Easy Grilled BBQ Chicken Tostadas Recipe for Taco Night

Summers sizzle with these mouthwatering barbecue chicken tostadas that bring a burst of flavor to your dinner table.

Bold and tangy barbecue chicken dances perfectly between crispy tortillas and fresh toppings.

Layers of zesty ingredients create a meal that feels like a celebration on a plate.

Each bite combines smoky chicken with crunchy textures that’ll make taste buds dance with excitement.

Colorful vegetables and creamy sauces add depth to this simple yet impressive dish.

Melted cheese and vibrant garnishes transform these tostadas into a crowd-pleasing feast.

Gather your ingredients and get ready to become the star of your next meal.

What Makes BBQ Chicken Tostadas So Tasty

• Experiment with different barbecue sauces and toppings to create your own unique twist on this versatile dish.
• Enjoy a crispy, cheesy, saucy meal that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
• Bake everything on a single sheet pan, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time on dishwashing.

What You Need for BBQ Tostadas

• Chicken: A tender and flavorful protein that serves as the core ingredient of the tostadas.

• Tostada Shells, Corn Tortillas: The crispy foundation that provides a satisfying crunch for the tostadas.

• Barbecue Sauce: A tangy and sweet condiment that coats the chicken and adds rich flavor to the dish.
• Shredded Cheese: A melty topping that adds creaminess and enhances the overall taste of the tostadas.

• Green Onions: A fresh and zesty topping that provides a light, crisp finish to the tostadas.
• Olive Oil: A light coating that helps crisp up the tostada shells during baking.

Making Chicken Tostadas at Home

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F.

This temperature ensures crispy shells and perfectly melted cheese without any burning mishaps.

Step 2: Prepare Crispy Tostada Shells

For store-bought shells, simply set aside.

Making homemade?

Brush corn tortillas with olive oil and bake on a sheet for 3-5 minutes per side.

Look for a golden color and a satisfying crunch when broken.

Step 3: Create Barbecue Chicken Mixture

• Shredded chicken
• Barbecue sauce

Stir thoroughly to ensure every chicken piece gets an even coating of saucy goodness.

Step 4: Build Your Tostada Masterpiece

Arrange tostada shells on a baking sheet.

Evenly distribute the barbecue chicken across each shell.

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top to create a melt-in-your-mouth layer.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven for 6-8 minutes.

Watch closely – you want the cheese to become bubbly and melted without overcooking the shells.

Step 6: Add Final Touches

Remove from oven and finish with a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce.

Garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of freshness and color.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer tostadas to a serving plate.

These are best enjoyed immediately while still warm and crispy.

Grab a napkin and get ready for a flavor explosion!

Best Tips for Crisp Tostada Texture

• Brush corn tortillas with olive oil for homemade shells that are perfectly golden and crispy. Store-bought shells work great too for a quick shortcut.
• Thoroughly mix barbecue sauce with chicken to ensure every bite is packed with consistent, delicious flavor throughout the tostada.
• Watch carefully during baking to achieve perfectly melted, bubbly cheese without overcooking the delicate tostada shells.
• Drizzle extra barbecue sauce after baking to enhance the overall taste and add a glossy, appetizing finish to your tostadas.
• Sprinkle fresh green onions on top for a bright, zesty garnish that adds a pop of color and extra layer of flavor to the dish.

Keeping BBQ Tostadas Fresh and Crispy

• Store leftover barbecue chicken tostadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent soggy shells.
• Wrap individual tostadas tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Note that the shells might lose some crispiness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place tostadas on a baking sheet and warm for 8-10 minutes until heated through. This method helps restore some crispiness to the shells.
• If you're short on time, microwave for 30-45 seconds. Be aware the shells might become slightly soft, but the toppings will be warm and delicious.

What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Tostadas

• Pair with Tangy Coleslaw: Crisp, creamy coleslaw cuts through the rich barbecue chicken, balancing the flavors with its zesty crunch and providing a refreshing contrast.
• Complement with Amber Ale: Select a medium-bodied amber ale that matches the smoky barbecue notes, enhancing the chicken's sweetness while cleansing the palate between bites.
• Serve with Lime Margarita: A bright, citrusy margarita brings a tangy kick that elevates the barbecue sauce's sweetness, creating a vibrant flavor combination that dances on the taste buds.
• Garnish with Fresh Salsa: Quick-made pico de gallo adds bright, fresh elements that counterpoint the rich, saucy tostadas, bringing a burst of acidity and herbal notes to each bite.

BBQ Chicken Tostada Ideas to Try

• Gluten-Free Fiesta: Replace store-bought tostada shells with gluten-free corn tortillas, ensuring they're crisp and golden before topping with barbecue chicken.
• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Swap chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or black beans, marinating them in barbecue sauce for a protein-packed alternative.
• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Version: Skip the tostada shells entirely and serve the barbecue chicken in crisp lettuce leaves for a lighter, carb-conscious option.
• Spicy Southwestern Remix: Add diced jalapeños, mix chipotle into the barbecue sauce, and top with pepper jack cheese to kick up the heat and flavor profile.

FAQs

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken are perfect because they’re already cooked and shred easily. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts also work great if you prefer to cook the chicken yourself.

• Can I make these tostadas spicy?

Yes! Add some diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or use a spicy barbecue sauce to increase the heat level. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes on top for extra kick.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids usually love barbecue chicken and crispy tostada shells. The simple ingredients and cheesy topping make this a crowd-pleaser for all ages. You can even let kids help assemble their own tostadas.

• What can I do if I don't have tostada shells?

No problem! You can use corn tortillas and crisp them up in the oven, or substitute with hard taco shells, pita bread, or even flatbread. Just make sure to get a crispy base for the best texture.

Barbecue Chicken Tostadas Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sizzling barbecue chicken tostadas bring Mexican street flavors straight to your kitchen, combining crispy tortillas with tangy pulled chicken. Spicy, smoky layers of grilled meat and zesty toppings create a delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups chicken, cooked and shredded
• 8 tostada shells or 8 corn tortillas
• 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce

Cheese:

• 2 cups cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or blend), shredded

Garnish:

• 3 green onions, very thinly sliced (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, ensuring optimal temperature for crispy shells and melted cheese.
2. Prepare tostada shells by either using store-bought or creating homemade versions. For homemade, brush corn tortillas with olive oil and bake 3-5 minutes per side until golden and crisp, achieving a firm texture that snaps when broken.
3. Combine shredded chicken with barbecue sauce in a bowl, thoroughly mixing to ensure even flavor distribution throughout the meat.
4. Arrange tostada shells on a baking sheet, evenly distributing barbecue-coated chicken across each shell.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken, covering each tostada with an even layer.
6. Bake for 6-8 minutes, monitoring closely to melt cheese without overcooking the shells or making them too hard.
7. Remove from oven and drizzle additional barbecue sauce over the tostadas.
8. Garnish with chopped green onions for added freshness and visual appeal.
9. Serve immediately while shells are crisp and cheese is warm and melted.

Notes

• Experiment with different tortilla types like whole wheat or gluten-free corn tortillas for dietary variations.
• Swap chicken with pulled pork, black beans, or shredded jackfruit for vegetarian and diverse protein options.
• Try homemade or store-bought barbecue sauces with varying heat levels and flavor profiles to match personal taste preferences.
• Use dairy-free cheese for vegan versions or mix different cheese types like cheddar and monterey jack for complex flavor layers.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg