Name: Sheet Pan Chicken Tostadas Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 12 street taco-size tortillas (flour or soft corn); 1 lb cooked, shredded chicken breast; 1 packet taco seasoning (or 3 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning); ½ cup water; 1½ cups store-bought or homemade refried beans; ¾ cup black beans, drained and rinsed; ½ cup salsa of choice; 1½ cups shredded cheddar, Mexican-style cheese, queso fresco, or cotija cheese; Optional toppings: shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, jalapeno slices, diced avocado, and/or extra salsa

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 6 reviews

If you’re craving a vibrant and crowd-pleasing meal that’s as fun to assemble as it is to eat, then this Sheet Pan Chicken Tostadas Recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner. Imagine perfectly crisped tortillas topped with a zesty chicken taco mixture, creamy beans, melty cheese, and all your favorite fresh garnishes—all baked together on a single sheet pan for easy prep and cleanup. It’s a deliciously simple way to turn classic Mexican flavors into a colorful, flaky, and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with a round bowl in the center full of shredded light brown cooked chicken. To the left, there is a stack of six soft white tortillas arranged in a slight fan shape. Surrounding the bowl of chicken are several small white bowls: at the top right, deep brown black beans; at the top center, a brownish spice mix; at the top left, chunky deep red tomato salsa; at the bottom left, creamy light brown refried beans; at the bottom right, a bowl with a mix of yellow and white shredded cheese; and at the bottom center, a clear glass bowl filled with water. The textures range from smooth and creamy to chunky and shredded. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is essential for this recipe, yet you’ll find that the list is straightforward and filled with familiar, fresh, and pantry-ready items. Each ingredient contributes to a well-balanced combination of flavor, texture, and color that makes these tostadas irresistible.

Tortillas: Use 12 street taco-size flour or soft corn tortillas as the crisp base for your tostadas.
Cooked shredded chicken breast: This is the hearty protein star that’s fully seasoned and tender.
Taco seasoning: A packet or homemade blend adds that signature Mexican spice kick to the chicken.
Water: Helps the seasoning cling to the chicken perfectly while heating.
Refried beans: A creamy layer that adds richness and depth.
Black beans: Adds texture and an earthy contrast, plus extra protein.
Salsa: Pick your favorite variety for a pop of tang, heat, and freshness.
Cheese: About 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar, Mexican-style, queso fresco, or cotija provides melty, savory goodness.
Optional toppings: Shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce, diced tomatoes, green onions, jalapeno slices, diced avocado, and more for crunch and brightness.

How to Make Sheet Pan Chicken Tostadas Recipe

Step 1: Slightly Toast the Tortillas

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Arrange the tortillas evenly across two baking sheets, leaving some space between each one so they cook evenly. Bake for about 5 minutes, just until the bottoms turn slightly brown and firm up. Then, carefully flip each tortilla and set them aside while you prepare the fillings. This step ensures your tostadas will be crispy but still sturdy enough to hold all the toppings.

Step 2: Warm and Season the Chicken

In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, combine your cooked shredded chicken with the taco seasoning and water. Stir continually as the chicken warms through and fully absorbs the delicious spices—about 4 to 5 minutes. This keeps every bite bursting with flavor and juiciness while melding beautifully with the other ingredients.

Step 3: Mix the Beans and Salsa

Grab a medium bowl and mix together the creamy refried beans, rinsed black beans, and your choice of salsa. This delightful bean spread will be the flavorful, creamy foundation layer on your tortillas that balances the spice of the chicken perfectly.

Step 4: Assemble the Tostadas

Return to your half-toasted tortillas and layer them: spread 2 tablespoons of the bean mixture evenly on each tortilla, followed by 2 tablespoons of the seasoned chicken, and finally top with 2 tablespoons of cheese. This careful layering ensures every bite comes together with a perfect blend of flavors and textures.

Step 5: Bake Until Melty and Delicious

Pop your sheet pans back into the oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes—just enough time for the cheese to melt and the edges of the tortillas to crisp up a bit more. Once done, remove the sheet pans and get ready to dress your tostadas with all your favorite fresh toppings and garnishes.

How to Serve Sheet Pan Chicken Tostadas Recipe

The image shows small soft white tortillas as the base, each topped with a layer of cooked shredded chicken mixed with melted light golden cheese. On top of the chicken, there is a smooth layer of brown refried beans. Each dish is then garnished with slices of green avocado, thinly sliced pink pickled onions, fresh green cilantro leaves, and crumbled white cheese. A spoon with white sour cream is being added on top of one tortilla. The tortillas are placed on a wooden board with lime wedges on the side, set against a white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The real magic happens when you bring in the garnishes. Fresh shredded lettuce adds crispness, diced tomatoes offer juicy sweetness, sliced green onions bring a mild kick, and jalapeno slices add heat for those who crave a little extra spice. Don’t forget creamy avocado for richness and a drizzle of salsa to tie all the flavors together. These finishing touches elevate the dish from tasty to absolutely unforgettable.

Side Dishes

Although these tostadas are pretty filling on their own, they pair wonderfully with some light and fresh sides. Try serving with a zesty corn and black bean salad, a simple cilantro lime rice, or even a crisp cucumber salad. These sides keep the meal balanced and brighten the overall flavor profile, making it a complete fiesta on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Serve your Sheet Pan Chicken Tostadas Recipe stacked on a big platter for a family-style meal or arrange them neatly on individual plates garnished with lime wedges and fresh cilantro. For a fun twist, turn them into mini tostada bites by using smaller tortillas, great for parties or casual get-togethers. The visual appeal and ease of eating only add to the joy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the toppings separate so the tostadas don’t get soggy—you can always reheat the base and add fresh garnishes later for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Freezing

While tostadas are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the chicken and bean mixture separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When you want to make the dish again, thaw and reheat these components, then assemble and bake the tostadas fresh to keep that crispy texture intact.

Reheating

To reheat leftover assembled tostadas, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the crunch and avoid a soggy base.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Absolutely! Both flour and soft corn tortillas work well for this Sheet Pan Chicken Tostadas Recipe. Just be sure to watch the baking time, as corn tortillas tend to crisp up faster and can become brittle if overbaked.

Is it necessary to pre-cook the chicken?

Yes, pre-cooked shredded chicken works best here as it heats quickly and absorbs the seasoning better. You can use leftover chicken or make a batch ahead of time to simplify your cooking process.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply omit the chicken and double up on the bean mixture or add sautéed veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn to keep the dish hearty and delicious.

What are some good homemade taco seasoning alternatives?

Feel free to mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and a pinch of cayenne to create your own flavorful blend at home. This way, you can adjust the spices to your preferred heat and taste.

How can I make the tostadas less crispy for kids?

If your little ones prefer softer tostadas, skip the initial toasting step and bake the assembled tostadas for slightly longer at a lower temperature, or simply serve them open-faced with the toppings piled on without the baking step.

Final Thoughts

This Sheet Pan Chicken Tostadas Recipe is the kind of meal that brings everyone together effortlessly, combining bold flavors with simple prep and minimal mess. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, casual entertaining, or whenever you want to add a little fiesta to your table. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and dive into this delicious celebration of texture and taste—you’ll be so glad you did!