Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite go-to dish: BBQ chicken tostadas! These little flavor-packed wonders are not just easy to whip up, but they’re also bursting with deliciousness. Whenever I have some leftover chicken, this recipe is my number one choice. The combination of shredded chicken tossed in tangy BBQ sauce, nestled atop crispy tostada shells, makes for a satisfying meal that hits all the right notes. Plus, you can top them with fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a dollop of creamy sour cream—just the thought gets my taste buds tingling! Trust me, once you try these BBQ chicken tostadas, you’ll be making them on repeat! They’re perfect for casual dinners, game day, or whenever you need a quick and satisfying bite.
Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Tostadas
Getting the ingredients together for these BBQ chicken tostadas is super simple! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or quickly poach some chicken breasts. The more tender, the better!
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce: Feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce—smoky, sweet, or spicy! It really makes a difference in flavor.
- 8 tostada shells: You can find these in most grocery stores. They’re crunchy and perfect for holding all that delicious goodness.
- 1 cup shredded lettuce: I love a nice crisp lettuce for that fresh crunch!
- 1 cup diced tomatoes: Fresh, juicy tomatoes add a wonderful burst of flavor.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese: Cheddar or a Mexican blend works great for melty goodness.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: This creamy topping adds a nice tang to balance the BBQ sauce.
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro: For that fresh herb finish—don’t skip it!
Gather these ingredients, and you’re all set for a delightful meal that’s sure to impress!
How to Prepare BBQ Chicken Tostadas
Making these BBQ chicken tostadas is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. While that’s warming up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to prevent any sticking.
Mix the Chicken and BBQ Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce. Mix it well, making sure every piece of chicken is coated in that tangy goodness. You can adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to your taste—more for a bolder flavor, less if you prefer it milder!
Assemble the Tostadas
Now, it’s time to assemble! Place the tostada shells on your prepared baking sheet. Generously top each shell with the BBQ chicken mixture, spreading it out evenly. Don’t be shy—load them up!
Bake and Add Toppings
Pop those tostadas in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, just until everything is heated through and the shells are crispy. Once they’re out, add the shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. Finish off with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and you’re ready to dig in!
Tips for Success
To make sure your BBQ chicken tostadas turn out perfect every time, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t overcrowd the tostada shells; give them enough space so they can crisp up nicely. If you want extra flavor, try marinating your chicken in the BBQ sauce for a bit before mixing. And here’s a little secret: if you like a bit of kick, add some sliced jalapeños on top before baking! Also, remember to serve them immediately after adding the toppings for the best texture—nobody likes soggy tostadas, right? Enjoy!
Variations on BBQ Chicken Tostadas
The beauty of BBQ chicken tostadas is how easily you can mix things up! For a zesty twist, try adding some sliced avocados or guacamole on top—talk about creamy goodness! If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle some ranch or blue cheese dressing for an extra layer of flavor. Want to spice things up? Toss in some pickled red onions or jalapeños for a kick! You could even switch out the BBQ sauce for a tangy buffalo sauce for a totally different vibe. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make these tostadas your own!
Nutritional Information
Here’s an estimated look at the nutritional content for these delightful BBQ chicken tostadas. Each tostada has approximately 250 calories, with about 10g of fat (3g saturated), 15g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. You’ll also find around 5g of sugar and 400mg of sodium in each serving. Keep in mind, these values can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes, but it gives you a good idea of what to expect. Enjoy your tasty meal guilt-free!
FAQ About BBQ Chicken Tostadas
Can I use store-bought BBQ chicken?
Absolutely! Using store-bought BBQ chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Just shred it and mix it with a bit more BBQ sauce if you want extra flavor.
Are these tostadas gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you use gluten-free tostada shells, this recipe is perfect for those following a gluten-free diet. Always check the label just to be safe.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken mixture and store it in the fridge. Just assemble and bake the tostadas when you’re ready to serve for the best texture.
What toppings can I add?
Get creative! You can add toppings like sliced jalapeños, avocado, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese for different flavor profiles. The sky’s the limit!
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Just keep the toppings separate to maintain that crispy tostada texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Deliciously flavorful with that perfect BBQ kick.
- Customizable toppings for everyone’s taste—make it your own!
- Great for gatherings, game days, or casual dinners.
- Uses simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
- Gluten-free option makes it accessible for everyone!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving BBQ chicken tostadas, the options are endless! I love pairing them with a refreshing side salad tossed in a light vinaigrette—it really balances out the richness of the tostadas. You could also serve them with some tangy coleslaw for a crunchy contrast. If you’re in the mood for something warm, some Mexican rice or black beans on the side would be fantastic! And let’s not forget about drinks—try a zesty limeade or a cold iced tea to wash it all down. Whatever you choose, these tostadas are sure to be the star of the meal!
For more information on the health benefits of chicken, check out this Healthline article.
To learn more about BBQ sauce varieties, visit this Serious Eats guide.
Print
BBQ Chicken Tostadas: 5 Steps to Deliciousness Today!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious BBQ chicken tostadas topped with fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 8 tostada shells
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce in a bowl.
- Place tostada shells on a baking sheet.
- Top each tostada with the BBQ chicken mixture.
- Bake for 10 minutes until heated through.
- Remove from the oven and add lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use any leftover chicken for a quick meal.
- Adjust the BBQ sauce to your taste.
- Try adding avocado for extra creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tostada
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: bbq chicken tostadas, chicken tostadas, easy tostadas
