Easy BBQ Chicken Tostadas Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy BBQ Chicken Tostadas are a fast, flavorful twist on traditional tostadas. They combine crispy tostada shells with smoky BBQ chicken, melty cheese, and your favorite toppings. Perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or satisfying your Tex-Mex cravings with minimal effort, this recipe delivers big taste with minimal fuss.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

shredded cooked chickenBBQ sauce (your favorite brand)crispy tostada shellsshredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheeserefried beans (optional)red onion (thinly sliced)fresh cilantro (chopped)sour creamlime wedges for servingjalapeño slices (optional)

directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until evenly coated.

Place the tostada shells on the prepared baking sheet.

Spread a thin layer of refried beans on each shell if using.

Top with BBQ chicken and sprinkle with shredded cheese.

Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Remove from oven and top with sliced red onion, jalapeños, and chopped cilantro.

Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a squeeze of lime juice.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 6 tostadas.Preparation time: 10 minutesBaking time: 7 minutesTotal time: 17 minutes

Variations

Use rotisserie chicken to save even more time.

Swap BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce for a spicy twist.

Add avocado slices or guacamole for extra creaminess.

Use mini tostadas for appetizer portions.

Try smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese for a flavor upgrade.

storage/reheating

Store leftover toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.Reheat tostada shells in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes to crisp them up before adding toppings.Avoid microwaving assembled tostadas, as they will become soggy.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought tostadas?

Yes, store-bought tostada shells work perfectly for this recipe.

What BBQ sauce works best?

Choose your favorite—sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy all work well.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, use BBQ jackfruit or black beans instead of chicken.

Are these spicy?

They’re mild by default. Add jalapeños or hot BBQ sauce for heat.

Can I use flour tortillas?

For tostadas, crispy corn tortillas are best. You can bake or fry them if you prefer homemade.

How do I keep tostadas from getting soggy?

Add the toppings just before serving, and bake the shells to keep them crisp.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

You can prep all the components ahead, but assemble and bake just before serving.

Can I freeze BBQ chicken?

Yes, store cooled BBQ chicken in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.

What cheese melts best?

Mexican blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack all melt well and complement the flavors.

Are they kid-friendly?

Yes, especially if you use a mild BBQ sauce and let kids choose their own toppings.

Conclusion

Easy BBQ Chicken Tostadas are a crowd-pleasing, quick meal packed with bold flavor and satisfying crunch. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, they’re perfect for busy nights or laid-back entertaining. Customize with your favorite toppings and make dinner a deliciously fun experience.

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