Let me tell you, BBQ chicken tostadas are one of my absolute favorite go-to meals! They’re not just quick and easy to whip up, but the flavors are simply out of this world. Picture this: crispy tostada shells topped with tender, BBQ-coated chicken, fresh veggies, and gooey cheese—yum! I love making these on busy weeknights or when friends drop by unexpectedly. They’re perfect for sharing (or not, if you’re feeling selfish!). Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked on the sweet and smoky goodness. Plus, you can customize them to fit your taste, which makes these BBQ chicken tostadas even more appealing. So, let’s dive into how to make this delicious dish!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand for a personal touch!)
- 8 tostada shells (store-bought or homemade, either works great)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce (I love using crisp romaine for that extra crunch)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh ones are best for that juicy flavor)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a Mexican blend works wonders)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for that creamy finish)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (adds a burst of freshness!)
How to Prepare BBQ Chicken Tostadas
Alright, let’s get cooking! Making BBQ chicken tostadas is as easy as pie, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying that crispy, flavorful goodness in about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, go ahead and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is super important because we want those tostada shells nice and crispy!
- In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken with 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Make sure every piece of chicken gets coated in that tangy goodness. You can use rotisserie chicken for an extra quick prep!
- Now, grab a baking sheet and arrange your 8 tostada shells in a single layer. It’s okay if they touch a little, but you want them mostly spaced out for even baking.
- Next, spoon the BBQ chicken mixture generously onto each tostada shell. Don’t be shy here; pile it on!
- Time to bake! Pop the baking sheet in the oven for about 10 minutes, just until everything is heated through and the edges of the shells are starting to get golden.
- Once they’re out of the oven, it’s topping time! Load each tostada with 1 cup of shredded lettuce, 1 cup of diced tomatoes, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Finish it off with a dollop of 1/2 cup of sour cream and a sprinkle of 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro for that fresh touch!
- Now, dig in and enjoy your homemade BBQ chicken tostadas!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional side of things! Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so they aren’t set in stone. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect per serving (that’s one tostada):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 15g
So, whether you’re enjoying these tasty BBQ chicken tostadas as a weeknight dinner or a fun gathering snack, they’re a satisfying choice to fuel your day!
Why You’ll Love BBQ Chicken Tostadas
- Quick and Easy: You can whip these up in just 25 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of smoky BBQ chicken, fresh veggies, and melted cheese creates a mouthwatering experience you won’t forget!
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the toppings! Add jalapeños for a kick, or throw on some avocado for creaminess—make them your own!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these tasty tostadas. They’re fun to eat and easy to customize for picky eaters.
- Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s a game night or a casual get-together, these tostadas are a hit with friends and family. Set them up as a DIY topping bar!
- Gluten-Free Option: With simple adjustments, you can easily make these BBQ chicken tostadas gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your BBQ chicken tostadas turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my top tips that I’ve learned along the way:
- Use Quality BBQ Sauce: The BBQ sauce you choose can make or break this dish. Go for one that you really love—the sweeter, smokier, or spicier, the better! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different brands or homemade options.
- Don’t Overload the Tostadas: While it’s tempting to pile on the toppings, be careful not to overdo it! A light hand allows for a perfect crunchy bite without everything sliding off. You want to enjoy that satisfying crunch with every bite!
- Toast Your Tostadas: If you want an extra crispy shell, consider toasting the tostada shells in the oven for a few minutes before adding the chicken. It gives them that delightful crunch that holds up beautifully against the toppings!
- Keep It Fresh: Fresh ingredients can elevate your dish dramatically. Use freshly chopped cilantro, ripe tomatoes, and crisp lettuce to enhance the flavors and textures of your tostadas.
- Make It Spicy: If you like heat, add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce on top before serving. It adds a nice kick that complements the BBQ flavor perfectly!
- Prep Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can prepare the chicken and chop your vegetables in advance. This way, when it’s time to meal prep, you can just assemble and bake in a flash!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a BBQ chicken tostada expert in no time. Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous (which I totally encourage!), there are so many fun ways to switch up these BBQ chicken tostadas. Here are some of my favorite variations that keep things exciting!
