Crispy tostadas topped with smoky BBQ chicken create the perfect fusion of Mexican tradition and American barbecue flavors. We’ve discovered that this winning combination delivers maximum taste with minimal effort – making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
These BBQ chicken tostadas transform leftover chicken into something extraordinary. The contrast between the crunchy corn shell and tender, saucy chicken creates an irresistible texture that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds. We love how customizable they are – pile on fresh lettuce, creamy avocado, tangy cheese, and your favorite toppings.
What makes this recipe special is its versatility. Whether you’re using rotisserie chicken from the store or grilling fresh chicken breasts, the smoky BBQ sauce brings everything together beautifully. We’ll show you how to achieve that perfect balance of flavors and textures that makes these tostadas absolutely addictive.
Ingredients
We’ve organized our ingredients into three simple categories to make your shopping and prep work effortless. Each component builds on the next to create these irresistible BBQ chicken tostadas.
For the BBQ Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup barbecue sauce divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Tostada Assembly
- 8 corn tostada shells store-bought or homemade
- 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
- 1 cup Mexican cheese blend shredded
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for brushing shells
For the Toppings
- 2 cups iceberg lettuce finely shredded
- 2 medium tomatoes diced
- 1 large avocado sliced
- 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 2 limes cut into wedges
- Hot sauce for serving
- Pickled jalapeños optional
Equipment Needed
Creating these BBQ chicken tostadas requires minimal kitchen equipment that most home cooks already have on hand. We’ll walk through each essential tool to ensure your cooking process runs smoothly from start to finish.
Slow Cooker or Crockpot serves as our primary method for creating tender shredded BBQ chicken. This hands-off approach allows us to achieve perfectly cooked chicken while we prepare other components. A standard 4-6 quart slow cooker works best for this recipe.
Oven or Toaster Oven handles two crucial tasks in our recipe preparation. We use it to crisp corn tortillas into golden tostada shells and later melt the cheese during final assembly. Preheating to 350-400°F ensures optimal results.
Baking Sheets provide the flat surface needed for transforming soft corn tortillas into crispy tostada shells. We recommend using rimmed baking sheets to prevent tortillas from sliding off during the baking process.
Mixing Bowls help us organize ingredients and combine seasonings with our chicken. Having several sizes available streamlines the preparation process and keeps ingredients separated until assembly time.
Fork for Shredding becomes essential once our chicken finishes cooking in the slow cooker. Two forks work even better for efficiently pulling apart the tender meat into perfect bite-sized strands.
Cooking Spray or Brush ensures our corn tortillas achieve that perfect golden crisp without becoming too oily. Either tool distributes oil evenly across the tortilla surface for consistent browning.
Stovetop or Microwave warms the refried beans to the ideal spreading consistency. Both methods work effectively, though the stovetop offers more control over heating temperature.
Knife and Cutting Board handle all our fresh ingredient preparation including chopping red onions and cilantro. Sharp knives make quick work of these final garnishes that add fresh flavor and color to our finished tostadas.
Instructions
Follow these step by step directions to create perfectly crispy tostadas topped with tender BBQ chicken. Each stage builds upon the previous one to ensure maximum flavor and texture.
Prep the Chicken
Start by selecting either boneless chicken breast or rotisserie chicken for shredding. Place chicken breast in your slow cooker along with chicken broth and your choice of BBQ sauce. Season generously with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to build deep flavor layers.
Set your crockpot to high heat for 4 hours or low heat for 6 hours depending on your schedule. The chicken becomes perfectly tender when it shreds easily with a fork. Remove the cooked chicken and shred it thoroughly using two forks, then mix with additional BBQ sauce for extra flavor coating.
Make the BBQ Sauce
Choose your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or prepare a homemade version according to your taste preferences. We recommend keeping extra sauce on hand for drizzling over the finished tostadas.
Reserve approximately 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce specifically for the final assembly and serving. This ensures each bite delivers that signature smoky sweet flavor that makes these tostadas irresistible.
Cook the Chicken
Your slow cooker method will have already cooked the chicken to perfection during the prep stage. The low and slow cooking process creates incredibly tender meat that absorbs all the BBQ flavors.
Alternatively, toss pre-cooked shredded chicken with BBQ sauce just before assembling if you’re using rotisserie chicken. This method works beautifully for quick weeknight meals when time is limited.
