BBQ Chicken Tostadas Recipe
Introduction
BBQ Chicken Tostadas are a delicious and easy way to enjoy a smoky, cheesy meal with a satisfying crunch. This recipe layers tender shredded chicken with tangy barbecue sauce and melted cheese on crispy tostada shells, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 8 tostada shells (or 8 corn tortillas, brushed lightly with olive oil and baked for 3-5 minutes per side, until crispy)
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 1/2 cups of your favorite barbecue sauce, divided
- 2 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- 3 green onions, very thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Arrange the 8 tostada shells in a single layer on two rimmed baking sheets.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of cooked shredded chicken with 1 cup of barbecue sauce. Stir until the chicken is completely coated.
- Step 3: Evenly divide the barbecue chicken mixture among the tostada shells. Top each with about ¼ cup of shredded cheese.
- Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 6 to 8 minutes, until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Step 5: Remove from the oven and drizzle each tostada with the remaining ½ cup barbecue sauce. Sprinkle with sliced green onions, if using, before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, warm the barbecue sauce slightly before mixing with the chicken.
- Try swapping shredded chicken for cooked pulled pork or beef for a different protein twist.
- Add diced jalapeños or a drizzle of sour cream for a spicy and creamy kick.
- Use corn tortillas toasted in a dry skillet if you don’t have tostada shells on hand.
Storage
Store leftover toppings and shells separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken mixture gently on the stove or microwave before assembling. Assemble tostadas fresh to keep the shells crisp, then warm briefly in the oven after adding cheese to melt it again if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare these tostadas ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken mixture in advance and keep it refrigerated, but it’s best to assemble and bake the tostadas just before eating to maintain crispiness.
What if I don’t have barbecue sauce on hand?
If you’re out of barbecue sauce, try mixing ketchup, a little vinegar, brown sugar, and smoked paprika as a quick homemade alternative.
PrintBBQ Chicken Tostadas Recipe
Delicious BBQ Chicken Tostadas featuring crispy tostada shells topped with shredded chicken coated in tangy barbecue sauce and melted cheese. Finished with a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce and fresh green onions for a quick and flavorful meal perfect for casual lunches or dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 tostadas 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Tostada Shells
- 8 tostada shells (or 8 corn tortillas, brushed lightly with olive oil and baked for 3–5 minutes per side, until crispy)
Chicken and Toppings
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce, divided
- 2 cups shredded cheese (use mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- 3 green onions, very thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Tostadas: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lay out the 8 tostada shells on two rimmed baking sheets to prepare them for topping.
- Mix Chicken with BBQ Sauce: Place 3 cups of cooked and shredded chicken into a mixing bowl. Reserve 1/2 cup of the barbecue sauce. Pour 1 cup of the barbecue sauce over the chicken and stir until the chicken is completely coated.
- Assemble Tostadas: Evenly divide the BBQ chicken mixture among the tostada shells. Then sprinkle about 1/4 cup (total 2 cups) of shredded cheese on top of each tostada.
- Bake Tostadas: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake the assembled tostadas for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish with Sauce and Garnish: Remove the tostadas from the oven. Drizzle the remaining 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce over each tostada and sprinkle with thinly sliced green onions, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For homemade tostada shells, bake corn tortillas brushed lightly with olive oil at 350°F for 3-5 minutes per side until crisp.
- Use any BBQ sauce you prefer – sweet, smoky, or spicy varieties work well.
- Feel free to substitute or blend cheeses according to taste preferences.
- Green onions add a fresh crunch and mild onion flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
- Serve with sides like guacamole, sour cream, or salsa for extra flavor.
Keywords: BBQ chicken, tostadas, shredded chicken, baked tostadas, quick dinner, barbecue sauce, cheesy tostadas
