Chicken Torta Mexican Sandwich (Print Version)
Marinated spiced chicken breast layered with fresh avocado, tomatoes, and zesty toppings on soft bolillo rolls for a satisfying Mexican-inspired meal.
# 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)
# Steps:
01 - Whisk together olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and lime juice in a medium bowl. Add chicken breasts, turn to coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature.
02 - Heat grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken is fully cooked. Transfer to cutting board, let rest 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
03 - Slice bolillo rolls in half horizontally. Lightly toast cut sides if desired for added texture.
04 - Spread ½ tablespoon mayonnaise and ½ tablespoon refried beans on each bottom roll half, spreading evenly to edges.
05 - Layer sliced chicken, avocado, tomato, red onion, shredded lettuce, and pickled jalapeños on each prepared bottom half. Add fresh cilantro leaves if using. Top with remaining roll halves and press gently.
06 - Serve immediately with lime wedges and extra jalapeños on the side.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The refried beans and mayonnaise create the most incredible creamy base that keeps everything together perfectly
- These sandwiches reheat beautifully for lunch the next day, if they actually last that long
02 -
- Do not skip the refried beans layer even if it seems unusual because they are the secret to authentic torta flavor
- Letting the chicken rest before slicing keeps all those juices inside instead of on your cutting board
03 -
- Pound the chicken slightly to an even thickness before marinating for faster more even cooking
- Warm the refried beans slightly in the microwave for easier spreading