Ever tried making a chicken avocado melt sandwich that actually tastes better than the ones from your fave sandwich shop? Well today’s your lucky day! This homemade version is seriously next level – packed with juicy chicken, creamy avocado and melty cheese that’ll have you skipping those $12 restaurant sandwiches for good.
Tbh I’ve been obsessed with perfecting this chicken avocado melt sandwich recipe for months now. My family kept begging me to stop making them try “just one more version” but when I finally nailed this one? Even my picky teenager gave it a thumbs up. And that’s saying something!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich
Making the perfect chicken avocado melt sandwich used to drive me crazy. The avocado would turn brown, the cheese wouldn’t melt right, or the chicken would be dry. Sound familiar? After tons of kitchen fails, I finally cracked the code.
Last weekend I made these for my sister’s surprise visit. She took one bite and literally refused to believe I made them at home! That’s how good these are.
What makes this chicken avocado melt sandwich recipe so awesome is how easily you can switch things up. Don’t have cheddar? Use pepper jack. No time to cook chicken? Rotisserie chicken works great. Want it spicier? Add more chipotle. It’s basically impossible to mess up.
Seriously tho, once you try this sandwich, those $15 cafe versions will seem totally pointless.
Ingredients for Your Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts – they’re the perfect size for sandwiches and cook up juicy. You could use thighs if you prefer darker meat.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – helps the seasonings stick and keeps chicken moist, but any neutral oil works too.
- 1 tsp chili powder – adds that perfect kick without overpowering.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – because fresh garlic might burn during cooking.
- Salt and pepper – always to taste, don’t skip this!
For the Chipotle Mayo
- 1/2 cup mayo – full fat works best here, light mayo doesn’t have the same richness.
- 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce – this is the secret ingredient! If you can’t find it, chipotle powder works ok in a pinch.
- 1 tsp lime juice – fresh is way better than bottled, trust me.
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder – for that extra flavor depth.
For Assembly
- 8 slices sourdough bread – sourdough stands up to the fillings without getting soggy. Regular white bread works but might get squished.
- 2 ripe avocados – they should yield slightly to pressure but not be mushy.
- 8 slices cheddar cheese – I like sharp cheddar but monterey jack or pepper jack are amazing too.
- 1 tomato, sliced – optional but adds freshness and juiciness.
- Red onion slices – just a few thin ones add so much flavor.
- Butter for grilling – salted butter adds best flavor but unsalted works too.
I’ve made this chicken avocado melt sandwich with all kinds of substitutions when I’m out of stuff. Gluten-free bread works great if you’ve got dietary restrictions. And if you’re avoiding dairy, there are some decent vegan cheese options that actually melt pretty well now.
How to Make the Ultimate Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels – this helps seasonings stick better and gives better browning.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, chili powder and garlic powder on both sides. Really rub it in!
- Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat until just shimmering.
- Cook chicken about 5-7 mins per side until internal temp reaches 165°F. You’ll know it’s ready when there’s no pink in center and juices run clear.
- Let chicken rest 5 mins before slicing – don’t skip this or all the juices will run out!
- Slice into thin strips against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Step 2: Make the Chipotle Mayo
- In small bowl, combine mayo, minced chipotle peppers with some adobo sauce, lime juice and garlic powder.
- Mix until completely smooth. If too spicy, add more mayo.
- Taste and adjust seasoning – it should have kick but not burn your face off.
Step 3: Prep Other Ingredients
- Slice avocados and scoop out flesh.
- Mash slightly with fork – I like keeping some chunks for texture.
- Squeeze bit of lime juice over avocado to prevent browning.
- Slice tomato and onion thinly.
- Have cheese slices ready to go.
Step 4: Assemble and Grill
- Butter outside of bread slices – this is key for that golden crust!
- Spread chipotle mayo on inside of bread slices.
- Layer one slice of cheese, chicken strips, mashed avocado, tomato, onion, second slice of cheese, then top bread slice.
- Heat skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Grill sandwich about 3-4 mins per side until bread is golden brown and cheese is melty.
- Press down gently with spatula while cooking for even browning.
- If bread browning too fast but cheese not melted, lower heat and cover pan briefly.
Pro tip: I sometimes use lid from pasta pot to cover sandwiches while cooking – traps heat and melts cheese perfectly!
Delicious Variations of the Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich
Southwest Fiesta Melt
Add black beans, corn kernels and pickled jalapeños. Swap cheddar for pepper jack and add pinch of cumin to the chipotle mayo. Seriously amazing with some crushed tortilla chips inside for crunch!
Mediterranean Chicken Avocado Melt
Use feta cheese instead of cheddar, add roasted red peppers and kalamata olives. Replace chipotle mayo with tzatziki sauce. I made this when I had leftover Greek chicken and my husband requested it three days in a row!
Bacon Ranch Chicken Avocado Melt
Add crispy bacon slices and replace chipotle mayo with ranch dressing. Use colby jack cheese. This one’s my kids’ absolute fave – they call it the “everything good sandwich.”
BBQ Chicken Avocado Melt
Use shredded chicken mixed with BBQ sauce, add caramelized onions and smoked gouda cheese. My brother-in-law who “hates fancy sandwiches” devoured two of these last cookout.
Pesto Chicken Avocado Melt
Swap chipotle mayo for basil pesto, use mozzarella cheese and add sliced cherry tomatoes. Great for using up summer garden tomatoes and basil!
Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich
Equipment
- Skillet or griddle
- Spatula
- Knife
- Small mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Tongs
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Chipotle Mayo:
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce minced
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- For Assembly:
- 8 slices sourdough bread
- 2 ripe avocados
- 8 slices cheddar cheese
- 1 tomato sliced (optional)
- Red onion slices thin
- Butter for grilling
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry and season with chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken 5-7 minutes per side until internal temp is 165°F.
- Rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
- Step 2: Make the Chipotle Mayo
- In a bowl, mix mayo, chipotle peppers with adobo, lime juice, and garlic powder.
- Stir until smooth. Adjust spice level to taste.
- Step 3: Prep the Other Ingredients
- Slice avocados, mash slightly with a fork, and mix with a little lime juice.
- Slice tomato and onion. Set aside cheese and bread.
- Step 4: Assemble and Grill
- Butter the outside of each bread slice.
- Spread chipotle mayo inside each slice.
- Layer: cheese, chicken, avocado, tomato, onion, more cheese, and top bread.
- Grill sandwich 3-4 minutes per side until golden and melty.
- Press with spatula while cooking. Lower heat and cover if needed to melt cheese.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwiches
What is in Panera chipotle chicken avocado melt?
Panera’s chipotle chicken avocado melt contains their citrus pepper chicken, smoked gouda cheese, avocado, cilantro, chipotle mayo, and chipotle sauce on black pepper focaccia bread. Their version’s pretty good but honestly this homemade chicken avocado melt sandwich has way more flavor and you control the spice level. Plus making it at home costs like 1/3 the price!
What to put in a chicken and avocado sandwich?
Best things to put in a chicken avocado melt sandwich are: sliced chicken breast (seasoned well!), ripe avocado, melty cheese like cheddar or pepper jack, chipotle mayo for kick, fresh tomato slices, and thin red onion for bite. Optional add-ins that work amazing are bacon, leafy greens, roasted red peppers, or jalapeños for extra heat. The combo of creamy avocado with spicy chipotle and juicy chicken is what makes this sandwich incredible. Check out our Ham and Cheese Sliders for another amazing sandwich idea!
Is chicken avocado sandwich healthy?
A chicken avocado melt sandwich can be pretty healthy depending how you make it! Chicken provides lean protein, avocado has healthy fats and nutrients, and veggies add fiber. To make it healthier, use whole grain bread instead of white, go lighter on cheese, and make your own chipotle mayo with light mayo or Greek yogurt. The sandwich is filling enough to be a complete meal and def better than fast food options. For vegetarian sandwich options, check out our Vegan Deli Meat article!
What kind of chipotle sauce does Panera use?
Panera uses a chipotle mayo sauce that combines mayo, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, lime juice, and spices. Their version is a bit milder than my homemade version. They also add their signature “chipotle sauce” which has smoky, slightly sweet notes. My homemade version actually packs more chipotle flavor and you can adjust spice level exactly how you want it.
What is the closest sauce to chipotle sauce?
Closest sauce to chipotle sauce you can buy is probably chipotle ranch or chipotle aioli from grocery store. But nothing beats homemade! Just blend mayo with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (from can in Mexican food section), lime juice, and pinch of garlic powder. If you can’t find chipotles in adobo, mix mayo with chipotle powder, smoked paprika, bit of honey, lime juice and garlic powder. Works in a pinch but not quite same depth of flavor.
How do I keep avocado from turning brown in my sandwich?
This used to drive me crazy! Best way to keep avocado from turning brown is adding citrus – lime or lemon juice works great. Just sprinkle some over avocado right after cutting. Also, making sandwich right before eating helps. If prepping ahead, try keeping avocado as last ingredient to add right before eating. I’ve found mashing avocado with lime juice and immediately putting between cheese slices helps create barrier from air.
Can I meal prep these chicken avocado melt sandwiches?
Yes but with few tricks! Prep chipotle mayo and cook chicken ahead (keeps 3-4 days in fridge). Slice all veggies except avocado. When ready to eat, just assemble and grill. For work lunches, I pack components separately: chicken, chipotle mayo, cheese, whole avocado, and bread. Takes 5 mins to assemble at lunchtime and tastes fresh-made. Way better than soggy pre-made sandwich!
My Final Thoughts on This Amazing Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich
Couple years ago I was ordering chicken avocado melt sandwiches at least twice a week from local cafe. My wallet was definitely feeling it! After creating this recipe, I haven’t been back once. And tbh my version’s better anyway.
What I love most about this chicken avocado melt sandwich is how it brings together simple ingredients into something that feels special. Last month I made these for my dad who’s super traditional with food – he always wants “normal sandwiches” – and even he couldn’t stop talking about how good it was.
The balance of spicy chipotle, creamy avocado, and savory chicken just works perfectly. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your new go-to sandwich! And if you’re looking for more amazing sandwich recipes, be sure to check out our Toasted Italian Sandwich or the classic Croque Monsieur for your next sandwich adventure!
Make this chicken avocado melt sandwich your own – play with the seasonings, try different cheeses, add your fave veggies. That’s what cooking’s all about. And when you nail your perfect version? Trust me – it’ll be way better than anything you can buy.
Easy Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich Recipe Card
Best Ever Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 8 slices sourdough bread
- 2 ripe avocados
- 8 slices cheddar cheese
- 1 tomato, sliced
- Red onion slices
- Butter for grilling
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, chili powder and garlic powder
- Cook chicken in olive oil 5-7 minutes per side until 165°F internal temp
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly
- Mix mayo, chipotles, lime juice and garlic powder for chipotle mayo
- Mash avocados with fork, leaving some chunks
- Butter outside of bread slices
- Spread chipotle mayo on inside of bread
- Layer: bread, cheese, chicken, avocado, tomato, onion, cheese, bread
- Grill 3-4 mins per side until golden and cheese melts
- Enjoy while hot!
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