These BBQ Chicken Tostadas are a fantastic option for an easy weeknight dinner or a simple gameday snack! Loaded with flavor and made with minimal effort, they are perfect for anyone looking to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy the delightful combination of BBQ chicken, gooey cheese, and fresh toppings that make these tostadas stand out on any occasion.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Chicken
- For Assembly
- How to Make BBQ Chicken Tostadas
- Step 1: Prepare the BBQ Chicken
- Step 2: Preheat Your Oven
- Step 3: Prepare Tortillas
- Step 4: Bake Tortillas
- Step 5: Heat Refried Beans
- Step 6: Assemble Tostadas
- Step 7: Melt Cheese
- Step 8: Top and Serve
- Step 9: Enjoy!
- How to Serve BBQ Chicken Tostadas
- As a Main Dish
- As an Appetizer
- For Game Day
- For Kids
- How to Perfect BBQ Chicken Tostadas
- Best Side Dishes for BBQ Chicken Tostadas
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing BBQ Chicken Tostadas
- Reheating BBQ Chicken Tostadas
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What are BBQ Chicken Tostadas?
- Can I make BBQ Chicken Tostadas ahead of time?
- How do I customize my BBQ Chicken Tostadas?
- Are BBQ Chicken Tostadas gluten-free?
- What side dishes pair well with BBQ Chicken Tostadas?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have these delicious BBQ Chicken Tostadas ready with minimal fuss.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of BBQ sauce and seasonings ensures every bite is packed with mouthwatering flavor.
- Versatile Dish: These tostadas work great as appetizers for parties or as a satisfying meal for the family.
- Crockpot Convenience: Cooking the chicken in a crockpot allows you to set it and forget it, making this recipe ideal for busy days.
- Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings to personalize each tostada to your liking.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare your BBQ Chicken Tostadas efficiently, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference. Here’s what you need to get started:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Fork (for shredding chicken)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, ensuring tender chicken with rich flavors.
- Baking sheet: Perfect for crisping up tortillas in the oven for that satisfying crunch.
- Fork: Essential for shredding cooked chicken quickly and easily.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1.5 lb chicken breast
- 1.5 cups BBQ Sauce (additional to drizzle on top)
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Assembly
- 3 corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup refried beans
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tbsp cilantro
- 3 tbsp red onion, finely diced
- Avocado Oil spray
How to Make BBQ Chicken Tostadas
Step 1: Prepare the BBQ Chicken
- Add the chicken breast, chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and seasonings (garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper) into the slow cooker.
- Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Once done, shred the chicken using a fork.
Step 2: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit while you prepare your tortillas.
Step 3: Prepare Tortillas
- Lay each tortilla on a baking sheet.
- Lightly spray each tortilla with avocado oil spray.
Step 4: Bake Tortillas
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
Step 5: Heat Refried Beans
While your tortillas are baking, heat up the refried beans either on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm.
Step 6: Assemble Tostadas
Add a layer of warm refried beans followed by shredded BBQ chicken and top with mozzarella cheese on each tortilla.
Step 7: Melt Cheese
Return assembled tostadas to the oven for an additional 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Top and Serve
Remove from the oven and top with fresh cilantro, diced red onion, and a drizzle of BBQ sauce before serving.
Step 9: Enjoy!
Dig into your flavorful BBQ Chicken Tostadas – they’re sure to be a hit!
Notes:
If preparing more chicken in the crockpot, remember to increase both BBQ sauce and chicken broth accordingly.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Tostadas
BBQ Chicken Tostadas are a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether for a casual family dinner or as finger food for a gathering, these tostadas offer versatility and flavor.
As a Main Dish
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal. A fresh garden salad pairs nicely and adds crunch.
- Offer with Mexican rice for added texture and flavor. The rice complements the smoky BBQ chicken beautifully.
As an Appetizer
- Cut into smaller pieces for bite-sized snacks. Perfect for parties where guests can grab and go.
- Pair with fresh salsa or guacamole. These dips enhance the flavors and add freshness.
For Game Day
- Set up a DIY tostada bar. Provide toppings like cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream so guests can customize their creation.
- Serve alongside tortilla chips and your favorite dip. This creates a festive atmosphere that everyone will enjoy.
For Kids
- Make mini tostadas using smaller tortillas. Kids love fun-sized portions that are easy to handle.
