Barbecue Chicken Tostada: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Barbecue Chicken Tostada: Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that marries the smoky allure of barbecue with the vibrant crunch of a classic tostada! Imagine biting into a crispy, golden tostada shell piled high with tender, shredded chicken, slathered in tangy barbecue sauce, and topped with all your favorite fixings. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a fiesta in your mouth!

The tostada, a staple in Mexican cuisine, boasts a history as rich and layered as its toppings. Originating as a resourceful way to use leftover tortillas, it has evolved into a beloved dish enjoyed across generations. The addition of barbecue chicken, a distinctly American flavor, creates a delightful fusion that’s both familiar and exciting. It’s a testament to the beauty of culinary cross-pollination!

People adore this Barbecue Chicken Tostada for its incredible versatility and satisfying combination of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the barbecue sauce perfectly complements the savory chicken, while the crisp tostada shell provides a delightful crunch. It’s quick, easy to customize with your preferred toppings (think fresh cilantro, creamy avocado, or a dollop of sour cream), and perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering. Plus, who can resist the finger-licking goodness of barbecue sauce? So, gather your ingredients, and let’s create some unforgettable Barbecue Chicken Tostada magic!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup your favorite barbecue sauce (I prefer a smoky-sweet variety)
• For the Tostadas:
• 12 corn tortillas
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
• Salt to taste
• For the Toppings:
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
• Hot sauce (optional)

Preparing the Chicken

Alright, let’s get started with the star of our show – the barbecue chicken! This part is super easy and can even be done ahead of time to save you some effort later.

1. Season the Chicken: First, pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken breasts, making sure they’re evenly coated.
2. Cook the Chicken: You have a few options here, depending on your preference and time.
   • Stovetop: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until they’re cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
   • Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
   • Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the chicken breasts for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Be sure to watch them carefully to prevent burning!
3. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before shredding it with two forks. This helps it retain its juices and makes it easier to shred.
4. Add the Barbecue Sauce: In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with your favorite barbecue sauce. Toss to coat evenly. You can add more or less sauce depending on your preference. I like mine nice and saucy!

Making the Tostada Shells

Now, let’s move on to the tostada shells. You can buy pre-made tostada shells, but I find that making them yourself is much tastier and surprisingly easy. Plus, you can control the level of crispiness!

1. Prepare the Tortillas: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush both sides of each corn tortilla with olive oil. Sprinkle with a little salt.
2. Bake the Tortillas: Arrange the tortillas in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly. You can also flip them halfway through for even browning.
3. Cool the Tostadas: Let the tostada shells cool completely on the baking sheet before adding the toppings. This will help them stay crispy.

Preparing the Toppings

While the tostada shells are cooling, let’s get our toppings ready. This is where you can really get creative and customize your tostadas to your liking. Feel free to add or substitute any of your favorite ingredients!

1. Prepare the Black Beans: If you’re using canned black beans, rinse and drain them well. You can also heat them up slightly if you prefer.
2. Prepare the Corn: If you’re using frozen corn, thaw it before using. If you’re using canned corn, drain it well. If you’re using fresh corn, you can grill it, boil it, or simply cut the kernels off the cob.
3. Dice the Vegetables: Dice the red bell pepper and red onion into small pieces. You can also add other vegetables like jalapeños, tomatoes, or green onions.
4. Dice the Avocado: Dice the avocado just before assembling the tostadas to prevent it from browning.
5. Shred the Cheese: Shred your favorite cheese. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend all work well.
6. Chop the Cilantro: Chop the cilantro finely.

Assembling the Barbecue Chicken Tostadas

Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – assembling the tostadas! This is the fun part where you get to layer all those delicious ingredients onto those crispy shells.

1. Layer the Ingredients: Start by spreading a layer of black beans on each tostada shell. This will help prevent the shell from getting soggy.
2. Add the Chicken: Next, add a generous amount of the barbecue chicken to each tostada.
3. Add the Toppings: Now, it’s time to pile on the toppings! Add the corn, red bell pepper, red onion, avocado, and cheese.
4. Garnish: Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
5. Serve: Serve immediately with sour cream or Greek yogurt and hot sauce, if desired.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few extra tips and variations to make these barbecue chicken tostadas even more amazing:

• Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with grilled or roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms.
• Add a Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the barbecue sauce or top the tostadas with sliced jalapeños.
• Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack, queso fresco, or cotija.
• Make it a Salad: Crumble the tostada shells over a bed of lettuce and top with the barbecue chicken and toppings for a delicious salad.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare the chicken and toppings ahead of time and store them separately. Assemble the tostadas just before serving.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy these delicious barbecue chicken tostadas as much as I do! They’re perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal, a party appetizer, or a fun weekend lunch. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the toppings and make them your own. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! My take on Barbecue Chicken Tostadas, and honestly, I think you’ll be absolutely hooked. This isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen. The combination of the smoky barbecue chicken, the crisp tostada shell, and all those fresh, vibrant toppings is simply irresistible. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a casual get-together.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s the perfect balance of comfort food and fresh, healthy ingredients. It’s customizable to your liking, so you can adjust the spice level, the toppings, and even the type of barbecue sauce to create your own signature version. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover grilled chicken, making it a budget-friendly and sustainable option. Forget boring leftovers; transform them into something truly special!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

The beauty of these tostadas is their versatility. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different toppings and flavor combinations. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spice it up: Add a drizzle of sriracha mayo or a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra kick.
• Go vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with black beans or grilled corn for a delicious vegetarian option.
• Add some sweetness: Incorporate grilled pineapple or mango salsa for a tropical twist.
• Make it a salad: Crumble the tostada shell over a bed of lettuce and top with all the ingredients for a deconstructed tostada salad.
• Different cheese: Try pepper jack for a spicier flavor, or cotija cheese for a salty, crumbly topping.
• Creamy avocado sauce: Blend avocado, lime juice, cilantro, and a touch of water for a refreshing and creamy sauce.

You can also adjust the barbecue sauce to your preference. I personally love using a smoky, sweet barbecue sauce, but you could also try a tangy vinegar-based sauce or a spicy chipotle sauce. The possibilities are endless!

I truly believe that this Barbecue Chicken Tostada recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that you can whip up in minutes, and it’s always a hit with everyone who tries it. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or even a fun weekend lunch. The combination of textures and flavors is simply divine, and I guarantee you’ll be coming back for more.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up the grill (or use leftover chicken!), and get ready to create some culinary magic. I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Cooking should be fun and creative, so let your imagination run wild!

Share Your Creations!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve made your own Barbecue Chicken Tostadas, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What were your favorite toppings? Share your photos and stories in the comments below or tag me on social media. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear what you think. Happy cooking!