BBQ Chicken Tostadas

These BBQ Chicken Tostadas are a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making them an ideal choice for an easy weeknight dinner or a fun gameday snack. With their crispy tortillas topped with tender BBQ chicken, melted cheese, and fresh garnishes, they are sure to please everyone at the table. The best part? They come together quickly and can be customized to suit your taste.

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Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Tostadas

BBQ Chicken Tostadas stand out for several reasons:

• Quick Preparation – These tostadas can be ready in just over four hours with minimal hands-on time, thanks to the crockpot cooking method.
• Bursting with Flavor – The combination of BBQ sauce and seasonings creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile Serving Options – Perfect for casual dinners or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day gatherings.
• Easy Cleanup – Cooking in the crockpot means less mess and fewer dishes to wash afterward.
• Customizable Ingredients – Feel free to add your favorite toppings or adjust the spices to make it your own.

Tools and Preparation

Getting started on these BBQ Chicken Tostadas is straightforward with the right tools.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Crockpot
• Baking sheet
• Oven
• Microwave (optional)
• Fork (for shredding)

Importance of Each Tool

• Crockpot – Allows for hands-free cooking, ensuring tender chicken with maximum flavor.
• Baking sheet – Perfect for crisping up tortillas in the oven without frying.
• Oven – Essential for melting cheese and achieving that perfect tostada crunch.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1.5lb 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 the Tostadas

• 3 corn tortillas
• 1/2 cup refried beans
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

For Garnish

• 3 tbsp cilantro
• 3 tbsp red onion, finely diced
• Avocado Oil spray

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How to Make BBQ Chicken Tostadas

Step 1: Prepare the BBQ Chicken

Add your chicken breast, chicken broth, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper into the crockpot. Set it on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours. Once done, shred the chicken with a fork.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

While your chicken cooks, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 3: Prepare Tortillas

Lay each tortilla flat on a baking sheet. Lightly spray one side of each tortilla with avocado oil spray.

Step 4: Crisp Up Tortillas

Place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning.

Step 5: Heat Refried Beans

In a pot or microwave-safe dish, heat up the refried beans until warm.

Step 6: Assemble Tostadas

Spread a layer of refried beans onto each tortilla. Add shredded BBQ chicken on top followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 7: Melt Cheese

Return the assembled tostadas to the oven for another 3-4 minutes until the cheese is fully melted.

Step 8: Add Fresh Garnishes

Remove from oven and top with chopped cilantro, diced red onion, and an extra drizzle of BBQ sauce if desired.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

Your delicious BBQ Chicken Tostadas are now ready to serve! Enjoy them solo or share with friends and family.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Tostadas

BBQ Chicken Tostadas are versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance your meal. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a family dinner, consider these serving suggestions to take your tostadas to the next level.

With Fresh Sides

• Guacamole: The creamy texture complements the crunchy tostadas perfectly.
• Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomatoes, onions, and cilantro add a burst of flavor.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream balances the BBQ sauce’s sweetness.

As an Appetizer

• Mini Tostadas: Use smaller tortillas for bite-sized snacks at gatherings.
• Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of sauces like ranch or spicy mayo for added fun.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Cilantro: Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for an aromatic touch.
• Chives: Chopped chives add a mild onion flavor that enhances the dish.

How to Perfect BBQ Chicken Tostadas

Making BBQ Chicken Tostadas is easy, but a few tips can elevate your dish. Follow these simple suggestions for the best results.

• Bold seasoning: Use extra spices in your chicken marinade to boost flavor.
• Crispy tortillas: Ensure tortillas are crispy by baking them until golden brown before adding toppings.
• Quality BBQ sauce: Choose a high-quality BBQ sauce for richer taste and better texture.
• Layering technique: Spread refried beans on the tortilla first, then add chicken and cheese for even melting.
• Fresh toppings: Always use fresh herbs and vegetables as toppings to enhance freshness and flavor.
• Preheat properly: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking to achieve perfect cheese melt.

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Best Side Dishes for BBQ Chicken Tostadas

Pairing side dishes with BBQ Chicken Tostadas can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options that complement their flavors beautifully.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices that adds substance to your meal.
2. Corn Salad: A refreshing mix of corn, lime, and herbs that brightens up the plate.
3. Black Beans: Hearty black beans seasoned with cumin provide protein and fiber.
4. Grilled Vegetables: Colorful grilled veggies add both nutrition and visual appeal.
5. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with zesty salsa make for a fun appetizer.
6. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad offers a sweet contrast to the savory tostadas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making BBQ Chicken Tostadas, it’s easy to make small mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken properly will lead to bland flavors. Always add spices like garlic powder and smoked paprika for a delicious kick.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can dry it out. Stick to the recommended times in your crockpot for juicy results.
• Neglecting tortilla preparation: Failing to spray tortillas with oil may result in a chewy texture. Lightly spray both sides before baking for crispiness.
• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Adding cold refried beans or cheese can lower cooking efficiency. Warm them up slightly before assembling your tostadas.
• Rushing the assembly process: Trying to build your tostadas too quickly can lead to uneven layering. Take your time for even distribution of toppings.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover BBQ Chicken Tostadas in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Instructions

• Wrap individual tostadas tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped tostadas in a freezer-safe bag; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instructions

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, but note that tortillas may become chewy.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, flipping once.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are BBQ Chicken Tostadas?

BBQ Chicken Tostadas are crispy corn tortillas topped with shredded BBQ chicken, refried beans, cheese, and fresh toppings. They make a delicious meal or snack.

Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce for BBQ Chicken Tostadas?

Yes, using store-bought BBQ sauce is convenient and saves time! Just choose one that you enjoy for the best flavor.

How can I customize my BBQ Chicken Tostadas?

Feel free to swap out toppings like different cheeses, veggies, or even add jalapeños for extra spice! Customize according to your taste preferences.

Are BBQ Chicken Tostadas suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! These tostadas can be made ahead of time and reheated easily, making them perfect for busy weeknights.

Final Thoughts

BBQ Chicken Tostadas are not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with your favorite toppings, making them ideal for any occasion—be it a family dinner or a game day snack. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious flavors!