Dinner

BBQ Chicken Tostadas Recipe

ByEthan Lark March 5, 2026March 5, 2026

Introduction

BBQ Chicken Tostadas are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that combines smoky barbecue flavors with crispy tostada shells. Perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner, this dish is topped with melted cheese, fresh lettuce, and tangy pico de gallo for a satisfying crunch.

A tostada with four layers is shown on a white marbled surface; the base is a crispy light golden tortilla, topped with a creamy layer of refried beans in a deep brown color, followed by warm grilled chicken pieces with a light brown grilled texture, then shredded light green lettuce scattered on top, finished with tomato and onion pico de gallo in red, white, and purple colors, drizzled with dark brown barbecue sauce, and a dollop of white sour cream on the very top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 tostada shells
16 ounces refried beans (1 can)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1½ cups diced BBQ chicken
1 cup shredded lettuce
¼ cup BBQ sauce
¼ cup sour cream
½ cup pico de gallo

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400˚F.
Step 2: Spread a layer of refried beans evenly over each tostada shell. Then, top with shredded cheddar cheese and diced BBQ chicken.
Step 3: Place the prepared tostadas on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the shells are crispy.
Step 4: Remove the tostadas from the oven and immediately top with shredded lettuce. Drizzle BBQ sauce over each tostada, then add a dollop of sour cream and finish with pico de gallo.
Step 5: Serve right away and enjoy your flavorful BBQ Chicken Tostadas!

Tips & Variations

Use leftover grilled chicken tossed in BBQ sauce for an easy twist.
Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese if you want a bit of spice.
Add sliced avocado or jalapeños for extra creaminess or heat.
For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or grilled veggies.

Storage

Store any leftover tostadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350˚F for about 5-7 minutes to keep the shells crispy. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a tostada with four visible layers. The bottom layer is a flat, round tostada shell with a golden-yellow color and slightly rough texture. The second layer is refried beans spread thinly across the shell, showing a smooth, brown surface. The third layer is grilled chicken chunks that are light brown with some darker grill marks, topped with melted orange cheese. On top of the chicken are thin, shredded pieces of pale green lettuce. The fourth layer includes finely chopped fresh tomato and onion pieces, with a dollop of white sour cream sitting in the center and thin lines of dark red barbecue sauce drizzled over the top. The tostada is placed on a slightly worn metal tray, with a white marbled background showing around the tray edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of pre-cooked BBQ chicken?

Yes, you can cook and shred fresh chicken, then toss it in BBQ sauce before assembling the tostadas. Just be sure the chicken is fully cooked before adding it to the tostadas.

What can I substitute if I don’t have refried beans?

You can use black beans or pinto beans mashed slightly as a substitute. They will add protein and texture, though the flavor will be a bit different.

BBQ Chicken Tostadas Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 86 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

These BBQ Chicken Tostadas are a delicious and easy-to-make meal featuring crispy tostada shells layered with savory refried beans, melted cheddar cheese, and tangy BBQ chicken. Topped with fresh shredded lettuce, zesty pico de gallo, a drizzle of BBQ sauce, and a dollop of sour cream, they offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures that make for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Tostada Base

4 tostada shells
16 ounces refried beans (1 can)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Chicken Topping

1½ cups diced BBQ chicken

Fresh Toppings

1 cup shredded lettuce
½ cup pico de gallo

Additional Toppings

¼ cup BBQ sauce
¼ cup sour cream

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400˚F (204˚C) and allow it to fully preheat for even cooking and crispy tostada shells.
Assemble the Tostadas: Spread a generous layer of refried beans evenly over each tostada shell. Then, top each with shredded cheddar cheese followed by diced BBQ chicken, distributing them evenly.
Bake the Tostadas: Place the assembled tostadas on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and the tostada shells have become crispy.
Add Fresh Toppings: Remove the tostadas from the oven and immediately top each with shredded lettuce to maintain a fresh crunch.
Drizzle and Dollop: Drizzle BBQ sauce evenly over each tostada, then add a dollop of sour cream on top. Finally, garnish with pico de gallo to introduce fresh and zesty flavors.
Serve: Serve the BBQ Chicken Tostadas immediately while the shells are still crispy and the cheese melty. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying dish!

Notes

For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder when assembling before baking.
Use rotisserie chicken mixed with your favorite BBQ sauce as a convenient shortcut for the BBQ chicken.
Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
To keep the tostadas crispy, assemble and serve promptly after baking.
For a lighter version, use low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt instead.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican

Keywords: BBQ Chicken Tostadas, Mexican Tostadas, BBQ Chicken Recipe, Quick Dinner, Mexican Street Food, Tostadas with Beans and Cheese

Ethan Lark

Leave a Reply Cancel reply