Craving something bold, crispy, and utterly delicious?
BBQ Chicken Tostadas hit the spot every time. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a quick weeknight win, this smoky, cheesy meal delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
These tostadas offer the same irresistible flavor in a more satisfying, crunchy, layered format. Tangy BBQ sauce, juicy shredded chicken, melted cheese, and fresh toppings on a crisp tostada shell?
You’re just a few steps away from a dinner your family will ask for again and again.
Why You’ll Love BBQ Chicken Tostadas
- Quick and easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
- Great for leftovers: Use up leftover or rotisserie chicken.
- Bold flavor: A savory-sweet mix of BBQ sauce and cheese.
- Customizable: Add toppings to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Kid-friendly: Fun to eat, easy to prep, and packed with familiar flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make BBQ Chicken Tostadas, gather the following:
- Tostada shells: Store-bought or homemade (baked or fried).
- Cooked shredded chicken: Leftover grilled chicken or rotisserie works great.
- BBQ sauce: Use your favorite brand—sweet, spicy, or smoky.
- Shredded cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a sharp, tangy bite.
- Fresh cilantro: Chopped, for brightness and color.
- Optional toppings: Avocado, sour cream, lime wedges, pickled jalapeños, black beans, or corn.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Tostadas (Step-by-Step)
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Mix the chicken and BBQ sauce. In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with enough BBQ sauce to coat.
- Assemble the tostadas. Place tostada shells on the baking sheet. Spoon the BBQ chicken evenly onto each shell, then top with shredded cheese.
- Bake. Cook in the oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add toppings. Garnish with red onion, cilantro, and any additional toppings you like.
- Serve immediately. These are best enjoyed hot and crispy.
Topping Ideas to Customize Your Tostadas
Take your BBQ Chicken Tostadas to the next level with creative and flavorful toppings:
- Avocado or guacamole: Adds creaminess and richness.
- Pickled red onions: Brings acidity to balance the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
- Fresh or pickled jalapeños: For those who like it hot.
- Queso fresco or crumbled feta: A salty bite to contrast the sweet BBQ.
- Chipotle mayo or ranch drizzle: Adds an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.
Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Tostadas
- Use sturdy tostada shells: Thin or overly soft ones may get soggy.
- Don’t overload them: A thin layer of toppings prevents the shells from getting soggy and keeps everything crisp.
- Broil for extra crisp: A minute or two under the broiler gives the cheese a nice golden finish.
- Make ahead: Prep the chicken mixture and toppings in advance—assemble and bake just before serving.
- Double up: These tostadas go fast. Make extras for hungry eaters or leftovers.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
BBQ Chicken Tostadas pair well with simple sides or can be turned into party food:
- Serve with: Mexican street corn, cilantro lime rice, or a black bean and corn salad.
- Appetizer idea: Use mini tostadas or break full ones into smaller pieces and top individually.
- Vegetarian option: Swap chicken for BBQ jackfruit or black beans.
- Protein swaps: Use pulled pork, ground turkey, or shredded beef with BBQ sauce for a delicious twist.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Yes, it’s one of the easiest ways to save time. Just shred and mix with BBQ sauce.
How do I keep the tostadas from getting soggy?
Stick with a thin, even layer of toppings. Assemble just before baking and serve hot.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prep the components in advance, but assemble and bake right before serving for best results.
What kind of BBQ sauce works best?
That depends on your taste. Sweet and smoky sauces are popular, but spicy or vinegar-based sauces also work well.
Easy BBQ Chicken Tostadas Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 tostada shells
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken rotisserie or leftovers
- ½ cup BBQ sauce more to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend
- ¼ red onion thinly sliced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 avocado sliced (optional)
- ¼ cup sour cream optional
- ½ cup black beans optional
- ½ cup corn optional
- Pickled jalapeños to taste optional
- Lime wedges for serving optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Mix the chicken and BBQ sauce. In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with enough BBQ sauce to coat.
- Assemble the tostadas. Place tostada shells on the baking sheet. Spoon the BBQ chicken evenly onto each shell, then top with shredded cheese.
- Bake. Cook in the oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add toppings. Garnish with red onion, cilantro, and any additional toppings you like.
- Serve immediately. These are best enjoyed hot and crispy.