- Southwest Style: Add black beans and corn to your chicken mixture for a southwestern twist. Top with avocado slices and a sprinkle of lime juice for that extra zing!
- Spicy BBQ: Want some heat? Mix diced jalapeños right into the BBQ chicken or sprinkle them on top before serving. You can also drizzle with hot sauce for an extra kick!
- Cheesy Delight: Try adding different types of cheese! Pepper jack for a spicy twist, or even some crumbled feta for a tangy flavor. The more cheese, the merrier, right?
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or grilled zucchini for a delicious veggie version. Toss in some smoked paprika to get that BBQ flavor going!
- Asian-Inspired: Change things up by using teriyaki chicken instead of BBQ. Top with shredded carrots, sliced green onions, and a drizzle of sesame dressing for a unique fusion flavor.
- Breakfast Tostadas: Who says you can’t have breakfast for dinner? Use scrambled eggs in place of chicken, top with cheese, avocado, and a dollop of salsa for a savory morning treat any time of day!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas! The best part about BBQ chicken tostadas is that they’re super customizable, so let your creativity shine and make them uniquely yours!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving BBQ chicken tostadas, I love pairing them with a few delicious sides and refreshing drinks to elevate the whole meal. Here are some of my favorite ideas that complement those tasty tostadas perfectly:
- Mexican Street Corn Salad: This vibrant salad, with its creamy dressing, fresh corn, and cilantro, brings a burst of flavor that pairs beautifully with the smoky BBQ chicken.
- Guacamole and Chips: You can never go wrong with creamy guacamole and crunchy tortilla chips on the side! It adds that perfect touch of richness.
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh pico de gallo is a great way to add some brightness and acidity to balance the flavors of the tostadas. Plus, it’s easy to whip up!
- Refried Beans: A side of warm refried beans provides a hearty touch to your meal. You can even spread them on the tostadas for an extra layer of flavor!
- Margaritas: For drinks, a classic margarita is always a hit! The limey tang complements the BBQ flavors wonderfully. You could also try a refreshing fruity version with mango or strawberry.
- Iced Tea or Lemonade: If you’re looking for something non-alcoholic, a glass of iced tea or homemade lemonade is super refreshing and balances the meal nicely.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your own perfect BBQ chicken tostada feast! Enjoy every bite and sip!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made a delicious batch of BBQ chicken tostadas, and now you’re wondering how to store those tasty leftovers? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! The best way to keep your tostadas fresh is to store the components separately. This way, the tostada shells stay crispy and the toppings remain fresh. Here’s what to do:
- For Leftovers: Place any leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for quick lunches or snacks!
- Tostada Shells: If you have extra shells, keep them in a zip-top bag or an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crispy for a day or two.
- Veggies and Toppings: Store your lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and other toppings in separate containers in the fridge. This keeps everything fresh and crunchy!
When you’re ready to dig in again, you’ll want to reheat everything carefully to maintain that wonderful crunch:
- Reheating Chicken: Warm the BBQ chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. If you’re using the microwave, do it in short bursts to avoid drying it out.
- Recrisping Tostada Shells: For the tostada shells, pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or until they’re nice and crispy again. You can even use a toaster oven for this!
- Assemble Fresh: Once everything is warmed up, reassemble your tostadas with the fresh toppings. That way, you’ll enjoy that delightful crunch just like when you first made them!
By following these simple storage and reheating instructions, you can savor your BBQ chicken tostadas even after the first delicious meal. Enjoy every bite!
Print
BBQ Chicken Tostadas: 7 Reasons You’ll Love This Delight
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
BBQ chicken tostadas are a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring crispy tortillas topped with BBQ chicken, fresh veggies, and cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 8 tostada shells
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce.
- Place tostada shells on a baking sheet.
- Top each shell with BBQ chicken mixture.
- Bake for 10 minutes until heated through.
- Remove from oven and add lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream.
- Garnish with cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
- Customize toppings to your preference.
- Make it spicy by adding jalapeños.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tostada
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: bbq chicken tostadas, easy recipe, Mexican food