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Small Blackened Cajun Chicken Tostadas sit on a black rectangular tray on top of a wood table.

Blackened Cajun Chicken Tostada


  • Author: Chef Kevin Hermann
  • Total Time: 9 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 18 tostadas (6 servings) 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Crisp corn tortillas topped with grilled Cajun chicken, black bean and corn salsa, chipotle aioli, and queso fresco. A make-ahead handheld for game day.


Ingredients

Scale

For the black bean corn salsa:

  • 2 cups black beans, cooked and drained
  • 1 cup corn, roasted
  • 1 cup red onion, small diced
  • 1 cup tomato, small diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp ground coriander
  • ½ cup cilantro, chopped
  • Zest and juice of 3 limes
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the roasted chipotle aioli:

  • 1 can chipotle peppers in adobo
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • 3 cups mayonnaise, preferably olive oil–based
  • Pinch of salt

For the blackened Cajun chicken:

  • 3 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup Cajun spice
  • 2 lemons, zested and juiced (keep the juice separate)

For the crispy tortillas:

  • 4 tbsp olive oil, divided, plus more as needed
  • 18 yellow corn tortillas, street taco size

For assembly:

  • 4 oz queso fresco, crumbled
  • 3 scallions, thinly sliced
  • Cilantro sprigs for garnish
  • Lime wedges for serving


Instructions

For the black bean corn salsa:

  1. Combine all of the salsa ingredients in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Use within 4 days.
  2. For the roasted chipotle aioli
  3. Remove 3 chipotle peppers from the adobo and finely chop. Refrigerate the remaining peppers for another use.
  4. Mix the chopped peppers with the lemon zest and juice and black pepper.
  5. Fold the pepper mixture into the mayonnaise until smooth. Season with a pinch of salt.

For the blackened Cajun chicken:

  1. Preheat the grill to 425 degrees, or high heat.
  2. In a large bowl, toss the chicken with the olive oil, Cajun spice, and lemon zest until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate while the grill heats.
  3. Grill the chicken, turning once, until it reaches 165 degrees inside.
  4. Let rest 5-10 minutes, then cut into ½-inch strips and squeeze the reserved lemon juice over the top. Keep warm in a covered container.

For the crispy tortillas:

  1. While the chicken rests, set a sauté pan on the grill and add 2 tablespoons olive oil.
  2. Fry the tortillas a few at a time, toasting each side until crisp. Drain on a paper towel–lined tray.
  3. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, adding oil as needed. Handle the hot oil carefully.

For assembly:

  1. Arrange the tortillas on a lined sheet tray. Top each with warm chicken.
  2. Spoon salsa over the chicken with a slotted spoon.
  3. Add a small dollop of aioli and sprinkle with queso fresco and scallions.
  4. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

Baked shells: Brush the tortillas with oil and bake at 400 degrees 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.

Cajun spice: Blends vary in salt; taste first and use less if yours is salty.

Make ahead: Salsa keeps 4 days; aioli keeps 1 week; tortillas can be crisped 6 hours ahead.

Dairy-free: Omit the queso fresco or use a dairy-free crumble.

  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer; Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3 tostadas
  • Calories: 720

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