BREADED CHICKEN SANDWICHES WITH SESAME ROLLS (CEMITA POBLANA DE MILANESA)

Breaded Chicken Sandwiches with Sesame Rolls (Cemita Poblana de Milanesa) image

Most people have heard of a torta-one of the traditional sandwiches of Mexico-but the cemita is its own unique breed of Mexican sandwich, wildly popular in Puebla, and named after the city's or the region's signature round, soft sesame buns by the same name. In Mexico you will see cooks piling them high with breaded chicken, lengua (tongue), or spit-roasted pork. Often cemitas feature chipotle, Oaxacan cheese, and pápalo, a minty green that tastes something like a cross between arugula and cilantro. (I made it optional in this recipe because it can be hard to find fresh.)

Provided by Gonzalo Guzmán

Categories Sandwich Chicken Avocado Chile Pepper Cheese Bean Dinner

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

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Ingredients

Chicken:
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons ground chili powder (preferably Mexican)
1 1/2 teaspoons hot smoked paprika
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
2 eggs
1 cup breadcrumbs
Rice bran oil or canola oil, for frying
To assemble:
6 Cemitas or another soft sandwich roll such as brioche or sesame
1 1/2 firm-ripe avocados
3/4 cup Salsa de Morita
1/4 white onion, thinly sliced
1 head romaine, trimmed and thinly sliced, or 1 bunch fresh pápalo (see headnote)
3 cups shredded Oaxacan cheese or mozzarella
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
1 1/2 cups (12 ounces) store-bought refried pinto beans

Steps:

Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise. Then, one at a time, sandwich the chicken pieces between two pieces of plastic wrap, and pound with a meat pounder to 1/4-inch thickness.
In a shallow mixing bowl, combine the flour, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Place the breadcrumbs in a third bowl. Season the chicken pieces lightly with salt. Dip each piece first into the flour mixture, turning to coat. Let any excess flour fall away, then transfer the chicken to the beaten eggs. Let any excess egg drip off, then transfer the chicken to the breadcrumbs and press to coat both sides evenly. Transfer to a platter.
Set a large paper towel-lined plate next to the stove. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add 2 to 3 tablespoons oil. When the oil is hot, add 1 or 2 pieces of chicken at a time and cook, turning once, until crispy and browned on both sides and just cooked through, about 8 minutes total. Transfer to the prepared plate and repeat with the remaining chicken breasts, adding more oil as needed for each batch.
To assemble the sandwiches, preheat the oven to 350°F. Cut the rolls in half and place them cut side up on a baking sheet; bake until lightly toasted, about 5 minutes. Cut the avocados into quarters and thinly slice. Spread some of the Salsa de Morita onto the bottom of each roll, then top with a piece of chicken, a few slices of onion, the sliced avocado, romaine, and cheese. Spread the mayonnaise and refried beans on the top half of the rolls and place on top of the sandwiches.