If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, these BBQ Chicken Tostadas are just what you need. Featuring crispy tostada shells topped with savory BBQ chicken, melted cheese, and fresh veggies, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how simple and satisfying these BBQ Chicken Tostadas are. They combine the smoky flavor of BBQ chicken with the crunch of tostada shells, creating a delightful texture contrast. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, I can enjoy a flavorful, hearty meal that’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner. Plus, the versatility of the toppings means I can customize each tostada to my liking, whether I want extra cheese, a touch of sour cream, or a squeeze of lime. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or just looking for a quick dinner, these tostadas never disappoint.
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
8 tostada shells
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded lettuce
1/4 cup sliced red onions
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
Lime wedges (optional)
Directions:
Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare BBQ Chicken: In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until well combined.
Assemble Tostadas: Place the tostada shells on a baking sheet. Evenly distribute the BBQ chicken mixture across the tostada shells, spreading it out to cover the tops.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the BBQ chicken on each tostada.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Top and Serve: Remove the tostadas from the oven. Top each one with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced red onions, and chopped cilantro. For added richness, you can add a dollop of sour cream on top. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Variations
Spicy Kick: Add some sliced jalapeños to the top of the tostadas for extra heat.
Cheese Variety: Try using Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with black beans or grilled vegetables for a vegetarian version.
Tostada Shell Alternatives: If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using whole wheat tostada shells or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative.
Serving Tips:
Fresh and Crispy: Serve the BBQ Chicken Tostadas immediately after baking to ensure the shells remain crispy. The combination of warm, melted cheese and cool, fresh toppings creates a delightful contrast.
Garnish: Enhance the flavor with a variety of garnishes. Consider adding extra cilantro, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat, or sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Accompaniments: Pair the tostadas with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple side salad to complete the meal.
Interactive: For a fun twist, set up a tostada bar where guests can top their tostadas with their choice of fresh ingredients and sauces.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftover BBQ Chicken Tostadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator. While the tostada shells may become slightly soft, the flavors will still be delicious. Consume leftovers within 2-3 days for the best quality.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the BBQ Chicken mixture separately from the tostada shells. To freeze, place the cooled chicken mixture in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before assembling the tostadas.
Reheating: To reheat, place the tostadas on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. This helps to restore some of the crispiness of the shells.
Related Recipes:
- Taco Stuffed Shells: Pasta Perfection Unleashed!
- Hearty Cheeseburger Casserole
- Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast
FAQs:
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds even more flavor to the BBQ chicken. Just shred the chicken and mix it with the BBQ sauce.
Can I make these tostadas ahead of time?
While it’s best to assemble the tostadas just before baking, you can prepare the BBQ chicken and chop the toppings ahead of time. This will save you time when you’re ready to bake and serve.
Can I use a different type of BBQ sauce?
Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can use any type of BBQ sauce you prefer—whether you like a sweet, tangy, or smoky flavor, it will work perfectly with the chicken.
How do I make this recipe spicier?
If you like things spicy, add some sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce on top before serving. You can also use a spicy BBQ sauce to give it an extra kick.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
While the tostada shells may lose their crispiness once frozen, you can freeze the BBQ chicken mixture for later use. Reheat the chicken mixture and assemble the tostadas when you’re ready to eat.
Conclusion:
These BBQ Chicken Tostadas are not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor. The crispy tostada shells provide the perfect base for the tender BBQ chicken and melted cheese, while the fresh veggies add a delightful crunch and brightness. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or hosting a casual get-together, these tostadas are sure to impress.
📖 Recipe:
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BBQ Chicken Tostadas
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These BBQ Chicken Tostadas are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring crispy tostada shells topped with tender BBQ chicken, melted cheddar cheese, and fresh veggies. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends, this recipe combines the smoky sweetness of BBQ sauce with a satisfying crunch. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a go-to choice for busy nights or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
8 tostada shells
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded lettuce
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup sliced red onions
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until well combined.
- Place the tostada shells on a baking sheet. Divide the BBQ chicken mixture evenly among the tostada shells, spreading it out to cover the tops.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the BBQ chicken on each tostada.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the tostadas from the oven and top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced red onions, and chopped cilantro.
- Add a dollop of sour cream on top of each tostada if desired, and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
For a fun twist, set up a tostada bar with additional toppings like sliced jalapeños or extra cilantro.
You can use any type of cheese you prefer or have on hand.
If you prefer to make the BBQ chicken mixture ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal
