If you’re searching for a weeknight meal that’s as vibrant as it is satisfying, you’ll fall in love with Chicken Veggie Tostadas with Guacamole. This dish is the perfect harmony of crunchy tostada shells, juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and a dreamy homemade guacamole—all coming together to create a colorful explosion of flavors and textures. It’s perfect for family dinners, friendly gatherings, or whenever you’re craving something fresh, filling, and undeniably delicious. These tostadas bring the fiesta right to your kitchen, ensuring every bite is both nourishing and irresistibly fun.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a fancy grocery list for Chicken Veggie Tostadas with Guacamole. Every ingredient is simple but shines in its own way, contributing fresh flavors, colors, and textures that turn tostadas into a feast for the senses. Let’s break down why each item in this recipe matters.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken saves time and absorbs spices beautifully for maximum flavor.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the veggies just right.
- Red bell pepper: Brings sweet crunch and a pop of bright color to your tostadas.
- Yellow bell pepper: Adds a different sweetness and rainbow hues to the veggie mix.
- Small red onion: Provides a mild sharpness that complements the other toppings.
- Ground cumin: Delivers earthy undertones, giving the filling its familiar Mexican warmth.
- Chili powder: Adds gentle heat without overpowering the veggies or chicken.
- Salt and pepper: Lift all the flavors; season to your preference.
- Tostada shells: Bring the essential crunch and structure for perfect handheld bites.
- Shredded lettuce: Offers a crisp, fresh contrast to the warm toppings.
- Cherry tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they keep every bite lively and colorful.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts slightly on the warm toppings for a creamy, savory touch.
- Chopped cilantro: Infuses fresh aromatics and a splash of green into your plate.
- Lime juice: Brightens the guacamole and enlivens every element of the dish.
- Ripe avocados: Form the creamy, dreamy base for irresistible guacamole.
- Diced red onion (for guac): Adds bite and texture, balancing the smooth avocado.
- Jalapeño: Just the right kick for the guacamole; remove seeds for less heat.
- Fresh cilantro (for guac): Ties together all the guacamole flavors with herbal brightness.
- Salt (for guac): Essential to bring out the creamy richness and zing of the guac.
How to Make Chicken Veggie Tostadas with Guacamole
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
Start your Chicken Veggie Tostadas with Guacamole journey by warming olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the colorful bell peppers and red onion, and sauté until everything is tender and fragrant—about 5 to 7 minutes. This simple step unlocks their natural sweetness and gives you that mouthwatering, restaurant-style aroma right at home.
Step 2: Season and Warm the Chicken
Once your veggies have softened, sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let the spices bloom for a moment, then toss in your shredded chicken. Mix until the pieces are well coated and cook for another 2–3 minutes, ensuring the chicken is warmed through and perfectly seasoned. The kitchen will smell like a fiesta!
Step 3: Mash Up That Guacamole
Time for the signature guac! In a medium bowl, mash up those ripe avocados until mostly smooth. Stir in lime juice, diced red onion, minced jalapeño, chopped cilantro, and a dash of salt. Give it a quick taste—you want it zesty and bright. Fresh guacamole always sends these Chicken Veggie Tostadas with Guacamole to the next level.
Step 4: Assemble Your Tostadas
Lay out those crispy tostada shells and get ready for the fun part. Start each with a generous spoonful of guacamole (don’t be shy—the more, the better!). Layer on shredded lettuce, a hearty scoop of chicken and veggies, and then top with cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese. Finish with extra cilantro for a burst of freshness.
Step 5: Enjoy Immediately
Chicken Veggie Tostadas with Guacamole are best eaten right away, while the shells are crisp and everything is still bursting with flavor. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll see why holding back just isn’t possible.
How to Serve Chicken Veggie Tostadas with Guacamole
Garnishes
Add a final flourish to each plate! Try extra lime wedges, a sprinkle of cotija cheese, radish slices, or a touch of your favorite hot sauce. Garnishes let everyone customize their Chicken Veggie Tostadas with Guacamole and make every bite their own.
Side Dishes
Keep it light with a side of black beans, street corn, or a crisp cucumber salad. These sides balance the crunchy, creamy main attraction and round out your Mexican-inspired meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, set up a DIY tostada bar with all the toppings and let guests build their own. Kids love making their “masterpiece” tostadas. Or, plate two stacked and sliced for a fun twist—it’s a colorful, hands-on way to serve Chicken Veggie Tostadas with Guacamole.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store each component of your Chicken Veggie Tostadas with Guacamole separately for best texture. Keep the chicken-veggie mixture and guacamole in airtight containers in the fridge, and store tostada shells at room temperature to keep them crisp.
Freezing
The chicken-veggie filling freezes beautifully—just allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Guacamole, on the other hand, is best fresh; the avocado tends to brown and lose its creamy texture after freezing. Save that step for serving day!
Reheating
Simply reheat the chicken-veggie mixture in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Tostada shells need no prep; just assemble fresh with guacamole and toppings. This way, you get all the original crunch and flavor of your Chicken Veggie Tostadas with Guacamole, even on busy weeknights.
FAQs
Can I make Chicken Veggie Tostadas with Guacamole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the shredded chicken for black beans, grilled tofu, or even sautéed mushrooms for a meatless version that’s every bit as flavorful and satisfying.
What’s the best way to keep tostada shells from getting soggy?
Always add the guacamole and toppings right before serving. If prepping for a party, keep ingredients separate until guests are ready to build their tostadas. That way, every shell stays delightfully crisp.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of tostada shells?
You can! Lightly fry or bake flour tortillas until crisp to make easy homemade tostada shells, or keep it soft for more of a taco-style experience.
How can I make these Chicken Veggie Tostadas with Guacamole spicier?
Toss in extra jalapeño or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce into either the guacamole or the chicken-veggie filling. You can even sprinkle sliced pickled jalapeños on top for a real kick.
Can I prep Chicken Veggie Tostadas with Guacamole in advance for a crowd?
Definitely. Prep all your toppings and fillings ahead of time, then set everything out buffet-style for easy and fun self-assembly. Your guests will love building their own creations.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a dinner that’s as festive as it is flavorful, Chicken Veggie Tostadas with Guacamole are calling your name. This recipe is the kind that turns simple nights into special gatherings. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming the most-requested dish at your table!
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Chicken Veggie Tostadas with Guacamole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (2 tostadas each)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Chicken Veggie Tostadas with Guacamole are a delicious and easy-to-make meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Crispy tostada shells are topped with a flavorful mix of seasoned shredded chicken, sautéed bell peppers, and onions, then finished with a zesty homemade guacamole.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 tostada shells
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 ripe avocados, mashed
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt to taste
For the Chicken Veggie Mixture:
For the Tostadas:
For the Guacamole:
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add sliced bell peppers and red onion, sauté until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add the cooked shredded chicken and toss to combine. Cook for 2–3 more minutes until heated through.
- In a bowl, make the guacamole by mashing avocados with lime juice, diced red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and salt.
- Lay tostada shells on a flat surface. Top each with guacamole, shredded lettuce, chicken and veggie mixture, cherry tomatoes, and cheese.
- Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for cheese or sour cream for a lighter version.
- Add black beans or corn for extra flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tostadas
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
