Description
This Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich is a quick and delicious meal perfect for lunch or a light dinner. It combines tender cooked chicken breast, creamy ripe avocado, melty cheese, and a zesty chipotle mayo, all toasted to golden perfection on your choice of hearty bread. Fresh herbs add a vibrant finish, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 2 slices of sourdough, ciabatta, or focaccia bread
Filling
- Cooked chicken breast, shredded or sliced – about 4 oz
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- Cheese (Gouda, cheddar, or mozzarella) – 2 slices
- Fresh cilantro or arugula leaves (optional) – a small handful
Condiments and Seasoning
- Mayonnaise – 2 tablespoons
- Chipotle sauce or adobo sauce (optional) – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper – to taste
- Lemon or lime juice – a squeeze (about 1 teaspoon)
For Cooking
- Butter or olive oil – 1 tablespoon, for spreading on bread
Instructions
- Prepare chipotle mayo: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise with chipotle or adobo sauce. Adjust the amount of sauce based on your preferred spice level and mix until smooth.
- Spread the mayo: Lay out two slices of your chosen bread and evenly spread the chipotle mayo mixture (or plain mayo if preferred) on one side of each slice.
- Add chicken: Place the shredded or sliced cooked chicken breast on one slice of bread, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Layer avocado: Arrange the avocado slices evenly over the chicken. Drizzle with a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to add brightness and prevent browning.
- Add cheese and greens: Place slices of your chosen cheese on top of the avocado, and add fresh cilantro or arugula leaves if using, for a fresh herbal note.
- Assemble sandwich: Top with the second slice of bread, mayo side down, to complete the sandwich.
- Heat the pan: Warm a skillet or panini press over medium heat to prepare for toasting.
- Prepare bread for toasting: Spread butter or brush olive oil on the outer sides of the sandwich to ensure a crispy, golden crust during cooking.
- Cook sandwich: Place the sandwich in the skillet or panini press and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted thoroughly.
- Rest and slice: Remove the sandwich from heat and let it rest for about 1 minute to allow flavors to meld and avoid burning your mouth. Slice diagonally or as desired.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve your Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich warm, paired with a side salad, fries, or soup for a complete meal experience.
Notes
- You can customize the sandwich by using your favorite type of bread and cheese.
- Adding a squeeze of citrus to the avocado keeps it vibrant and prevents browning.
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of chipotle or adobo sauce in the mayo.
- Using a panini press will give a more even, pressed sandwich, but a skillet works just as well.
- Leftover cooked chicken is perfect for this recipe, making it a great way to use up extra protein.
