Crunchy Mini Chicken Tostadas

As seen in Small Bites, Big Flavors.

After baking tortillas until they’re crisp, pop some beans on them. Next, layer on your shredded chicken and finish with a bunch of cheese. Stick them in the oven so they turn golden and the cheese bubbles. Pull them out, then spoon on sour cream, sliced red onion, juicy tomatoes, and chopped cilantro. These make a great snack or even a light dinner. Turn the heat up with hot sauce if that’s your vibe—each bite’s bursting with color and flavor.

Lindsey
Created By Lindsey
Last updated on Thu, 12 Jun 2025 15:44:53 GMT
Small layered tostadas topped with a creamy sauce. Save Pin
Small layered tostadas topped with a creamy sauce. | cookbing.com

When I'm in a hurry and craving something crispy, gooey, and full of zest, these quick sheet pan tostadas save the day. Only one pan to clean, which I love. They're perfect for sharing at movie nights or when everyone's in the mood to make their own. Totally chill and up for mixing it up.

First time I made these? Game night at our place. Everyone loaded up their own with whatever they liked—no leftovers. Now, it’s in our meal rotation for laid-back dinners and chill weekends.

Delicious Ingredients

  • Street taco size corn tortillas: Grab ones about four inches, fresher is better, and check for a nice soft texture
  • Vegetable or canola oil: Makes the tortillas super crispy when you bake them
  • Refried beans: Almost a complete can gives a hearty, tasty base for stacking
  • Shredded rotisserie chicken breast: Tender, pre-cooked, and loaded with flavor—rotisserie is easiest
  • Shredded cheese: Monterey Jack or cheddar rock—shred yourself if you want it extra melty
  • Sour cream: A bit makes every bite creamy
  • Finely diced red onion: Adds crunch and a quick kick—choose shiny, solid onions
  • Cilantro leaves: Only use the fresh leaves for a bright pop at the end—skip any limp ones
  • Cherry or grape tomatoes: Choose firm, colorful ones, cut up for a blast of sweet juiciness
  • Hot sauce: Any bold, tangy favorite works—go with Cholula or whatever brings a kick

Easy-to-Follow Steps

Prepare the Sheet Pan:
Line your largest baking sheet with foil for quick cleanup. Crank the oven to four hundred fifty degrees F.
Bake the Tortillas:
Rub oil on both sides of each tortilla. Lay them close together on the pan. Bake for nine to ten minutes—look for firm, not overly browned.
Cool and Flip:
Let tortillas rest for about five minutes to finish crisping so you avoid burning your hands.
Layer with Beans Chicken and Cheese:
Flip them so the browner side is up. Slather on beans, then toss on chicken, then sprinkle lots of cheese.
Final Bake:
Bake another five to six minutes so the cheese melts and everything gets hot.
Add Toppings:
Top tostadas with sour cream, diced onion, chopped tomatoes, and a few cilantro leaves. Dunk on all the hot sauce you want—make it yours.
A sheet pan loaded with food and topped with white sauce. Save Pin
A sheet pan loaded with food and topped with white sauce. | cookbing.com

Piling on toppings is the best part. Even the pickiest eaters can go wild and build their own. My kids always throw on extra cheese—dinner feels like a party every time.

Storage Suggestions

After they cool completely, put leftovers in an airtight container and pop in the fridge for a couple days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep 'em crunchy. The microwave will make them soggy, so skip it if you can.

Swap Options

Try cooked ground turkey or beef in place of chicken, or bulk these up with more beans or sautéed peppers and onions for a meatless spin. Want a chunky vibe? Black or pinto beans are perfect. Got allergies or going dairy-free? Grab a vegan cheese or non-dairy sour cream—they’re still tasty.

Serving Inspiration

Lay everything out for a make-your-own bar at your next party. For a full meal, toss some salad or fresh fruit on the side. These are also awesome with soup or classic Mexican rice.

