There is something magical about the pairing of warm, savory chicken and the buttery richness of a perfectly ripe avocado. Our Healthy Chicken Avocado Melt takes those fresh ingredients and elevates them with a hint of garlic aioli and sharp provolone. Unlike heavy fast-food sandwiches, this recipe focuses on bright flavors and "good-for-you" fats, making it a guilt-free indulgence. If you're a fan of the California-style bistro aesthetic, this crispy, golden-brown sandwich is exactly what your taste buds have been craving.
This chicken avocado melt sandwich recipe, chipotle chicken avocado melt sandwich, and chicken avocado melt sandwich ingredients use a Panera copycat recipe with chipotle mayo sauce, smoked chicken breast, peppadew peppers, focaccia bread base, melty cheese layer, and creamy avocado slices. Whether you're making avocado melt recipe, avocado melt (panera), chipotle chicken avocado melt nutrition, chipotle chicken avocado melt recipe, chipotle chicken avocado melt calories, shredded chipotle chicken sandwich recipe, chipotle chicken melt recipe, or chipotle chicken avocado melt panera review versions, this skillet pan-seared sandwich works perfectly. The shredded rotisserie chicken makes it quick and easy.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich
- Ingredients for Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich
- How to Make Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich
- My Top Tips for Perfect Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich
- Little Moments in the Kitchen
- Substitutions for Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich
- Variations on Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich
- Equipment for Making Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich
- Storage Tips for Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich
- Adam's Tip for Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich
- FAQ About Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich
- Conclusion
- Related
- Pairing
- recipe
Why You'll Love This Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich
- Panera at home. Get all the flavors of the famous restaurant sandwich without leaving your kitchen or paying restaurant prices.
- Ready in 15 minutes. This is a classic mix, spread, heat, and munch recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunches.
- Customizable. Adjust the spice level, add more cheese, or swap the bread to make it exactly how you like it.
Ingredients for Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich
This simple ingredient list creates the ultimate chipotle chicken avocado melt sandwich.
What You'll Need
For the Chipotle Mayo Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (or 1 tablespoon adobo sauce for less heat)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
For the Sandwich:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (or 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken)
- 4 pieces focaccia bread, ciabatta, or sourdough (sliced in half)
- 8 slices provolone, mozzarella, or pepper jack cheese
- 2 ripe avocados, sliced
- ½ cup peppadew peppers, drained and sliced (or roasted red peppers)
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter for grilling
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 to 2 jalapeños, sliced, for extra heat
- Tomato slices for freshness
- Spinach or arugula for greens
Why These Ingredients Matter
Chipotle mayo sauce brings smoky heat. The combination of chipotle peppers in adobo and creamy mayo creates that signature Panera copycat recipe flavor that makes this sandwich irresistible.
Peppadew peppers add sweet and tangy flavor. These mild pickled peppers give the sandwich a pop of bright flavor without being too spicy, just like the avocado melt (panera).
Focaccia bread base makes it special. The soft, fluffy focaccia bread toasts up beautifully and holds all the fillings without getting soggy, creating the perfect skillet pan-seared sandwich.
How to Make Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich
Step-by-Step Directions
- Make the chipotle mayo sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, minced chipotle peppers (or adobo sauce), lime juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Set aside. This chipotle mayo sauce is the key to the chipotle chicken avocado melt recipe.
- Cook the chicken (if using raw). Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes per side until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice or shred. (Skip this step if using rotisserie chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken.)
- Prepare the bread. Slice the focaccia bread in half horizontally. Spread a generous amount of chipotle mayo sauce on both sides of each piece of bread.
- Layer the sandwich. On the bottom half of each bread slice, layer 1 slice of cheese, the sliced or shredded chicken (smoked chicken breast works great), creamy avocado slices, peppadew peppers, red onion slices, and another slice of cheese. Top with the other half of the bread, mayo side down.
- Heat the skillet. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt.
- Grill the sandwiches. Place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet. Press down gently with a spatula. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt.
- Flip and finish. Add another tablespoon of butter to the skillet, flip the sandwiches, and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the other side is golden and the melty cheese layer is fully melted. This skillet pan-seared sandwich technique creates the perfect crispy exterior.
- Slice and serve. Remove from the skillet, let cool for 1 minute, then slice in half. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
- Enjoy immediately! This chicken avocado melt sandwich recipe is best served hot and fresh.
Quick Tip: For extra crispy bread, press the sandwich down with a heavy pan or sandwich press while grilling!
My Top Tips for Perfect Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich
- Use ripe but firm avocados. Overly ripe avocados can get mushy and slide out of the sandwich. Look for avocados that give slightly when pressed but aren't too soft.
- Don't skip the chipotle mayo. This is what makes it taste like the chipotle chicken avocado melt panera review favorite. The smoky, spicy sauce is essential.
- Toast the bread well. A golden, crispy exterior holds up better to all the creamy avocado slices and keeps the sandwich from getting soggy.
- Save leftover chipotle mayo. Store extra chipotle mayo sauce in the fridge for up to a week and use it on burgers, wraps, or as a dipping sauce.
Little Moments in the Kitchen
The first time I made this sandwich, Adam watched me spread the chipotle mayo and asked, "Is that going to be spicy? I don't like super spicy things." I explained that the chipotle adds a little smoky heat, but it's not overwhelming. When he took his first bite, his eyes lit up. "Mom, this is SO good! The avocado makes it creamy and the cheese is melty and perfect. This tastes like we went to a restaurant!"
Grandma Viola smiled and said, "You know, in my day we didn't have fancy sandwiches like this, but I love how simple it is. The peppadew peppers are a nice touch, they add sweetness without being too much. And using rotisserie chicken is smart, it saves so much time. This is definitely a keeper."
If you love easy sandwiches, try our Grilled Chicken Marinade. It's perfect for making grilled chicken for sandwiches all week long.
Substitutions for Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich
- Chicken: Use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time, or swap with turkey, grilled chicken, or even plant-based chicken for a vegetarian option.
- Cheese: Replace provolone with mozzarella, pepper jack, cheddar, or Swiss for a different melty cheese layer.
- Peppadew peppers: Swap with roasted red peppers, pickled jalapeños, or banana peppers for the peppadew peppers.
- Focaccia bread: Use ciabatta, sourdough, whole wheat, or gluten-free bread for the focaccia bread base.
Variations on Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich
- Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich Recipe (Classic Panera): Follow the recipe above with chipotle mayo sauce, smoked chicken breast, peppadew peppers, creamy avocado slices, and focaccia bread base for chicken avocado melt sandwich recipe and avocado melt (panera).
- Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich (Extra Spicy): Add sliced jalapeños, extra chipotle peppers in the mayo, and use pepper jack cheese for chipotle chicken avocado melt sandwich and chipotle chicken melt recipe.
- Avocado Melt Recipe (Vegetarian): Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or black beans for avocado melt recipe and avocado melt sandwich.
- Shredded Chipotle Chicken Sandwich Recipe (Easy): Use shredded rotisserie chicken mixed with chipotle mayo for shredded chipotle chicken sandwich recipe and Panera copycat recipe.
- Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Nutrition (Lighter): Use whole wheat bread, light mayo, reduced-fat cheese, and baked chicken for chipotle chicken avocado melt nutrition and chipotle chicken avocado melt calories.
If you're craving more comfort food, check out our Chicken Casserole. It's another family favorite.
Equipment for Making Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich
- Large skillet or griddle: For achieving the perfect skillet pan-seared sandwich with golden, crispy bread.
- Spatula: For flipping the sandwiches without squishing them.
- Sharp knife: For slicing the chicken, avocado, and peppers.
- Small bowl: For mixing the chipotle mayo sauce.
Storage Tips for Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich
- Refrigerator (assembled sandwiches): These sandwiches are best eaten fresh, but you can store assembled (uncooked) sandwiches wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 24 hours. Grill just before serving.
- Refrigerator (components): Store cooked chicken, chipotle mayo sauce, and sliced vegetables separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Assemble and grill when ready to eat.
- Freezer (cooked chicken): Freeze cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before making sandwiches.
- Make-ahead tip: Prep the chipotle mayo sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store in the fridge and assemble sandwiches when you're ready for a quick meal.
For more easy chicken dinners, try our Cream Cheese Chicken. Another quick weeknight winner.
Adam's Tip for Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich
"Make sure you put the cheese on both sides of the chicken! That way everything sticks together and doesn't fall out when you take a bite. And the crispy bread is the best part, so don't rush the grilling!"
FAQ About Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich
What are the ingredients in chicken avocado melt?
