Get ready to fall in love with BBQ Chicken Tostadas—a crave-worthy mashup of sweet, smoky barbecue flavor and the irresistible crunch of a classic Mexican tostada. These beauties come together in a snap and offer a delightful mix of tender shredded chicken, melted cheese, zesty toppings, and creamy avocado. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or throwing together a last-minute weeknight meal, BBQ Chicken Tostadas are bound to become your new obsession.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s nothing fussy about this recipe—just a handful of everyday ingredients that work together to create layers of amazing taste and texture. Each item brings its own spark, from the smoky chicken to the fresh, colorful toppings.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here, but any leftover chicken works beautifully for that perfect tender base.
- Barbecue sauce: Pick your favorite sweet, smoky, or spicy barbecue sauce to give the chicken its signature flavor punch.
- Tostada shells: Crisp and sturdy, these ready-made shells hold up all the delicious toppings without getting soggy.
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Melts into oozy, golden perfection and brings creaminess to every bite.
- Canned black beans: Drain and rinse them for hearty texture and just a hint of earthiness to balance the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
- Corn kernels: Use fresh, frozen, or canned—corn adds sweet pops of color and a satisfying crunch.
- Diced red onion: Sharp, peppery, and colorful, red onion brings a refreshing bite, balancing all the richness.
- Chopped fresh cilantro: Sprinkle on for a burst of herby flavor and vibrant green color.
- Avocado (sliced): Creamy and cool—avocado slices are a must for that luscious finish.
- Sour cream or crema: Optional but totally recommended, a dollop of this adds a luscious tang that ties it all together.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Tostadas
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Kick things off by preheating your oven to 400°F. This high heat is perfect for getting your tostadas perfectly crisp and ensuring the cheese melts into gooey pools of happiness.
Step 2: Mix Chicken and Barbecue Sauce
In a mixing bowl, toss your cooked shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce until every strand is perfectly coated. Don’t hold back here—a generous, even mix is what makes BBQ Chicken Tostadas sing with flavor.
Step 3: Layer Up the Tostadas
Place your tostada shells on a baking sheet (line it for easy cleanup!), then top each one with a hearty spoonful of BBQ chicken. Next, pile on a sprinkle of cheese, those black beans, and the corn kernels. Every layer adds something special, from gooey to crunchy to just plain tasty.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide your assembled tostadas into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye out for bubbling cheese and golden edges—the telltale signs of tostada greatness. This quick bake adds irresistible crispiness and melts everything together just right.
Step 5: Top and Serve
Now comes the fun part: the toppings! Out of the oven, each BBQ Chicken Tostada gets a generous scattering of diced red onion, slices of avocado, and a shower of chopped cilantro. Add a dollop of sour cream or crema if you like—these finishing touches take each tostada from delicious to unforgettable. Serve immediately while everything’s warm and crisp.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Tostadas
Garnishes
Bursting with color and fresh flavor, garnishes are your chance to let creativity shine. Go classic with cilantro and avocado or add sliced jalapeños for a spicy twist. Crumbled queso fresco or a sprinkle of sliced radishes also make a pretty and tasty topping.
Side Dishes
Pair your BBQ Chicken Tostadas with sides that complement their smoky-sweet flavor. A simple green salad, Mexican rice, or a bowl of zesty lime-dressed slaw go perfectly alongside. If you’re craving extra crunch, tortilla chips and salsa are always welcome at the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Styling BBQ Chicken Tostadas for a party? Arrange them on a wooden board or a colorful platter, each piled high with toppings. If you’re feeling playful, set up a DIY tostada bar so everyone can build their own masterpiece. Kids especially love customizing their own little tostadas!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (they disappear fast!), store toppings and tostada shells separately to keep things crisp. Place the BBQ chicken, beans, and corn mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Freezing
While the assembled BBQ Chicken Tostadas won’t freeze well, the sauced chicken can be stashed in your freezer for up to two months. Just portion it out, freeze, and thaw in the fridge overnight whenever tostada cravings strike.
Reheating
To bring everything back to its best, warm the chicken, beans, and corn in the microwave or on the stovetop. Crisp up the tostada shells in a hot oven for a few minutes, then assemble fresh with all your toppings. This trick keeps everything deliciously warm and crisp.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Pulled pork, leftover grilled steak, or even a plant-based “chicken” work beautifully here. Just swap in your favorite and follow the same steps for a fun twist on the classic.
Are BBQ Chicken Tostadas gluten free?
If you use corn tostada shells and ensure your barbecue sauce is gluten free, you’re good to go. Always double check ingredient labels to be sure.
What’s the best way to shred chicken for this recipe?
For super-fast shredding, use two forks, or even speed things up with a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Rotisserie chicken already comes perfectly shreddable and easy to use!
Can I make BBQ Chicken Tostadas in advance for a party?
Definitely! Prep all the toppings and sauced chicken ahead of time. When guests arrive, quickly assemble and bake the tostadas so they’re crispy and golden right as you serve them.
What other toppings can I add to BBQ Chicken Tostadas?
Get creative! Try sliced jalapeños, crumbled queso fresco, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or even a drizzle of chipotle crema. The possibilities are endless and tasty.
Final Thoughts
These BBQ Chicken Tostadas have a way of stealing the show at any meal—so easy, so satisfying, and bursting with flavor. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat all year long. Gather your ingredients, unleash your creativity with the toppings, and get ready for a new family favorite!
Print
BBQ Chicken Tostadas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 tostadas
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These BBQ Chicken Tostadas are a delicious twist on traditional tostadas, featuring shredded BBQ chicken, cheese, black beans, and corn piled high on crispy tostada shells. Topped with avocado, cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream, these tostadas are packed with flavor and perfect for a quick and easy meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 6 tostada shells
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Sour cream or crema for topping (optional)
Shredded BBQ Chicken:
Tostada Assembly:
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Prepare BBQ chicken: Mix shredded chicken with barbecue sauce until coated.
- Assemble tostadas: Place tostada shells on a baking sheet. Top with BBQ chicken, cheese, black beans, and corn. Bake for 8–10 minutes.
- Finish and serve: Top with red onion, avocado, and cilantro. Add sour cream or crema if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For added spice, try pickled jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Rotisserie chicken can be used for convenience.
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