Chicken & Sweet Pepper Tostadas

Tonight, we're making cheesy, zesty tostadas (named for the toasted tortilla that forms their base). A sauce of colorful mini sweet peppers and Mexican spices is perfect for dressing our chicken, before piling it onto oven-toasted tortillas topped with a layer of melted Monterey Jack.

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Step 1

Wash and dry the fresh produce. Cut out and discard the stems, ribs, and seeds of the peppers; medium dice. Cut off and discard the root ends of the scallions; thinly slice, separating the white bottoms and green tops. Quarter the lime. Grate the Monterey Jack cheese on the large side of a box grater.

Step 2

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels; season with salt and pepper. In a large pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, 6 to 8 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Leaving any browned bits (or fond) in the pan, transfer the cooked chicken to a large bowl and set aside in a warm place.

Step 3

To the pan of reserved fond, add the peppers; season with salt and pepper. (If the pan seems dry, add 1 teaspoon of olive oil.) Cook on medium-high, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes, or until slightly softened. Add the white bottoms of the scallions; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 1 to 2 minutes, or until slightly softened. Add all of the spice blend. Cook, stirring frequently, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until fragrant. Add ½ cup of water and cook, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes, or until thickened and saucy. Transfer to the bowl of cooked chicken; add the juice of 1 lime wedge. Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4

While the sauce cooks, place the tortillas on a sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil; turn to coat. Arrange in a single layer and toast in the oven 5 to 6 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly crispy. Leaving the oven on, remove the toasted tortillas from the oven and carefully top with the Monterey Jack cheese. Return to the oven and bake 2 to 3 minutes or until the tortillas are lightly browned and the cheese has melted. Remove from the oven; carefully divide between 2 dishes.

Step 5

Top the toasted tortillas with the finished chicken. Garnish with half the Cotija cheese, the sour cream, and the green tops of the scallions. Transfer to a serving dish. Serve the tostadas and squash with the remaining lime wedges on the side. Enjoy!