Chicken Torta (Mexican Chicken Sandwich)

There’s a classic Mexican TV show that everyone knows called “El Chavo Del Ocho.” In the show, the main character, played by Chespirito, was homeless and he lived in a barrel. Each week, I would watch and feel sad for him. I usually watched right after dinner surrounded by the love and warmth of my family. On the screen was a poor kid who didn’t have a home. It’s a sad truth of many Mexican kids. Extreme poverty still exists in Mexico. The character loved tortas. To this day, each time I eat a Chicken Torta, or any torta for that matter, I think of El Chavo.

This Mexican Chicken Sandwich is SO good and SO easy to assemble. It all starts with the chicken. Most Mexican street carts or taquerías will grill the chicken and allow the charcoal to give it its flavors. Not sure about you, but I ain’t got no charcoal grill. Instead, I marinate the chicken to give it some flavor. Minimum 1 hour.

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Everyone seems to have their version, their own recipe of the ideal Chicken Torta. This is a basic recipe – mayonnaise, avocado, pickled jalapeños, chicken (of course), and toasted telera. From here, I add stuff, depending on what’s in my fridge. I’ve seen people add bacon, lettuce, tomato, even French fries! Hey, whatever floats your boat.

To make your chicken torta, you’re going to need a Telera. It’s a particular type of Mexican bread almost the size of my head!! If you can’t find teleras, you can uses bolillo or a large roll.

Pickled jalapeños are a must. They never add enough, and I like it spicy. And you can’t eat a torta without a few slices of avocado or at least some guacamole.

Years later, I saw Chespirito perform in Mexico City in a play called “11 y 12.” Some people go to an elegant restaurant before the theatre. That day, we hit up a street cart that made the best chicken tortas. Yes, it was THAT good that I still remember something I ate back in 1996! Such a yummy Mexican classic. Happy Eating!