Zesty Barbecued Chicken Tostadas with Fresh Salsa
Delight in these flavorful Zesty Barbecued Chicken Tostadas, perfect for any gathering or casual meal. Tender, saucy chicken thighs are paired with a vibrant medley of fresh ingredients and served atop crispy tortillas. Finished with a dollop of light sour cream and a sprinkling of cilantro, these tostadas pack a punch of flavor and are easy to prepare, making them a favorite for both weeknight dinners and entertaining. Join the fiesta with this bold Mexican-inspired dish that balances the savory barbecue chicken with refreshing salsa!
7
Servings
357
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 lbs (cut into chunks)
barbecue sauce
1 cup (store-bought or homemade)
green chilies
4.5 ounces (chopped and drained)
tomatoes
2 (seeded and diced)
red onion
1/2 small (minced)
fresh cilantro
1/4 cup (chopped)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon (none)
olive oil
2 teaspoons (none)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
fat-free tortillas
8 (6-inch) (none)
fat-free refried beans
1 cup (canned)
scallions
8 (finely chopped)
reduced-fat Monterey jack cheese
1 cup (shredded)
light sour cream
1/4 cup (none)
Instructions
1
In a large, nonstick saucepan, combine the chicken thighs, barbecue sauce, and chopped green chilies. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
2
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let the chicken simmer for approximately 25 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Remove from heat and allow the chicken to cool before shredding.
3
While the chicken cools, prepare the fresh salsa: In a medium bowl, mix the diced tomatoes, minced red onion, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and salt. Stir until well combined and set aside to let the flavors meld.
4
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray a large, nonstick baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
5
Arrange the tortillas on the prepared baking sheet. Evenly spread a layer of fat-free refried beans on each tortilla.
6
Once the chicken has cooled, shred it and then distribute it over the beans on each tortilla. Top with the finely chopped scallions and sprinkle with shredded reduced-fat Monterey jack cheese.
7
Bake the tostadas in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8
Remove the tostadas from the oven and top each one with a generous spoonful of the prepared salsa, a dollop of light sour cream, and additional cilantro if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
10
Fat
36
Carbs
21
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Barbecued Chicken Tostadas?
Zesty Barbecued Chicken Tostadas are a Mexican-inspired dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in barbecue sauce, served on crispy tortillas with refried beans, cheese, and fresh salsa.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 7 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of these tostadas?
Each serving contains approximately 357 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 21 grams of protein in each serving of the Zesty Barbecued Chicken Tostadas.
What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The chicken should simmer for approximately 25 minutes or until it is tender and fully cooked.
What ingredients are in the fresh salsa?
The fresh salsa consists of diced tomatoes, minced red onion, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and salt.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
You should preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to bake the tostadas.
How long do the tostadas need to bake?
The tostadas should be baked for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
The recipe suggests using one cup of shredded reduced-fat Monterey jack cheese.
Can I use fat-free ingredients?
Yes, the recipe specifically uses fat-free tortillas, fat-free refried beans, and light sour cream.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 10 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 36 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What size should the tortillas be?
The recipe calls for eight 6-inch fat-free tortillas.
What is the base layer of the tostada?
The first layer spread on the tortillas is a layer of fat-free refried beans.
Are there any specific preparation tips for the chicken?
After simmering the chicken in barbecue sauce and green chilies, let it cool before shredding it for the tostadas.
What type of barbecue sauce should I use?
You can use one cup of either store-bought or homemade barbecue sauce.
What are the recommended toppings after baking?
After baking, top each tostada with fresh salsa, a dollop of light sour cream, and additional cilantro if desired.
How do I prepare the baking sheet?
Lightly spray a large, nonstick baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray before arranging the tortillas.
What provides the 'zesty' flavor in this recipe?
The combination of barbecue sauce, chopped green chilies, and the fresh salsa with red wine vinegar creates the zesty flavor profile.
Can I make this for a party?
Yes, this dish is listed as a perfect party food and is easy to prepare for gatherings.
Is this recipe considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe and utilizes reduced-fat and fat-free ingredients.
How many scallions are needed?
The recipe requires 8 finely chopped scallions to top the chicken before baking.
What is the role of green chilies in this recipe?
One 4.5-ounce can of chopped and drained green chilies is simmered with the chicken to add flavor and mild heat.
How much olive oil is used?
Two teaspoons of olive oil are used in the preparation of the fresh salsa.
What type of vinegar is used in the salsa?
One tablespoon of red wine vinegar is used to give the salsa its tangy flavor.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe uses one minced garlic clove in the fresh salsa mixture.
Does this recipe require salt?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is added to the fresh salsa.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 15 ingredients used in this recipe.
How should I serve these tostadas?
They should be served immediately after adding the cold toppings to ensure the tortilla stays crispy and the cheese remains warm.