Convert Remaining Salsa Verde Chicken into Crunchy Tostadas for a Fast Weeknight Dinner

### Repurpose Leftover Salsa Verde Chicken into Crunchy Tostadas for a Fast Weeknight Dinner

Leftover salsa verde chicken can become a delightful culinary asset, serving as a savory foundation for numerous recipes. One of the fastest and most gratifying methods to reinvent this dish is by turning it into crunchy tostadas. This article will walk you through the steps to create tasty tostadas that are ideal for a weeknight dinner.

#### Ingredients

– **Leftover Salsa Verde Chicken**: Shredded or diced
– **Tostada Shells**: Store-bought or homemade
– **Toppings**:
– Shredded lettuce
– Chopped tomatoes
– Sliced avocado
– Crumbled queso fresco or grated cheese
– Sour cream or Greek yogurt
– Fresh cilantro
– Lime wedges
– Hot sauce (optional)

#### Instructions

1. **Heat the Chicken**:
– If your leftover salsa verde chicken is chilled, warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You may add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it from drying out.

2. **Crisp the Tostada Shells**:
– For store-bought tostada shells, crisp them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the tostada shells on a baking sheet. Bake for around 5-7 minutes or until they turn golden and crunchy.
– For homemade tostadas, pour a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry corn tortillas individually for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they are crunchy. Drain on paper towels.

3. **Build the Tostadas**:
– Begin by placing a generous portion of the warmed salsa verde chicken on each tostada shell.
– Top with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and sliced avocado.
– Add crumbled queso fresco or grated cheese on top.

4. **Complete with Toppings**:
– Drizzle with sour cream or Greek yogurt and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
– Serve with lime wedges alongside for an added zest of flavor. If you prefer, include a few dashes of hot sauce for some spice.

5. **Serve and Savor**:
– Enjoy the tostadas right away while the shells remain crunchy. They make a fantastic standalone meal or can be paired with a side of rice or beans.

#### Customization Tips

– **Vegetarian Alternative**: Replace the chicken with black beans or refried beans for a meatless option.
– **Add Extra Vegetables**: Toss in additional toppings like corn, diced bell peppers, or jalapeños for enhanced flavor and nutrition.
– **Spice It Up**: If you like heat, think about mixing some diced jalapeños into the salsa verde chicken or selecting a spicier salsa.

#### Conclusion

Converting leftover salsa verde chicken into crunchy tostadas is not just a quick and simple weeknight dinner but also an excellent way to reduce food waste. With just a few easy steps and customizable toppings, you can whip up a delicious dish that the entire family will enjoy. Embrace your culinary creativity and the delightful tastes of this uncomplicated yet flavorful meal!