BBQ Chicken Tostadas
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I am absolutely in love with these BBQ chicken tostadas. They are like the perfect cross between a crispy tostada and a BBQ chicken pizza, which makes them especially hard to resist. With toppings like chicken, barbecue sauce, mozzarella cheese, and green onion, they have that sweet, savory, cheesy flavor combination that is always a hit. Fresh cilantro is also a great option here, whether you use it in place of the green onion or add it right along with it.
One of the best things about this easy dinner recipe is how quickly it comes together. If you use rotisserie chicken, dinner gets even easier since most of the work is already done for you. While the corn tortillas bake in the oven, you can prep the chicken and toppings, which makes this a great option for a busy weeknight meal.
Most of the time when I make tostadas, I use the ready-made shells from the grocery store, the kind that are basically like giant round tortilla chips. They are convenient, but after making my own with corn tortillas, I can honestly say it is worth the little bit of extra effort. Homemade tostada shells have a much better flavor and texture, especially when you add a light sprinkle of salt before baking. They turn out crisp, fresh, and so much tastier than the packaged ones. After trying them this way, I do not think I will be buying pre-made tostada shells again.
Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Tostadas
- CORN TORTILLAS – Corn tortillas are the base of these tostadas and bake up crisp in the oven. They give the recipe that classic tostada texture and are so much better homemade than the pre-made shells from the store.
- OLIVE OIL – Olive oil is brushed on the tortillas before baking to help them get golden and crispy. It also adds a little extra flavor and helps the salt stick if you sprinkle some on top.
- CHICKEN – Chicken makes these tostadas hearty and filling. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this recipe, but any cooked, shredded, or chopped chicken will work well.
- BARBECUE SAUCE – Barbecue sauce gives these tostadas their sweet, smoky flavor and makes them feel a little like BBQ chicken pizza. Use your favorite kind since it adds a lot of the flavor to the finished dish.
- MOZZARELLA CHEESE – Mozzarella adds that melty, cheesy layer that makes these tostadas extra delicious. It pairs really well with the barbecue sauce and chicken for that pizza-inspired flavor.
- GREEN ONIONS – Green onions add a fresh pop of flavor and a little color to the tostadas. They help balance the richness of the cheese and barbecue sauce.
Instructions for BBQ Chicken Tostadas
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Lightly brush both sides of the corn tortillas with olive oil, then place them on a baking sheet pan. If you would like, sprinkle the top side lightly with salt. Bake the tortillas for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until they are crisp and golden. Once they are done, reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees.
While the tortillas are baking, place the chicken in a bowl and toss it with 1 cup of the barbecue sauce until well coated.
Divide the barbecue chicken evenly among the crispy tostada shells, then top each one with about 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese.
Return the tostadas to the oven and bake for 6 to 8 minutes, just until the cheese is melted. Remove them from the oven, drizzle with the remaining 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce, and finish with a sprinkle of green onions. Serve right away. This recipe makes 8 servings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and makes this recipe come together even faster. Any cooked, shredded, or chopped chicken breast will work well.
Do I have to make my own tostada shells?
No. You can use store-bought tostada shells to save time. However, baking your own with corn tortillas gives them a fresher flavor and crispier texture.
Why brush the tortillas with olive oil?
The olive oil helps the tortillas crisp up in the oven and gives them a nice golden color. It also adds a little extra flavor.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes. Mozzarella works well because it melts easily and gives the tostadas a pizza-like feel, but Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican blend would also be delicious.
What kind of barbecue sauce should I use?
Use your favorite barbecue sauce. Since it adds a lot of flavor to the dish, pick one you already enjoy, whether that is sweet, smoky, or a little spicy.
How do I keep the tostada shells crispy?
Bake the tortillas until they are fully crisp before adding the toppings, and serve the tostadas right after baking. That will give you the best texture.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and bake the tostada shells ahead of time, but it is best to assemble and bake them just before serving so the shells stay crisp.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Corn tortillas work best for classic tostada shells because they crisp up well and hold their shape. Flour tortillas will bake differently and may not have the same texture.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken mixture separately from the tostada shells if possible. That way the shells do not get soggy. Reheat and assemble fresh when ready to eat.
Tips and Tricks
- Bake the tortillas until fully crisp first. This helps them hold up better once you add the chicken, cheese, and barbecue sauce.
- Brush both sides with olive oil. That helps the tortillas crisp evenly and gives them better flavor and texture.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time. It makes this recipe come together much faster and is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
- Do not overload the tostadas. Keeping the toppings balanced helps the shells stay crisp and makes them easier to eat.
- Serve them right after baking. They are best when the shells are crispy, and the cheese is hot and melted.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Tostadas
- Simple Chicken and Black Bean Tostadas
- Seven Layer Tostadas
- Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tostadas
BBQ Chicken Tostadas
Real Mom Kitchen
Ingredients
- 8 corn tortillas
- olive oil
- 3 cups chicken cooked and shredded
- 1 ½ cups barbecue sauce divided (I like Sweet Baby Ray’s)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 3 green onions thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
- Lightly brush both sides of the tortillas with olive oil and place on a baking sheet. Lightly sprinkle to top side with salt if desired. Baked at 400 degrees for 4-5 minutes per side, until crispy. Turn oven down to 350 degrees.
- In a bowl, combine the chicken and 1 cup of the bbq sauce together.
- Divide the chicken between the tostada shells and top each with 1/4 cup of cheese.
- Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, just until the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven and drizzle with the remaining ½ cup barbecue sauce. Sprinkle with green onions. Makes 8 servings.
Nutrition
This recipe is adapted from Cupcakes and Kale Chips.
