• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Confessions of a Grocery Addict logo
  • Home
  • Recipe Categories
  • About Me
  • Blog Writing Services
  • Subscribe!
  • The Food Justice Library
  • Latest Food & Grocery News
  • Contact
  • Privacy & Accessibility
  • Nav Social Menu

    Click to Share and Save

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipe Categories
  • About Me
  • Blog Writing Services
  • Subscribe!
  • The Food Justice Library
  • Latest Food & Grocery News
  • Contact
  • Privacy & Accessibility
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipe Categories
  • About Me
  • Blog Writing Services
  • Subscribe!
  • The Food Justice Library
  • Latest Food & Grocery News
  • Contact
  • Privacy & Accessibility
×

Home » Easy

Mediterranean-Inspired Zhoug Chicken Tostadas

Published: Sep 3, 2022 by Ash, The Grocery Addict · This post may contain affiliate links ·

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Did you buy a tub of Trader Joe's Zhoug Sauce and are wondering what to do with it? Not to worry! This simple recipe for my Mediterranean-Inspired Zhoug Chicken Tostadas is a lightning-fast way to get a healthy dinner on the table using mostly store-bought hacks.

close up shot of zhoug chicken mediterranean tostada on a white plate.
Jump to:
  • Why You'll Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients & Substitutions
  • How To Make Zhoug Chicken Tostadas
  • Optional Variations
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Easy Recipe Ideas
  • Mediterranean-Inspired Zhoug Chicken Tostadas
  • 💬 Reviews

Why You'll Love This Recipe

You know those nights when it's somehow 8 pm and you're still working and forgot entirely about dinner until right now? Friends, that's pretty much how I live my life during the workweek. Luckily, I have found lots of great grocery store shortcuts to get meals on the table in a flash.

This simple recipe for zhoug chicken tostadas is a meal that was born on just such a night, and boy am I ever glad to have whipped it up. This recipe is:

  • Fast & Easy. Aside from marinating the chicken (which is totally optional, by the way), the whole meal comes together in just 25 minutes.
  • Super Versatile. I happened to have tostada shells on hand when this idea hit me, but there are lots of directions you can take this Mediterranean-inspired meal. Turn it into a grain bowl, pita pocket, flatbread "pizza," or wrap, just to name a few. Read on below for even more ways to customize your zhoug chicken goodness.
  • Wholesome & Nutritious. Lean chicken, a swoosh of hummus, brown rice coated in spicy, herby, green deliciousness, a bevy of chopped veggies, and a dollop of yogurt sauce? That sounds pretty healthy to me.

Ingredients & Substitutions

These Mediterranean chicken tostadas are a great way to clear out the bits and bobs in your fridge. Here's what you'll need:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken - I prefer thighs because they’re juicier, but hubby prefers breasts because they are less likely to remind him that he’s eating something that was once alive. You can also swap in the protein of your choice here – a grilled wedge of halloumi, a block of tofu, or some jumbo shrimp would all be lovely.
  • Mrs. Dash Original - Any spice blend will work here. I've also made it using za'atar, Italian seasoning, or just good ol' salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  • Italian Dressing of Choice (optional) - When I think of it an hour or two before cooking, I like to marinate my chicken for a little added flavor, and I almost always have a bottle of Italian salad dressing at the ready. That said, America's Test Kitchen has debunked the myth that marinating does anything, so don't feel like you have take this step. (Wild, right?!?)
ingredients for marinating Mediterranean chicken for the grill laid out on a table.
  • White or Brown Rice - Brown rice takes longer to cook, but has a higher nutritional pay-off. White basmati and jasmine rice are delightful, even if they're not loaded with nutrients. Dealer's choice! Feel free to use par-cooked rice to shave some time off your prep.
  • Zhoug Sauce - This delectable cilantro-jalapeño pesto-adjacent sauce is now a mainstay in my fridge. Use it to add some flavor to a bowl of plain hummus, make super speedy green rice, swipe it over your meats, use it as a pasta sauce... it's uses are endless. Trust me.
bowl of zhoug and bowl of steamed white rice for making spicy green rice.
  • Tostada Shells - Feel free to sub in home fried tortillas, or opt for more of a flatbread-style meal by using naan as your base.
  • Hummus of Choice (TJ's Cilantro Jalapeno is a favorite in our household)
  • Toppings of Choice: I used: Chopped Tomatoes, Crumbled Feta, Sliced (or Better Yet, Pickled!) Red Onions, Tzatziki Sauce, Chopped Cucumbers, Sliced Kalamata Olives, and Shredded Romaine. Use whatever is kicking around in your crisper drawer!
ingredients for building Mediterranean tostadas measured out on a cutting board.

How To Make Zhoug Chicken Tostadas

Step 1: Marinate Chicken (Optional) - Sprinkle liberally with seasoning, and cover with Italian dressing. Let marinate for 2 hours, or up to overnight. NOTE: If you are skipping the marinade, be sure to season it with plenty of salt and pepper.

chicken thighs in a 9x13 pyrex dish after covering with Mrs. Dash.
pouring italian dressing over chicken thighs to marinate.

Step 2: Cook Chicken to internal temp of 165F, using grill, skillet, or oven. See full recipe card for more notes. Pro Tip: Make sure to rest your chicken for at least 5 minutes before cutting. If you don’t, you’re likely to have dry meat. 🙁

chargrilled chicken thighs on a cutting board.
close up of diced grilled chicken.

Step 3: Make Green Rice. Cook the rice of your choice according to package directions. When all water has been absorbed, stir in TJ’s Zhoug Sauce, depending on your heat tolerance.

adding zhoug to steamed white rice for Mediterranean chicken tostadas recipe.
close up of zhoug green rice.

Step 4: Pan-Fry Tortilla until crispy. Note: This is only necessary if you are not using pre-made tostada shells.

plain tostada shell.

Step 5: Assemble & Serve. Top fried tortilla with toppings of choice, and enjoy!

tostada smeared with hummus.
zhoug green rice added on top of the hummus.
chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce added.
pickled red onions and pickled banana peppers added to the zhoug chicken tostada.
feta, tzatziki, and kalamata olives to top off the mediterranean chicken tostada.

Optional Variations

Mediterranean tostadas might sound like a weird fusion, but I assure you — they're delicious. That said, this tasty recipe for chicken and zhoug rice can be adapted in lots of different ways. Here are a few of our favorite variations:

  • Grain Bowl - Omit the tostada shell, loading up on the hummus, rice, and chopped salad ingredients instead.
  • Flatbread - Warm up a piece of naan and use it as a canvas to build your masterpiece on.
  • Wrap - Use a giant tortilla and wrap everything up in a tidy little package.
  • Pescatarian - Opt for jumbo shrimp instead of chicken.
  • Vegetarian - Try using halloumi, bread cheese, or paneer in place of chicken.
  • Vegan - Make it with pressed firm tofu or some crispy chickpeas, then swap in vegan feta and plant-based tzatziki.
fully assembled zhoug green rice and chicken tostada on a cutting board.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is zhoug sauce?

Also known as zhug, this Middle Eastern condiment is like a nut-free, spicy cilantro-jalapeño pesto that is flavored with other herbs and spices like parsley, cardamom and garlic. It can range from medium heat to high-intensity spicy depending on the type of chili peppers you use.

What does marinating do for chicken?

Funnily enough, aside from creating a surface for caramelization and adding flavor to the exterior of the meat, not much. Make sure that if you're marinating meat in a highly acidic marinade (e.g. one with lots of vinegar or citrus juice) not to exceed 24 hours of marinating time. The acidity helps to tenderize meat to a degree, but over time will completely unravel the proteins and lead to a mushy consistency. Ew!

What do you eat with zhoug sauce?

Aside from using it to make a super speedy spicy green rice in these Mediterranean chicken tostadas, zhoug can also be used to add flavor to hummus, as a marinade or coating on meat or fish, to toss with roasted veggies, to make a vinaigrette, or a simple yogurt sauce. Basically, anything pesto can do, zhoug can do spicier.

Are zhoug and chimichurri the same?

They are similar, though chimichurri is usually made using red pepper flakes instead of whole chiles.

45 degree angle shot of mediterranean chicken tostada with zhoug green rice.

More Easy Recipe Ideas

  • overhead shot of strawberry yogurt pie with pretzel crust on a turquoise table.
    Berry Yogurt Pie With Pretzel Crust
  • flat lay shot of avocado tuna salad with a grey napkin and a bunch of cilantro in water
    Spicy Avocado Tuna Salad
  • overhead shot of a terracotta bowl filled with spicy mediterranean baked feta with tomatoes and chickpeas and a grey bowl filled with mini naan to the side.
    Mediterranean Baked Feta with Tomatoes, Onions and Chickpeas
  • overhead shot of zucchini oats topped with cream and grain free granola.
    Zucchini Bread Oatmeal

If you tried my recipe for Mediterranean-inspired Zhoug Chicken Tostadas, please be sure to rate and review it below! For more cheap and satisfying recipe ideas, you can follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook. You can also get all of my newest content delivered straight to your inbox by signing up for my email newsletter!

close up shot of zhoug chicken mediterranean tostada on a white plate.

Mediterranean-Inspired Zhoug Chicken Tostadas

Crisp corn tortilla shells are given a healthy swoosh of hummus, spicy green rice, chopped grilled chicken, and a chopped salad of tomatoes, cukes, feta, and olives for a quick, bright, and satisfying weeknight meal.
5 from 3 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 mins
Total Time 2 hrs 25 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 2
Calories 473 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs (I prefer thighs because they’re juicier, but hubby prefers breasts because they are less likely to remind him that he’s eating something that was once alive. Your choice.)
  • hefty sprinkling Mrs. Dash Original
  • Italian Dressing of Choice to cover chicken
  • 1 C Dry White or Brown Rice of Choice
  • ¼-1/2 tub TJ's Zhoug Sauce to taste
  • 2-4 Tostada Shells or sub home fried tortillas

Toppings of Choice

  • Hummus of Choice (TJ's Cilantro Jalapeno is a favorite in our household)
  • Chopped Tomatoes
  • Crumbled Feta
  • Sliced (or Better Yet Pickled!) Red Onions
  • Tzatziki Sauce
  • Chopped Cucumbers
  • Sliced Kalamata Olives
  • Shredded Romaine

Instructions
 

  • In a small, lidded container marinate chicken breasts or thighs by sprinkling liberally with Mrs Dash Seasoning, and covering with Italian Dressing. Let marinate at least 2 hours, or up to overnight.
  • Cook chicken to internal temp of 165F. If you’re doing thighs, they’d be great on the grill. If you’re doing breasts, they have a tendency to dry out easily so I’d recommend baking at 425F on a lined baking sheet for 18-22 mins. Once your bird hits about 162F, you can pull off the heat and let it continue to cook as it rests. Note: Make sure to rest your chicken for at least 5 minutes before cutting. If you don’t, you’re likely to have dry meat. 🙁
  • While chicken is cooking, make rice of your choice according to package directions. We’ve used brown rice, basmati and jasmine, and they are all lovely options. When all water has been absorbed, stir in TJ’s Zhoug Sauce, depending on your heat tolerance.
  • Pan fry tortilla of choice until crispy. Definitely cook it on both sides to achieve this effect.
  • Top fried tortilla with toppings of choice, and enjoy!

Notes

Mediterranean tostadas might sound like a weird fusion, but I assure you — they're delicious. That said, this tasty recipe for chicken and zhoug rice can be adapted in lots of different ways. Here are a few of our favorite variations:
  • Grain Bowl - Omit the tostada shell, loading up on the hummus, rice, and chopped salad ingredients instead.
  • Flatbread - Warm up a piece of naan and use it as a canvas to build your masterpiece on.
  • Wrap - Use a giant tortilla and wrap everything up in a tidy little package.
  • Pescatarian - Opt for jumbo shrimp instead of chicken.
  • Vegetarian - Try using halloumi, bread cheese, or paneer in place of chicken.
  • Vegan - Make it with pressed firm tofu or some crispy chickpeas, then swap in vegan feta and plant-based tzatziki.

Nutrition

Calories: 473kcalCarbohydrates: 72gProtein: 31gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 72mgSodium: 135mgPotassium: 673mgFiber: 3gVitamin A: 34IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 37mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Cheap, Easy, Healthy, Summer
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

*If you’re one of the unfortunate souls that has a palate that makes cilantro taste like soap, I am so sorry. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. I’m on the opposite end of the spectrum where I’ll buy a bunch of cilantro, pick off all the leaves to use as my salad greens, and then blitz the stems into a green sauce. I LOVE CILANTRO.

More Easy

  • square hero shot of wild mushroom tartine sliced in half on a grey plate with a fork and knife.
    Easy Mushroom Tartine With Spreadable Goat Cheese
  • square hero shot of eggless raspberry white chocolate loaf pound cake on a cutting board with a silver knife.
    Raspberry & White Chocolate Loaf Cake (No Eggs!)
  • eggs in a carton with sad faces drawn on.
    21+ Egg Substitutes & Egg Replacements For Cooking, Baking, Breakfast, & More!
  • square overhead hero of healthy Mediterranean white bean tuna dip in a bowl on top of a plate with saltines and crostini for serving.
    Healthy Tuna Dip With White Beans (No Cream Cheese, Sour Cream, or Mayo!)

Reader Interactions

Let's taco 'bout it. Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Ash the addict chomping on an apple in the orchard

Hey y'all! My name is Ashley, and I'm the Grocery Addict. I'm here to share my best time saving tips, money saving tricks and store bought grocery hacks to make being the CFO (Chief Food Officer) of your family a little easier. All of my recipes are designed for real, busy people - like you! - who want to eat healthy, homemade food on a tight budget. I can't wait to see you in the kitchen!

If you're interested in getting help writing your blog, simply click on the link in the menu!

Feed My Addiction With A Tip

More about me →

Trending Recipes

  • flat lay square hero of a bowl of instant pot loaded baked potato soup.
    Instant Pot Loaded Baked Potato Soup
  • final shot of broccoli cheese chowder in grey pasta bowl with gold spoon.
    Broccoli Cheddar Soup
  • instant pot split pea and ham soup in a white pasta bowl on a grey dinner plate with a smoked gouda and ham sandwich on sourdough, a gold spoon, a tan waffle knit napkin and a sparkling water on a grey slate table.
    Instant Pot Split Pea and Ham Soup
  • overhead shot of white pasta bowl filled with instant pot veggie soup, a gold spoon and a mustard yellow and white linen napkin.
    Easy Instant Pot Vegetable Soup
  • closeup shot of a bowl of vegetarian tom kha soup.
    Vegetarian Tom Kha Soup With Coconut, Sweet Potato & Corn
  • beef and black bean chili in a white bowl with a blue rim topped with cheddar cheese, green onions and cilantro.
    Easy, Spicy Beef & Black Bean Chili
  • close up shot of clam chowder in a blue bowl with a plate of buttered toast.
    Mom's White Clam Chowder
  • Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup with tomatoes, kale and ham in a white soup bowl with a blue border and some buttered croissant toast on a navy and white dotted plate.
    Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup with Ham, Tomatoes and Kale

Recent Posts

  • peanut butter chocolate chip cookie cake decorated with peanut butter chocolate buttercream and various reese's candies.
    Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookie Cake with Chocolate Peanut Butter Frosting
  • overhead closeup shot of oat flour chocolate chip cookies on a crumpled parchment paper with a bowl of rolled oats.
    Oat Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles
  • overhead shot of people eating a huge holiday meal.
    Top 12 Tips For Hosting The Holidays On A Budget (Without Feeling Stressed)

As Seen On...

Latest Food & Grocery News

Footer

ConvertKit Form

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy & Accessibility Policies

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Contact

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2022 Brunch Pro on the Brunch Pro Theme