The chicken torta sandwich is a bold, satisfying Mexican-style sandwich layered with juicy chicken, creamy toppings, fresh veggies, and crusty bread. I love how every bite of this sandwich is packed with flavor—from the seasoned meat to the tangy jalapeños and soft avocado. It’s one of those meals that feels like comfort food but still tastes fresh and exciting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this torta because it’s hearty, flavorful, and super customizable. Whether I grill, sauté, or shred the chicken, it always turns out juicy and delicious. The bolillo or telera roll gives it the perfect crunchy-outside, soft-inside texture, and the toppings add creaminess, crunch, and a little kick. It’s great for lunch, dinner, or anytime I want a big, flavorful sandwich that really satisfies.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
Cooked chicken (grilled, shredded, or sautéed)
-
Bolillo or telera rolls (or any crusty sandwich roll)
-
Refried beans
-
Avocado (sliced or mashed)
-
Tomato slices
-
Lettuce (shredded or whole leaves)
-
Pickled jalapeños or fresh jalapeño slices
-
Mayonnaise
-
Mexican crema or sour cream (optional)
-
Queso fresco or shredded cheese (optional)
-
Salt and pepper
-
Lime wedges (for serving)
Directions
-
I start by warming the cooked chicken if needed and seasoning it with salt and pepper.
-
I slice the rolls in half and lightly toast them on a skillet or in the oven until golden.
-
I spread one side of the bread with refried beans and the other side with mayo or crema.
-
I layer the chicken on the bottom half, then top it with avocado, tomato, lettuce, and jalapeños.
-
I add queso fresco or shredded cheese if I’m using it, then close the sandwich.
-
I press the sandwich gently and serve it warm, with a lime wedge on the side.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 2–4 sandwiches, depending on the size of the rolls and amount of filling.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook/assembly time: 10 minutes
Total time: Around 20 minutes
Variations
-
I sometimes use chipotle mayo or add a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
-
For a vegetarian version, I swap the chicken for grilled veggies or refried black beans.
-
Using rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even faster.
-
A squeeze of lime or dash of hot sauce before serving adds a great finish.
Storage/Reheating
I store any leftover components separately and assemble the sandwich fresh when I’m ready to eat. If I need to reheat the chicken, I warm it in a skillet or microwave. Fully assembled tortas are best enjoyed fresh, but if I do have leftovers, I wrap them tightly and warm them in foil in the oven for 10–15 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
FAQs
What kind of bread is best for a torta?
I use bolillo or telera rolls because they’re soft inside and slightly crusty on the outside. If I can’t find them, a crusty sandwich roll or baguette works too.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, I love using shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience. It saves time and still tastes great with the torta toppings.
Is this sandwich spicy?
It can be, depending on the jalapeños I use. I go with mild pickled jalapeños for less heat, or fresh ones for more spice.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
I prep the components ahead, but I wait to assemble until just before eating so the bread doesn’t get soggy.
What sides go well with a chicken torta?
I usually serve it with tortilla chips, a small salad, or some grilled corn for a complete meal.
Conclusion
The chicken torta sandwich is one of my favorite ways to enjoy big flavors in a handheld form. It’s juicy, crunchy, creamy, and packed with toppings that make every bite exciting. Whether I’m making it quick with leftovers or building it from scratch, this sandwich never fails to satisfy.
Print
Chicken Torta Sandwich
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2–4 sandwiches
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Sandwich
- Method: Assembling, Toasting
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Halal
Description
The chicken torta sandwich is a bold, Mexican-style sandwich layered with juicy chicken, creamy toppings, fresh vegetables, and crusty rolls. It’s a hearty, flavorful handheld meal that balances comfort and freshness in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (grilled, sautéed, or shredded)
- 2–4 bolillo or telera rolls (or other crusty sandwich rolls)
- 1/2 cup refried beans
- 1 avocado, sliced or mashed
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce or 2–4 whole leaves
- 1/4 cup pickled or fresh jalapeños, sliced
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Mexican crema or sour cream (optional)
- 1/4 cup queso fresco or shredded cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Warm the cooked chicken if needed and season with salt and pepper.
- Slice rolls in half and toast lightly in a skillet or oven until golden.
- Spread one side of each roll with refried beans and the other side with mayo or crema.
- Layer chicken on the bottom half, then top with avocado, tomato, lettuce, and jalapeños.
- Add queso fresco or shredded cheese if desired, then close the sandwich.
- Gently press the sandwich and serve warm with a lime wedge on the side.
Notes
- Use chipotle mayo or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Swap chicken for grilled veggies or refried black beans for a vegetarian version.
- Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe faster.
- Add a squeeze of lime before serving to brighten flavors.
- Wrap and toast in foil in the oven if reheating a fully assembled torta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
