Barbecue Chicken Tostadas Recipe
Introduction
Barbecue chicken tostadas are a quick and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a casual dinner or a fun gathering. Crispy tostada shells are topped with saucy shredded chicken, melted cheese, and a hint of fresh green onions. This dish offers a delightful mix of textures and smoky, tangy flavors.
Ingredients
- 8 tostada shells or 8 corn tortillas, brushed lightly with olive oil and baked for 3-5 minutes per side until crispy
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 1/2 cups of your favorite barbecue sauce, divided
- 2 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- 3 green onions, very thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Arrange the 8 tostada shells on two rimmed baking sheets.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with 1 cup of barbecue sauce, stirring to coat completely. Reserve the remaining ½ cup of barbecue sauce for later.
- Step 3: Evenly divide the sauced chicken over the tostada shells, then sprinkle about ¼ cup of shredded cheese on each one.
- Step 4: Bake the tostadas for 6 to 8 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 5: Remove from the oven, drizzle with the reserved ½ cup barbecue sauce, and top with the thinly sliced green onions if using. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, bake the tortillas to make tostada shells ahead of time and store them in an airtight container.
- Try different barbecue sauces to suit your taste, such as spicy, smoky, or sweet varieties.
- Substitute shredded rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
- Add toppings like diced avocado, sour cream, or chopped cilantro for more layers of flavor.
Storage
Store leftover tostadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to keep the shells crisp. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the crunchiness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the chicken barbecue mixture in advance?
Yes, the shredded chicken mixed with barbecue sauce can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated. This helps flavors meld and saves time when assembling the tostadas.
What if I don’t have tostada shells?
You can use corn tortillas baked until crispy as a substitute. Brush lightly with oil and bake for 3–5 minutes per side, then proceed as directed.
PrintBarbecue Chicken Tostadas Recipe
This Barbecue Chicken Tostadas recipe features crispy tostada shells topped with tender, barbecue sauce-coated shredded chicken and melted cheese. Finished with a drizzle of barbecue sauce and a sprinkle of fresh green onions, these tostadas make a flavorful and easy-to-prepare meal perfect for any casual gathering or family dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 8 tostadas 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Tostadas
- 8 tostada shells or 8 corn tortillas, brushed lightly with olive oil and baked for 3–5 minutes per side, until crispy
Chicken Topping
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 1/2 cups of your favorite barbecue sauce, divided
- 2 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- 3 green onions, very thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lay out the 8 tostada shells on two rimmed baking sheets, preparing them for the toppings.
- Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of cooked, shredded chicken with 1 cup of the barbecue sauce, stirring well to coat the chicken completely. Reserve 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce for later.
- Assemble Tostadas: Evenly distribute the barbecue-coated chicken over each tostada shell, then top each with approximately 1/4 cup of shredded cheese, totaling 2 cups for all.
- Bake to Melt Cheese: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 6 to 8 minutes, or just until the cheese has fully melted and started to bubble slightly.
- Add Final Touches: Remove the tostadas from the oven and immediately drizzle the remaining 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce over each. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions if desired, adding a fresh, sharp contrast to the smoky flavors.
Notes
- For tostada shells, if you don’t have store-bought tostada shells, you can make your own by crisping corn tortillas in the oven brushed with olive oil.
- Mozzarella cheese melts nicely, but feel free to experiment with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cheese blends for different flavors and textures.
- Adding green onions is optional but highly recommended to add a fresh bite.
- Leftover chicken can be substituted with rotisserie chicken for a quick prep.
- Serve with sides like guacamole, sour cream, or salsa to enhance the dish further.
Keywords: barbecue chicken, tostadas, Mexican-inspired, easy dinner, melted cheese, shredded chicken