Prepare the Tostada Shells
Purchase corn tostada shells from your local grocery store or create homemade versions for superior freshness. Preheat your oven to 400°F for the homemade shell preparation.
Lightly spray corn tortillas with avocado oil or cooking spray for even browning. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. The shells should emerge golden and perfectly crisp.
Assemble the Tostadas
Preheat your oven to 350°F or 400°F based on how quickly you want the cheese to melt. Warm your refried beans either on the stovetop or in the microwave until they spread easily.
Spread a thin layer of warm refried beans across each tostada shell as your flavor foundation. Top generously with the BBQ chicken mixture, ensuring even distribution across the surface.
Sprinkle shredded cheese such as mozzarella, cheddar, or Monterey Jack over the chicken layer. Bake for 3 to 10 minutes until the cheese melts completely and all toppings warm through.
Remove from the oven and immediately add fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, thinly sliced red onion or green onions, crisp lettuce, pico de gallo, and cooling sour cream. Finish with a generous drizzle of reserved BBQ sauce before serving hot.
Serving Suggestions
Transform your BBQ chicken tostadas into a complete dining experience by pairing them with complementary sides and beverages. We recommend serving these crispy delights alongside fresh guacamole or a vibrant salsa verde to add cooling contrast to the smoky barbecue flavors.
Mexican rice makes an excellent foundation for a hearty meal when served beneath your tostadas. The fluffy grains absorb any drippings from the toppings while providing satisfying substance. A light mixed greens salad dressed with lime vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint to the rich cheese and BBQ sauce.
Elevate the nutritional profile by choosing baked tostada shells instead of fried versions and selecting lean chicken breast for your protein base. These simple swaps maintain all the flavor while reducing calories and unhealthy fats.
Add textural variety with sliced avocado arranged over the lettuce layer or diced jalapeños sprinkled on top for heat lovers. Fresh pico de gallo provides bursts of acidity that cut through the richness of melted cheese and creamy sour cream.
Scale the recipe effortlessly for entertaining by doubling or tripling ingredients based on guest count. We suggest preparing 2-3 tostadas per person for a main course or 1-2 for appetizer portions. Set up a tostada bar with various toppings arranged in separate bowls so guests can customize their own creations.
Beverage pairings enhance the overall meal experience. Cold Mexican beer complements the barbecue flavors beautifully while agua frescas offer non-alcoholic refreshment. Sparkling water with lime wedges cleanses the palate between bites of these flavor-packed tostadas.
Storage and Reheating Tips
We understand that meal prep makes weeknight dinners effortless. Our BBQ chicken tostadas store beautifully when you follow proper techniques to maintain their delicious flavors and textures.
Storing BBQ Chicken Components
Store your leftover cooked BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. We recommend keeping the shredded chicken separate from other components to maintain optimal freshness. The seasoned chicken mixture holds its flavor exceptionally well when properly sealed.
Preserving Tostada Shell Crispiness
Keep tostada shells separate and crunchy in a sealed container at room temperature. We never recommend storing assembled tostadas since this causes the shells to become soggy. The corn shells maintain their perfect crunch when stored away from moisture and humid conditions.
Smart Assembly Strategy
Assemble tostadas fresh before serving to keep the shells crisp. We always prepare our components in advance but wait to build the final dish until serving time. This approach ensures every bite delivers that satisfying crunch we love.
Reheating Methods for Best Results
| Component | Method | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBQ Chicken | Microwave or Stovetop | Medium heat | Until warmed through |
| Assembled Tostadas | Oven | 350°F | 5-7 minutes |
| Individual Components | Various | As needed | 2-3 minutes |
Reheat shredded BBQ chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. We prefer gentle reheating to prevent the chicken from drying out during the process.
Maintaining Crispiness During Reheating
To keep tostadas crispy upon reheating bake assembled tostadas in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated and cheese is bubbly. We avoid microwaving assembled tostadas as this method makes the shells soggy and compromises the texture.
Optimal Storage Timeline
Plan to consume stored components within the recommended timeframe for food safety and quality. We find that properly stored BBQ chicken maintains its smoky flavor profile throughout the 3-4 day storage period when refrigerated correctly.
Recipe Variations
We love how versatile this BBQ chicken tostada recipe is for different tastes and dietary needs. These variations let you customize the dish to match your preferences or accommodate various dietary restrictions.
