Recipe: Chicken & Black Bean Tostados
Description:
Chicken & Black Bean Tostados are a delightful and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a hearty snack or a light lunch option. With a base of crispy tostado shells topped with a flavorful combination of tender chicken, savory black beans, and a variety of fresh toppings, these tostados are sure to please any crowd. Whether you’re hosting a sports-watching party or looking for a quick and easy meal after a day of skating, these tostados are sure to be a hit.
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: Makes 6 tostados
Ingredients:
- 6 tostado shells
- 3 cups shredded lettuce
- 5 fresh tomatoes, diced
- 4 tablespoons salsa
- 2 tablespoons sliced black olives
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 3/4 cup diced avocados
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, diced
Optional Ingredients:
- Mexican veggie ground (for vegetarian option)
- Tofu cheese
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the tostado shells on a baking sheet and heat them in the oven for approximately 10 minutes or until they are golden and crispy.
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Prepare the Toppings: While the tostado shells are heating, prepare your toppings. Dice the fresh tomatoes, slice the black olives, shred the Monterey Jack cheese, dice the avocados, and shred the lettuce. Place each topping in a separate dish on the dining table for easy assembly.
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Heat the Beans and Chicken: In a saucepan, heat the cooked black beans until they are warm. Add the diced chicken to the beans and stir well, allowing the mixture to heat through.
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Assemble the Tostados: Once the tostado shells are golden and crispy, it’s time to assemble your tostados. Begin by placing a layer of shredded lettuce in the bottom of each shell, followed by a generous portion of the warm bean and chicken mixture.
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Add the Toppings: Next, layer the tostados with your desired toppings. Start with a spoonful of salsa, followed by diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, dollops of sour cream, and diced avocados.
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Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the assembled tostados on individual plates and bring them to the table. Allow your guests to customize their tostados with additional toppings if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures.
Tips:
- For a vegetarian option, substitute Mexican veggie ground for the chicken and consider adding guacamole instead of avocado slices.
- Experiment with different types of meat, such as beef or pork, to customize the flavor of your tostados.
- To make assembly even easier, consider using a lazy susan to display the toppings for your guests to access easily.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 1408
- Fat: 74.7g
- Saturated Fat: 29.6g
- Cholesterol: 257.6mg
- Sodium: 3093.7mg
- Carbohydrates: 98.9g
- Fiber: 37g
- Sugar: 11g
- Protein: 93.2g
Chicken & Black Bean Tostados are not only delicious and satisfying but also highly customizable to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re serving them for a casual gathering or a quick weeknight dinner, these tostados are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures of this Mexican-inspired dish, and don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! 🌮🥑🍅
