Oven-Baked Barbecue Chicken & Corn Tostadas with Zesty Jalapeño Ranch: The Ultimate Hummus Day Celebration!

Cancel your dinner plans for today because it’s National Hummus Day and you need to celebrate with these Barbecue Chicken and Corn Tostadas drizzled with a homemade jalapeno ranch dressing. Tostadas are oven baked, not fried.

Barbecue Chicken and Corn Tostadas with hummus

Forget your usual dinner routine tonight because it’s National Hummus Day, and we have the perfect recipe to celebrate: incredibly delicious **Barbecue Chicken and Corn Tostadas**, perfectly drizzled with a homemade, zesty **Jalapeño Ranch Dressing**. And the best part? These tostadas are proudly **oven-baked, not fried**, giving you that satisfying crispiness without the extra oil. Get ready to embark on a flavor journey that combines smoky, sweet, and spicy notes, all built on a foundation of creamy hummus.

If you’re wondering what all the fuss is about on National Hummus Day, allow us to introduce you to one of the culinary world’s most cherished and versatile dips. Hummus, a beloved Middle Eastern staple, has taken the globe by storm, moving beyond its traditional role as a simple dip. Made from a harmonious blend of ground chickpeas, creamy tahini (sesame paste), bright lemon juice, and rich olive oil, it offers a distinct nutty flavor and a wonderfully smooth texture. While it’s famously paired with warm homemade pita chips or crisp fresh vegetables, its adaptability knows no bounds. Think beyond the dip bowl! Hummus can elevate sandwiches, wraps, salads, and even act as a unique base for dishes like our Tomato Mozzarella Flatbread or, in this case, a delicious tostada.

We all have those hectic days when cooking from scratch feels like an insurmountable task. For many, pizza becomes the go-to “emergency dinner” – a frozen savior after a long day of work, juggling a tight schedule, or simply running endless errands. While a homemade pizza dough can be a delightful project for a leisurely Sunday afternoon, its 1-2 hour resting and rising time simply doesn’t fit into a busy weekday schedule. This is where the brilliant invention of tostadas comes to the rescue! Thank goodness for Mexican cuisine and its ingenious creations.

Imagine a “pizza” that’s ready in minutes, without the wait for dough to rise, and delivers an irresistible crunch with every bite. That’s essentially what a tostada offers. Traditionally, **tostadas are crispy, toasted corn tortillas** serving as a foundation for a myriad of flavorful toppings. I like to think of them as the ultimate “lazy gourmet” meal, a quick and satisfying alternative to traditional pizza. All you need to do is pop store-bought corn tortillas into the oven for a mere eight minutes, and you’re rewarded with perfectly crisp shells, ready to be adorned with your favorite ingredients. The convenience is unmatched, making them a true weeknight hero, especially when you’re still shooting a banana cake at 4:00 PM when dinner prep should be well underway!

While tostadas are deeply rooted in Mexican culinary tradition, their beauty lies in their incredible versatility. You’re not limited to traditional Mexican toppings; the possibilities are truly endless. Our Barbecue Chicken and Corn Tostadas are a fantastic example of this culinary fusion. They lean more towards American comfort food flavors, but trust us, this creative blend of cultures results in something undeniably delicious and exciting.

These **Barbecue Chicken and Corn Tostadas** are a symphony of textures and tastes. Each golden-crisp tortilla is generously spread with creamy hummus, providing a rich and slightly nutty base. Layered on top is a delectable mixture of tender, smoky chicken breast, sweet corn kernels, and thinly sliced red onion, all tossed in a luscious honey BBQ sauce. Fresh cilantro adds a vibrant touch, bringing all the flavors together. But the true star that elevates this dish to an extraordinary level is the homemade Jalapeño Ranch Dressing – a creamy, zesty, and subtly spicy concoction that you can whip up in your blender in minutes. While my own attempt at a delicate drizzle sometimes turns into a more enthusiastic spoonful (blame the exploding squeeze bottle!), tostadas are delightfully messy by nature, and that’s part of their charm!

Barbecue chicken and corn on top of oven baked tostadas with hummus

Traditionally, tostadas often feature refried beans as their foundational spread. However, for a unique twist and to celebrate the versatility of our star ingredient, we’ve swapped out the refried beans for classic, creamy hummus (just like we did with our hummus pizza). This ingenious substitution not only adds a delightful depth of flavor and a silky texture but also perfectly aligns with our National Hummus Day theme. The earthy notes of the hummus wonderfully complement the smoky barbecue chicken and sweet corn, creating a balanced and incredibly satisfying bite.

Confession time: there’s an ongoing debate about the “proper” way to eat a tostada. Should it be with a knife and fork, delicately managing the piled-high toppings? Or is it a hands-on, glorious mess? With our oven-baked tortillas achieving such a perfect, sturdy crispiness, I found myself instinctively picking them up and enjoying them like miniature, open-faced pizzas. There’s something incredibly satisfying about that crunch, even if it means a few toppings might escape! Don’t overthink it – the best way to eat a tostada is the way you enjoy it most.

Tips for Tostada Perfection:

To make these Barbecue Chicken and Corn Tostadas truly unforgettable, consider these simple tips:

Don’t Skimp on the Hummus: The hummus base is crucial for both flavor and to help hold the toppings in place. A generous two tablespoons per tortilla provides that creamy, flavorful foundation.
Evenly Cooked Chicken: Ensure your chicken breast is cut into uniform 1/2-inch pieces for even cooking and tender results. Patting the chicken dry before cooking helps achieve a nice sear.
Customize Your Spice: The homemade Jalapeño Ranch Dressing offers a wonderful kick, but you can adjust the heat level to your preference. For less spice, remove the seeds and white membrane from the jalapeño. For more heat, add an extra slice or two, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Fresh Ingredients Make a Difference: Fresh cilantro and green onions not only add vibrant color but also an essential burst of fresh flavor. Don’t skip them!
Serve Immediately: Tostadas are best enjoyed right after assembly to ensure the tortillas remain perfectly crisp. While the components can be prepped ahead, assemble them just before serving.

Beyond the BBQ: Tostada Variations to Explore

One of the joys of cooking with tostadas is their incredible adaptability. While our Barbecue Chicken and Corn Tostadas are phenomenal, don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings:

Vegetarian Delight: Swap the chicken for seasoned black beans or grilled halloumi. Add sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra veggies. A sprinkle of crumbled feta or cotija cheese would also be fantastic.
Seafood Sensations: Grilled shrimp or flaky white fish (like cod or tilapia) seasoned with chili powder and cumin would make for a lighter, yet equally flavorful, tostada option.
Southwest Twist: Enhance the Southwestern flavors with a dollop of fresh guacamole or sliced avocado, a sprinkle of queso fresco, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Different Sauces: Experiment with various barbecue sauces, or even a spicy sriracha mayo, a creamy chipotle sauce, or a bright salsa verde for a different flavor profile.
Cheese Please: A light sprinkle of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend cheese can add another layer of flavor and texture, if you desire.

This recipe isn’t just for National Hummus Day; it’s a brilliant solution for any weeknight dinner when you crave something flavorful, satisfying, and quick. It balances the heartiness of chicken with the freshness of corn and cilantro, all tied together by the unique base of hummus and the unforgettable kick of jalapeño ranch. It’s a meal that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen, making it perfect for busy families, casual get-togethers, or simply treating yourself to an exciting culinary experience.

Barbecue Chicken and Corn Tostadas

Yield:
4 servings

Prep Time:
30 minutes

Cook Time:
15 minutes

Total Time:
45 minutes

Ingredients

Jalapeno Ranch Dressing

1/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 jalapeno, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 green onion, chopped
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon cilantro paste or chopped cilantro
1/4 teaspoon salt

Tostadas

4 corn tortillas
1 tablespoon olive oil plus more for brushing
1 cup red onion slices
1 large boneless skinless chicken breast, patted dry and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1/4 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 cup corn kernels
1 tablespoon cilantro paste or chopped cilantro
1/2 cup Sabra Classic Hummus
Chopped green onion, for garnish

Instructions

First make the dressing: In a blender, blend together the buttermilk, mayonnaise, jalapeno, garlic, green onion, lime juice, cilantro, and salt until smooth. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 400F. Brush each tortilla with some olive oil and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 4 minutes then flip and bake for an additional 4 minutes or until crisp.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil. Add the onion and cook for 3 minutes. Add the chicken and cook for 3 minutes then flip and cook for another 3 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked. Add the barbecue sauce, corn, and cilantro and cook another 1-2 minutes or until everything is heated through.
Spread 2 tablespoons hummus on top of 1 tortilla. Top with some of the chicken mixture, dressing, and green onion. Repeat with remaining tortillas. Serve immediately.

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So, whether you’re a seasoned hummus lover or new to its delicious charms, these **Oven-Baked Barbecue Chicken and Corn Tostadas** offer a fresh, exciting, and wonderfully simple way to enjoy a fantastic meal. They’re crunchy, creamy, smoky, and spicy – hitting all the right notes for a truly memorable dinner that’s perfect for celebrating National Hummus Day or any day you desire a quick, flavorful, and healthier option. Go ahead, gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and prepare to delight your taste buds. Happy cooking, and Happy National Hummus Day!