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BBQ Chicken Tostadas Recipe
Ben Carraoli

BBQ Chicken Tostadas Recipe

I just made a batch of these BBQ Chicken Tostadas Recipe and I’m excited to share how they turned out. The crisp shells, melty cheese, tangy BBQ chicken, and fresh toppings all come together in a way that felt festive yet easy. I felt like I discovered a new weeknight favorite.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tostada shells – I prefer ready-made corn tostadas for their crispiness and convenience
  • 16 oz about 1 can refried beans – they act as a creamy base layer and help anchor toppings
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – freshly grated melts better than pre-shredded
  • 1½ cups diced or shredded BBQ chicken – use cooked chicken tossed in BBQ sauce for flavor
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce iceberg or romaine – adds crunch and freshness
  • ¼ cup BBQ sauce – choose your favorite brand or homemade version
  • ¼ cup sour cream – the cool tang balances the BBQ sweetness
  • ½ cup pico de gallo – fresh tomato onion, cilantro mix brightens every bite

Method
 

  1. Start by ensuring your chicken is cooked (e.g. leftover, rotisserie, or pre-cooked). Dice or shred it, then toss with the BBQ sauce so it’s well coated and flavorful.
  2. Preheat your oven to about 400 °F (or ~200 °C). Spread a layer of refried beans over each tostada shell. Sprinkle shredded cheese atop the beans, then arrange the BBQ chicken mixture over the cheese.
  3. Put the assembled tostadas onto the baking sheet, then bake for 8–10 minutes (or until the cheese melts and the edges get crisp). Once out of the oven, top with lettuce, pico de gallo, and a drizzle of BBQ sauce and sour cream before serving

Notes

  • Use room-temperature chicken so the shell doesn’t get soggy from cold meat.
  • Don’t overload the tostada shell — too much weight makes it soggy or break.
  • Use fresh cheese, not pre-shredded, for better melt and texture.
  • Let the baked tostadas rest for 1 minute to let toppings settle.
  • If your shells are soft, crisp them a bit more in the oven before assembling.