These versatile Spicy Chicken Tinga Tostadas have distinctively bold flavors of seasoned rotisserie chicken, creamy goat or cotija cheese, and smoky chipotle peppers which are the heart of this recipe. Bursting with flavor is an understatement.

When I am meal planning and need a reliable, filling option that can be prepared quickly, the ingredients for these Spicy Chicken Tinga Tostadas are guaranteed to be added to my grocery list. It's also convenient that it makes so many servings. I always have leftovers that are perfect to munch on for lunch the next day.

Not only is this Spicy Chicken Tinga Tostadas recipe super easy to make and put together, but it is full with loads of flavor.

Spicy Chicken Tinga Tostadas with crumbled goat cheese on top

Spicy Chicken Tinga Tostadas Ingredients

Each ingredient in this recipe was chosen intentionally to complement the other.

First of all, this recipe makes excellent use of rotisserie chicken, which alone significantly cuts down the preparation time. Once pulled apart, the chicken is simmered with onions, peppers, and warm, smoky spices. The spice level can be amped up or down based on your choices of ingredients.

For some finishing touches, I chose to top off the Spicy Chicken Tinga Tostadas with a tangy, rich goat cheese with a soft crumbly texture (you can also use cotija cheese), and crunchy diced white onions. Once the cheese hits the warm chicken tinga mixture and starts to melt, the outcome is creamy and divine.

Ingredients

Base Layer

tostada
sour cream

Filling

olive oil
onion
garlic
rotisserie chicken
chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
salsa
taco seasoning
water
better than bouillon chicken base
sea salt

Toppings

goat or cotija cheese
onion

Chipotle Peppers Spice Level

In general, I would rank the spice level of this recipe as having moderate heat. The spiciness of your peppers and choice of salsa will ultimately vary depending on the specific brands you select.

A simple way to increase the spice is to put the chipotle peppers in the food processor before adding them to the dish. Adding the blended peppers to the chicken tinga mixture will spread the flavor into every bite. If you love heat, even add a few drops of your favorite hot sauce.

If prefer to tone down the spice but still want the smoky chipotle/adobo flavor, simply cut the peppers into larger chunks, or leave them whole and remove them from the pot (with tongs or a fork) before serving. Start with what you're comfortable with and adjust to your taste.

Ingredients to make Spicy Chicken Tinga Tostadas: chipotle peppers, shredded chicken, diced onion, minced garlic

Difference Between a Tostada and a Taco

Tostada translates to "toast" in Spanish. Most of the time it is any type of base layer that is toasted or fried. The tostadas I use as the foundation in this recipe are essentially flat, crispy, corn taco shells.

Tacos on the other hand are generally seen folded in half cradling the filling, made out of either corn or flour tortillas, and are served with both soft or hard shells.

If you're obsessed with tacos (I mean, who isn't?) but haven't ventured into the world of tostadas just yet I highly recommend giving them a try, they truly deserve just as much attention.

Ways to eat Spicy Chicken Tinga

The consensus with my family is that Spicy Chicken Tinga is very comforting and preferred as being served on a tostada, however, this Spicy Chicken Tinga recipe can be eaten in a handful of ways:

Tostadas
Nachos
Flour or corn tacos
Burrito
Quesadillas
On its own! (no shell)

No matter what method you choose, you'll find that this Spicy Chicken Tinga and your favorite toppings are very versatile and easy to pile on for a delicious snack or meal!

Where Can I Find Tostdas at the Grocery Store?

At my local grocery store, tostadas are often located in the Latin American & Mexican Foods aisle or the International Department. Most often you can find them near the tortillas, wraps, and pitas.

If you have one close by, venture to a Latin, Mexican, or International grocery store or market and they will likely have a wide array of authentic products to choose from.

An average sized pack of tostadas usually has a count of about 22 tostadas. Just like a bag of chips, be careful not to crush the tostadas when you are loading your grocery bags into the car!

Assembling the Tostadas

Assemble the ingredients for your Spicy Chicken Tinga Tostadas immediately before serving.

Place the crispy tostadas on a plate. Spread an even layer of sour cream on the shell. Layer on a couple of heaping spoonfuls of the spicy chicken filling. Top the tostadas with creamy, crumbled goat or cotija cheese and sprinkle on some diced white onion. Repeat until you have as many completed Spicy Chicken Tinga Tostadas as you are serving. I would plan on 2 to 3 tostadas per person.

There's a lot of wiggle room with this recipe. Have fun with extra toppings by garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro or jalapeños.

Best Tostada Sides

Refried Beans
Guacamole
Rice
Corn
Queso

Favorite Taco Recipes

Looking for other quick, similarly inspired dishes? Chese out some of my favorite taco variations: