Slow Cooker Chicken Tostadas

(1)

Tangy chicken tops crispy tortillas in this easy weeknight dinner.

Slow-cooker Chicken Tostadas with toppings on a white plate with a purple cloth napkin
Photo: Caitlin Bensel
Hands On Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
4 hrs 15 mins
Servings:
4

For the tenderest chicken ever, turn to your slow cooker. This recipe transforms boneless, skinless chicken thighs into juicy, salsa-infused meat, perfect for topping tostadas—aka toasted or fried corn tortillas. You'll top each tostada with shredded chicken, a quick DIY pico de gallo, and crumbled queso fresco. It's a simple, delicious meal that the whole family will love. Serve with rice and beans, or pair with a bowl of guacamole and tortilla chips. Shortcut tip: If you're crunched for time, store-bought pico de gallo can stand in for homemade.

Ingredients

  • 2 white onions, halved

  • 1.50 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

  • 1 16-oz. jar tomatillo salsa

  • 2 poblano chiles, seeded and cut into 1-in. pieces (about 2 cups)

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided

  • 3 large plum tomatoes, diced (2 cups)

  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 1 lime), plus wedges for serving

  • 8 corn tostadas

  • 2.50 ounces queso fresco (fresh Mexican cheese), crumbled (about ½ cup)

Directions

  1. Chop 1 onion half to measure ½ cup; set aside. Chop remaining onion halves into 4 wedges each.

  2. Stir onion wedges, chicken, salsa, poblanos, and ¾ teaspoon salt in the bowl of a 6-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on low until tender, 4 to 5 hours. Using 2 forks, shred chicken in the slow cooker.

  3. Meanwhile, make the pico de gallo: Stir tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice, reserved chopped onion, and remaining ¼ teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use or for up to 12 hours.

  4. Using a slotted spoon or tongs, top each tostada with about ¾ cup chicken mixture, 2 tablespoons pico de gallo, and 1 tablespoon queso fresco. Serve with lime wedges.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

525 Calories
16g Fat
46g Carbs
43g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 525
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 16g 21%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Cholesterol 11mg 4%
Total Carbohydrate 46g 17%
Dietary Fiber 6g 21%
Total Sugars 14g
Protein 43g

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Related Articles