“You won’t believe how quickly dinner can turn into a fiesta!” That’s what my friend exclaimed when she took her first bite of my Quick & Easy Barbecue Chicken Tostadas. In just 18 minutes, you can enjoy a delightful combination of tender shredded chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, and melted cheese atop crispy corn tortillas. This recipe isn’t just a time-saver for busy weeknights; it’s gluten-free and can easily be customized with your favorite toppings, making it a hit for everyone at the table. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken, ensuring nothing goes to waste. Are you ready to bring a bit of zing to your dinner rotation? Let’s dive into this delicious, crowd-pleasing dish! Why Will You Love These Tostadas? Quick preparation: In just 18 minutes, you can have a mouthwatering dinner ready, giving you more time to enjoy with your loved ones. Flavor explosion: The combination of tangy barbecue sauce and melted cheese offers a truly festive flavor, reminiscent of summer cookouts. Customizable toppings: Whether you prefer classic cheese or want to spice it up with jalapeños, the topping options are endless. Family-friendly: These BBQ Chicken Tostadas are sure to please everyone, from kids to adults; they make a great way to get everyone excited about dinner. Perfect for leftovers: You can easily use up any leftover chicken, turning waste into a tasty meal. For more quick dinner ideas, check out my Cream Cheese Chicken or Garlic Parmesan Chicken. Barbecue Chicken Tostadas Ingredients • Perfect for your next family dinner! For the Tostadas • Tostada Shells (8) – A crunchy base; store-bought or homemade by baking corn tortillas brushed lightly with olive oil. • Cooked and Shredded Chicken (3 cups) – The main protein; leftovers work great for a quick meal. For the Sauce and Cheese • Barbecue Sauce (1.5 cups, divided) – Adds tangy sweetness; choose your favorite brand or make your own for added flair. • Shredded Cheese (2 cups) – Provides creaminess; mozzarella, cheddar, or Monterey Jack are all excellent options. For the Garnish • Green Onions (3, thinly sliced, optional) – Adds crunch and freshness; sprinkle generously for a vibrant touch. Make these delightful Barbecue Chicken Tostadas your family’s new favorite! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Barbecue Chicken Tostadas Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring your BBQ Chicken Tostadas achieve the perfect melt without compromising the crispy texture of the tostada shells. As the oven heats, gather your ingredients and prepare for the next steps. Step 2: Arrange the Tostada Shells Place 8 tostada shells on a baking sheet in a single layer. This will allow for even heating and crispiness. If you’re using homemade shells, make sure they are freshly baked and lightly brushed with olive oil for an extra crunch. Check that they fit comfortably on the sheet without overlapping. Step 3: Mix the Chicken with Barbecue Sauce In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken with 1.5 cups of barbecue sauce. Stir until the chicken is thoroughly coated, creating a flavor-packed mixture. The vibrant color of the sauce should completely envelop the chicken, signaling that it’s ready to add to your tostadas. Step 4: Top the Tostada Shells Distribute the barbecue chicken mixture evenly across the tostada shells. Use a spoon to ensure every shell has a generous portion of the tender chicken, which will give an explosion of flavor in each bite. Once you’ve topped them all, you’ll notice the bright colors of the sauce against the golden toasty shells. Step 5: Add the Shredded Cheese Sprinkle 2 cups of your chosen shredded cheese over the chicken mixture, covering each tostada generously. This melty layer will create that delicious, gooey texture once baked. Choose mozzarella for a classic taste or cheddar for a sharper bite, allowing the cheese to perfectly complement the barbecue flavors. Step 6: Bake Until Golden Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 8 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and look for the cheese to bubble and turn a golden brown, indicating that they are perfectly melted and ready to eat. This step transforms your Barbecue Chicken Tostadas into a comforting, hearty delight. Step 7: Final Touches and Serve Once baked, drizzle the remaining ½ cup of barbecue sauce over the hot tostadas for an extra flavor boost. If desired, sprinkle thinly sliced green onions on top for a fresh crunch. These final touches enhance presentation and add vibrant colors, making your BBQ Chicken Tostadas irresistible and ready to serve! How to Store and Freeze Barbecue Chicken Tostadas Room Temperature: Keep your assembled BBQ Chicken Tostadas at room temperature for up to 1 hour if serving immediately; they’re best enjoyed warm and crispy! Fridge: Store leftover tostadas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, store the chicken mixture and tostada shells separately. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chicken mixture (without toppings) in a labeled freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using. Reheating: Reheat the refrigerated or thawed tostadas in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid using a microwave to maintain that crunch. Expert Tips for Barbecue Chicken Tostadas Keep it Crispy: Ensure your tostada shells are fully crisp before adding toppings to prevent sogginess. Bake the shells beforehand if using soft tortillas. Shred Evenly: Make sure the chicken is shredded thoroughly. This ensures an even distribution of flavor across the BBQ Chicken Tostadas, preventing any bites from feeling dry. Try Different Sauces: Don’t hesitate to experiment with barbecue sauce flavors. Sweet, smoky, or spicy variants can elevate your dish and cater to your family’s taste preferences. Garnish Generously: Fresh toppings like cilantro or diced avocados can bring brightness to your dish. These accents add color and balance the richness of the cheese and sauce. Meal Prep Magic: Assemble your BBQ Chicken Tostadas ahead of time without cheese. Store them covered in the fridge, then add cheese and bake when you’re ready to serve. Make Ahead Options These Barbecue Chicken Tostadas are perfect for busy weeknights! You can assemble the tostadas (without cheese) up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, ensuring that the corn shells remain crisp. Just remember to keep the barbecue sauce separate until you’re ready to bake. When it’s time to enjoy, simply top the assembled tostadas with 2 cups of shredded cheese, drizzle with the reserved barbecue sauce, and bake as directed for about 8 minutes. This way, you’ll save time while still enjoying delicious, fresh flavors, making family dinners a breeze! Barbecue Chicken Tostadas Variations Feel free to let your creativity shine with these delightful variations that will make your BBQ Chicken Tostadas even more exciting! Meat Swap: Substitute chicken with shredded beef or pulled pork for a hearty twist. Each option lends a unique flavor profile that pairs beautifully with barbecue sauce. Cheese Choices: Go for a blend of pepper jack for a spicy kick or feta for a tangy contrast. The melted cheese adds richness, enhancing the overall flavor experience. Veggie Boost: Add toppings like diced tomatoes, fresh cilantro, or avocado slices to elevate freshness. Every bite gets an extra layer of deliciousness, making it a feast for the senses. Gluten-Free Options: Ensure your tostada shells are certified gluten-free. This makes your dish accessible while maintaining all the delicious flavors. Spicy Kick: Top with jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for a fiery flavor. The heat adds excitement, perfect for those who love a bit of spice in their meals. Creamy Drizzle: Consider a drizzle of ranch dressing or a zesty lime crema as a finishing touch. This adds a creamy element that balances the rich flavors of the cheese and barbecue. Baked Tostadas: For a healthier twist, bake your tostada shells instead of frying. This keeps them crispy without the extra oil, making your dish lighter. Savory Sides: Pair with a refreshing salad or a side of rice to complete your meal. A side of coleslaw can also enhance the texture contrast and complement the barbecue flavor perfectly. As you explore these variations, think about checking out more quick recipes like my Cranberry Chicken Savory or Grilled Chicken Broccoli to add even more variety to your weeknight dinners! What to Serve with Quick & Easy BBQ Chicken Tostadas There’s nothing like creating a vibrant, mouthwatering meal alongside your favorite BBQ Chicken Tostadas to delight your family and friends. Crispy Green Salad: A fresh, crunchy salad provides a bright contrast to the rich flavors, balancing the meal beautifully. Toss in a zesty vinaigrette for added zing! Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans are a filling and flavorful side that complements the tostadas and adds a bit of traditional Mexican flair to your dinner. Mexican Street Corn: Grilled corn on the cob coated in mayo, cheese, and chili powder offers a sweet, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the BBQ chicken, bringing a taste of summer to your feast. Guacamole: Creamy avocado blended with lime and spices adds a refreshing element, enhancing the overall experience with its smooth texture and rich taste. Cheesy Spanish Rice: Fluffy rice mixed with tomatoes, spices, and cheese creates a comforting side that rounds out the meal while integrating seamlessly with the toasty flavors of the tostadas. Watermelon