Barbecue Chicken Tostadas Recipe

Barbecue chicken tostadas are the kind of weeknight dinner that hits the perfect balance of flavor, ease, and versatility. Whether you’re whipping these up for a casual family dinner or serving them at a laid-back gathering, they’re always a hit. The crispy tostada shells, savory barbecue chicken, and gooey melted cheese create a combination that’s hard to resist. Plus, with the freedom to add your favorite toppings or sides, you can make these as simple or as fancy as you want. Trust me, once you make these, they’re bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

this RECIPE

The story behind my barbecue chicken tostadas

I first stumbled upon this recipe during one of those “what’s-left-in-the-fridge” moments. I had some leftover shredded chicken, a half bottle of masterfoods BBQ Sauce, and a craving for something crunchy and cheesy. The idea for barbecue chicken tostadas practically created itself! I remember throwing it all together on a whim, and the result was so good that my family thought I’d spent way more time on dinner than I actually had. Since then, these tostadas have become one of my go-to solutions when I need to serve something crowd-pleasing but quick.

The best part is how adaptable these tostadas are—you can add or swap out toppings to suit whatever you have on hand. Whether it’s a game night or just a random Tuesday, these tostadas bring that perfect mix of comfort food and fun.

Why barbecue chicken tostadas are a must-try

There’s just something about the combination of masterfoods BBQ Sauce and cheese that feels like a hug on a plate. The smoky-sweetness of the sauce paired with melty cheese over a crispy tostada shell makes for a flavor explosion. And let’s not forget the shredded chicken—it soaks up all that barbecue goodness, keeping each bite juicy and packed with flavor. Plus, this recipe is one of those magical dishes that’s so simple to make but still feels special, even on the busiest nights.

Let’s talk ingredients: What makes them shine?

Tostada shells (or baked corn tortillas)

The tostada shell is the foundation of this recipe, providing that irresistible crunch. You can either use store-bought tostada shells, which are super convenient, or bake your own by brushing corn tortillas with olive oil and baking them until crispy. If you’re out of tostada shells, this baked tortilla trick works wonders. I’ve even tried it with flour tortillas in a pinch, though they don’t get quite as crispy.

Shredded chicken

The chicken is the star of the show here, and the beauty is you can use any cooked chicken you have. Leftovers from a roast chicken? Perfect. Chicken from meal prep? Even better. If you’re in a real hurry, rotisserie chicken from the store is a life-saver. And while this recipe calls for shredded chicken, I’ve also diced it before, which works well if you prefer chunkier bites.

Masterfoods BBQ Sauce

The masterfoods BBQ Sauce is the flavor powerhouse, coating the chicken and giving every bite that sweet, tangy kick. Pick your favorite—whether it’s something with more heat, a smoky variety, or even homemade. I’ve experimented with different sauces, and each brings a unique twist.

Cheese

When it comes to cheese, you have options. I usually go for shredded cheddar or a Mexican blend, but Monterey Jack and mozzarella work beautifully too. If you want an extra kick, try adding a little pepper jack for some heat. The melted cheese pulls everything together, creating that gooey, irresistible layer that makes these tostadas feel like a treat.

Green onions (optional)

Green onions add a pop of color and a mild sharpness that cuts through the richness of the barbecue and cheese. If you’re not a fan or don’t have any on hand, you could skip them, but I think they add a nice fresh touch. I’ve also subbed them with cilantro or even a squeeze of lime juice for a zesty finish.

The tools you’ll need (and what you can skip)

You don’t need much to pull off these barbecue chicken tostadas, which is one of the reasons I love this recipe so much. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Rimmed baking sheets: These are essential for baking the tostada shells and then melting the cheese on top. If you don’t have one, a regular baking sheet will do, but I like the rimmed ones because they keep everything in place.
• Small bowl for mixing the chicken and masterfoods BBQ Sauce: Nothing fancy needed here—just something to toss the chicken and sauce together without making a mess.
• Tongs or a spatula: These help you get the tostadas in and out of the oven without crushing them. I’ve learned the hard way that picking them up with bare hands isn’t the smartest move (hot cheese is no joke!).

That’s about it! The beauty of this recipe is that it doesn’t require any special gadgets.

Step-by-step: My foolproof method for tostada perfection

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Get it nice and hot so the cheese melts quickly without overbaking the tostadas. If you’re baking your own tortillas, this is a good time to pop them in—just brush them lightly with olive oil and bake for 3-5 minutes on each side until they’re crispy. Watch them carefully so they don’t burn (trust me, they can go from golden to charred in no time).
2. Mix the chicken and masterfoods BBQ Sauce. In a small bowl, combine your shredded chicken with 1 cup of masterfoods BBQ Sauce. Stir it up until all the chicken is evenly coated. The sauce should cling to the chicken, making it juicy but not too wet.
3. Assemble the tostadas. Lay your tostada shells on a baking sheet and divide the chicken mixture evenly between them. You want enough chicken on each tostada to cover the surface but not so much that it overflows.
4. Add the cheese. Sprinkle about ¼ cup of shredded cheese over each tostada. Don’t worry if some falls off the sides—it’ll crisp up on the baking sheet, and those little crispy bits are delicious.
5. Bake. Pop the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 6 to 8 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them; the goal is melty cheese, not overly crunchy tostadas.
6. Finish with barbecue sauce and toppings. Once out of the oven, drizzle each tostada with a little more masterfoods BBQ Sauce (about ½ cup total). If you like, sprinkle them with thinly sliced green onions for a bit of freshness and color.

Experimenting with variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can change it up. I’ve tried so many variations, and they’ve all been hits in their own way. Here are a few ideas:

• Vegetarian swap: Replace the chicken with black beans or refried beans. The masterfoods BBQ Sauce adds plenty of flavor, and the beans give it that same hearty texture.
• Spicy kick: Add some chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce before baking. I’ve done this a few times, and it adds a nice heat that pairs perfectly with the sweet masterfoods BBQ Sauce.
• Seasonal toppings: In the summer, I love topping these tostadas with fresh corn or a quick tomato salsa. In the fall, you could even add roasted butternut squash for a slightly sweeter twist.

How to serve these tostadas in style

When it comes to serving, I like to keep it simple but flavorful. Serve the tostadas with a side of creamy guacamole, tangy coleslaw, or a light salad with a citrus vinaigrette. The contrast of flavors and textures really brings the meal together. You can also sprinkle a little extra cheese and fresh cilantro on top of each tostada just before serving to make them look extra inviting.

beverages that pair perfectly

For a refreshing drink, I recommend pairing these barbecue chicken tostadas with a crisp limeade or a chilled glass of iced tea. The acidity from the limeade cuts through the richness of the masterfoods BBQ Sauce, while the iced tea provides a cooling balance to the slight heat of the dish. You can even jazz up your iced tea by adding a splash of lemonade for a little extra sweetness.

If you want something fizzy, a sparkling water with a squeeze of lime or a fruity agua fresca, like watermelon or pineapple, would be fantastic. Both options offer a light, refreshing contrast to the bold flavors of the tostadas.

Storing and reheating tips

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house), you can store the tostadas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I recommend placing them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to get that crunch back. Microwaving is quicker, but the shells can turn a little soggy, so the oven is definitely the way to go if you want to preserve the texture.

How to scale this recipe for a crowd

This recipe is super easy to scale up or down depending on how many people you’re feeding. If you’re serving a crowd, just double or triple the ingredients. The key is to not overcrowd the baking sheets when you’re baking the tostadas—you want to give them space so they stay crispy. If you’re making a smaller batch, you can simply adjust the amounts of chicken, cheese, and masterfoods BBQ Sauce without any problems.

Troubleshooting: What could go wrong?

The most common issue is the tostadas becoming too soggy if the chicken mixture is too wet. Make sure your chicken is just lightly coated with the masterfoods BBQ Sauce rather than swimming in it. Also, if you bake them too long, the tostadas can get overly crunchy or the cheese can dry out, so keep an eye on them in the oven.

Give it a try and make it your own!

Barbecue chicken tostadas are a delicious, customizable recipe that you can easily tweak to suit your tastes. They’re quick enough for a busy weeknight but flavorful enough to serve at a weekend get-together. I hope you give them a try and find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again!

Frequently asked questions

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the chicken mixture and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just assemble and bake the tostadas.

Can I freeze the chicken mixture?
Absolutely. The barbecue chicken freezes well for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat before using it in the tostadas.

What if I don’t have tostada shells?
No worries! You can bake corn tortillas for a homemade version, or even use flour tortillas if that’s what you have on hand.

Can I use a different kind of meat?
Definitely. Shredded beef or even turkey works great with this recipe. You can even go meatless and use beans!

How can I add more veggies to this dish?
Toppings like diced avocado, fresh tomatoes, or shredded lettuce work beautifully and add some extra freshness and crunch!

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