Name: Chicken and Guacamole Tostadas with Refried Beans Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 6 tostada shells (store-bought or homemade); 2 medium ripe avocados; 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice; 1/4 tsp garlic powder (divided); Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 (16 oz) can Rosarita Traditional Refried Beans; 1 (10 oz) can Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies Mild, drained; 3/4 tsp ancho chili powder; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 2 cups shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce; 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken or shredded cooked chicken breasts; 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese; 1 cup pico de gallo (homemade or store-bought); 6 Tbsp sour cream

Jump to Recipe

Picture this: The warm, crisp crunch of a golden tostada shell giving way to the creamy richness of freshly mashed guacamole, layered with smoky, spicy refried beans and tender shredded chicken. The vibrant colors of shredded lettuce, zesty pico de gallo, and a dollop of tangy sour cream beckon you to dig in. Every bite bursts with textures and flavors that dance across your tongue, turning a simple meal into a fiesta of delight. Quick to whip up, satisfying, and irresistibly fresh, this Chicken and Guacamole Tostadas with Refried Beans Recipe is the perfect dish to brighten any weeknight or impress guests with little effort.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Guacamole Tostadas with Refried Beans Recipe

Ready in 25 minutes: This recipe fits perfectly into busy days when you crave something delicious without hours of prep.
Uses simple ingredients: Many items are pantry staples or easy to find, making it friendly for last-minute cooking.
Perfect for beginners: No complicated techniques required—just straightforward layering of bold-flavored components.
Impressive presentation: Vibrant colors and fresh textures make these tostadas a feast for the eyes and palate alike.
Customizable: Switch up toppings, spice levels, or protein to make this recipe truly your own.

Why This Chicken and Guacamole Tostadas with Refried Beans Recipe Works

This recipe shines because it balances creamy, crunchy, smoky, and fresh elements perfectly. The use of ripe avocados mashed just right brings creaminess without being mushy, while layering with warm, well-seasoned refried beans introduces a hearty, comforting base. The shredded chicken adds protein and texture without overwhelming the palate. The key to success lies in the seasoning—the ancho chili powder and cumin give the beans a lovely depth, and the fresh lime juice brightens the guacamole. This harmony of flavors and textures turns a simple tostada into a memorable meal that’s both comforting and refreshing.

A white rectangular platter displaying an arrangement of multiple fully assembled tostadas, each topped generously with creamy guacamole, seasoned refried beans, shredded lettuce, succulent shredded chicken, freshly diced tomatoes, finely chopped onions, vibrant jalapeños, shredded cheddar cheese, and garnished with fresh cilantro leaves, all presented in a neat grid on a white marble countertop with natural lighting, styled as a professional hero shot for a food magazine, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward yet essential to capture the authentic taste and texture of Chicken and Guacamole Tostadas with Refried Beans Recipe.

Tostada shells: Crisp and sturdy shells hold all the toppings without sogginess.
Ripe avocados: The star of the guacamole, providing creamy richness and smooth texture.
Lime juice: Adds bright acidity to cut through the richness of avocado and beans.
Garlic powder: Enhances savory notes in both guacamole and beans.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out the full flavor of every layer.
Rosarita Traditional Refried Beans: Creamy and comforting, the beans add hearty flavor and substance.
Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies (mild): Adds juiciness with a mild kick and depth of flavor.
Ancho chili powder and ground cumin: Warm spices that give the refried beans a smoky, earthy aroma.
Shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce: Adds fresh crunch and brightness.
Shredded rotisserie or cooked chicken: Tender protein to satisfy hunger.
Shredded Mexican blend cheese: Melts slightly on warm beans adding creamy, cheesy goodness.
Pico de gallo: Fresh tomatoes, onions, and cilantro lend vibrant flavor and texture.
Sour cream: Creamy and tangy finish that ties everything together.

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

Tostada shells: Substitute crispy corn tortillas toasted in the oven; flour tortillas work but are less traditional.
Avocados: Look for hass variety for best creaminess; if unavailable, substitute with a smooth guacamole or mashed peas for a twist.
Refried beans: Black beans mashed and seasoned work well as an alternative.
Chicken: Grilled shrimp or seasoned tofu are great protein swaps.

👨‍🍳 Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Use ripe avocados: They mash easily and provide creamy texture instead of bitterness.
Warm beans gently: Cooking refried beans on medium-low heat prevents burning and keeps them smooth.
DRAIN canned tomatoes: Reducing excess moisture prevents soggy tostadas.
Layer thoughtfully: Spread guacamole first to create a barrier preventing soggy shells from beans.
Serve immediately: Tostadas are best when shells stay crisp and toppings fresh.

How to Make Chicken and Guacamole Tostadas with Refried Beans Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Guacamole

Start by mashing 2 ripe avocados with 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice and half of the garlic powder (1/8 teaspoon). Use a fork to get a slightly chunky texture so you still get delightful bites of avocado. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The lime juice keeps the guacamole bright and prevents browning while the garlic powder subtly deepens flavor.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t over-mash — you want creamy but with a bit of texture for contrast.