A tray showing chicken tacos with lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese. Save Pin
A tray showing chicken tacos with lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese. | cookbing.com

Tradition and Flavor

Tostadas have roots in making old tortillas tasty again in Mexico’s street markets. Most are fried, but baking keeps it light and still totally tasty. I love how these mini ones capture the bright, bold vibe of those food stalls.

Common Questions

→ Could I use a different kind of meat here?

Sure thing—swap in cooked beef, pork, or turkey if that’s what you have. Store-bought rotisserie meat is quick and tasty too.

→ What kind of tortillas work best?

Pick small corn tortillas, about 4 inches across. They get crisp in the oven and are just the right size for minis.

→ How do I stop them from turning soggy?

Bake your tortillas ahead of adding toppings. Give them a minute to cool so they stay crisp after you load on everything else.

→ What toppings should I try?

Go wild with things like sour cream, diced red onion, fresh cilantro, halved cherry tomatoes, or your favorite spicy sauce.

→ Is it okay to prep these before I need them?

Totally—you can prep ahead and finish baking right before serving. That way the tostadas stay crunchy and fresh.

Chicken Tostadas Minis

Snackable little tostadas piled with tender chicken, beans, gooey cheese, and your favorite toppings. Awesome for a quick meal or sharing.

Preparation Time
10 Minutes
Cooking Time
15 Minutes
Overall Time
25 Minutes
Created By: Lindsey

Recipe Type: Appetizers & Snacks

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Type of Cuisine: Mexican

Serves: 12 Portions (12 mini tostadas)

Diet Preferences: Gluten-Free Option

What You'll Need

→ Base

01 A dozen small corn tortillas, about 10 cm across, any brand works
02 Roughly 3 tablespoons of whatever oil you’ve got — canola or veggie is perfect

→ Filling

03 Shred up 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken breast (that’s around 280 g)
04 Not quite a whole can (454 g) of traditional refried beans (you’ll want around 450 g), just eyeball it
05 Grab 2 handfuls (about 180 g) of shredded sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack, whichever you’re into

→ Garnish

06 However much sour cream you like, about 70 ml is a good start
07 Toss in 10 g or a palmful of cilantro leaves, chopped up to your liking
08 Six tiny tomatoes (grape or cherry), diced up nice and small
09 Chop one small red onion (about 40 g), but more if you’re feeling it
10 Bring the heat with hot sauce, just pour on as much as you can handle

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 01

Spoon some sour cream over your warm tostadas. Sprinkle with onions, a pinch of cilantro, two tomato bits, then drizzle on some hot sauce. Dig in right away.

Step 02

Slide the tray back in your hot oven for 5 to 6 minutes. You’re done when cheese is bubbling and everything is heated all the way through.

Step 03

Once the tortillas are flipped, smear beans all the way to the edges. Throw on chicken, then cover with shredded cheese.

Step 04

After they come out of the oven, just let the tortillas chill for five minutes. That way they’re easy to handle.

Step 05

Brush both sides of each tortilla with oil. Lay them close together on foil in the baking tray and send them into the oven for 9 to 10 minutes until they’re firm but not brittle.

Step 06

Cover a big tray with foil so cleanup’s a breeze. Heat the oven to 230°C — yep, it’s really hot.

Helpful Notes

  1. It’s better to underbake the tortillas in the first step. That way they stay sturdy enough to hold toppings but don’t go crunchy.
  2. Freshly shredding your own cheese makes things way smoother when melting.

Essential Tools

  • Large rimmed baking tray
  • Roll of foil for easy clean up
  • Pastry brush for spreading oil

Allergen Warnings

Always review the ingredient labels for allergens or consult a healthcare professional with concerns.
  • Dairy’s included (cheese and sour cream both show up here)

Nutritional Info (Per Portion)

Nutritional values are approximations and shouldn’t be viewed as customized health guidance.
  • Calories: 164
  • Fat Content: 7 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 11 grams
  • Protein Content: 14 grams