Mint Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with watermelon and mint provides a sweet finish to your meal, cleansing the palate beautifully after the savory tostadas. Pineapple Salsa: Tangy, sweet pineapple salsa adds a burst of flavor and fresh brightness that complements the smoky barbecue sauce on the tostadas. Ice-Cold Lemonade: Pair your tostadas with a refreshing drink, like a homemade lemonade, to cut through the richness and create a cheerful summery vibe at your dinner table. Churros: End your meal on a sweet note with crispy churros dusted in cinnamon sugar; they offer a delightful contrast to the savory toasts while remaining family-friendly! Barbecue Chicken Tostadas Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right barbecue sauce? Absolutely! The choice of barbecue sauce can greatly enhance the flavor of your BBQ Chicken Tostadas. Feel free to experiment with different types such as tangy, spicy, or sweet sauces. Brands like Sweet Baby Ray’s or Stubb’s offer a wide variety, but making your own with ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices is always a hit! How should I store leftover BBQ Chicken Tostadas? After a delightful dinner, place any leftover BBQ Chicken Tostadas in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To keep your tostadas crispy, I recommend separating the chicken mixture from the shells and storing them in separate containers. Can I freeze BBQ Chicken Tostadas? Certainly! For freezing, prepare the chicken mixture without toppings and place it in a labeled freezer bag. It can be stored for up to 3 months this way. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw the mixture in the fridge overnight, assemble with fresh tostada shells and cheese, and bake as per the recipe instructions! What if my chicken is too dry? Not to worry! If you find your chicken is a bit dry, simply add a splash of extra barbecue sauce to the mixture before layering it onto the tostada shells. This not only enhances flavor but also provides moisture. For the best results, ensure that the chicken is evenly shredded to allow for an even distribution of sauce and flavor. Are these BBQ Chicken Tostadas suitable for gluten-free diets? Very much so! The recipe naturally accommodates gluten-free diets as long as you use certified gluten-free corn tortillas for the tostada shells, and select a barbecue sauce that is also gluten-free. This makes it a great option for family members with dietary restrictions while still being delicious for everyone! How do I customize the toppings on my BBQ Chicken Tostadas? The more the merrier! Feel free to personalize your BBQ Chicken Tostadas with a variety of toppings. Consider adding fresh jalapeños for a spicy kick, diced tomatoes for freshness, or a sprinkle of cilantro for added flavor. You could even substitute the chicken with shredded beef or pulled pork to mix things up! Delicious Barbecue Chicken Tostadas for Quick Family Dinners You won't believe how quickly dinner can turn into a fiesta with these Barbecue Chicken Tostadas that are gluten-free and customizable. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 8 minutes minsTotal Time 18 minutes mins Servings: 4 tostadasCourse: DinnerCuisine: MexicanCalories: 320 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Tostadas8 Tostada Shells Store-bought or homemade by baking corn tortillas brushed lightly with olive oil.3 cups Cooked and Shredded Chicken Leftovers work great for a quick meal.For the Sauce and Cheese1.5 cups Barbecue Sauce Choose your favorite brand or make your own for added flair.2 cups Shredded Cheese Mozzarella, cheddar, or Monterey Jack are all excellent options.For the Garnish3 Green Onions Thinly sliced, optional. Equipment ovenbaking sheetmixing bowl Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Barbecue Chicken TostadasPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place 8 tostada shells on a baking sheet in a single layer. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken with 1.5 cups of barbecue sauce. Stir until the chicken is thoroughly coated. Distribute the barbecue chicken mixture evenly across the tostada shells. Sprinkle 2 cups of your chosen shredded cheese over the chicken mixture. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 8 minutes. Once baked, drizzle the remaining ½ cup of barbecue sauce over the hot tostadas. Nutrition Serving: 1tostadaCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 25gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 840mgPotassium: 330mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 230mgIron: 2mg NotesKeep your tostada shells fully crisp before adding toppings to prevent sogginess. You can use leftover chicken to make this dish even quicker. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
