BBQ Chicken Tostadas Recipe

If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that packs a punch of flavor, look no further than these BBQ Chicken Tostadas. They’re a vibrant and irresistibly crunchy combo of tender BBQ-infused chicken, creamy refried beans, melty cheese, and fresh toppings layered onto a crispy corn tortilla. Each bite is a perfect mashup of smoky, tangy, and savory — it’s basically a flavor fiesta in every mouthful. Whether you’re cooking for the family or spicing up your meal prep, BBQ Chicken Tostadas are a hands-down crowd-pleaser guaranteed to disappear fast!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how easily a handful of straightforward ingredients come together to create something so delicious. Every element here adds something special: tender meat, zippy sauce, crunch, creaminess, or freshness — you just can’t skip a thing!

• Chicken breast: The perfect lean base that soaks up all those BBQ flavors and stays juicy after slow cooking.
• BBQ Sauce: Go smoky, sweet, or spicy — whichever you love most, but don’t skip the extra drizzle on top for that ultimate BBQ punch.
• Chicken broth: Helps keep the chicken ultra-moist and flavorful while slow-cooking.
• Garlic powder: Gives your chicken irresistible depth and warmth.
• Smoked paprika: Adds an unmistakable smoky layer that echoes classic BBQ.
• Onion powder: Rounds out the seasoning nicely for perfectly savory chicken.
• Sea salt: Brings all the flavors forward — just enough to enhance, not overpower.
• Black pepper: A little hit for that subtle bite.
• Corn tortillas: The sturdy, slightly toasty vehicle that holds all your delicious toppings.
• Refried beans: Creamy and rich, acting as the ultimate “glue” for all those layers.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, adding a gorgeous gooey finish.
• Cilantro: Fresh and vibrant, this herb brings bright color and a burst of flavor right at the end.
• Red onion, finely diced: Raw diced onion delivers a sweet crunch and a lively bite.
• Avocado oil spray: Gives those tortillas their crave-worthy crispy texture, without any heaviness.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Tostadas

Step 1: Slow-Cook the BBQ Chicken

Start by giving your chicken a cozy BBQ bath! Place the chicken breast, chicken broth, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper right into your crockpot. Put the lid on, and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours — no babysitting required. Once done, the chicken should shred effortlessly with a fork and will smell absolutely heavenly.

Step 2: Crisp the Tortillas

While the chicken finishes up, preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Lay your corn tortillas on a baking sheet, spritz them lightly with avocado oil spray, and pop them into the oven. Bake for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and crunchy — this step is the secret to tostadas that don’t go soggy.

Step 3: Warm the Refried Beans

You can do this step quickly on the stovetop or in the microwave. Heating the beans up makes them easy to spread and helps everything stick to your tostada later on.

Step 4: Layer the Toppings

Here’s where the fun starts — take each crispy tortilla and slather on a generous layer of refried beans. Pile on the shredded BBQ chicken, then rain down a hearty sprinkle of mozzarella cheese over it all.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Return your assembled BBQ Chicken Tostadas to the oven for 3–4 minutes, just until the cheese gets gloriously melty and starts to bubble. The whole kitchen will smell amazing at this point!

Step 6: Add Fresh Toppings and Drizzle

Finish each tostada with a shower of fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of diced red onion, and — don’t forget — a bold drizzle of extra BBQ sauce across the top. Grab one while it’s hot and get ready for pure joy in every bite!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Tostadas

Garnishes

Elevate your BBQ Chicken Tostadas with a mix of colorful, crunchy, and zesty garnishes. Along with fresh cilantro and red onion, a few slices of creamy avocado, a squeeze of lime, or some thin-sliced jalapeños make every tostada look as good as it tastes. Don’t be shy — the toppings are what make these irresistibly fresh!

Side Dishes

BBQ Chicken Tostadas are wonderful served with classic sides like tangy coleslaw, a crisp green salad, or spicy Mexican street corn. For a heartier spread, include a bowl of black bean salad or savory rice. Refreshing beverages like limeade or iced tea round out the meal with a perfect finish.

Creative Ways to Present

Lay out all your toppings and let everyone build their own BBQ Chicken Tostadas for a family-style, interactive dinner. Want a party twist? Make mini tostadas using small street taco tortillas for a crowd-friendly appetizer platter. Or serve everything “deconstructed” in bowls for a fun build-your-own BBQ tostada bar!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover components, store everything separately for best results. Keep the BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, and store the refried beans and cheese separately as well. Fully assembled BBQ Chicken Tostadas can get soggy, so build them fresh whenever you’re craving a quick meal.

Freezing

The BBQ chicken freezes excellently! Simply portion it into freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. It’ll stay flavorful for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for more BBQ Chicken Tostadas, just thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight — you’ll be grateful for a taste of summer any time.

Reheating

To bring everything back to life, gently reheat the BBQ chicken and beans in the microwave or on the stovetop until piping hot. For maximum crispness, re-toast tortillas in a hot oven or dry skillet before assembling. Add fresh toppings after reheating for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?

Absolutely! Shred up rotisserie chicken, toss it in BBQ sauce and a splash of chicken broth, then warm it through in a skillet or microwave. You’ll skip the slow-cooker step and have BBQ Chicken Tostadas on the table even faster.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

Go with your tastebuds! Sweet, smoky, spicy, or even a tangy mustard-based BBQ sauce will all work. Pick your favorite or make it homemade — the BBQ sauce sets the flavor profile for your tostadas.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes — most corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, just check the label. Also verify that your BBQ sauce and refried beans are labeled gluten-free for extra peace of mind.

How do I make these vegetarian?

It’s super easy! Skip the chicken and pile your tostadas with smoky BBQ jackfruit or even just double up on the refried beans. Add your favorite plant-based cheese if you like!

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! This recipe is extremely easy to scale up — just double (or triple!) the chicken, sauce, and tortillas. Offer a variety of toppings and watch your BBQ Chicken Tostadas disappear at your next party or potluck.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s bold, saucy, and loaded with texture and flavor, give these BBQ Chicken Tostadas a try. They’re simple to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to win over friends and family. Roll up your sleeves and dive in — your next dinnertime favorite is right here!

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