In my family, chicken bread is much more than just a meal; It's a tradition that unites us and reminds us of our Salvadoran roots. On Sunday mornings, we usually bake bread, everything is so delicious when the aroma of roasted chicken begins to fill the house. My grandmother had a secret recipe for chicken marinade that no one else had been able to replicate exactly. It was a blend of achiote, cumin, garlic, and other spices that only she knew in the perfect proportions. From early on, we all involved in the preparation. The youngest ones wash the vegetables, others prepare the tomato sauce and mayonnaise, and someone always goes to buy the French bread, which must be fresh and crusty. The most anticipated moment is when the chicken comes out of the oven. The aroma is simply irresistible, my grandmother would shred the chicken and mix it with the marinade, creating an incredible flavor. Then comes he assembly of the panels. Each one has their own technique; some prefer to add more chicken, others more sauce, and some can't live without the heat of the pickled chiles. We all sit together around the table, sharing laughter and of course the delicious panes con pollo, a moment of family togetherness. For me, panes con pollo are much more than a dish, they are a symbol of my family, my culture and my roots.

– M.F

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