Mexican Dinner Chicken Picadillo Tostadas

Enjoy a delightful Mexican dinner with Chicken Picadillo Tostadas, a dish that combines flavors and textures in a vibrant and satisfying meal. Perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners, these tostadas are easy to prepare and packed with nutritious ingredients.

Chicken picadillo is a traditional Mexican dish, usually made with ground meat, vegetables, and spices. In this version, we use shredded chicken for a lighter take, combining it with a medley of flavors that elevate this classic dish. The tostadas serve as the perfect base, adding a satisfying crunch to every bite.

Ingredients for Chicken Picadillo

  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • 1 potato, diced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Tostadas (store-bought or homemade)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Avocado slices (for serving)

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Stir in the diced bell pepper, carrot, and potato. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
  3. Add the shredded chicken to the skillet, followed by the drained diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Mix well to combine.
  4. Sprinkle in the cumin and chili powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
  5. While the picadillo is cooking, prepare your tostadas. If using store-bought, simply arrange them on a platter. If making homemade tostadas, fry or bake corn tortillas until crisp.
  6. Once the chicken picadillo is ready, spoon generous amounts over each tostada.
  7. Top with fresh cilantro and avocado slices for added flavor and creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Picadillo Tostadas are best enjoyed right after preparation to maintain the crispiness of the tostadas. Serve with a side of Mexican rice or black beans for a complete meal. For an extra kick, provide lime wedges and your favorite hot sauce at the table.

This dish also makes for fantastic leftovers. Store any remaining chicken picadillo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheat as necessary. Prepare fresh tostadas for each serving to retain that crunchy texture.

Nutrition and Variations

Not only is Chicken Picadillo Tostadas delicious, but it's also nutritious. With lean protein from the chicken and a variety of vegetables, this meal is rich in vitamins and minerals. For a vegetarian version, consider substituting the chicken with black beans or lentils. You can also customize the toppings by adding cheese, sour cream, or salsa according to your preferences.

Next time you’re looking for a unique dish to serve for dinner, remember this tasty Mexican Chicken Picadillo Tostadas recipe. Your family and friends will be asking for seconds!