BBQ Chicken Tostadas Recipe: Crispy, Smoky, and Loaded with Flavor
BBQ Chicken Tostadas are the perfect combination of crunchy, savory, and cheesy. Built on a crispy tortilla base, these tostadas are piled high with shredded BBQ chicken, melted cheese, and your favorite toppings. They’re fast, satisfying, and great for weeknight dinners, game days, or family gatherings when you need something bold and fun.
What Makes This Dish Special?
This dish is all about texture and flavor. You get the smoky sweetness of barbecue sauce, the richness of melty cheese, and the crunch of the tostada shell—all in one bite. Plus, they’re totally customizable. Make them spicy, cheesy, or veggie-packed, and they’re always a hit. It’s comfort food with a fun twist and very little fuss.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 tostadas
Ingredients
- 4 tostada shells (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups cooked shredded chicken
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
- ½ cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado slices, jalapeños, lime wedges, or diced tomatoes
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Chicken and BBQ Sauce
In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
3. Assemble the Tostadas
Lay out the tostada shells on the baking sheet. Top each with a layer of black beans, followed by the BBQ chicken. Sprinkle cheese evenly over the top.
4. Bake Until Melty
Bake for 7–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through.
5. Add Toppings and Serve
Remove from oven and top with red onion, cilantro, and any optional toppings. Serve immediately while crispy.
Variations
- Spicy BBQ: Use a chipotle or spicy BBQ sauce and top with jalapeños.
- Tex-Mex Style: Add corn, bell peppers, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning.
- Veggie Version: Swap chicken for roasted veggies or jackfruit.
- Cheese Lover’s: Add a layer of queso or pepper jack for an extra melty bite.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Parchment paper (optional)
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Tostada)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftover components separately for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat assembled tostadas in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.
- Freezing: Not ideal for freezing due to texture loss.
My Cooking Experience
I’ve made BBQ Chicken Tostadas for everything from weeknight dinners to weekend gatherings, and they never disappoint. They’re one of those “build your own” meals that everyone can enjoy their own way—especially when you lay out a topping bar. They’re quick, customizable, and always disappear fast.
Conclusion
BBQ Chicken Tostadas are an easy, crave-worthy meal you can throw together in minutes. With crispy shells, juicy chicken, and endless topping options, they’re perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re feeding your family or entertaining friends, these tostadas hit the spot every time.
bbq chicken tostadas
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
- Lay out the tostada shells on the baking sheet. Top each with a layer of black beans, followed by the BBQ chicken. Sprinkle cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 7–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through.
- Remove from oven and top with red onion, cilantro, and any optional toppings. Serve immediately while crispy.
Notes
- Refrigerator: Store leftover components separately for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat assembled tostadas in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.
- Freezing: Not ideal for freezing due to texture loss.
