BBQ Chicken Tostadas Recipe

Sizzling BBQ Chicken Tostadas Recipe: Family-Favorite Fiesta

Sizzling BBQ chicken tostadas upgrade ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary adventures.

Crispy tortilla bases serve as the perfect canvas for mouthwatering seasoned meat.

Vibrant colors and bold flavors dance together, creating a sensational dining experience that tantalizes taste buds.

The combination of smoky, tangy sauce and crisp tostada shells brings excitement to your plate.

Lightweight yet incredibly satisfying, these tostadas offer a delightful twist on traditional Mexican-inspired cuisine.

Packed with robust flavors and simple preparation, they’re ideal for busy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Your next meal will become an instant crowd-pleaser.

Pro Tips for Delicious BBQ Chicken Tostadas Every Time

  • Sauce it Right: Choose a tangy, thick barbecue sauce for maximum flavor impact and to prevent soggy tostada shells.
  • Shred with Ease: Use rotisserie chicken or quickly shred leftover grilled chicken to save time and add extra smokiness.
  • Cheese Placement: Sprinkle cheese evenly to ensure every bite has melty, gooey goodness and consistent coverage.
  • Crispness Counts: Watch closely during baking to maintain tostada shell crunchiness without burning the edges.
  • Cool Down Strategy: Let tostadas rest for 1-2 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and prevent burning your mouth.

Storing Leftovers: Keeping Your BBQ Chicken Tostadas Fresh

  • Refrigeration: Transfer leftover tostadas to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent soggy shells.
  • Reheating Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F and place tostadas on a baking sheet. Warm for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts and chicken heats through, maintaining crispy shell texture.
  • Microwave Caution: While quick, microwaving can make tostada shells soft and soggy. If using, heat in short 15-second intervals and check consistency to preserve crunchiness. Enjoy your reheated BBQ chicken tostadas within 24 hours of initial preparation for best flavor and texture.

Tasty Complements to Serve with BBQ Chicken Tostadas

  • Pair with Zesty Margarita: Complement the sweet and tangy BBQ chicken with a classic margarita, blending lime's citrus kick and tequila's boldness to match the dish's rich flavors.
  • Cool Coleslaw Companion: Serve a crisp, creamy coleslaw alongside the tostadas to balance the warm, saucy chicken and provide a refreshing crunch that cuts through the richness.
  • Mexican Beer Magic: Grab a cold Corona or Modelo Especial to enhance the BBQ tostadas, with the light, crisp beer helping to cleanse the palate between bites of the saucy, cheesy dish.
  • Fresh Cilantro Salsa Sidekick: Whip up a quick cilantro-based salsa to add brightness and herbal notes that will elevate the tostadas' smoky barbecue flavor profile.

Twist Up Your BBQ Chicken Tostadas with These Ideas

  • Spicy Southwest Tostadas: Replace barbecue sauce with chipotle salsa, add diced jalapeños, and sprinkle pepper jack cheese for a fiery kick.
  • Ranch Chicken Tostadas: Swap barbecue sauce with ranch dressing, top with crispy bacon bits, and add a sprinkle of fresh chives for a creamy, tangy version.
  • Hawaiian Fusion Tostadas: Mix chicken with pineapple salsa, use Hawaiian-style barbecue sauce, and add diced red onions and cilantro for a tropical-inspired treat.
  • Smoky Vegetarian Tostadas: Substitute chicken with black beans and roasted corn, use smoky barbecue sauce, and top with smoked gouda cheese for a hearty meat-free option.

Easy BBQ Chicken Tostadas: A Flavor-Packed Feast

  • Savor Quick Comfort: These BBQ chicken tostadas deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen.
  • Texture Explosion: Crispy tostada shells provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender, saucy barbecue chicken, creating a mouthwatering combination of textures in every bite.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Protein Power: Packed with an impressive 40g of protein per serving, these tostadas are ideal for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a substantial and nutritious meal that keeps them full and energized.
  • Customize Your Feast: The simple base recipe allows for endless personalization – swap sauces, add extra toppings like cilantro or jalapeños, or adjust cheese levels to match your taste preferences and make the dish uniquely yours.

What You Need for Easy BBQ Chicken Tostadas

Protein:
  • Chicken: Lean protein that forms the main filling for the tostadas, best when using shredded or pulled chicken.
  • Barbecue Sauce: Adds smoky, sweet flavor and helps keep the chicken moist, choose a high-quality sauce for best results.
Tostada Base:
  • Tostada Shells: Crispy corn tortilla base that provides a crunchy foundation for the toppings, pre-made shells save time and effort.
Toppings:
  • Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a creamy layer, cheddar or Mexican blend works well.
  • Green Onions: Fresh garnish that adds a mild, sharp flavor and bright color to the dish.

Step-by-Step to Making Tasty BBQ Chicken Tostadas

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F and grab your baking sheets. Line them with tostada shells, ready for delicious action.

Step 2: Mix Saucy Chicken

Grab your cooked chicken and pour of barbecue sauce over it. Stir everything together until the chicken is completely coated in that tangy goodness.

Step 3: Build Your Tostada Masterpiece

Spread the saucy chicken generously across each tostada shell. Top the chicken with a hearty sprinkle of shredded cheese for extra yumminess.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the oven and let them cook for 6-8 minutes. Watch for the cheese to get perfectly melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Add Final Touches

Pull the tostadas out and drizzle the remaining barbecue sauce across the top. Sprinkle chopped green onions for a fresh, zesty finish. Serve hot and enjoy your flavor-packed meal right away!

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BBQ Chicken Tostadas Recipe

BBQ Chicken Tostadas Recipe


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4.7 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Sizzling BBQ chicken tostadas bring Mexican-inspired street flavors to your dinner table. Crispy tortillas topped with tender, smoky chicken and fresh toppings create a quick, irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken

Cheese and Topping:

  • 2 cups shredded cheese
  • 3 green onions, very thinly sliced (optional)

Base and Sauce:

  • 8 tostada shells or 8 corn tortillas
  • 1 ½ cups barbecue sauce, divided
  • Olive oil for brushing

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange tostada shells across rimmed baking sheets in a single layer.
  2. Thoroughly blend shredded chicken with of barbecue sauce until each chicken piece is evenly coated with the tangy sauce.
  3. Carefully distribute the sauced chicken across each tostada shell, ensuring an even coverage that reaches the edges.
  4. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken-covered tostada shells, creating a rich and melty topping.
  5. Place the prepared tostadas into the preheated oven and bake for 6-8 minutes, watching carefully until the cheese becomes completely melted and slightly bubbly.
  6. Remove tostadas from the oven and immediately drizzle the remaining barbecue sauce in elegant zigzag patterns across the surface.
  7. Garnish with finely chopped green onions, adding a fresh and sharp flavor contrast to the rich and savory tostadas.
  8. Serve the tostadas hot and fresh, immediately after preparation, for the best texture and taste experience.

Notes

  • Prepare everything beforehand to streamline cooking and reduce stress in the kitchen.
  • Keep extra barbecue sauce on hand for those who love extra flavor and moisture.
  • Select crispy tostada shells that can hold up to the saucy chicken without getting soggy.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or smoked gouda for unique taste profiles.
  • Consider using rotisserie chicken to save time and add convenience to this quick meal.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 600 kcal
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 1200mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

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