Chicken Torta Sandwich (Printable)

Flavorful Mexican sandwich with seasoned chicken, fresh avocado, and zesty toppings on toasted bolillo rolls.

# What You'll Need:

→ Marinated 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

→ Bread and Spreads

10 - 4 bolillo rolls or soft sandwich rolls
11 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
12 - 2 tablespoons refried beans

→ Fresh 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, black pepper, and lime juice in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined. Coat chicken breasts evenly with marinade and let sit for at least 15 minutes.
02 - Heat grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
03 - Slice bolillo rolls horizontally in half. Optionally toast cut sides until lightly golden for added texture.
04 - Spread ½ tablespoon mayonnaise on each bottom roll half. Layer ½ tablespoon refried beans over mayonnaise on each sandwich.
05 - Arrange sliced chicken over bean layer. Top with avocado slices, tomato rounds, red onion rings, shredded lettuce, and pickled jalapeños. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves if using.
06 - Place top rolls on completed sandwiches. Press gently and serve immediately with lime wedges and extra jalapeños on the side.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The refried bean layer is the secret that keeps everything together while adding creamy depth
  • These come together faster than you can set the table for dinner
02 -
  • Don't skip resting the chicken after cooking, those juices need to redistribute or you'll end up with dry meat
  • The bean layer placement matters, putting it on the bottom prevents the whole sandwich from sliding apart when you take a bite
03 -
  • If you can't find bolillo rolls, ciabatta or even a baguette will work in a pinch
  • Warming the refried beans slightly makes them easier to spread