The ingredients in chicken avocado melt include chipotle mayo sauce (mayonnaise, chipotle peppers, lime juice, garlic), smoked chicken breast or shredded rotisserie chicken, creamy avocado slices, peppadew peppers, red onion, melty cheese layer (provolone or mozzarella), and focaccia bread base. This Panera copycat recipe and chicken avocado melt sandwich recipe creates a skillet pan-seared sandwich that's creamy, smoky, and satisfying. The chicken avocado melt sandwich ingredients are simple but flavorful. For chipotle chicken avocado melt sandwich and avocado melt (panera) versions, the chipotle mayo sauce is essential. This works for avocado melt recipe, shredded chipotle chicken sandwich recipe, and chipotle chicken melt recipe variations.
What bread does Panera use for Chipotle chicken avocado melt?
Panera uses focaccia bread for their Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt, which is a soft, fluffy Italian bread with a slightly oily texture and often topped with herbs. The focaccia bread base toasts beautifully and holds all the fillings without getting soggy, making it perfect for this skillet pan-seared sandwich and Panera copycat recipe. For the chicken avocado melt sandwich recipe and avocado melt (panera) at home, you can use store-bought focaccia, or substitute with ciabatta or sourdough for a similar texture. The focaccia bread base is part of what makes the chipotle chicken avocado melt sandwich and chipotle chicken avocado melt recipe so special.
How to make chicken avocado sandwich?
To make a chicken avocado sandwich, start by making chipotle mayo sauce (mix mayo, chipotle peppers, lime juice, and garlic). Cook or use shredded rotisserie chicken for the smoked chicken breast layer. Slice focaccia bread base and spread chipotle mayo on both sides. Layer melty cheese layer, chicken, creamy avocado slices, peppadew peppers, and red onion. Top with more cheese and the other bread slice. Grill in a buttered skillet for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and the cheese melts. This Panera copycat recipe and chicken avocado melt sandwich recipe creates a perfect skillet pan-seared sandwich for avocado melt recipe, chipotle chicken avocado melt sandwich, and chicken avocado melt sandwich ingredients.
How to make panera chicken avocado melt at home?
To make Panera chicken avocado melt at home, follow this Panera copycat recipe: Make chipotle mayo sauce with mayo, chipotle peppers, lime juice, and garlic. Use focaccia bread base, spread with chipotle mayo, and layer with melty cheese layer, smoked chicken breast (or shredded rotisserie chicken), creamy avocado slices, peppadew peppers, and red onion. Grill in butter until golden and crispy for the perfect skillet pan-seared sandwich. This chicken avocado melt sandwich recipe and avocado melt (panera) version tastes just like the restaurant. For chipotle chicken avocado melt nutrition and chipotle chicken avocado melt calories, use whole wheat bread and light ingredients. This works for chipotle chicken avocado melt recipe and shredded chipotle chicken sandwich recipe.
For another delicious chicken sandwich option, check out this Dan's Favorite Chicken Sandwich from Allrecipes.
Conclusion
Eating clean doesn't have to mean eating boring. This avocado and chicken sandwich delivers that satisfying "crunch" while staying light enough for a midday boost. With a few simple swaps, like using Greek yogurt instead of mayo or a sprouted grain bread, you can customize this recipe to fit any lifestyle. If you enjoyed this fresh take on a classic melt, be sure to share a photo of your creation on Instagram and tag us! We love seeing your gourmet kitchen wins.
If you try this chicken avocado melt sandwich recipe or the chipotle chicken avocado melt sandwich, you'll see why it's a fan favorite. Whether you're making avocado melt (panera) style, chipotle chicken avocado melt recipe, or shredded chipotle chicken sandwich recipe, this Panera copycat recipe delivers every time. The chipotle mayo sauce and creamy avocado slices create the perfect balance. Please leave a 5-star rating below if this becomes your new favorite sandwich! For more easy chicken dinners, try our Marry Me Chicken Soup. Happy cooking!
Related
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Pairing
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recipe
Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich
Equipment
- Large skillet or griddle Nonstick works best for even browning
- Spatula A wide spatula makes flipping easier
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken warmed slightly for easy melting
- 4 pieces focaccia bread sliced horizontally
- 2 ripe avocados sliced
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 0.5 cup peppadew peppers sliced
- 2 tablespoon butter
- salt to taste
- fresh cilantro optional, for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, chipotle peppers, lime juice, and garlic until smooth. Season with salt to taste.
- Lay out the focaccia bread and spread chipotle mayo evenly on each cut side.
- Layer provolone cheese, shredded chicken, avocado slices, and peppadew peppers on the bottom half of each sandwich. Top with another slice of provolone.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sandwiches and cook until golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3–4 minutes per side.
- Remove from the skillet, slice in half, and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm.
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