome to a delicious journey where we explore the flavors of Spicy Chicken Tostadas with Black Beans and Avocado Cilantro Sauce! If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that will spice up your taco night, you’ve come to the right place. Tostadas, with their crispy texture, paired with the bold flavors of spicy shredded chicken and creamy avocado cilantro sauce, are a treat for your taste buds. Whether you’re a fan of classic Mexican cuisine or just in the mood for something new, this recipe is a must-try!
Introduction
Spicy Chicken Tostadas are a vibrant dish deeply rooted in Mexican culinary tradition. The tostada, a crispy fried or baked tortilla, is the perfect base for layers of flavorful toppings. This recipe highlights the bold spice of shredded chicken combined with the heartiness of black beans, all brought together by a smooth avocado cilantro sauce. It’s a quick and easy recipe, making it ideal for weeknights when you want a delicious meal in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can mix and match toppings to suit your taste!
Ingredients for Spicy Chicken Tostadas with Black Beans
Here’s what you’ll need to make these incredible Spicy Chicken Tostadas:
- For the spicy shredded chicken & black beans:
- 1½ lbs. chicken tenders
- 1 15oz. can of black beans (drained & rinsed)
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne (omit if you don’t want it too spicy)
- 1 lime (juiced)
- For the avocado cilantro sauce:
- 2 medium avocados (or 1 large avocado)
- 1 garlic clove
- ⅓ cup cilantro (chopped, including leaves & stems)
- 2 Tbsp lime juice
- ¼ tsp garlic salt
- For the tostadas:
- 6-8 tostada shells
- Shredded lettuce
- Tomatoes (or pico de gallo)
- Cotija cheese or queso fresco (crumbled)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How to Make Spicy Chicken Tostadas – Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Avocado Cilantro Sauce
To begin, create the creamy avocado cilantro sauce. In a food processor or blender, combine the avocado, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and garlic salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. Set the sauce aside in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
Step 2: Cook the Spicy Shredded Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, toss the chicken tenders with chili powder, salt, paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, cumin, black pepper, cayenne, and lime juice. Ensure the chicken is fully coated. Arrange the chicken in a baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked. Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken in the baking dish.
Step 3: Heat the Black Beans
While the chicken is cooking, heat the black beans on the stovetop over medium heat until they are warm throughout. Once the chicken is shredded, stir the black beans into the dish, mixing thoroughly.
Step 4: Assemble the Tostadas
Lay out your tostada shells and spread a generous layer of avocado cilantro sauce on each one. Add the spicy chicken and black bean mixture on top, followed by your favorite toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and crumbled Cotija cheese.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the tostadas immediately with lime wedges on the side for extra zest. Enjoy your delicious, crispy tostadas!
Helpful Tips for Spicy Chicken Tostadas
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh cilantro and lime juice will elevate the flavors in the avocado cilantro sauce.
- Customize your toppings: Feel free to add jalapeños, radishes, or even pickled onions for an extra burst of flavor.
- Make it vegetarian: You can substitute the chicken with roasted vegetables or additional black beans for a plant-based version of the dish.
Cooking Tips for the Best Spicy Chicken Tostadas
- Bake tostada shells: If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake your own tostada shells by brushing tortillas with oil and baking them at 400°F until crispy.
- Shredding chicken quickly: If you’re in a hurry, you can use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to shred the chicken easily.
- Spice level: Adjust the cayenne pepper and chili powder to control the heat level according to your preference.
Serving Suggestions for Spicy Chicken Tostadas
To complement the flavors of these Spicy Chicken Tostadas, serve them with a side of Mexican rice or a refreshing mango salsa. A chilled margarita or a light beer like a Mexican lager would pair perfectly with this meal. You can also serve the tostadas alongside a fresh green salad for a lighter option.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 430
- Total Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 35g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Vitamin A: 10% DV
- Vitamin C: 25% DV
- Calcium: 15% DV
- Iron: 20% DV
Storage and Leftovers for Spicy Chicken Tostadas
If you have leftovers, store the chicken and black bean mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the mixture in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave. Keep the avocado cilantro sauce separate and only assemble the tostadas when ready to serve to maintain the crispy texture of the shells.
4 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Spicy Chicken Tostadas
1. Can I make these tostadas gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free tostada shells or corn tortillas to keep this dish gluten-free.
2. How spicy is this dish?
The spice level can be adjusted by reducing or omitting the cayenne pepper. You can also add more lime juice to balance the heat.
3. Can I use store-bought tostada shells?
Absolutely! Store-bought tostada shells work perfectly, and they save time. Just make sure they are crispy and fresh.
4. What can I substitute for chicken?
For a vegetarian option, roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms make an excellent substitute for chicken.
2 Related Recipes for Tostada Lovers
- Homemade Costco Chicken Bakes – Easy & Delicious Recipe
- Air Fried Crispy Chicken Breasts – Healthier & Delicious
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy making and eating these Spicy Chicken Tostadas with Black Beans & Avocado Cilantro Sauce! They are a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious way to spice up your weeknight dinners. Don’t forget to share your own variations or toppings in the comments below. Happy cooking!
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Spicy Chicken Tostadas with Black Beans & Avocado Cilantro Sauce
Description
Welcome to a delicious journey where we explore the flavors of Spicy Chicken Tostadas with Black Beans and Avocado Cilantro Sauce! If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that will spice up your taco night, you’ve come to the right place. Tostadas, with their crispy texture, paired with the bold flavors of spicy shredded chicken and creamy avocado cilantro sauce, are a treat for your taste buds. Whether you’re a fan of classic Mexican cuisine or just in the mood for something new, this recipe is a must-try!
Ingredients
- For the spicy shredded chicken & black beans:
- 1½ lbs. chicken tenders
- 1 15oz. can of black beans (drained & rinsed)
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne (omit if you don’t want it too spicy)
- 1 lime (juiced)
- For the avocado cilantro sauce:
- 2 medium avocados (or 1 large avocado)
- 1 garlic clove
- ⅓ cup cilantro (chopped, including leaves & stems)
- 2 Tbsp lime juice
- ¼ tsp garlic salt
- For the tostadas:
- 6–8 tostada shells
- Shredded lettuce
- Tomatoes (or pico de gallo)
- Cotija cheese or queso fresco (crumbled)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Avocado Cilantro Sauce
To begin, create the creamy avocado cilantro sauce. In a food processor or blender, combine the avocado, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and garlic salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. Set the sauce aside in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
Step 2: Cook the Spicy Shredded Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, toss the chicken tenders with chili powder, salt, paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, cumin, black pepper, cayenne, and lime juice. Ensure the chicken is fully coated. Arrange the chicken in a baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked. Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken in the baking dish.
Step 3: Heat the Black Beans
While the chicken is cooking, heat the black beans on the stovetop over medium heat until they are warm throughout. Once the chicken is shredded, stir the black beans into the dish, mixing thoroughly.
Step 4: Assemble the Tostadas
Lay out your tostada shells and spread a generous layer of avocado cilantro sauce on each one. Add the spicy chicken and black bean mixture on top, followed by your favorite toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and crumbled Cotija cheese.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the tostadas immediately with lime wedges on the side for extra zest. Enjoy your delicious, crispy tostadas!
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh cilantro and lime juice will elevate the flavors in the avocado cilantro sauce.
- Customize your toppings: Feel free to add jalapeños, radishes, or even pickled onions for an extra burst of flavor.
- Make it vegetarian: You can substitute the chicken with roasted vegetables or additional black beans for a plant-based version of the dish.