Step 2: Cook the Refried Bean Mixture

In a small saucepan, combine the can of Rosarita Traditional Refried Beans with the drained Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies. Stir in ancho chili powder, ground cumin, remaining garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to avoid sticking, until the mixture is heated through and fragrant. This step transforms simple refried beans into a robust, smoky filling.

💡 Pro Tip: Draining the tomatoes well prevents watery beans and soggy tostadas.

Step 3: Assemble the Tostadas

Lay out your tostada shells and start layering. First, spread a generous scoop of guacamole evenly over each shell to create a creamy, flavor-packed base. Next, spoon the warm bean mixture over the guacamole. Add a fresh layer of shredded lettuce, then top with juicy shredded chicken. Sprinkle shredded Mexican cheese over the chicken, followed by a spoonful of pico de gallo. Finish with a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately to enjoy the crunch and vibrant flavors at their best.

💡 Pro Tip: Layering guacamole beneath warm beans keeps the shells crisp longer by acting as a moisture barrier.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls:

Using underripe avocados: Results in bland, hard guacamole that lacks creaminess.
Skipping draining the canned tomatoes: Adds unwanted liquid, making tostadas soggy too quickly.
Overheating beans: Can cause beans to separate or burn, ruining smooth texture.
Assembling too early: Leads to soggy shells instead of crisp, crunchy tostadas.
Using too much sour cream: Can overpower other fresh flavors and add unnecessary richness.
Not seasoning properly: Under-salted or bland beans and guacamole diminish the overall flavor impact.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic version:

Spicy Chipotle Twist

Add a teaspoon of chipotle chili powder or minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to your refried beans for a smoky, fiery kick.

Vegetarian Delight

Swap shredded chicken for grilled portobello mushrooms or black beans for a hearty vegetarian option.

Crunchy Slaw Topping

Add a crunchy cabbage slaw tossed with lime and cilantro on top instead of lettuce for extra texture and brightness.

Cheesy Queso Fresco Upgrade

Substitute Mexican blend cheese with crumbled queso fresco for a lighter, tangier cheese flavor.

Breakfast Version

Top with a fried egg and drizzle with your favorite hot sauce for a delicious morning spin.

How to Serve Chicken and Guacamole Tostadas with Refried Beans Recipe

Single white plate with one tostada featuring a crisp golden tortilla base layered with creamy guacamole and refried beans, topped with shredded lettuce, juicy diced tomatoes, onions, fresh cilantro, tender shredded chicken, and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, vibrant lime wedge on the side, close-up angled shot highlighting the fresh textures and colorful layers, natural lighting on white marble background, styled for a food blog serving, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro leaves, sliced jalapeños, extra lime wedges, or a sprinkle of chopped green onions add bright, fresh notes and color.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside Mexican rice, a crisp side salad, or a corn and black bean salad to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange tostadas on a large wooden serving platter in a colorful array topped with pico de gallo piles and small bowls of extra sour cream and lime wedges. This makes a festive, shareable presentation perfect for casual dinners or parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra refried beans or guacamole in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store shredded chicken separately to maintain freshness.

Freezing

Refried beans freeze well—store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Guacamole doesn’t freeze well due to browning and texture changes.

Reheating

Warm refried beans gently on the stovetop or microwave stirring frequently. Reheat chicken separately and add fresh guacamole and toppings when ready to serve for best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Use plant-based cheese or omit cheese altogether and replace chicken with beans or grilled veggies.

How do I keep tostadas from getting soggy?

Layer guacamole first, use drained tomatoes in beans, and assemble just before serving to maintain crispness.

Can I use raw chicken instead of rotisserie?

You can, just cook thoroughly, shred, and season well before assembling.

What can I use instead of store-bought tostada shells?

Lightly brush corn tortillas with oil and bake until crisp for homemade tostada shells.

Is this recipe spicy?

Generally mild, but you can increase chili powder or add jalapeños for more heat.

How long does it take to assemble?

Once ingredients are prepped, assembly takes about 5 minutes.

Can I prepare components ahead of time?

You can make guacamole and beans a few hours before serving; just keep guacamole covered tightly and stir beans before reheating.

What side dishes pair best?

Mexican rice, black bean salad, or chips with salsa complement these tostadas perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Guacamole Tostadas with Refried Beans Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. The layers of flavor and texture transform humble tostadas into a vibrant, satisfying meal that feels as special as a festive gathering. Whether you’re feeding family on a weeknight or entertaining friends, this recipe delivers all the warmth, comfort, and excitement you could hope for.

Have you tried this Chicken and Guacamole Tostadas with Refried Beans Recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below. If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and family. Happy cooking! 🌮