Salsa Macha Adds a Spicy Flair to These 20-Minute Chicken Tostadas

Crunchy tostada shells are piled high with refried beans, tender chicken, and an array of vibrant toppings for a flavor-packed dish in only 20 minutes. Shredded rotisserie chicken, tossed with spicy, smoky salsa macha, is the key to this speedy weeknight dinner. Lean on canned black beans for an easy refried bean shortcut.

What is a tostada?

Tostada, meaning “toast” in Spanish, is a flat and crispy corn tortilla that gets piled with toppings. Some say that tostadas originated in Oaxaca, Mexico, as a way to utilize stale corn tortillas, but the exact origins are unclear. Tostadas can be topped with anything from grilled meats and refried beans to grilled vegetables or fresh seafood ceviche. 

What is salsa macha?

Salsa macha is a spicy and smoky condiment that originated in Veracruz, Mexico. It’s typically made with dried chiles, nuts, seeds, garlic, and oil. Salsa macha is available at most grocery stores or online at masienda.com. Try it drizzled over tostadas, tacos, or fried eggs.

Notes from the Food & Wine Test Kitchen

If you opt for cooking dried beans (rather than using canned), reserve the cooking liquid. It’s super flavorful; that starchy liquid is great for adding to refried beans in place of water.

Suggested pairing

Pair this crunchy, flavor-packed tostada dinner with a fruity, medium-bodied rosé. Try Fossil Point Grenache Rosé.