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–+ servings

Easy BBQ Chicken Tostadas

Crispy tostada shells piled with warm BBQ chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, beans, corn, and cheese—an easy 20-minute weeknight dinner where everyone can build their own.
Amanda
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Additional Time 0 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Serving Size 4 servings

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Baking sheet (if crisping tortillas)
  • Pastry brush (optional)
  • Knife
  • cutting board
  • Mixing bowls (for toppings)
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken rotisserie or leftover
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce use your favorite
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for warming chicken; plus more if baking tortillas
  • 8 tostada shells or corn tortillas to crisp yourself
  • 2 cups shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack
  • 1 cup black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup corn drained
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion

Instructions

  • If using corn tortillas instead of store-bought shells, preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Brush tortillas lightly with oil on both sides, arrange on a baking sheet in a single layer, and bake 5–7 minutes per side until crisp and golden. Cool slightly.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce and cook, stirring, until hot throughout (about 3–5 minutes). Taste and add a little more sauce if you want it saucier.
  • Set out tostada shells and toppings. For each tostada, spoon on BBQ chicken, then layer with lettuce, tomatoes, black beans, corn, red onion, and cheese.
  • Add optional toppings as desired (sour cream/Greek yogurt, avocado or guacamole, cilantro, lime, jalapeños, pico de gallo, or a thin layer of refried beans). Serve immediately so the shells stay crunchy.

Notes

Make-ahead: Warm the BBQ chicken just before serving. Keep toppings and shells separate to prevent sogginess.
Storage: Refrigerate leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Store tostada shells airtight at room temperature.
Serving tip: Don’t overfill—about 1/4 cup BBQ chicken per tostada keeps them easy to eat.

Nutrition

Calories: 520kcal | Protein: 35g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 1050mg