BBQ Chicken Tostadas Recipe
Introduction
BBQ Chicken Tostadas are a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Crispy tostada shells layered with saucy shredded chicken and melted cheese make every bite irresistible.
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 tostada shells on two rimmed baking sheets.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with 1 cup of barbecue sauce and stir well to coat evenly. Reserve the remaining ½ cup of barbecue sauce for later.
- Step 3: Spread the barbecue-coated chicken evenly over the tostada shells. Then, sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheese evenly across the top.
- Step 4: Bake the tostadas for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 5: Remove from the oven, drizzle with the reserved ½ cup barbecue sauce, and garnish with thinly sliced green onions if desired. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, bake your own tostada shells by brushing corn tortillas lightly with olive oil and baking them until golden and crunchy.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a bit of spice or a cheddar blend for richness.
- Add toppings such as diced avocado, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime for added freshness.
Storage
Store leftover BBQ chicken tostadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes to keep the shells crispy. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and can save time while providing great flavor.
Can I prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can mix the shredded chicken with barbecue sauce a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and bake.
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BBQ Chicken Tostadas Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 tostadas 1x
Description
These BBQ Chicken Tostadas are a quick and flavorful meal featuring crispy tostada shells topped with tender shredded chicken coated in tangy barbecue sauce, melted cheese, and a fresh sprinkle of green onions. Perfect for a casual dinner or party appetizer.
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 and Sauce
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce (divided)
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- 3 green onions, very thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lay out the 8 tostada shells evenly on two rimmed baking sheets to prepare for assembly and baking.
- Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of cooked and shredded chicken with 1 cup of barbecue sauce, stirring thoroughly to coat the chicken well. Reserve the remaining 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce for later use.
- Assemble Tostadas: Distribute the barbecue-coated chicken evenly over the tostada shells, then sprinkle about 1/4 cup of shredded cheese on top of each tostada, totaling 2 cups across all 8.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the cheese has melted completely and begins to bubble slightly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the tostadas from the oven. Drizzle the reserved 1/2 cup barbecue sauce over each tostada and garnish with the thinly sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- If using corn tortillas instead of tostada shells, brush lightly with olive oil and bake 3-5 minutes per side until crispy.
- Feel free to substitute the cheese with any preferred shredded cheese such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend for varied flavor.
- Green onions are optional but add a nice fresh crunch and subtle sharpness.
- These tostadas can be customized with additional toppings like avocado, sour cream, or cilantro to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: BBQ Chicken Tostadas, barbecue chicken, tostada recipe, easy Mexican-inspired meal, baked tostadas, shredded chicken, quick dinner
