Description
This authentic Panes con Pollo recipe brings the bold flavors of El Salvador to your kitchen! Featuring tender, marinated chicken, slow-cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce, and served in crusty bread with crisp vegetables and tangy pickled toppings, this Salvadoran chicken sandwich is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday meal, a weekend lunch, or a street food-style gathering, this flavorful Latin American sandwich will impress everyone at the table!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs bone-in chicken (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Salsa Roja (Tomato Sauce):
- 5 Roma tomatoes, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Guajillo chili, soaked and chopped
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp achiote powder
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp ground almonds
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sandwich:
- 6 French bread rolls (Bolillo, Hoagie, or Baguette)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 cups shredded lettuce (Romaine or Iceberg)
- 1 cup sliced tomatoes
- 1 cup sliced cucumbers
- ½ cup pickled carrots
- ½ cup pickled radishes
- ½ cup sliced onions
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix mustard, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, black pepper, and salt. Coat the chicken and marinate for 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a pan and sear the marinated chicken until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Salsa Roja: In the same pan, sauté onions, garlic, and tomatoes until soft. Add Guajillo chili, cumin, oregano, achiote, sesame seeds, and ground almonds. Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 15 minutes. Blend until smooth.
- Simmer the Chicken in the Sauce: Return the chicken to the pan with the sauce and cook for 30-40 minutes until tender.
- Toast the Bread: Slice the French rolls and lightly toast them for added crunch.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread mayonnaise and mustard on the bread. Layer with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, pickled carrots, and radishes. Add shredded chicken, drizzle with extra sauce, and garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Serve Immediately & Enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicier sandwich, add extra Guajillo chilies or a splash of hot sauce to the Salsa Roja.
- Leftover chicken can be used for tacos, rice bowls, or enchiladas.
- Store the chicken and sauce separately in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for 3 months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop & Simmering
- Cuisine: Salvadoran
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 950mg
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Panes con Pollo, Salvadoran chicken sandwich, traditional Salvadoran food, Latin American sandwiches, Salvadoran cuisine