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These Cemitas Poblanas are an easy way to use up leftover chicken or amp up a classic chicken sandwich. They’re full of flavor from mustard, chipotle mayo, and pickled jalapeños.
I love Mexican food of all kinds. Everything from Birria Tacos, Aguas Frescas, Camarones a la Diabla to these delicious Cemitas.
History of Cemitas Poblanas:
Cemitas Poblanas are a type of torta (sandwich) from Puebla Mexico. They differ from the classic torta because of the specific type of bun they use.
What are Cemitas Poblanas?
If you’ve never had a cemita, you’re in for a treat. They’re a type of torta from Mexico that usually has a fried cutlet of meat, like pork or chicken milanesa. But I wanted to make it a bit easier, lighter and make-ahead-friendly.
How to Make Cemitas:
- Make the chicken chipotle salad. Boil the chicken and then toss it in a dressing with chipotle in adobo, yellow mustard, mayonnaise and lime juice. Think of it like a cold chicken salad sandwich—so good!
- Make the slaw. Just mix together the cabbage, pickled jalapeño, lime juice, cilantro and salt. It’s so refreshing and if I added arugula, I could simply just eat it as a salad itself.
- Wait to Assemble! I love serving sandwiches at parties and get-togethers. Even though they look their most stunning selves assembled, I urge you to avoid sogginess by simply adding all of the components to bowls or platters and letting people assemble them. This ensures crispy, fresh-tasting sandwiches and your guests can customize it to their tastes.
Tips and Tricks
Make the chipotle chicken salad the day before and store it in the fridge. Just before serving, add a bit more mayo and seasoning.
Slice up the cabbage the day before. If you make the slaw the day before, it’ll be less crunchy so simple slice up the cabbage and toss just before setting it out for guests.
Recipe FAQs
There’s little difference except that cemitas are made on a particular type of bread that’s circular (hence, cemita bread). Tortas are usually served on telera bread or bolillo bread.
Absolutely. A very common filling is a pounded pork or beef filet that’s dipped in panko bread crumbs and pan-fried. Very similar to my Pork Katsu.
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Cemitas Poblanas Recipe
Ingredients
Cabbage Slaw:
- 1/4 head of cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1/2 (7-ounce) can pickled jalapeños medley, minced
- 1 tablespoon minced cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste
- Juice from 1 lime
Pulled Chicken Chipotle Salad:
- 1 pound skinless boneless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- Juice from 1 lime
- 1 chipotle in adobo, minced
- 1 teaspoon chipotle in adobo brine, from the can
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- Pinch kosher salt
- Freshly ground pepper
Sandwich Assembly:
- 4 Cemita bread or sesame bun or brioche bun
- 1/2 pound shredded Oaxacan cheese , (or shredded mozzarella cheese)
- 1 avocado, sliced
Instructions
To Make the Chipotle Chicken Salad:
- To a pot of water, add the chicken breasts. Cover with water and bring to a boil, cooking for about 20 to 25 minutes, until the chicken is firm to the touch. Transfer to a cutting board or plate and allow to cool to room temperature. Shred the chicken using two forks.
- Transfer shredded chicken to a bowl, along with the mayonnaise, lime juice, minced chipotle in adobo, brine, French’s Classic Yellow Mustard, salt and a few turns of freshly ground pepper. Toss until combined. Give it a taste and adjust any of the seasonings to taste. I added a few more pinches of salt.
To Make the Cabbage Slaw:
- To a medium bowl, add the cabbage, pickled jalapeños, cilantro, salt and lime juice. Toss together and give it a taste; add any needed salt to taste.
To Assemble the Cemitas:
- If this is for a party, then add all of the components to bowls and platters to ensure that the sandwiches don’t get soggy.
- If serving to eat right away, slice the cemita buns in half. Add a few spoonfuls of the chicken mixture to the bottom half of the cemita bread and then top it with a handful of Oaxacan or mozzarella cheese, a few slices of avocado and then lastly, a big spoonful of slaw. Add the other half of the bun and then serve.
Notes
- Make the chipotle chicken salad the day before and store it in the fridge. Just before serving, add a bit more mayo and seasoning.
- Slice up the cabbage the day before. If you make the slaw the day before, it’ll be less crunchy so simple slice up the cabbage and toss just before setting it out for guests.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Made these a few nights ago. I really love this recipe and will be adding it in on a regular rotation. Thanks for sharing it!
Made this last night, but I used bolillo rolls. Very tasty. Will make again.
love bolillo rolls!
This looks really great! You are doing great job !
Look delicious Adrianna
keep it up!
I made this the other day and it’s very tasty (and simple )! Thank you for sharing your recipes, I’ve been a long time fan!
Love this! I’m so glad it worked out! 🙂
I love your story with Josh, hahah. Thanks for sharing this with us, and I can’t wait to try that recipe!