BBQ Chicken Tostadas Recipe

If you’re craving something bold, colorful, and packed with flavor, BBQ Chicken Tostadas are about to become your new obsession. Imagine crispy tostada shells loaded with juicy barbecue chicken, melty cheese, sweet corn, hearty black beans, and all the freshest toppings. Every bite is a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, creamy, and crunchy. This recipe is quick enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough to serve at a casual get-together, and the toppings are endlessly customizable. Say hello to your next go-to meal!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for BBQ Chicken Tostadas couldn’t be simpler, but each one plays a crucial role in creating layers of taste and texture. From the smoky richness of the chicken to the zing of fresh lime and creamy avocado, every element shines.

• Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken make this step a breeze and soak up barbecue sauce beautifully.
• Barbecue sauce: Choose your favorite brand for the ultimate flavor boost—smoky, sweet, or spicy all work!
• Tostada shells: These crispy corn rounds provide the perfect crunchy base for all your toppings.
• Shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese: Melts to gooey perfection, adding richness to the tostadas.
• Canned black beans: Add a hearty, earthy bite and extra fiber—just be sure to drain and rinse them first.
• Corn (fresh, canned, or frozen): Sweet pops of corn balance the tangy barbecue flavors, and you can use whichever type Main Course.
• Red onion: A bit of sharpness and crunch in every bite—finely dice for best results.
• Avocado: Creamy, buttery avocado brings a cool contrast to the warm toppings.
• Fresh cilantro: Adds a burst of color and freshness—sprinkle generously!
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Either works for a luscious, tangy crema to drizzle on top.
• Juice of 1/2 lime: Brings brightness and ties all the flavors together.
• Salt and pepper: Just a pinch of each enhances everything else.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Tostadas

Step 1: Prep and Mix the BBQ Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. In a medium bowl, toss your cooked shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce until every piece is thoroughly coated. This step infuses the chicken with smoky, tangy flavor and ensures every bite is juicy and irresistible.

Step 2: Assemble the Tostadas

Arrange the tostada shells on a large baking sheet. Layer each shell with a generous spoonful of BBQ chicken, scattering it evenly. Next, sprinkle over the black beans and corn, making sure each tostada gets a little bit of everything for the perfect bite.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Bake

Top each tostada with a hearty handful of shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese. Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the shells are golden.

Step 4: Make the Lime Crema

While your BBQ Chicken Tostadas are baking, whisk together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) with freshly squeezed lime juice and a pinch of salt. This quick lime crema adds a cool, tangy finish that ties all the flavors together.

Step 5: Top and Serve

Once the tostadas are out of the oven, it’s time for the fun part: toppings! Scatter diced avocado, red onion, and chopped cilantro over each one. Finish with a generous drizzle of your lime crema and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Serve immediately while everything is warm and melty.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Tostadas

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishing BBQ Chicken Tostadas, the options are endless. A classic combo includes creamy avocado, crisp red onion, and fresh cilantro. For extra zing, squeeze a bit more lime on top or add a handful of pickled jalapeños. Crumbled cotija cheese makes a fantastic finish if you want a salty pop.

Side Dishes

Serve your tostadas alongside a zesty slaw, simple Mexican rice, or even a bowl of tortilla soup. If you’re feeling festive, a side of chips and guacamole or a refreshing cucumber salad will round out the meal perfectly and keep things light and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party-ready platter, arrange the tostadas on a large wooden board and let guests top their own with bowls of garnishes. Mini tostada shells are great for appetizers or game-day bites. You can also build a tostada bar with various toppings so everyone can customize their BBQ Chicken Tostadas just the way they like.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover BBQ Chicken Tostadas, store the toppings separately from the shells to preserve the crunch. Keep the chicken mixture, beans, and corn in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store crema and fresh toppings in individual containers as well.

Freezing

While tostada shells don’t freeze well once assembled, you can absolutely freeze the BBQ chicken mixture. Portion it into airtight freezer bags or containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and assembling fresh tostadas.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the BBQ chicken mixture in a skillet or microwave until hot. Assemble fresh tostadas and bake as directed, adding cheese right before baking to ensure everything is perfectly melty and crisp. If you’ve stored assembled tostadas, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to re-crisp the shells.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver and works perfectly for BBQ Chicken Tostadas. Just shred it, toss with sauce, and you’re ready to go.

Are BBQ Chicken Tostadas gluten-free?

They can be! Simply choose tostada shells labeled gluten-free. Double-check your barbecue sauce as well, since some brands may contain gluten ingredients.

What other toppings can I add?

Feel free to get creative! Pickled jalapeños, sliced radishes, cotija cheese, or even a spoonful of pineapple salsa all add a delicious twist to BBQ Chicken Tostadas.

Can I make these ahead of time for a party?

You can prepare all the components in advance and assemble just before serving. This keeps the tostadas crisp and the toppings fresh for your guests.

How do I keep tostadas from getting soggy?

Always assemble just before serving, and avoid letting the chicken mixture sit too long on the shells. Baking the assembled tostadas right before eating helps keep them crunchy and delicious.

Final Thoughts

BBQ Chicken Tostadas are the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with big smiles and happy appetites. With bold flavors, easy prep, and loads of ways to customize, this recipe is perfect for busy nights or festive gatherings. Give it a try and let these tostadas become a new favorite in your kitchen!

BBQ Chicken Tostadas Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 tostadas 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

BBQ Chicken Tostadas are a flavorful and easy-to-make Mexican-American dish featuring shredded chicken tossed in tangy barbecue sauce, layered on crispy tostada shells with black beans, corn, and melted cheese. Topped with fresh avocado, red onion, cilantro, and a zesty lime crema, these tostadas make a perfect quick dinner or weeknight meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Mixture

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce

Toppings & Other Ingredients

• 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, canned, or frozen)
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Lime Crema

• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the cooked shredded chicken with 1/2 cup barbecue sauce until all the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.
2. Arrange Tostadas: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Place the 6 tostada shells on a baking sheet in a single layer.
3. Layer Toppings: Evenly distribute the BBQ chicken on each tostada shell. Next, add black beans and corn on top of the chicken, then sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese over all the layers.
4. Bake: Bake the assembled tostadas in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
5. Make Lime Crema: While the tostadas are baking, mix sour cream or Greek yogurt with the juice of half a lime and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl to create a fresh lime crema.
6. Assemble Final Toppings: Once the tostadas come out of the oven, immediately top each with diced avocado, finely diced red onion, and chopped fresh cilantro.
7. Serve: Drizzle the prepared lime crema over the tostadas and serve right away to enjoy the contrasting textures and fresh flavors.

Notes

• You can use rotisserie chicken for a faster prep time.
• Try adding pickled jalapeños or a sprinkle of cotija cheese for extra flavor.
• For a gluten-free option, make sure your tostada shells are labeled gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 tostada
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 19g
• Cholesterol: 45mg