Name: Chicken Tostada Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 12 wonton wrappers; 1 cup cooked shredded chicken; 1/2 cup refried beans; 1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup diced tomatoes; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro; 1 tablespoon taco seasoning; 1/4 cup diced red onions (optional); 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)

Why You’ll Love Chicken Tostada Bites Recipe

They’re quick and simple to prepare — ideal when you want something tasty without a lot of fuss.
The small, bite‑sized format makes them great for entertaining or snacking.
Versatile: you can customize toppings (cheese, avocado, sour cream, salsa, vegetables) to match your taste or dietary preferences.
Perfect for making use of leftover or pre-cooked chicken.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken tenders
salsa
chicken broth
mini tostada shells or tortilla chips (for bite-sized tostadas)
shredded or grated cheese (such as cheddar or cotija) — optional
sour cream — optional
avocado (sliced or mashed) — optional
green onions or fresh herbs (like cilantro) — optional
optional toppings: lettuce or shredded cabbage, diced tomato, lime wedges, refried beans or beans of choice

Directions

In a medium pot, combine the chicken tenders, salsa, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook on medium heat for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Remove the chicken from the pot, shred or finely chop it. Return to the pot if desired to soak up some sauce.
Prepare the tostada shells or tortilla chips: arrange them on a platter or baking sheet so they’re ready for assembly.
For each shell/chip, layer a bit of shredded chicken, then add desired toppings (cheese, sour cream, avocado, salsa, veggies, herbs, etc.).
Serve immediately so the shells stay crisp. Offer lime wedges or extra salsa on the side for added flavor.

Servings and timing

Serves approximately 15–20 small tostada bites (depending on portion size).
Prep time: about 10 minutes (not including cooking chicken).
Cooking time: about 45 minutes (to cook the chicken).
Total time: roughly 55 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

If you have leftover chicken mixture, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Tostada shells should be stored in a dry place to keep them crisp; avoid storing assembled tostadas if you want to preserve crunch.
To reheat chicken, warm gently in a skillet or microwave just until heated through, then assemble fresh tostadas.

FAQs

What can I use instead of chicken tenders?

You can use any cooked chicken — for example, shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken breast, or leftover roast chicken. The key is that the chicken should be cooked before assembling the tostadas.

Can I make these vegetarian?

Yes — skip the chicken and use refried beans (or black beans), plus toppings like beans, cheese (or vegan cheese), avocado, salsa, lettuce, and veggies for a satisfying vegetarian version.

How can I make the tostadas crunchy at home?

Use store‑bought mini tostada shells or tortilla chips. If using tortillas, you can lightly brush them with oil and bake until crisp — then let them cool before assembly.

Can I prepare components ahead of time?

Yes. The chicken mixture can be made in advance and refrigerated. Toppings (like avocado, diced tomato, shredded lettuce) can be prepped ahead too; assemble just before serving for best texture.

What are good topping ideas?

Some great options: shredded cheese, sour cream or Mexican crema, sliced avocado or guacamole, fresh salsa or pico de gallo, chopped lettuce or cabbage, diced tomato, chopped onions or green onions, cilantro, lime wedges, refried or black beans.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes — as long as you use gluten-free tortilla chips or tostada shells, and ensure any sauces or toppings are gluten-free, this recipe can be adapted for gluten-free diets.

What if I don’t have salsa — what can I use instead?

You can substitute salsa with fresh chopped tomato mixed with some lime juice, salt, and spice; or use a simple pico de gallo or tomato‑onion‑cilantro mixture.

How many tostadas does one batch make?

Roughly 15–20 small tostadas, depending on how generous you are with toppings and the size of your shells/chips.

Can I double this recipe for a party?

Yes — the recipe scales easily. You can cook more chicken, prep more toppings, and arrange extra shells so guests can assemble their own.

Is this recipe kid-friendly or good for a party?

Absolutely. The bite-sized format makes it fun and easy to eat, and allowing people to choose their own toppings — like a “tostada bar” — is perfect for parties or casual gatherings.

Conclusion

Chicken Tostada Bites are a simple, delicious, and versatile appetizer or snack — ideal for parties, casual dinners, or quick meals. With easy preparation and customizable toppings, they adapt well to different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you go classic with chicken and salsa or make a vegetarian twist with beans and avocado, these mini tostadas are sure to be a crowd‑pleaser.