Coriander Chicken Tostadas with Refried Beans and Grilled Fennel

A flavorful Mexican-inspired dish featuring coriander-crusted chicken strips served on crispy tostadas with homemade refried beans, grilled fennel, fresh vegetables, and traditional garnishes. This recipe combines traditional Mexican flavors with a unique twist of grilled fennel.

6 servings
53 min

Ingredients

  • 2 cans pinto beans
  • ½ cup white onion
  • 2 tablespoons dried oregano
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 teaspoons chipotle chiles in adobo
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 to taste coarse kosher salt
  • 1 bulb fresh fennel
  • 6 tablespoons safflower oil
  • 4 pieces chicken breast
  • cup coriander seeds
  • 6 pieces corn tostada shells
  • 3 cups romaine lettuce
  • 6 pieces radishes
  • 6 sprigs cilantro
  • 1 to taste lime wedges
  • ingredient note

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Place beans and next 5 ingredients in processor; blend to chunky puree.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Heat oil in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add bean mixture and 1/2 cup reserved bean liquid. Stir over medium- low heat until warmed through, adding more bean liquid if dry, about 5 minutes. Season with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill. Rewarm before using.

    10 min

  3. 3.

    Brush fennel slices with 1 1/2 tablespoons oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Heat heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add fennel slices. Sear until lightly browned and crisp-tender, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to plate. Cut into strips. Reserve skillet.

    8 min

  4. 4.

    Using rolling pin, flatten chicken between sheets of plastic wrap to 1/4- to 1/3-inch-thick cutlets. Spread out coriander seeds on sheet of foil. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper; coat with coriander seeds.

    10 min

  5. 5.

    Heat 4 1/2 tablespoons oil in reserved skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, if necessary, add chicken to skillet. Sauté until cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to work surface. Cool 5 minutes. Cut chicken in half lengthwise, then crosswise into 1/3-inch-wide strips.

    15 min

  6. 6.

    Top each tostada shell with beans, lettuce, radishes, fennel, chicken and cilantro sprig. Serve with lime wedges.

    5 min

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