Sizzling Barbecue Chicken Tostadas Recipe: A Fiesta on Your Plate

Crisp tortillas cradle a symphony of smoky barbecue chicken tostadas that dance with vibrant flavors and textures.

These delectable discs pack a punch of southwestern charm and irresistible appeal.

Tender chicken bathes in rich, tangy barbecue sauce, creating a mouthwatering base for each bite.

Crunchy tortillas provide the perfect canvas for layering savory ingredients and zesty toppings.

Fresh herbs and creamy elements add depth and complexity to this simple yet spectacular dish.

Every forkful promises a delightful explosion of taste that transforms an ordinary meal into a festive feast.

Unleash your culinary creativity and savor these irresistible tostadas that will become an instant favorite.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Tostadas

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F, getting ready for some delicious tostada magic.

Step 2: Arrange Tostada Shells

Spread out crispy tostada shells across two rimmed baking sheets, creating a perfect canvas for your meal.

Step 3: Sauce the Chicken

• Shredded chicken
• Barbecue sauce

Mix thoroughly until the chicken is completely dressed in saucy goodness.

Step 4: Build the Tostadas

Distribute the saucy chicken evenly across each tostada shell, then sprinkle with a generous layer of cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 6 to 8 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to melt into a gooey, irresistible blanket.

Step 6: Final Flavor Flourish

Pull the tostadas from the oven and drizzle with additional barbecue sauce.

For an extra pop of color and freshness, scatter sliced green onions on top.

Serve immediately and enjoy your mouthwatering barbecue chicken tostadas!

Tips for Perfect Barbecue Chicken Tostadas

• Choose a high-quality barbecue sauce with bold flavor to elevate the taste of your chicken tostadas.
• Shred cheese fresh from the block for optimal melting and smoother coverage across the tostada shells.
• Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time and add extra flavor layers.
• Watch closely during baking to prevent tostada shells from burning while ensuring cheese melts completely.
• Experiment with additional toppings like fresh cilantro, diced red onions, or a dollop of sour cream for added texture and taste.

Variations for Chicken Tostadas

• Vegetarian BBQ Jackfruit Tostadas: Replace chicken with shredded jackfruit, using the same barbecue sauce technique for a plant-based alternative that mimics pulled meat texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use certified gluten-free corn tostada shells and ensure barbecue sauce is gluten-free, maintaining the original recipe's flavor profile.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Variation: Add diced jalapeños, swap regular cheese for pepper jack, and incorporate a chipotle-infused barbecue sauce for extra heat.
• Lean Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with grilled turkey breast or lean ground turkey for a lower-fat protein option while keeping the barbecue sauce coating.

Serving Ideas for Barbecue Chicken Tostadas

• Southwestern Fiesta Plate: Serve these tostadas alongside Mexican-style rice, black beans, and a zesty corn salsa for a complete flavor-packed meal.
• Cool and Creamy Companion: Top each tostada with a dollop of sour cream or refreshing cilantro-lime crema to balance the tangy barbecue sauce.
• Fresh Finish: Scatter fresh chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or a quick pickled red onion on top to add brightness and extra texture to the crispy tostadas.
• Quick Party Platter: Arrange tostadas on a large wooden board for a casual, shareable appetizer perfect for game day or casual gatherings with friends.

How to Store Barbecue Chicken Tostadas

• Store leftover tostadas in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sogginess.
• Warm tostadas at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts and shells crisp up. Avoid microwaving to maintain crunchiness.
• Wrap individual tostadas tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• After reheating, add fresh green onions or extra barbecue sauce to restore original flavor and texture.

FAQs

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken or shredded chicken from leftover grilled chicken are perfect options, providing tender and flavorful meat that easily absorbs the barbecue sauce.

• Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes, add some diced jalapeños, sprinkle red pepper flakes, or use a spicy barbecue sauce to increase the heat level according to your preference.

• Do I need special equipment to make these tostadas?

No, just a standard baking sheet and oven are all you need to create these delicious barbecue chicken tostadas quickly and easily.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The sweet barbecue sauce and melted cheese make these tostadas appealing to children, and they’re simple enough for kids to help assemble.

Why Barbecue Chicken Tostadas Are a Flavorful Treat

• Whip Up Quickly: Super easy recipe that requires minimal prep and cooking skills, perfect for beginners or busy home cooks wanting a delicious meal fast.
• Customize Your Feast: Versatile dish allows endless topping variations like adding fresh cilantro, jalapeños, or switching cheese types to match personal taste preferences.
• Family Dinner Winner: Kid-friendly meal that combines familiar flavors of barbecue chicken with crispy tostada shells, making it a crowd-pleasing option for all ages.
• One-Pan Convenience: Minimal dishes and simple baking method mean less cleanup and more enjoyment, ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients for Barbecue Chicken Tostadas

• Tostada Shells: Crispy corn tortillas that serve as the base for this flavorful dish.
• Chicken: Protein-rich meat that gets coated in barbecue sauce for a tangy flavor.
• Barbecue Sauce: Sweet and tangy sauce that adds moisture and flavor to the chicken.
• Cheese: Melty topping that provides richness and helps bind the ingredients together.

• Green Onions: Fresh herb that adds a mild onion flavor and bright color to the dish.

• Baking Sheets: Flat pans used to hold and cook the tostadas evenly in the oven.
• Small Bowl: Useful for mixing chicken with barbecue sauce before assembling the tostadas.

Barbecue Chicken Tostadas Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

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

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Description

Sizzling Mexican-inspired Barbecue Chicken Tostadas bring zesty flavors dancing across crispy tortillas with tender, smoky chicken. Crunchy layers of salsa, cheese, and herbs create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 3 cups chicken (cooked and shredded)

Base Ingredients:

• 8 tostada shells (or 8 corn tortillas)

Toppings and Flavoring:

• 1.5 cups barbecue sauce
• 2 cups cheese (shredded, mozzarella, cheddar, monterey jack, or blend)
• 3 green onions (thinly sliced)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing tortillas)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F, preparing two rimmed baking sheets lined with tostada shells.
2. Mix shredded chicken thoroughly with barbecue sauce, ensuring complete and even coating.
3. Distribute the saucy chicken across each tostada shell with careful precision.
4. Sprinkle cheese generously over the chicken-covered shells, creating an even layer.
5. Slide the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 6-8 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges become slightly crisp.
6. Extract tostadas from the oven and embellish with an additional drizzle of barbecue sauce.
7. Optional: Garnish with finely sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Choose crispy, sturdy tostada shells to prevent soggy bottoms when adding saucy chicken.
• Opt for a smoky, tangy barbecue sauce that complements the chicken’s flavor without overpowering it.
• For a lighter version, use low-fat cheese and lean chicken breast to reduce overall calories.
• Try different protein options like pulled pork or shredded jackfruit for vegetarian guests.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg