Barbecue Chicken Tostadas Recipe

These Barbecue Chicken Tostadas are the kind of meal you turn to when you want something irresistibly delicious and satisfying, but still want to keep things fuss-free and fun. Tender shreds of chicken are tossed with your favorite smoky barbecue sauce, then layered generously on crisp tostadas, blanketed with gooey cheese, and baked until bubbly. With that sweet, tangy, savory kick and a satisfying crunch in every bite, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—perfect for busy weeknights, backyard gatherings, or whenever you crave a Tex-Mex twist. If you haven’t tried Barbecue Chicken Tostadas yet, you’re in for a real treat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of familiar ingredients, you’ll build the flavor and texture that make Barbecue Chicken Tostadas completely unforgettable. Each component plays a role: crispness from the base, heartiness from the chicken, melty cheese for richness, and a pop of freshness from green onions. Here’s everything you’ll need, plus a little extra know-how!

• 8 tostada shells or 8 corn tortillas: Bake corn tortillas with a brush of olive oil to make them perfectly crisp if you don’t have pre-made tostadas on hand.
• 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken makes this easy, but any cooked chicken breast or thighs will do the trick—you want juicy pieces for best flavor.
• 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce, divided: Use your favorite brand or go smoky, spicy, or sweet for a custom spin; you’ll stir some into the chicken and reserve the rest for drizzling.
• 2 cups shredded cheese: Mozzarella offers a creamy melt, but don’t hesitate to mix in cheddar or Monterey Jack for extra flavor and color.
• 3 green onions, very thinly sliced (optional): Fresh green onion gives your Barbecue Chicken Tostadas that final punch of color and a touch of brightness right at the end.

How to Make Barbecue Chicken Tostadas

Step 1: Prep Your Tostada Shells

If you’re using corn tortillas, brush them lightly with olive oil and bake at 350°F for 3-5 minutes per side until crisp and golden. This turns humble tortillas into crunchy tostada shells, setting the stage for everything that follows. Already have store-bought tostadas? Just lay them out on two rimmed baking sheets.

Step 2: Mix the Barbecue Chicken

Take your cooked, shredded chicken and get it cozy in a mixing bowl. Pour in 1 cup of barbecue sauce (reserve the other half cup for later) and stir until all the chicken is beautifully coated. The sauce not only brings sweet, tangy flavor but helps keep the meat juicy and succulent.

Step 3: Assemble the Tostadas

Pile that saucy barbecue chicken onto each crispy shell, making sure it’s evenly divided. Now’s the time to blanket each tostada with about 1/4 cup of shredded cheese. This is where your kitchen starts to smell irresistible!

Step 4: Bake Until Melty

Pop the baking sheets into your preheated 350°F oven and let the Barbecue Chicken Tostadas bake for 6 to 8 minutes—just until the cheese is bubbling and temptingly golden. Keep an eye out; you want everything hot and gooey but not overbaked.

Step 5: Add the Final Touches

Once out of the oven, drizzle each tostada with the reserved 1/2 cup barbecue sauce for a glossy finish and extra flavor. Finish with a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions for a burst of color and fresh crunch. Serve immediately for best results!

How to Serve Barbecue Chicken Tostadas

Garnishes

For Barbecue Chicken Tostadas that really pop, garnish with plenty of fresh green onions or even a little chopped cilantro. Extra avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream on top also never hurt. These bright, fresh additions make every bite vibrant and extra special.

Side Dishes

To complete the meal, serve your Barbecue Chicken Tostadas with sides like a crisp green salad, tangy coleslaw, or black beans. You might also set out tortilla chips and guacamole for snacking while everyone assembles their tostadas—there’s no wrong way to enjoy them!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or casual get-togethers, try serving the barbecue chicken and toppings in separate bowls, letting guests build their own Barbecue Chicken Tostadas buffet-style. Arrange on a big platter and scatter extra green onions, jalapeños, or shredded lettuce around for a festive display that really wows a crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Barbecue Chicken Tostadas can be saved by removing any toppings and wrapping them up separately. Store the chicken and cheese mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep shells or baked tortillas in a sealed bag at room temperature to maintain their crunch.

Freezing

You can freeze the barbecue chicken mixture if you want to meal-prep ahead of time. Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and assemble your tostadas fresh for best results—freezing assembled tostadas isn’t recommended as they’ll lose their crispness.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken mixture gently in the microwave or on the stove until steaming hot. Crisp tostada shells in a 350°F oven for a few minutes if needed, then assemble with cheese and bake just until the cheese melts. Finish with your favorite toppings for a just-made effect every time.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken makes Barbecue Chicken Tostadas a true weeknight wonder. Just shred the meat, toss with barbecue sauce, and you’re ready to assemble.

What kind of barbecue sauce works best?

Choose a barbecue sauce you already love—smoky, spicy, sweet, or tangy all work beautifully in Barbecue Chicken Tostadas. If you want to customize, add a splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just make sure your barbecue sauce and tortillas are both certified gluten-free. Corn tortillas and many barbecue sauces tick this box, but always check labels if you’re sensitive.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Mozzarella melts beautifully and is mild, but cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend will also give great flavor. If you like a little spice, pepper jack is fun for a zippy kick.

Can I add extra toppings?

Definitely! Feel free to pile on pickled jalapeños, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or avocado. Barbecue Chicken Tostadas are a perfect canvas for all your favorite toppings.

Final Thoughts

I have a feeling these Barbecue Chicken Tostadas will quickly become a staple in your kitchen, just as they have in mine. They’re easy, incredibly tasty, and a joy to share. Give them a try—your taste buds (and your friends) will thank you!

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