BBQ Chicken Tostadas Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with BBQ Chicken Tostadas—a dish that’s everything you crave in a weeknight dinner: quick, easy, full of bold flavor, and just downright fun to eat. With a crispy tostada shell piled high with saucy shredded chicken, melty cheese, black beans, sweet corn, creamy avocado, and a pop of fresh cilantro, each bite explodes with texture and color. Whether you’re feeding the family, entertaining, or simply indulging in a solo treat, these BBQ Chicken Tostadas deliver joy and satisfaction in every crunchy, saucy mouthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Fresh, simple ingredients are what make these BBQ Chicken Tostadas sing. Each one has a special job, from bringing smoky depth to adding vibrant color or irresistible crunch—don’t skip any if you want tostada perfection!
- Cooked shredded chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut, or any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand for tender, juicy bites packed with protein.
- Barbecue sauce: Sweet, tangy, and a little smoky—this is the flavor backbone that transforms plain chicken into a craveable topping.
- Tostada shells: Crispy, crunchy, and sturdy enough to hold all those toppings—look for store-bought shells or crisp up your own tortillas in the oven.
- Shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, golden goodness that ties everything together with a creamy richness.
- Canned black beans: Drained and rinsed for convenience; these add earthy flavor and welcome extra protein.
- Corn (fresh, frozen, or canned): Pops of sweetness and color—use what you have, it’s all delicious!
- Red onion, finely chopped: A little sharp, a little sweet, and packed with crunch for a bright contrast in every bite.
- Avocado, diced: Creamy, buttery, and cooling—avocado is the finishing touch your tostada dreams about.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped: A burst of herbal freshness that lifts the whole dish.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional): Adds a cool, tangy dollop to balance the sweet heat of the BBQ.
- Lime wedges, for garnish: A squeeze of zesty lime brings everything to life—don’t skip it!
How to Make BBQ Chicken Tostadas
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by tossing your cooked, shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce in a medium bowl. Every strand should get slicked in that sweet, smoky sauce—it’s the flavor powerhouse of your BBQ Chicken Tostadas, so make sure it’s well mixed and juicy.
Step 2: Assemble the Tostadas
Line up your tostada shells on a large baking sheet. Now comes the fun part: layer each shell with a generous sprinkle of cheese (this forms a gooey, protective barrier), then pile on the BBQ chicken, followed by black beans, corn, and a scattering of finely chopped red onion. Don’t worry about being too perfect—rustic is part of the charm!
Step 3: Bake to Crispiness
Slide the loaded tostadas into a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven. Give them 8 to 10 minutes, just until the cheese is bubbling and those edges are beautifully crispy. Keep a close eye—there’s nothing sadder than an overbaked tostada shell!
Step 4: Add Fresh Toppings
Out of the oven, it’s time for color and freshness. Top each tostada with diced avocado and a generous sprinkle of chopped cilantro. This not only makes your BBQ Chicken Tostadas gorgeous, but also adds a creamy, herbal pop that balances all the bold flavors.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your tostadas right away, with dollops of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and plenty of lime wedges for squeezing. Gather everyone around, let them top their own, and dig in while everything is still hot and crisp!
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Tostadas
Garnishes
The finishing touches are what take BBQ Chicken Tostadas from tasty to truly memorable. Try a few slices of jalapeño for heat, shredded lettuce for cool crunch, or a dusting of cotija cheese for extra savory punch. Fresh cilantro and a good squeeze of lime are non-negotiable in my book—they bring vibrant color and zing.
Side Dishes
Think of sides as the opening act for your tostada main event. Try pairing these with a simple black bean salad, fluffy cilantro-lime rice, or classic Mexican street corn. For lighter fare, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is fantastic alongside BBQ Chicken Tostadas.
Creative Ways to Present
Hosting friends? Make a DIY tostada bar! Lay out tostada shells and all your toppings separately, so everyone can build their perfect combination. Or use mini tortillas and make bite-sized tostadas for party-friendly appetizers—trust me, they’ll disappear fast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got extra BBQ Chicken Tostadas or toppings, store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge—the chicken, beans, and corn will keep well for up to 3 days. Wait to assemble until ready to eat so the shells stay nice and crispy.
Freezing
While I don’t recommend freezing assembled tostadas (they’ll lose their crunch), you can absolutely freeze the shredded BBQ chicken itself. Store cooled, sauced chicken in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken and beans in the microwave or on the stove. Crisp up extra tostada shells in a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes. Assemble and top with your fresh ingredients just before serving—good as new!
FAQs
Can I use homemade barbecue sauce for BBQ Chicken Tostadas?
Absolutely! Homemade sauce brings a unique, personal touch to your BBQ Chicken Tostadas. Use your favorite recipe, whether it’s sweet, smoky, or has a dash of heat, and adjust the amount to your taste.
What’s the best way to make homemade tostada shells?
If you’re out of store-bought shells, just brush corn tortillas lightly with oil and bake at 400°F until golden and crisp, about 5 to 7 minutes per side. They come out wonderfully crunchy and make your BBQ Chicken Tostadas feel extra special.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Skip the cheese or use your favorite plant-based alternative, and substitute dairy-free yogurt or sour cream for topping. BBQ Chicken Tostadas are easy to adapt for any dietary needs.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just double-check that your BBQ sauce and tostada shells are certified gluten-free, and you’re all set to enjoy gluten-free BBQ Chicken Tostadas without worry.
How can I spice these up if I like things hot?
For an extra kick, add sliced jalapeños, a drizzle of hot sauce, spicy BBQ sauce, or a sprinkle of chipotle powder either in the chicken or as a finishing touch. BBQ Chicken Tostadas are totally customizable to fit your heat tolerance!
Final Thoughts
BBQ Chicken Tostadas are one of those magical recipes that feel fresh no matter how many times you make them. They’re quick, satisfying, and a hit with everyone—perfect for a lively weeknight dinner or your next casual get-together. Go on, give these a try and get ready for crunchy, saucy happiness in every bite!
Print
BBQ Chicken Tostadas Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 tostadas 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Satisfy your cravings with these delicious BBQ Chicken Tostadas that are perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. Crispy tostada shells topped with BBQ chicken, melted cheese, black beans, corn, and avocado, finished with a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro.
Ingredients
For the BBQ Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
For the Tostadas:
- 6 tostada shells
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional, for serving)
- lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the BBQ Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce until evenly coated.
- Assemble the Tostadas: Place the tostada shells on a baking sheet. Top each with a layer of cheese, followed by BBQ chicken, black beans, corn, and red onion.
- Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges of the shells are crispy.
- Final Touches: Remove from the oven and top with diced avocado and fresh cilantro. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and lime wedges on the side.
Notes
- Use store-bought rotisserie chicken for a quick prep.
- For extra crunch, add shredded lettuce or pickled jalapeños after baking.
- You can also use mini tortillas and crisp them in the oven for homemade tostada shells.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tostada
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
