BBQ Chicken Tostadas Recipe
Introduction
These BBQ Chicken Tostadas are a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Crispy shells topped with saucy chicken and melted cheese create a delicious and satisfying dish everyone will love.
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. Lay out the tostada shells on two rimmed baking sheets.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with 1 cup of barbecue sauce, stirring to coat completely. Set aside the remaining ½ cup of barbecue sauce.
- Step 3: Divide the sauced chicken evenly among the tostada shells. Top each with about ¼ cup of shredded cheese.
- Step 4: Bake in the oven for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 5: Remove from the oven and drizzle each tostada with the reserved ½ cup of barbecue sauce. Sprinkle with thinly sliced green onions if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- Try different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy twist.
- Add sliced jalapeños or avocado for extra flavor and texture.
- For extra crispiness, bake the tostada shells longer before adding toppings.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the tostadas on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to keep the shells crispy. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these tostadas vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the chicken with cooked black beans or seasoned grilled vegetables for a tasty vegetarian option.
What can I use if I don’t have tostada shells?
You can use corn tortillas brushed with olive oil and baked until crispy, or even crispy pita bread rounds as a base.
PrintBBQ Chicken Tostadas Recipe
Delicious and easy BBQ Chicken Tostadas featuring crispy tostada shells topped with shredded barbecue chicken, melted cheese, and fresh green onions. A perfect blend of smoky BBQ flavor and cheesy goodness, ideal for a quick weeknight meal or casual gathering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 tostadas 1x
- Category: Main Course
- 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)
BBQ Chicken
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce, divided (1 cup for chicken, 1/2 cup for topping)
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- 3 green onions, very thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Arrange the 8 tostada shells on two rimmed baking sheets to prepare for assembly and baking.
- Prepare Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of cooked and shredded chicken with 1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly.
- Assemble Tostadas: Evenly divide the BBQ-coated chicken among the tostada shells. Then, sprinkle about 1/4 cup of shredded cheese on each tostada, making sure the cheese covers the chicken.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the tostadas are heated through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the tostadas from the oven. Drizzle the remaining 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce over each tostada, then sprinkle thinly sliced green onions on top if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- To make your own tostada shells, brush corn tortillas lightly with olive oil and bake at 350°F for 3-5 minutes per side until crispy.
- You can customize the cheese to your preference; mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend all work well.
- Use any barbecue sauce you like for different flavor profiles, from smoky to spicy.
- Green onions add a fresh contrast but can be omitted if preferred.
- For a crispier tostada, bake the assembled shells on a wire rack set over the baking sheet to allow air circulation.
Keywords: BBQ chicken tostadas, barbecue chicken, tostadas, quick dinner, baked tostadas, shredded chicken recipe
