Ever feel super lazy but also have a sense of feeling luxurious and treat yourself like the badass queen you are? “Who knew chicken tostadas could be leveled up by just one pop of a cork?”
I made tostadas because I was feeling lazy, and my soul needed to share the Champagne love and invite guests over to my home. My love language is food and acts of service, and when I have not done that, it makes me wonder what life is like without giving. I invited some of the most empowering ladies I’ve met in Louisville, and we chatted the night away and finished the bottle. For us, it was a night to celebrate one of my friend’s birthdays and talk about money moves. I realized that it was easy to talk about money when you are surrounded by the right people and the right champagne, haha.
Let me tell you how I made this tasty chicken tostada! I had shredded chicken in my fridge because I cooked a big batch in the crockpot the day before, which made it incredibly easy to whip up a quick meal. One thing about me is that I always have protein in my fridge, ready for a snack or dinner, whether it’s chicken, turkey, or even some beans; it allows for so much versatility in my cooking.
Next, I grabbed a pan and drizzled some olive oil in there. I added a chopped onion and let it fry until it was golden and threw the shredded chicken into the pan. Then I poured in some green salsa that I bought at the local Mexican store down the street and let it all simmer together. When I say I was feeling lazy, I really mean that; I bought many things from the store and did not make everything from scratch, like the green salsa or tostadas.
While that was happening, I got to work on the toppings. I chopped up some red onions and soaked them in lemon juice for a couple of hours to mellow out their flavor. I also fried black beans with a bit of olive oil and onion. Below are all the ingredients I used:
- Tostadas (store bought)
- Shredded Chicken
- Fried Black Beans
- Lettuce
- Green Salsa
- Tomatoes
- Red Onion
- Lemon
- Cheese – Queso Fresco
- Sour cream
- Avocado
I chose Gosset for this pairing because it’s popular, and I got a great deal on two bottles. One is for casual drinking, and the other is for a special occasion—like celebrating my cleaning achievements! Gosset was founded in Aÿ in 1584 by Pierre Gosset and is the oldest wine house in Champagne. It is also highly regarded, seen by many as a top name in luxury champagne.
When you see a bottle labeled Champagne, it means it’s from a specific area in France. Champagne is a type of sparkling wine, but not all sparkling wines can be called Champagne. I used to think all sparkling wines were Champagnes, but now I understand the different types and terms. I’ve grown to appreciate Champagne more and have found other sparkling wines I enjoy too, like Prosecco, Crémant, and Cava, which are easier on the wallet.
Why Champagne and Chicken Tostadas Work Together
The pairing of champagne and chicken tostadas works beautifully because of the way the specific flavors and textures complement each other. Here’s a breakdown of the key flavors that create this harmony:
Crispness & Effervescence vs. Crunch: The effervescence and crisp acidity of the champagne cut through the crunchy fried tostada, creating a refreshing contrast. The bubbles help cleanse the palate after each bite, making the richness of the tostada feel lighter.
Citrus Notes vs. Zesty Toppings: Many champagnes, including a brut like Gosset, have citrus and green apple notes, which pair well with the zesty flavors found in tostada toppings like lime juice, pico de gallo, and cilantro.
Acidity vs. Creamy Elements: The tostadas included rich avocado and luscious crema (sour cream), creating a delightful interplay between textures and flavors. The champagne’s vibrant acidity acts as a refreshing counterpoint, skillfully cutting through the richness of the cream and avocado, allowing the flavors to shine rather than overwhelming the palate.
Brut Dryness vs. Savory & Spicy Flavors: The dry nature of a brut champagne balances the savory and sometimes spicy elements of the tostada (such as jalapeños or salsa). The champagne can help mellow out any heat, making the spiciness more enjoyable while also enhancing the savory elements.
Tostadas are super easy to prep since they use simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have at home. There will be nights when I channel my inner lazy gourmet queen, and that is what makes tostadas relatable to my life; you can get creative without having to fuss over complicated cooking techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
In the end, the pairing really brings out the best in the tostada, showing how even the most humble ingredients can shine when paired with the right wine. Plus, the great thing about tostadas is that you can customize them however you like, whether you’re in the mood for something rich, spicy, or fresh. When it comes to chicken tostadas and champagne, it’s like mixing two worlds together: the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine meet the elegance of French champagne. Both are all about celebration—tostadas are a hit at festive get-togethers, while champagne is the go-to drink for special occasions.
Wine Bottle Name: Gosset Brut Grande Réserve
- Grape: 46% Chardonnay , 39% Pinot Noir, 15% Pinot Meunier
- Region: France /Champagne
- Wine Style: Sparkling
- Alcohol Content: 12%
- Medium to Full Bodied
- Dry – Brut
- High Acidity
- Winemaker Notes: The palate is dominated by refreshing mineral notes combined with a warm and consistent flavor echoing the wine’s richness and plumpness. From under a rich expression of ripe and dried fruit, a gentle persistent freshness comes through. A subtle and beautifully crafted framework which is the signature of Gosset champagnes.
WineMadrina 