Why These Baked Tostadas Are a Weeknight Winner

Tostadas, in general, are a go-to in our household, and these Salsa Chicken and Bean Baked Tostadas are no exception. They make frequent appearances on our dinner table for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, they are one of those rare meals I can confidently say everyone in my family will eat without complaint. This alone is a win for any parent navigating the complexities of diverse palates!

Beyond universal appeal, their convenience is unmatched. These tostadas come together in a flash, making them an ideal choice for busy school nights when time is of the essence. The quick assembly means less stress in the kitchen and more quality time for the family. Plus, their inherent flexibility allows for easy customization with toppings based on whatever ingredients you happen to have on hand that week, ensuring freshness and variety without extra trips to the grocery store.

Baked vs. Fried: A Healthier Twist on a Classic

Traditionally, tostadas are often deep-fried to achieve their characteristic crispness. While undeniably delicious, this method can add significant calories and fat. Our approach for these Salsa Chicken and Bean Tostadas offers a healthier alternative without sacrificing any of the satisfying crunch. By baking the corn tortillas instead of frying them, we keep this recipe on the lighter side, making it a guilt-free indulgence.

The oven-baking process crisps up the tortillas just enough to be easily picked up and eaten by hand, which, of course, adds an element of fun for the kids. This method also results in a less greasy texture, allowing the vibrant flavors of the salsa chicken and fresh toppings to truly shine. It’s a simple swap that makes a big difference in both health and enjoyment.

For more inspiration on wholesome meals, explore a variety of healthy dinner ideas that are perfect for any occasion.

Cultivating Consistency: A Recipe for Life and the Kitchen

Beyond the deliciousness of baked tostadas, let’s take a quick moment to discuss a philosophy that profoundly impacts not just our meals, but our entire well-being. Last year, my friend Kristen introduced me to the concept of choosing a focus word for the year. My word for 2015 was “Learn,” and while I didn’t master crocheting as I originally intended, I certainly learned a multitude of other things throughout the year. Most importantly, I gained significant insights into myself and what it truly takes for me to lead a happier, more balanced life. And that, I consider a huge success!

As we moved into 2016, my focus word became remarkably clear a few weeks ago: Consistency. I recognized a deep need for more consistency in various aspects of my life. I often find myself overflowing with grand ideas and ambitions, but sometimes these brilliant plans fall short in execution. The primary struggle lies in maintaining the consistency of good habits, effective time management, sustained motivation, and a few other areas I’m still pinpointing.

My Consistency Goals: From Kitchen to Lifestyle

Embracing consistency has become a cornerstone for personal growth and efficiency. Here are a few key areas where I’m actively working to integrate more consistent practices, illustrating how a focused mindset can transform daily routines, starting with our kitchens:

• Meal Planning: The Foundation of Consistent Eating

  This goal is monumental for me, and I know it will liberate an immense amount of mental energy and time during the week. The mental load of deciding what to cook every single night can be exhausting. By planning meals consistently, I can streamline grocery shopping, reduce food waste, and ensure my family eats healthier, home-cooked meals more often. I recently purchased this menu planner and, with the enthusiastic help of my kids, successfully mapped out our meals for the past two weeks. They even enjoyed helping choose! They say 21 days makes a habit, right? I’m well on my way to making meal planning an ingrained part of our routine.

• Fitness: Sustaining Physical Well-being

  I’ve been a member of my current gym for almost a year now, and I’m proud to say I’ve maintained impressive consistency with my workouts, which feels absolutely fantastic. My aim is to keep this momentum going strong throughout the entire year. I’ve been challenging myself more with each session, pushing my limits and seeing tangible progress. The Fitbit my husband and I received for Christmas (we got matching Fitbit Charge HRs!) has been an incredible tool. It helps me meticulously track my daily activity, monitor my progress, and provides that little extra nudge of motivation to stay active.

• Time Management: Maximizing Productivity at Home

  Blogging and working from home present unique challenges, especially if one isn’t disciplined about managing time effectively—at least, that’s certainly true for me. I am actively working on crafting a flexible yet structured work “schedule.” This involves allocating dedicated blocks of time for specific tasks: writing, photo editing, engaging on social media, developing new recipes, and actual cooking. A crucial part of this strategy is minimizing distractions. I need to consciously stay off social media (yes, I’m looking at you, Facebook!) and cease squandering precious moments that could be used for productive work. With the demanding juggle of home life, work responsibilities, and now school commitments, safeguarding my time has become more critical than ever before.

• Gratitude: Cultivating a Positive Mindset

  This particular goal, I believe, speaks for itself. Consistently practicing gratitude has a profound impact on one’s perspective and overall happiness. Taking a moment each day to acknowledge and appreciate the positive aspects of life can significantly shift one’s outlook, fostering resilience and contentment.

Choosing a Focus Word is similar to setting New Year’s resolutions, but for me, it has proven to be a more powerful tool for accountability and self-reflection throughout the year. It serves as a constant reminder, a guiding principle that helps steer decisions and actions. Do you have a Focus Word for this year? Are you striving for more Consistency in your life? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences!

Make Consistency Delicious: Add Tostadas to Your Meal Plan!

If you’re like me, diligently working towards more consistency in your meal planning, then these Salsa Chicken and Bean Baked Tostadas are an absolute must-add to your menu this week! They perfectly embody the goals of healthy eating, efficiency, and family satisfaction. You and your loved ones are sure to adore them, making mealtime a consistent joy rather than a consistent chore.

Have a truly wonderful and productive week!

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Salsa Chicken and Bean Baked Tostadas

• Author: Aggies Kitchen
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 10 tostadas
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Oven
• Cuisine: Mexican

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These baked tostadas are incredibly easy to make, packed with flavor, and offer a healthier alternative to fried versions. Perfect for a quick, customizable family dinner!

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Ingredients

• 2 heaping cups shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken or this all-purpose slow cooker chicken work great)
• 1 cup jarred salsa (use your favorite mild or medium)
• 1 can Bush’s Pinto Beans, rinsed and drained (or black beans for a variation)
• 10 corn tortillas
• Shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar, Monterey Jack)

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded lettuce
• Diced fresh tomato
• Chopped green onion
• Fresh chopped cilantro
• Sliced or mashed avocado
• Greek yogurt or sour cream
• Your favorite hot sauce or a drizzle of lime juice

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray two large baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange the corn tortillas in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, jarred salsa, and rinsed, drained pinto beans. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and coated with the salsa.
3. Evenly spread approximately 2 tablespoons of the chicken and bean mixture over each corn tortilla. Then, sprinkle your desired amount of shredded cheese generously over the chicken and bean mixture on each tostada.
4. Carefully place the baking sheets into the preheated oven. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the corn tortillas are crisp around the edges and the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.
5. Serve the tostadas immediately while warm. Encourage everyone to customize their tostadas with their favorite toppings from the optional list. Enjoy!

Looking for even more light and easy dinner ideas? Be sure to check out these 20 Healthy Recipes Using Shredded Chicken – a perfect way to utilize prepped chicken for diverse meals throughout the week!

Follow Aggie’s Kitchen’s board Mexican Recipes {Fiesta Food!} on Pinterest for more inspiration.