BBQ Chicken Tostadas Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for BBQ Chicken Tostadas! This dish strikes that irresistible balance between smoky, cheesy, crispy, and tangy — all piled onto a crunchy shell that’s as fun to eat as it is to make. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a game night with friends, these BBQ Chicken Tostadas deliver big flavors and lots of smiles. The combination of juicy shredded chicken bathed in your favorite barbecue sauce, oozy cheese, and a handful of bright green onions is pure magic. Trust me, these tostadas will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of staples, you’ll create layers of bold flavor and texture in every bite. Each ingredient in these BBQ Chicken Tostadas plays a starring role, from the crispy base to that final fresh sprinkle of green onion.

• Tostada shells: The crunchy canvas for all your tasty toppings. You can use store-bought or make your own with corn tortillas!
• Cooked and shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken makes this extra easy, or use leftover grilled chicken for a smoky twist.
• Barbecue sauce: Go sweet, spicy, or smoky — whatever your tastebuds crave. It’s the heart of the flavor here.
• Shredded cheese: Melty goodness! Mozzarella yields stretch, while a cheddar blend gives punchy sharpness.
• Green onions: An optional finishing touch for freshness and a burst of color (but highly recommended!).

How to Make BBQ Chicken Tostadas

Step 1: Prep the Tostada Shells

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Arrange your tostada shells on two rimmed baking sheets so everything toasts up evenly. If you’re starting with corn tortillas, brush them lightly with olive oil and bake for 3 to 5 minutes per side until perfectly crisp. The golden shells are the ultimate base for piling on your toppings without getting soggy!

Step 2: Dress the Chicken

Add your cooked and shredded chicken to a mixing bowl. Pour in 1 cup of barbecue sauce (save the other 1/2 cup for drizzling later), and toss until every bit of chicken is glossy and coated with sweet and tangy flavor. This step locks in all the juiciness you crave from BBQ Chicken Tostadas.

Step 3: Top the Tostadas

Divide the saucy chicken evenly among your crisp tostada shells. Sprinkle each with about 1/4 cup of shredded cheese. Feel free to go a little heavy-handed if you love your cheese extra gooey and melty! At this point, your kitchen probably smells amazing.

Step 4: Bake

Slide the baking sheets into your preheated oven and bake for 6 to 8 minutes. You’re looking for cheese that’s melted and bubbling, just beginning to turn golden at the edges. The short bake keeps everything fresh but brings all that goodness together.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Out of the oven, immediately drizzle each BBQ Chicken Tostada with the reserved barbecue sauce. Scatter thin slices of green onion over the top for a fresh crunch and pop of color. These little finishing touches elevate every bite!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Tostadas

Garnishes

Garnishes make your BBQ Chicken Tostadas look restaurant-worthy and add fresh flavor. Besides green onions, you can toss on chopped cilantro, a handful of diced tomatoes, or a dollop of sour cream right before serving. For a little heat, some sliced jalapeños or a swirl of hot sauce are fantastic too!

Side Dishes

The bold flavors of BBQ Chicken Tostadas pair well with easy sides like a simple lime-dressed cabbage slaw, street corn salad, or classic black beans. If you’re feeling festive, add a bowl of chips and guacamole for good measure. These sides let your tostadas take center stage but round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, set up a DIY tostada bar and let guests build their own BBQ Chicken Tostadas with assorted toppings and sauces. Or plate them up on a rustic wooden board, cut into wedges for appetizer-style bites. Even for a casual dinner, a pretty platter and a scatter of colorful garnishes make this dish feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To store leftovers, keep the components separate for best results: the BBQ chicken mixture and the cheese in airtight containers in the fridge, and the tostada shells at room temperature. Assemble and reheat just before serving so everything stays crisp and fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze the shredded BBQ chicken on its own for up to two months. Let it cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe bags or containers. When you’re ready for BBQ Chicken Tostadas, simply thaw the chicken, reheat, and assemble fresh with shells and toppings.

Reheating

Warm the chicken gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of barbecue sauce if it’s dried out a bit. To re-crisp the shells, pop them in a hot oven for just a couple of minutes before topping and serving. This little extra effort keeps your tostadas tasting just-made.

FAQs

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tostadas?

Absolutely! Flour tortillas will give you a softer, chewier base instead of the classic crunch. You can bake them just like the corn tortillas or even toast them in a dry skillet for a different texture.

What’s the best cheese for BBQ Chicken Tostadas?

There’s no wrong answer here — mozzarella is melty and mild, while cheddar and Monterey Jack offer sharper, tangier notes. Try a combination for flavor and epic cheese pull action!

Can I make BBQ Chicken Tostadas ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken mixture and cheese and store them in the refrigerator, but assemble and bake just before serving to keep the shells ultra-crispy. Tostadas are all about texture, after all!

What barbecue sauce works best?

Choose your own adventure! Try anything from sweet and smoky to spicy and bold. Homemade or store-bought both shine — just use one that you genuinely love, since it’s such a key flavor in BBQ Chicken Tostadas.

Are BBQ Chicken Tostadas gluten free?

They can be! Just be sure to use certified gluten-free tostada shells or tortillas and double-check that your barbecue sauce doesn’t contain any sneaky gluten ingredients.

Final Thoughts

It’s hard not to get excited about a recipe this easy and rewarding, and I hope you’ll give BBQ Chicken Tostadas a spot in your regular rotation. With every crunchy, saucy, cheesy bite, you’ll see why they’re an instant favorite. Gather your ingredients, call some friends or family, and watch these tostadas disappear!

Print