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Barbecue Chicken Tostadas Recipe

4.9 from 69 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

Tostadas

  • 8 tostada shells or 8 corn tortillas, brushed lightly with olive oil and baked for 35 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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