Welcome to the world of effortless and delicious home cooking! This incredible Crock Pot Mexican Chicken Tostadas recipe is your secret weapon for a stress-free family dinner, especially when the weather heats up and the last thing you want is to crank up your stove or oven. Say goodbye to a sweltering kitchen and hello to the magic of your slow cooker, which handles all the heavy lifting, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy the warmer months.
Easy & Flavorful Crock Pot Mexican Chicken Tostadas
There’s nothing quite like the convenience of a slow cooker, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful meal with minimal effort. Our kitchen’s slow cooker is definitely earning its keep these days, and we’re excited to share even more easy Crock Pot recipes with you. My personal goal is to consistently bring new slow cooker inspirations to your table every week, making your meal planning a breeze.
Imagine waking up, doing a little prep work, and then letting your slow cooker gently simmer a delicious meal all day. By dinner time, you’re greeted with the most inviting aromas filling your home, and a fantastic meal is ready without any last-minute rush. This Crock Pot Mexican Chicken Tostada recipe is exactly that kind of culinary dream. It’s perfect for those busy mornings or lazy afternoons, ensuring a wholesome, satisfying dinner is waiting for you and your family.
Don’t you just love that feeling of accomplishment when you serve a fantastic family meal without breaking a sweat in a hot kitchen? It’s a moment worthy of a gold star – perhaps even a culinary medal – for mastering the art of a delicious, no-stress, no-heat dinner! This recipe truly lets you savor your evenings.
For an extra layer of freshness and zest, these tostadas pair wonderfully with a side of Cilantro Lime Rice, creating a complete and vibrant Mexican-inspired feast.
Why Choose Slow Cooker Chicken for Your Tostadas?
The slow cooker is an absolute game-changer when it comes to preparing chicken. It guarantees unbelievably tender, juicy meat that practically shreds itself. This method is not only incredibly easy but also locks in all the rich flavors, creating a succulent base for your tostadas. Forget dry, bland chicken; with the slow cooker, you get perfectly cooked protein every single time. Beyond tostadas, slow cooker chicken is fantastic for meal prepping throughout the week, ready to be transformed into tacos, burritos, salads, or bowls.
If you’re exploring other summery, no-oven chicken dishes, you might also enjoy our Crock Pot Tequila Chicken Recipe. Imagine pairing it with a refreshing margarita, perfect for dining al fresco and soaking in those warm evening breezes. Or, for a completely different flavor profile, our Crock Pot Cashew Chicken Recipe offers an Asian-inspired twist. Chicken truly is one of the most versatile proteins for slow cooking, adapting beautifully to a wide range of cuisines.
And let’s not forget the delightful Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe! Clearly, I’m a huge advocate for any recipe that keeps the stove off and the house cool, especially during warmer months. If you’re like me and love easy chicken recipes that don’t heat up your home, check out these Sweet and Spicy Chicken Skewers—they’re perfect for grilling during summer barbecues!
Customizing Your Mexican Chicken Tostadas
The beauty of tostadas lies in their adaptability. While our recipe provides a fantastic foundation, feel free to get creative with your toppings! Beyond the classic shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, chunky salsa, and a dollop of sour cream, consider these delicious additions:
- **Freshness:** Diced avocado or guacamole, fresh cilantro, pico de gallo, thinly sliced radishes, or pickled red onions for a tangy crunch.
- **Extra Veggies:** Grilled corn kernels, black beans, bell peppers, or a sprinkle of cotija cheese.
- **Heat:** A dash of your favorite hot sauce or extra finely chopped jalapeño.
- **Creaminess:** A drizzle of Mexican crema or a simple lime crema made with sour cream and lime juice.
Each tostada becomes a personalized culinary canvas, allowing everyone at the table to build their perfect bite.
Essential Ingredients for Delicious Crock Pot Chicken Tostadas
Our recipe uses a carefully selected blend of ingredients to create a robust and authentic Mexican flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Jalapeño: Seeded and finely chopped for a touch of heat without overwhelming the dish.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic cloves are key for aromatic depth.
- Mexican Chili Powder: This is crucial for that signature earthy, smoky, and slightly spicy Mexican flavor.
- Olive or Vegetable Oil: Helps to combine the spices and coat the chicken evenly.
- Lime Juice: Adds a bright, zesty acidity that cuts through the richness and enhances all the flavors.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the best in the ingredients.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Chosen for their incredible flavor and tenderness when slow-cooked.
- Tostada Shells: The crispy foundation of your meal. You can use store-bought or fry your own corn tortillas.
- Shredded Lettuce: Adds a fresh, cool crunch.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: For a classic cheesy topping.
- Chunky Salsa: Provides moisture, flavor, and a bit of texture.
- Sour Cream: If desired, for a creamy, cooling contrast to the spices.
For the best results, we highly recommend using a Crockpot equipped with a digital timer. This feature automatically switches your slow cooker to a ‘warm’ setting after the specified cooking time, ensuring your chicken is perfectly cooked without overdoing it. This simple addition removes any stress about timing and guarantees a delicious dinner every time.
More Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and flavor of slow cooker chicken, you’re in luck! We have an abundance of fantastic recipes to keep your meal rotation exciting:
- Slow Cooker Mole Style Pulled Pork (Can also be made with chicken for a twist!)
- Cheesy Crock Pot Spinach Ravioli Casserole (Adaptable with chicken!)
- Tex-Mex Crock Pot Chicken
- Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff
- Cheesy Chicken and Rice in the Slow Cooker
Explore our full collection of slow cooker chicken recipes for endless inspiration.
And if you’re always on the hunt for delicious dishes, don’t forget to check out our other recipe categories, including amazing copycat recipes, indulgent dessert recipes, and even more Crock Pot Recipes.
Stay connected with Tammilee Tips for all our latest recipe posts and culinary adventures! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Crock Pot Mexican Chicken Tostadas Recipe
An easy Crock Pot Mexican Chicken Tostadas Recipe! The slow cooker does all the work, delivering a fantastic family dinner.
Print Recipe
15 minutes
5 hours
5 hours 15 minutes
8
187
kcal
Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- ½ jalapeño, seeded, finely chopped
- 5 cloves Garlic, finely chopped
- 1 Tablespoon Mexican chili powder
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil or vegetable oil
- 1 Tablespoon Lime Juice
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1 ¼ pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 5 tostada shells
- ½ Cup lettuce, shredded
- ½ Cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
- ⅓ Cup Chunky salsa
- Sour Cream, if desired
Instructions
- In your slow cooker, combine the finely chopped jalapeño, minced garlic, Mexican chili powder, olive or vegetable oil, fresh lime juice, and salt. Stir these ingredients thoroughly to create a fragrant marinade. Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the slow cooker, ensuring each piece is completely coated with the spice mixture.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook the chicken on low for 4 to 5 hours, or until it is fork-tender and easily shreddable. Cooking on low heat ensures maximum flavor development and keeps the chicken wonderfully moist.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the cooker and place them on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This should be very easy if the chicken is cooked to tender perfection. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker with the remaining sauce and mix well to ensure all the chicken is re-coated with the flavorful juices.
- To assemble your tostadas, use a slotted spoon to remove approximately ⅓ cup of the chicken mixture from the slow cooker, allowing any excess liquid to drain. Place this flavorful chicken on top of each crispy tostada shell. Finish by layering with shredded lettuce, shredded Cheddar cheese, a dollop of chunky salsa, and a generous dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 81
14%
19%
25%
24%
8%
3%
4%
32%
9%
3%
8%
6%
Recipe originally shared on April 8, 2018. Updated January 2021.