Name: BBQ Chicken Tostadas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well); 1 cup barbecue sauce; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella); 8 tostada shells (store-bought or homemade); 1/2 cup diced red onion; 1 cup chopped cilantro (optional); Sour cream, for serving (optional)

Why Make This Recipe

BBQ Chicken Tostadas are a fantastic choice for dinner, lunch, or even a quick snack! They are easy to prepare and packed with flavor. The combination of tender shredded chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, and melted cheese makes these tostadas delightful and satisfying. You can whip them up in just a short time, making them perfect for busy weekdays or casual gatherings. Everyone will love this dish, and it can easily be customized to suit your taste.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Tostadas

Ingredients:

2 cups shredded chicken (you can use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella work well)
8 tostada shells (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 cup diced red onion
1 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
Sour cream, for serving (optional)

Directions:

Prepare the Chicken: If you don’t have shredded chicken ready, cook chicken breasts in boiling water for about 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked. Remove from water and let it cool slightly. Shred the chicken using two forks or your hands.
Mix with BBQ Sauce: Place the shredded chicken in a bowl. Pour the barbecue sauce over the chicken and mix well, making sure all the chicken is coated in sauce.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare Tostadas: If using store-bought tostada shells, place them on a baking sheet. If you are making homemade tostadas, you can fry corn tortillas in oil until crispy and golden.
Assemble Tostadas: Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture generously onto each tostada shell. Make sure to distribute the chicken evenly among all the shells.
Add Cheese: After adding the chicken, sprinkle a good amount of shredded cheese on top of each tostada.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish: Once baked, remove from the oven. Top each tostada with diced red onions and fresh cilantro if using. You can also squeeze some lime juice over the top for added flavor.
Serve: Let them cool slightly, then serve with sour cream on the side if desired.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Tostadas

Serve BBQ Chicken Tostadas as a main dish or appetizer. You can create a fun topping bar where everyone can add their favorite toppings like chopped jalapeños, sliced olives, or additional barbecue sauce. Pair them with a side of coleslaw for a crunchy contrast or a simple green salad to balance the rich flavors. These tostadas are also excellent for game days, parties, or gatherings.

How to Store BBQ Chicken Tostadas

To store leftover BBQ Chicken Tostadas, keep the toppings separate. Place the shredded chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. Store tostada shells at room temperature in a sealed bag to maintain their crispness. For the best quality, consume the leftovers within 3 days. You can reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop before assembling the tostadas again.

Tips to Make BBQ Chicken Tostadas

Use Rotisserie Chicken: For even faster prep, buy rotisserie chicken from the store and skip the cooking step. Just shred it and mix with barbecue sauce.
Adjust BBQ Sauce: Taste your barbecue sauce before using. If it’s too sweet or spicy, you can mix it with a bit of ketchup or vinegar to balance the flavors.
Crispy Tostadas: For extra crispiness, bake the tostadas in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes before adding the toppings.
Customize: Feel free to modify the toppings. Avocado, jalapeños, or even pineapple can bring a unique twist to your tostadas.
Make it Spicy: If you like heat, add some diced serrano peppers or use spicy barbecue sauce.

Variation

Besides the traditional BBQ chicken, you can swap the chicken for pulled pork, beef, or even a vegetarian option with black beans and corn. For a Mexican twist, add refried beans as a base layer before the chicken. You can also try different types of cheese like pepper jack for a spicier kick or feta cheese for a tangy flavor. You can even create a breakfast version with scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage on the tostadas!

FAQs

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can boil it, grill it, or cook it in a slow cooker for convenience.

Q2: How can I make these tostadas healthier?

You can use whole wheat tostada shells and low-fat cheese. You can also load up on vegetables like diced bell peppers or shredded lettuce for added nutrients.

Q3: Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes, you can shred the chicken and mix it with barbecue sauce in advance. Just wait to assemble the tostadas until you’re ready to serve to keep them crispy.

These BBQ Chicken Tostadas are not only flavorful but also a breeze to prepare, making them a great choice for any meal. Enjoy the delicious taste of barbecue in a fun and crispy way, and don’t forget to share them with your family and friends!