Spicy BBQ Chicken Tostadas
We recommend using a spicy BBQ sauce as the foundation for this fiery version. Add sliced jalapeños directly onto the tostadas before baking to infuse more heat throughout each bite. For the chicken preparation, we suggest cooking it in a crockpot with minimal ingredients to achieve easy shredding while maintaining maximum flavor. Once assembled and baked, drizzle hot salsa and your favorite hot sauce over the finished tostadas. This creates layers of heat that build with each bite, perfect for those who crave bold flavors.
Healthier Baked Version
We focus on reducing calories while maintaining incredible taste in this lighter variation. Use baked tostada shells or create your own by spraying corn tortillas with light olive oil or avocado oil spray, then baking until crispy. For the protein, we cook lean chicken breast in a crockpot with chicken broth and BBQ sauce to keep it moist without added fats. Opt for reduced-fat cheese or use smaller amounts of regular cheese to cut calories. Load up on fresh vegetables and herbs as toppings to boost nutrition and add vibrant colors to your tostadas.
Vegetarian Alternative
We substitute the chicken with protein-rich alternatives like cooked black beans, pinto beans, or plant-based meat substitutes. Use spicy BBQ sauce to maintain the bold flavor profile that makes these tostadas so appealing. Add grilled vegetables such as bell peppers and onions to create satisfying texture and smoky flavors. Top with your choice of regular cheese or vegan cheese alternatives, then finish with fresh lettuce, cilantro, and salsa. This variation proves that plant-based proteins can be just as satisfying and flavorful as traditional meat options.
Conclusion
These BBQ chicken tostadas prove that extraordinary meals don’t require complicated techniques or endless ingredients. We’ve shown you how to create restaurant-quality tostadas right in your own kitchen using simple methods that work every time.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability – whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining friends we’ve given you all the tools to succeed. From storage tips to creative variations you now have everything needed to make these tostadas your own.
We’re confident that once you try these crispy smoky delights they’ll become a regular feature on your dinner table. The combination of textures and flavors creates something truly special that your family will request again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of chicken works best for BBQ chicken tostadas?
Both boneless chicken breast and rotisserie chicken work excellently for this recipe. Boneless chicken breast offers a lean option that absorbs BBQ flavors well, while rotisserie chicken provides convenience and saves cooking time. If using rotisserie chicken, simply shred it and mix with your favorite BBQ sauce. For homemade preparation, slow cooking ensures tender, easily shreddable chicken.
Can I make tostada shells at home instead of buying them?
Yes, you can easily make homemade tostada shells. Simply brush corn tortillas with cooking spray or a light coating of oil, then bake at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip halfway through baking for even crispiness. This method allows you to control the crunchiness and creates fresher shells than store-bought options.
How long can I store leftover BBQ chicken tostadas?
Store cooked BBQ chicken separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep tostada shells at room temperature in a sealed container to maintain crispiness. Assemble tostadas just before serving to prevent sogginess. Never store assembled tostadas, as this will make the shells lose their crunch and become soggy.
What are the best toppings for BBQ chicken tostadas?
Popular toppings include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, Mexican crema or sour cream, shredded cheese, and diced jalapeños. Fresh pico de gallo adds acidity and brightness, while a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce enhances the smoky flavor. Customize toppings based on your preferences, but aim for a balance of textures and flavors.
How do I reheat BBQ chicken tostadas properly?
For best results, reheat BBQ chicken separately in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 30-60 seconds. If reheating assembled tostadas, use a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to maintain shell crispiness. Avoid microwaving assembled tostadas as this makes shells soggy. Add fresh toppings after reheating for optimal texture and flavor.
Can I make a vegetarian version of these tostadas?
Absolutely! Replace the BBQ chicken with seasoned black beans, pinto beans, or plant-based chicken alternatives. Season beans with BBQ sauce, cumin, and chili powder for similar flavors. You can also use grilled vegetables like bell peppers and onions. The assembly process remains the same, ensuring a satisfying vegetarian meal with plenty of protein and flavor.
What sides pair well with BBQ chicken tostadas?
Complement your tostadas with fresh guacamole, salsa verde, Mexican rice, or black beans. These sides enhance the Mexican-American fusion theme while providing additional flavors and textures. For beverages, consider cold Mexican beer, agua frescas, or lime-infused sparkling water. These pairings create a well-rounded meal that’s perfect for casual dining or entertaining guests.
