BBQ Chicken Tostadas Recipe

BBQ Chicken Tostadas are a fantastic fusion of two beloved cuisines: American BBQ and Mexican tostadas. This recipe combines the smoky, savory flavors of BBQ chicken with the crunchy texture of crispy tostada shells, creating a meal that’s perfect for dinner, casual get-togethers, or even game day snacking. In this guide, we’ll explore how to create this flavorful dish from scratch, including how to prepare the chicken, make homemade tostada shells, and customize toppings to suit your tastes.

What Are Tostadas?

Tostadas are a traditional Mexican dish made from crispy, fried or baked tortillas that are typically topped with a variety of ingredients like beans, meat, cheese, and vegetables. The word “tostada” means “toasted” in Spanish, referencing the method of crisping up the tortilla. Tostadas are often considered a versatile dish, as you can add almost any topping to create your own unique meal.

In this BBQ Chicken Tostadas recipe, the smoky flavor of barbecue sauce pairs beautifully with the crunchy tortilla base, while fresh toppings like lettuce, avocado, and cheese add layers of texture and flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for BBQ Chicken Tostadas

Step 1: Cook the BBQ Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you plan to bake the tostada shells.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika on both sides. The paprika adds a rich, smoky flavor that complements the BBQ sauce.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts.
4. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. This step helps lock in the flavors and gives the chicken a nice crust.
5. Once the chicken is seared, reduce the heat to low, add 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce to the skillet, and cover with a lid. Let the chicken simmer for another 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The BBQ sauce will caramelize, coating the chicken in a sticky, delicious glaze.
6. Once fully cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and allow it to rest for a few minutes before shredding it with two forks. This shredded BBQ chicken will be the star of your tostadas!
7. Toss the shredded chicken with an additional 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce to ensure it’s well-coated and flavorful. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Tostada Shells

You can either fry or bake your tostada shells. Both methods result in crispy tortillas, though frying will give a more traditional texture.

Frying Method:

1. In a deep skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). To test if the oil is hot enough, you can drop a small piece of tortilla into the oil—it should sizzle immediately.
2. Using tongs, carefully place one tortilla into the hot oil. Fry for about 30-45 seconds per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy. Be sure to flip it once to ensure even cooking.
3. Once crispy, remove the tortilla from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Lightly sprinkle with salt while it’s still warm.
4. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.

Baking Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the tortillas in a single layer on a baking sheet. Lightly brush both sides with vegetable oil and sprinkle with a little salt.
3. Bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tortillas are crispy and golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Step 3: Assemble the Tostadas

Now that your chicken and tostada shells are ready, it’s time to assemble the tostadas!

1. Spread a spoonful of BBQ sauce on each tostada shell for an extra layer of flavor.
2. Add a generous amount of shredded BBQ chicken to each tostada. Be sure to distribute the chicken evenly among all the tostadas.
3. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced red onions for crunch and freshness.
4. Sprinkle cheese over the top of each tostada. The cheese will melt slightly from the warmth of the chicken, adding a creamy, rich texture.
5. Add diced avocado and drizzle sour cream or a dollop in the center for a tangy, creamy contrast to the BBQ flavors.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty finish.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect BBQ Chicken Tostadas

1. Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience

If you’re short on time, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. Simply shred the rotisserie chicken and toss it with BBQ sauce in a skillet until it’s heated through.

2. Experiment with BBQ Sauces

BBQ sauce is key to the flavor of this dish. Whether you prefer a sweet, smoky, or spicy BBQ sauce, feel free to experiment with different flavors. Homemade BBQ sauce can also elevate the dish by offering a fresher, more personalized taste.

3. Make Ahead of Time

Both the chicken and the tostada shells can be made ahead of time. Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The tostada shells can be stored in a sealed bag at room temperature for a day or two, though they are best when freshly made.

4. Add a Protein Boost

To make this meal even more filling, consider adding black beans or refried beans as a base layer before adding the BBQ chicken. Beans not only add texture but also increase the protein content, making this meal more satisfying.

5. Customize the Toppings

The beauty of tostadas is their versatility! You can get creative with the toppings by adding pickled jalapeños, sliced radishes, crumbled queso fresco, or even a drizzle of spicy ranch dressing. Adjust the toppings based on your preferences or dietary needs.

Side Dishes to Serve with BBQ Chicken Tostadas

BBQ Chicken Tostadas are a filling meal on their own, but if you’re looking to complete your meal with some sides, here are a few options:

1. Mexican Rice

A classic side dish, Mexican rice is a perfect complement to BBQ Chicken Tostadas. The subtle flavors of the rice balance out the boldness of the BBQ chicken.

2. Refried Beans

Serve your tostadas with a side of refried beans for added richness and creaminess. You can spread the beans on the tostada shell or serve them on the side.

3. Street Corn Salad

For a fresh, tangy contrast to the rich BBQ flavors, try serving Mexican street corn salad (also known as elote salad). Made with corn, lime, cilantro, and cotija cheese, this salad adds a zesty, refreshing element to the meal.

4. Chips and Guacamole

A side of chips and guacamole is always a crowd-pleaser. The creamy, cool guacamole pairs wonderfully with the smoky, tangy BBQ chicken.

Variations on BBQ Chicken Tostadas

1. BBQ Chicken and Black Bean Tostadas

Add a layer of black beans or refried beans underneath the BBQ chicken for a heartier, protein-packed meal. You can season the beans with cumin and garlic for extra flavor.

2. Spicy BBQ Chicken Tostadas

If you like heat, spice things up by using a spicy BBQ sauce or adding hot sauce to the chicken. You can also top the tostadas with pickled jalapeños or sliced fresh chiles for an extra kick.

3. BBQ Pulled Pork Tostadas

Swap out the chicken for pulled pork for a different take on this recipe. Pulled pork’s tender, juicy texture pairs well with BBQ sauce and the crispy tostada shell.

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Tostadas offer the perfect combination of bold flavors and crunchy textures, making them a go-to meal for any occasion. The sweet, smoky BBQ chicken, paired with fresh toppings like lettuce, tomato, avocado, and cheese, makes for a deliciously satisfying dish. Plus, with the flexibility to customize the toppings and sides, this recipe can be adapted to suit any palate. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, BBQ Chicken Tostadas are sure to impress!

Yield: 4

BBQ Chicken Tostadas Recipe

Print

BBQ Chicken Tostadas are a fantastic fusion of two beloved cuisines: American BBQ and Mexican tostadas. This recipe combines the smoky, savory flavors of BBQ chicken with the crunchy texture of crispy tostada shells, creating a meal that’s perfect for dinner, casual get-togethers, or even game day snacking. In this 2000-word guide, we'll explore how to create this flavorful dish from scratch, including how to prepare the chicken, make homemade tostada shells, and customize toppings to suit your tastes.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
• 8 tostada shells
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• 1/2 cup black beans (optional)
• 1/2 cup corn kernels (optional)
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 avocado, sliced or diced
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional toppings: jalapeños, salsa, or extra BBQ sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   
2. Prepare the Chicken:
   In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce until fully coated. You can add more sauce depending on how saucy you prefer it.
   
3. Assemble the Tostadas:
   Lay out the tostada shells on a baking sheet. If you're using black beans or corn, divide them evenly across the tostadas.
   Top each tostada with the BBQ chicken mixture.
   Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the chicken.
   
4. Bake:
   Place the tostadas in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tostada shells are crispy.
   
5. Prepare the Toppings:
   While the tostadas are baking, prepare your toppings. Mix the sour cream with lime juice and a pinch of salt to make a tangy sauce. Set aside.
   Dice the avocado and chop the cilantro.
   
6. Garnish and Serve:
   Once the tostadas are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
   Top each tostada with red onions, cilantro, avocado slices, and a drizzle of the lime sour cream.
   Add any optional toppings like jalapeños, salsa, or extra BBQ sauce for added flavor.

Notes

You can substitute store-bought tostada shells with homemade ones by frying or baking corn tortillas until crispy.

For a smoky flavor, use a smoked BBQ sauce or add a pinch of smoked paprika to the chicken mixture.

Customize the toppings to your preference—add fresh tomatoes, lettuce, or even shredded cabbage for a crunchy texture.