BBQ Chicken Tostadas Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a ridiculously flavorful meal that brings together smoky, sweet, and tangy in every bite, look no further than these BBQ Chicken Tostadas. This recipe piles juicy barbecue chicken, creamy refried beans, melty cheese, and all your favorite crisp toppings on golden tostada shells for the ultimate Tex-Mex treat. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a vibrant weeknight dinner, BBQ Chicken Tostadas come together in about twenty minutes and promise to be every bit as fun to make as they are to eat!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in BBQ Chicken Tostadas pulls its weight, and there’s nothing fussy here—just kitchen-friendly staples with big flavor impact. From the crackly shells to the bold, barbecue-slathered chicken and zingy fresh garnishes, you’ll love how these come together for a gorgeous, craveable meal.

• Corn tostada shells: These sturdy and crispy bases hold everything—if you’re feeling adventurous, homemade is wonderful, but store-bought is a huge timesaver.
• Shredded cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken works perfectly; just be sure it’s juicy!
• Barbecue sauce: Use your favorite brand (smoky, sweet, spicy—all work) for mixing with the chicken and for a final drizzle.
• Refried beans: These provide a creamy layer that helps anchor all the toppings and adds fiber and richness.
• Shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese: Melty goodness! Pick what makes your heart sing—sharp cheddar or a more mellow blend are both fantastic.
• Chopped red onion: Adds a pop of crunch and sharpness to balance out the sweet and smoky notes.
• Shredded lettuce or cabbage: For fresh, sturdy crunch—cabbage keeps its bite especially well.
• Diced tomato or pineapple (optional): Tomato adds a juicy tang, pineapple brings sweet tropical vibes—either is a great topping twist.
• Sour cream or crema: A cool, tangy drizzle that tames the bold flavors.
• Chopped cilantro or green onion: For a dose of herbal freshness right at the finish.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Your call, especially lovely for brightening up the beans and chicken.
• Optional lime wedges: A little squeeze over the top wakes up all the flavors instantly.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Tostadas

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Start by laying out all your components so that assembly is smooth and fun. Pre-shred your cooked chicken, chop your veggies, and have all your toppings within easy reach—you’ll feel like a true tostada artist in no time.

Step 2: Toast the Tostada Shells

If your shells need crisping, brush each side with a little oil and bake them in a preheated 400°F oven for about 3-5 minutes, or fry them quickly in a skillet. You want them golden and crisp for that satisfying crunch in each bite of your BBQ Chicken Tostadas.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken in Barbecue Sauce

In a large bowl, toss your shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce until every piece is glossy and evenly coated. This step is where all the smoky-sweet magic happens.

Step 4: Layer on the Refried Beans

Spread a thin—even layer of refried beans over each tostada shell. Use the back of a spoon for ease—this not only adds flavor but also acts as tasty “glue” for the toppings that follow.

Step 5: Add the BBQ Chicken and Cheese

Next, pile on a generous helping of that barbecue chicken, then sprinkle a hearty layer of shredded cheese over the top. Be sure to cover the chicken so the cheese can melt into all those nooks and crannies.

Step 6: Melt the Cheese

Pop your topped tostadas back into the oven for 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese is gooey and bubbling. This step brings everything together into a unified, melty bite.

Step 7: Top and Garnish

It’s topping time! Scatter chopped red onion, lettuce or cabbage, and tomato or pineapple on your cheesy BBQ Chicken Tostadas. Finish with a swoosh of sour cream or crema, a flurry of cilantro, and, if you love a zesty edge, a squeeze of fresh lime.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Tostadas

Garnishes

The magic of BBQ Chicken Tostadas truly shines with fresh garnishes. Think crisp lettuce or cabbage, sweet bursts of tomato or pineapple, crunchy red onion, a drizzle of creamy sour cream, and a sprinkle of cilantro or green onion for big flavor and color. Don’t skip the lime wedges—they deliver a bright, tangy finish that makes every bite pop.

Side Dishes

Round out your tostada feast with easy sides. A simple side of Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh corn salad pairs beautifully and adds even more color to your table. Chips and guacamole or salsa are also classic picks and perfect for snacking while you assemble.

Creative Ways to Present

BBQ Chicken Tostadas are all about having fun, so get creative! Set up a DIY tostada bar and let everyone build their own, or serve on a large platter as a “tostada stack” for passing around at parties. For a playful twist, cut tostadas into quarters for appetizer-size bites—irresistible for entertaining!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra toppings, store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge to keep everything fresh and crisp. Assembled BBQ Chicken Tostadas are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, try to keep the shells and toppings apart to keep things from getting soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of the shredded BBQ chicken for speedy future meals—just let it cool completely and transfer to a freezer-safe bag, labeling with the date. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. The other toppings and shells are best made fresh for top-quality texture.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken and beans gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot. To refresh tostada shells, pop them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes until crisp again. Once warm, assemble as usual for BBQ Chicken Tostadas that taste just as fantastic the next day.

FAQs

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tostada shells?

Absolutely! If you love a softer bite, you can use small flour tortillas—either toast them crisp in the oven to make tostada “shells,” or just warm and serve taco-style. It’s still absolutely delicious and holds all the BBQ Chicken Tostadas flavors.

What’s the best way to shred the chicken?

The fastest method is to use two forks to pull apart cooked chicken breast or thigh. If you have a stand mixer, shredding warm chicken with the paddle attachment creates fluffy, even shreds for perfect BBQ Chicken Tostadas in seconds.

Can I make this dairy-free or gluten-free?

Definitely! Choose dairy-free cheese and crema options, and double-check that your refried beans and barbecue sauce are gluten-free. Simply swap in gluten-free corn tostada shells and enjoy BBQ Chicken Tostadas that suit your dietary needs.

What barbecue sauce works best?

Go with your heart (and taste buds)! Sweet, spicy, or smoky barbecue sauces all bring something special to BBQ Chicken Tostadas. If you want to keep it lighter, look for a low-sugar variety—just make sure you love the flavor since it’s the star.

How do I keep the tostada shells from getting soggy?

For maximum crunch, always assemble BBQ Chicken Tostadas right before serving. Adding the refried beans and hot chicken just before eating keeps the shells sturdy and delicious. Prepped toppings can wait in the fridge until everyone is ready to build!

Final Thoughts

These BBQ Chicken Tostadas are a go-to for quick, vibrant meals that feel special any night of the week. They’re endlessly adaptable and sure to win over even picky eaters. If you’re looking for a dinner that guarantees smiles and second helpings, give BBQ Chicken Tostadas a spin—you’ll be so happy you did!

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