Chicken Torta
Juicy, shredded chicken seasoned with Mexican spices, layered in a crusty bolillo roll with creamy refried beans, fresh avocado, and tangy pickled jalapeños. A hearty and satisfying sandwich that brings authentic street food flavor to your kitchen.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Season and Cook the Chicken
- b.In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, 3/4 tsp salt, and black pepper.
- c.Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them generously on all sides with the spice mixture.
- d.Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C).
- e.Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Shred the Chicken and Prepare Toppings
- b.Once rested, use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- c.In a small bowl, mash the avocado with the lime juice and the remaining 1/4 tsp of salt. This prevents browning and adds flavor.
- d.If you haven't already, slice the tomato and red onion, and shred the lettuce.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Toast the Rolls
- b.Slice the bolillo rolls in half horizontally.
- c.Brush the cut sides of the rolls with melted butter.
- d.Place the rolls cut-side down on a griddle or in a clean skillet over medium heat. Toast for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble the Tortas
- b.Spread a generous layer of warm refried beans on the bottom half of each toasted roll.
- c.Spread mayonnaise on the top half of each roll.
- d.Divide the shredded chicken evenly among the four bottom buns, piling it over the beans.
- e.Layer with tomato slices, red onion, and shredded lettuce.
- f.Top with the mashed avocado, pickled jalapeño slices, and a generous sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve Immediately
- b.Place the top half of the roll over the fillings.
- c.Press down gently to compact the torta slightly. Serve immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For juicier, more flavorful meat, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- 2To save time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and toss with the spice blend and a little oil before warming it in a skillet.
- 3For a smokier flavor, add 1-2 tablespoons of adobo sauce from a can of chipotles in adobo to the shredded chicken.
- 4Pressing the assembled torta in a panini press or in a skillet with another heavy pan on top for a minute melds the flavors and creates a wonderfully crisp exterior.
- 5Authentic tortas often have a very thin layer of butter or lard on the bread before toasting, which adds richness and helps create a barrier against sogginess.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Chipotle Chicken
Mix 1-2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with the mayonnaise for a smoky and spicy crema.
Torta de MilanesaTorta de Milanesa
Instead of shredding, pound the chicken breasts thin, bread them with seasoned breadcrumbs, and pan-fry until golden. Serve the whole cutlet in the torta.
Vegetarian TortaVegetarian Torta
Substitute the chicken with fried halloumi cheese, grilled portobello mushrooms, or a hearty black bean patty.
Breakfast TortaBreakfast Torta
Add a fried egg and some chorizo on top of the chicken for a delicious breakfast or brunch version.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The chicken provides high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle building, tissue repair, and overall body function.
Rich in Healthy Fats
Avocado is packed with monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and can help reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Good Source of Fiber
The refried beans, avocado, and fresh vegetables contribute dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Provides Sustained Energy
The carbohydrates from the bolillo roll provide a steady source of energy to fuel your day.
Frequently asked questions
A chicken torta can be part of a balanced diet. It's high in protein from the chicken and offers healthy fats from avocado. To make it healthier, you can use a whole wheat roll, load up on fresh vegetables, and be mindful of the amount of mayonnaise and cheese used.