Chicken Torta Sandwich (Printable)

Hearty Mexican sandwich featuring spice-marinated chicken, fresh avocado, and pickled jalapeños on toasted bolillo rolls.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken Marinade

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 - 1 lime juiced

→ Bread and Spreads

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

# Directions:

01 - Whisk together olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and lime juice in a medium bowl. Add butterflied chicken breasts and turn to coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature.
02 - Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken is cooked through. Transfer to a cutting board and rest for 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 on each bottom roll half. Spread ½ tablespoon refried beans over the mayonnaise on each roll.
05 - Layer sliced chicken, avocado, tomato, red onion, shredded lettuce, and pickled jalapeños on each sandwich. Top with fresh cilantro leaves if using.
06 - Place top roll halves on each sandwich. Serve immediately with lime wedges and extra jalapeños on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The marinated chicken stays incredibly juicy while packing a serious flavor punch
  • That creamy refried bean layer is the secret ingredient most people forget
  • Everything can be prepped ahead so assembly takes minutes
  • One sandwich feels like a complete meal that leaves you satisfied not stuffed
02 -
  • Do not skip letting the chicken rest after cooking or the juices will run out onto your bread
  • Spread the refried beans thin so they do not make the bread soggy
  • Toast the rolls only lightly or they become too hard to bite through
03 -
  • Pound the chicken slightly before marinating for more surface area coverage
  • Use leftover rotisserie chicken for an even faster weeknight version

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