BBQ Chicken Tostadas Recipe

If you’re searching for a fast, crowd-pleasing meal that captures the flavors of summer and gives you crunchy, cheesy, saucy satisfaction in every bite, look no further than these BBQ Chicken Tostadas. Piled high with tender barbecue chicken, gooey cheese, bright veggies, and a drizzle of cooling sour cream, this easy dinner is a colorful winner for weeknights or fun gatherings. Whether you’re craving Mexican fusion or just need a new twist on leftovers, BBQ Chicken Tostadas bring everyone to the table with smiles (and requests for seconds!).

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of BBQ Chicken Tostadas is how each simple ingredient transforms into a symphony of savory, crunchy, creamy, and fresh. Every item on this list plays its part, so don’t skip the garnishes—they make all the difference!

• Corn tostadas: These crisp, sturdy rounds are the foundation for all your tasty toppings, and they hold up well under loads of saucy chicken.
• Cooked shredded chicken: Grab leftover chicken, rotisserie, or even poached breasts; it soaks up barbecue sauce perfectly.
• Barbecue sauce: Sweet, smoky sauce is the heart of the flavor here—pick your favorite, and don’t be shy if you love it spicy!
• Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: Melty cheese is the ultimate comfort topping. It brings gooeyness and rich flavor.
• Shredded lettuce: Adds crunch and a pop of freshness that balances all those bold, saucy flavors.
• Diced tomatoes: Juicy and bright, tomatoes add a splash of color and just enough acidity to cut through the richness.
• Diced red onion: These little bites give a mild, sharp kick and gorgeous color contrast right on top.
• Chopped fresh cilantro: Sprinkled over the top, cilantro brings that herby, zippy lift every great tostada needs.
• Sour cream: For a creamy, cooling finish that ties every bite together—even better if you drizzle it on with flair!
• Lime wedges: Squeeze a little lime juice over the top just before eating to wake up all the flavors.
• Salt and pepper: Season to taste—because even a masterpiece sometimes needs a pinch more!

How to Make BBQ Chicken Tostadas

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy clean-up. This little step is a big timesaver and means you’ll get those tostadas crispy without sticking.

Step 2: Toss the Chicken

In a medium bowl, combine your cooked, shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce. Stir well until every strand of chicken is drenched in that smoky-sweet sauce. This step is where all the magical BBQ flavor infuses the meat, and you can adjust the sauciness to your liking.

Step 3: Assemble the Tostadas

Lay out the corn tostadas in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Evenly divide the BBQ chicken mixture among each tostada so everyone gets a good helping of that flavorful filling. Next, sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top, letting it fall into all the nooks and crannies. This way, every bite will be supremely cheesy.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly

Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tostadas are heated through. Watch closely—the toasty cheese and crisped edges are exactly what make BBQ Chicken Tostadas irresistible!

Step 5: Load On the Fresh Toppings

As soon as the tostadas come out of the oven, pile them with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, and plenty of fresh cilantro. The contrast between warm, cheesy chicken and crisp, cool veggies makes every bite exciting. Finish with a drizzle of sour cream and tuck a lime wedge on the plate for that final zing.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Tostadas

Garnishes

Garnishes like extra cilantro, thinly sliced jalapeños, or a sprinkle of cotija cheese bring even more personality to BBQ Chicken Tostadas. Don’t forget that sour cream drizzle—it cools things off in the tastiest way. If you want to get fancy, add a swirl of hot sauce for guests who love a kick!

Side Dishes

For a balanced meal, serve these tostadas alongside a fresh corn salad, black beans, or classic Mexican rice. Chips and guacamole never fail, but even a simple green salad with lime vinaigrette does wonders to round out your BBQ Chicken Tostadas feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn the tostadas into a build-your-own bar when serving a group: let everyone pile on their own toppings and garnishes for ultimate customization. For parties, cut tostadas into wedges and arrange them on a platter like nachos—guests will love the fun twist on appetizers! You can also make mini versions with smaller tortillas for bite-sized BBQ Chicken Tostadas perfect for snack boards.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep leftover BBQ Chicken Tostadas crisp, store the toppings, chicken, and tostadas separately in airtight containers. The chicken mixture, cheese, and veggies will all stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge, so you can quickly re-assemble for lunch or snacks.

Freezing

While the assembled tostadas aren’t freezer-friendly (that crunch would be lost!), you can freeze the BBQ chicken mixture on its own. Store it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat and build your tostadas fresh for maximum crunch.

Reheating

If your tostadas are already assembled, reheat them in the oven at 350°F until the cheese is melted and everything is warmed through—about 5 minutes. For leftovers stored separately, warm the chicken mixture, assemble on fresh tostadas, and bake just long enough to re-melt the cheese so nothing gets soggy.

FAQs

Can I make BBQ Chicken Tostadas gluten-free?

Absolutely—just make sure to use certified gluten-free corn tostadas and double-check that your barbecue sauce is gluten-free. It’s such an easy swap that doesn’t compromise any flavor or texture in this recipe.

What’s the best chicken to use for BBQ Chicken Tostadas?

Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver and brings tons of flavor, but you can use any cooked leftover chicken, whether it’s grilled, poached, or even baked. Just shred it and toss with barbecue sauce for that perfect base.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tostadas?

You can, but you’ll lose some of that signature crunch and flavor that corn tostadas offer. If you only have flour tortillas, try baking them with a brush of oil until crispy—they’ll work in a pinch!

How can I make BBQ Chicken Tostadas spicy?

To amp up the heat, use a spicy barbecue sauce, add sliced jalapeños, or sprinkle on some chipotle powder. You can tailor the spice level so everyone’s happy, or keep hot sauces on the table for folks who love a fiery finish.

What can I substitute for cheese if I’m dairy-free?

There are plenty of great dairy-free cheese shreds that melt well and taste delicious on BBQ Chicken Tostadas. You can also skip the cheese and add creamy avocado slices or extra beans for richness.

Final Thoughts

Give these BBQ Chicken Tostadas a try and watch how fast they disappear! Whether you’re feeding your family or a table full of friends, this recipe brings the flavor, color, and fun. Making tostadas at home really is that easy, and every bite is pure, saucy-crunchy delight—so go on, treat yourself tonight!

Print