Tortas are a delightful Mexican sandwich that combines a variety of flavors and textures, making them a satisfying meal for any time of the day. This recipe features a combination of shredded chicken, refried beans, and fresh vegetables, all nestled in a bolillo roll and toasted to perfection.
If you're not familiar with bolillo rolls, they are a type of Mexican bread roll that is crusty on the outside and soft on the inside. You can find them in the bakery section of most supermarkets or substitute with a similar crusty roll. Queso fresco is a crumbly, mild cheese that can be found in the dairy section or specialty cheese area. If you can't find it, feta cheese can be a good alternative.
Ingredients For Tortas Recipe
Bolillo rolls: A type of Mexican bread roll, crusty on the outside and soft on the inside.
Shredded chicken: Cooked and shredded chicken breast, providing a lean protein base.
Refried beans: Creamy beans that add a rich texture and flavor.
Avocado: Sliced for a creamy and fresh element.
Lettuce: Shredded for a crisp and refreshing crunch.
Tomato: Sliced for a juicy and tangy addition.
Jalapeño: Sliced for a spicy kick.
Queso fresco: Crumbled cheese that adds a mild and creamy flavor.
Mayonnaise: Spread on the top half of the roll for added moisture and flavor.
Technique Tip for Making Tortas
To enhance the flavor of your shredded chicken, consider marinating it in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, and cumin for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will infuse the chicken with a zesty and aromatic taste, making your tortas even more delicious.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
bolillo rolls - Substitute with ciabatta rolls: Ciabatta rolls have a similar texture and can hold the fillings well.
cooked and shredded chicken breast - Substitute with pulled pork: Pulled pork offers a different flavor profile but provides a similar shredded texture.
refried beans - Substitute with black bean spread: Black bean spread offers a similar creamy texture and can be seasoned to taste like refried beans.
sliced avocado - Substitute with guacamole: Guacamole provides the same creamy texture and rich flavor as sliced avocado.
shredded lettuce - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach offers a similar crunch and adds a different nutritional profile.
sliced tomato - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers provide a sweet and smoky flavor that complements the other ingredients.
sliced jalapeño - Substitute with pickled jalapeños: Pickled jalapeños add a tangy flavor and maintain the heat level.
crumbled queso fresco - Substitute with feta cheese: Feta cheese has a similar crumbly texture and a slightly tangy flavor.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture and a tangy flavor, making it a healthier alternative.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to Tortas
How to Store or Freeze Tortas
Allow the tortas to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the bread soggy.
Wrap each torta individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This helps maintain freshness and prevents the ingredients from drying out.
Place the wrapped tortas in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This adds an extra layer of protection against moisture and air.
Store the tortas in the refrigerator if you plan to eat them within 2-3 days. This keeps the ingredients fresh and safe to eat.
For longer storage, place the wrapped tortas in the freezer. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without significant loss of quality.
When ready to eat, thaw frozen tortas in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even thawing and maintains the texture of the ingredients.
Reheat the tortas in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is crispy and the filling is warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread chewy and the filling unevenly heated.
If you prefer a quicker method, you can reheat the tortas in a skillet over medium heat. Cover the skillet with a lid to help heat the filling evenly while keeping the bread crispy.
Add fresh lettuce, tomato, or avocado slices after reheating, if desired. This ensures a fresh and vibrant taste.
Enjoy your tortas with a side of salsa or guacamole for an extra burst of flavor.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap each torta in aluminum foil to keep it from drying out. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is warmed through and the bread is crispy.
If you're in a hurry, use a microwave. Place the torta on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating. Be cautious as the bread may become slightly soggy.
For a crispy exterior, use a skillet. Heat the skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Place the torta in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until the bread is golden and the chicken is warmed through.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the torta inside and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method will give you a perfectly crispy bread while keeping the chicken moist.
For a toaster oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the torta on the rack and heat for 10-15 minutes. This method is great for achieving a crispy bread texture without drying out the chicken.
Essential Tools for Making Tortas
Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the tortas until the bread is golden and crispy.
Spatula: A tool used to press the sandwich lightly and to flip it if necessary.
Knife: Used for slicing the bolillo rolls, avocado, tomato, and jalapeño.
Cutting board: A surface for safely slicing the ingredients.
Mixing bowl: A bowl to hold the shredded chicken before layering it on the tortas.
Spoon: Used for spreading the refried beans and mayonnaise on the bolillo rolls.
Measuring cup: Ensures the correct amount of refried beans and queso fresco are used.
Tongs: Handy for placing the sandwiches in the skillet and removing them once cooked.
Plate: For serving the finished tortas warm.
How to Save Time on Making Tortas
Prepare ingredients in advance: Cook and shred the chicken breast ahead of time. Store it in the fridge to save time on assembly day.
Use pre-made refried beans: Opt for canned refried beans to cut down on preparation time.
Slice vegetables early: Pre-slice the avocado, tomato, and jalapeño and store them in airtight containers.
Assemble in batches: Lay out all bolillo rolls and assemble multiple tortas at once to streamline the process.
Use a large skillet: Cook multiple tortas simultaneously in a large skillet to save cooking time.

Tortas Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 Bolillo rolls sliced in half
- 1 lb Chicken breast cooked and shredded
- 1 cup Refried beans
- 1 Avocado sliced
- 1 cup Lettuce shredded
- 1 Tomato sliced
- 1 Jalapeño sliced
- 1 cup Queso fresco crumbled
- 1 tablespoon Mayonnaise
Instructions
- 1. Heat the skillet over medium heat.
- 2. Spread refried beans on the bottom half of each bolillo roll.
- 3. Layer shredded chicken, avocado, lettuce, tomato, jalapeño, and queso fresco on top of the beans.
- 4. Spread mayonnaise on the top half of each roll and place it on top of the sandwich.
- 5. Press the sandwich lightly and cook in the skillet until the bread is golden and crispy.
- 6. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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