- Involve kids in the assembly process. Let them choose their toppings to make it more interactive.

How to Perfect BBQ Chicken Tostadas
Getting your BBQ Chicken Tostadas just right can take them from good to great. Follow these tips for the best results.
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh vegetables and quality chicken makes a noticeable difference in taste.
- Don’t Overcook the Tortillas: Cooking them just until crispy ensures they hold up under toppings without becoming too hard.
- Layer Wisely: Start with refried beans on the tortilla to create a barrier against moisture from other toppings.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add spices or different BBQ sauces to customize the flavor profile of your chicken.
- Let Chicken Rest: After shredding, let the chicken sit briefly before assembling to lock in juices.
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve tostadas right after baking so they remain crispy.
Best Side Dishes for BBQ Chicken Tostadas
Pairing side dishes with your BBQ Chicken Tostadas enhances your meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Mexican Street Corn: Sweet corn grilled and topped with cotija cheese and chili powder adds a delicious twist.
- Black Bean Salad: A refreshing mix of black beans, tomatoes, onions, and lime juice provides a zesty complement.
- Guacamole: Creamy avocado mixed with lime juice and spices adds richness that balances the flavors of the tostadas.
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños bring brightness and crunch to your plate.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with lime juice and fresh cilantro is an excellent side that pairs well with BBQ flavors.
- Chips and Salsa: Classic tortilla chips served with salsa make for an easy appetizer while waiting for the main course.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making BBQ Chicken Tostadas, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the seasoning – Not adding enough seasoning can lead to bland flavors. Always use the recommended spices to enhance the taste.
- Overcooking the chicken – Overcooked chicken can become dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for perfect tenderness.
- Using cold tortillas – Cold tortillas can make your tostadas soggy. Always warm them up in the oven for a crispy texture.
- Neglecting toppings – Forgetting fresh toppings like cilantro and red onion can reduce flavor. Always add these just before serving for that fresh kick.
- Not shredding chicken properly – Incorrectly shredded chicken can be chewy. Make sure to shred it finely for better texture and flavor distribution.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.
Freezing BBQ Chicken Tostadas
- Wrap individual tostadas tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal taste.
Reheating BBQ Chicken Tostadas
- Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F and heat for about 10 minutes until warm and crispy.
- Microwave – Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but this may result in soft tortillas.
- Stovetop – Warm on a skillet over medium heat until heated through, flipping occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are BBQ Chicken Tostadas?
BBQ Chicken Tostadas are crispy corn tortillas topped with shredded barbecue chicken, refried beans, cheese, and fresh garnishes. They make a delicious meal or snack.
Can I make BBQ Chicken Tostadas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the BBQ chicken in advance. Assemble and bake the tostadas when you’re ready to serve.
How do I customize my BBQ Chicken Tostadas?
You can add different toppings like jalapeños, sour cream, or diced tomatoes based on your preferences.
Are BBQ Chicken Tostadas gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free corn tortillas, then yes! Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
What side dishes pair well with BBQ Chicken Tostadas?
Consider serving them with a fresh salad, corn on the cob, or guacamole as tasty sides.
Final Thoughts
BBQ Chicken Tostadas are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make them perfect for any occasion. Their versatility allows you to customize each tostada based on personal tastes and dietary needs. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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BBQ Chicken Tostadas
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
Description
BBQ Chicken Tostadas offer a delightful explosion of flavors, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknight dinners or lively gameday gatherings. This recipe features tender shredded chicken simmered in rich BBQ sauce, layered on crispy corn tortillas, and topped with gooey cheese and fresh garnishes. With just 10 minutes of prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can whip up this satisfying dish without breaking a sweat. Customize each tostada with your favorite toppings for a personalized touch that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb chicken breast
- 1.5 cups BBQ sauce
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup refried beans
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tbsp cilantro
- 3 tbsp red onion, finely diced
- Avocado Oil spray
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, combine chicken breast, chicken broth, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours until tender.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lay tortillas on a baking sheet and lightly spray with avocado oil.
- Bake tortillas for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve crispiness.
- Heat refried beans until warm.
- Assemble tostadas by spreading refried beans on each tortilla, followed by shredded BBQ chicken and mozzarella cheese.
- Return to the oven for an additional 3-4 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Top with fresh cilantro and diced red onion before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tostada (150g)
- Calories: 378
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 813mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg