Mexican Chicken Torta Sandwich (Printable)
Hearty Mexican sandwich with spiced chicken, avocado, and fresh toppings on toasted bolillo rolls.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butterflied
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
04 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - ½ teaspoon salt
08 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
09 - Juice of 1 lime
→ Tortas & Essentials
10 - 4 bolillo rolls (or soft sandwich rolls)
11 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
12 - 2 tablespoons refried beans
→ Toppings
13 - 1 ripe avocado, sliced
14 - 1 tomato, sliced
15 - ½ red onion, thinly sliced
16 - ½ cup shredded lettuce
17 - ¼ cup pickled jalapeños
18 - Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
# How-To Steps:
01 - In a medium bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Add chicken breasts and coat evenly. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
02 - Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice.
03 - Slice bolillo rolls in half. Lightly toast if desired.
04 - Spread ½ tablespoon mayonnaise and ½ tablespoon refried beans on each bottom half.
05 - Layer sliced chicken, avocado, tomato, red onion, shredded lettuce, and pickled jalapeños on each roll. Add cilantro if desired.
06 - Close sandwiches with top rolls. Serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The refried beans and mayonnaise combo sounds strange until you try it then suddenly every sandwich feels incomplete without that creamy tangy layer
- Marinating the chicken beforehand means every bite is packed with flavor and the meat stays juicy even after grilling
02 -
- Letting the chicken rest after cooking is non negotiable or all those juices will end up on your cutting board instead of in your sandwich
- The refried beans layer works best when spread thin because too much will make the bread soggy and overwhelm the other ingredients
03 -
- Chipotle mayo instead of plain mayonnaise adds this incredible smoky depth that takes the whole sandwich to another level
- Queso Oaxaca or Monterey Jack melted over the hot chicken makes it feel even more like the street food version you find in Mexico