I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I am to share this BBQ Chicken Tostadas recipe with you! It’s one of those dishes that came about during a casual dinner party at my place, where I was looking for something quick, fun, and completely delicious. I had some leftover grilled chicken in the fridge and a craving for Mexican flavors. Voila! BBQ Chicken Tostadas were born!
These crisp, golden tostadas topped with tender, tangy BBQ chicken, and an array of delicious toppings quickly stole the show that night—and they still do at every gathering. The beauty of this dish is that it’s not only quick to whip up, but it’s also highly customizable based on what you have handy or what flavors you’re in the mood for. Plus, they’re great for entertaining guests, especially if they get to build their own!
What’s in BBQ Chicken Tostadas?
Let’s break down the ingredients that make these tostadas a true crowd-pleaser:
Chicken: I use shredded cooked chicken—grilled or rotisserie chicken works beautifully. It’s a quick time-saver!
BBQ Sauce: Definitely the star of the show! I love using a smoky, thick BBQ sauce. Look for something that makes your taste buds dance—my go-to is a sweet and spicy blend!
Tostada Shells: These crispy bases can be made at home or store-bought. I usually grab a bag from the store for convenience. Just make sure they are nice and crunchy!
Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheese adds creaminess. You can choose cheddar, Monterey Jack, or my personal favorite—pepper jack for that spicy zing!
Avocado: Freshly sliced avocado adds a creamy texture that balances the BBQ flavors perfectly. Trust me; don’t skip it!
Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream gives that lovely tang and creates a richer flavor. Greek yogurt can also be used as a healthier alternative.
Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro gives a fresh kick and a pop of color. I can never have too much!
Lime: A squeeze of lime juice not only brightens the dish but also ties all the flavors together.
Is BBQ Chicken Tostadas Good for You?
Absolutely! Let’s take a closer look at some of the ingredients:
Chicken: Using shredded chicken is a fantastic way to incorporate lean protein into your meal. It keeps you full longer!
Avocado: You know how they say “good fats” are good for you? Avocado is full of them, making it a great addition to your dish. It’s not just delicious but also loaded with vitamins.
Cilantro and Lime: These little guys are packed with antioxidants and are known for their detoxifying properties. A win for your taste buds and your health!
Of course, you’ll want to watch the quantity of BBQ sauce. Some brands can be high in sugar. A natural or low-sugar option will keep this meal on the healthy side.
Ingredients
– 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (grilled or rotisserie)
– 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
– 8 tostada shells
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack)
– 1 avocado, diced or sliced
– ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
– ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 1 lime, cut into wedges
Serves: 4-6
How to Make BBQ Chicken Tostadas?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you’re warming up your tostada shells. You want them nice and crispy.
2. In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce. Make sure every piece of chicken is well-coated!
3. Place the tostada shells on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re toasty.
4. Once the shells are crispy, remove them from the oven. Top each tostada with a generous scoop of the BBQ chicken mixture.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken while it’s still warm, so it melts a little.
6. Add avocado slices on top, followed by a dollop of sour cream.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro for that perfect finishing touch, and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Creative Twists
Here are some fun variations to take your BBQ Chicken Tostadas to the next level:
– **Make it Spicy:** Add jalapeño slices for a spicy kick!
– **Switch it Up:** Use pulled pork instead of chicken for a smoky twist.
– **Try Different Sauces:** Swap the BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce for a spicy rendition!
– **Load it Up:** Throw on some black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor.
I really can’t wait for you to try this BBQ Chicken Tostadas recipe! It’s full of flavor, super easy to make, and bound to impress anyone you share the table with. Let me know how it turns out and if you add your own special twist! Happy cooking!
