ULTIMATE CHICKEN AVOCADO MELT SANDWICH

Craving a lunch that’s both comforting and packed with healthy fats? Imagine sinking your teeth into toasted bread, yielding to a creamy avocado and juicy chicken, all held together by melted cheese that stretches with every bite – the ultimate Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich is calling your name! Get ready, because I’m about to show you how to create this sandwich masterpiece that’s guaranteed to become a new lunchtime staple.

Gather Your Goodies: The Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 6-8 ounces)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

For the Avocado Spread:

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick

For the Sandwich:

• 2 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough, whole wheat, or ciabatta work great!)
• 2 slices of cheese (Monterey Jack, provolone, or cheddar are delicious)
• Optional: Lettuce, tomato slices, or sprouts for extra freshness
• 1 tablespoon butter or mayonnaise, for spreading on the bread

Step-by-Step to Sandwich Perfection

Prepping the Chicken:

1. First, let’s get that chicken cooking! Pat the chicken breast dry with a paper towel. This will help it brown nicely.
2. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Rub this mixture all over the chicken breast, making sure it’s evenly coated.
3. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breast and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to be sure.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding it. This will help it retain its juices and prevent it from drying out.

Crafting the Avocado Spread:

1. While the chicken is resting, let’s make the avocado spread. In a small bowl, mash the avocado with a fork until it’s nice and creamy.
2. Add the lime juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together until it’s well combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Assembling the Ultimate Melt:

1. Now for the fun part! Spread butter or mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread. This will help the sandwich get nice and golden brown when you toast it.
2. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in the skillet.
3. Top with one slice of cheese.
4. Add the sliced or shredded chicken on top of the cheese.
5. Spread the avocado mixture evenly over the chicken.
6. Top with the remaining slice of cheese.
7. Place the other slice of bread on top, butter-side up.

Melting Magic:

1. Cook the sandwich over medium-low heat for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. You can gently press down on the sandwich with a spatula to help it cook evenly.
2. Carefully remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it cool for a minute or two before slicing it in half. This will prevent the cheese from oozing out everywhere.

Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Chicken Avocado Melt

Chicken Cooking Options:

Don’t feel like pan-frying? No problem! You can also bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s cooked through. Alternatively, you can use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time. Just shred it up and you’re good to go!

Bread Bliss:

The type of bread you use can make a big difference in the overall flavor and texture of the sandwich. Sourdough adds a tangy flavor, while whole wheat provides a nutty taste and a heartier texture. Ciabatta is a great option if you like a chewy, rustic bread. Experiment with different types of bread to find your favorite!

Cheese Choices:

Monterey Jack is a classic choice for a melt sandwich because it melts beautifully and has a mild, buttery flavor. Provolone is another great option, with a slightly sharper flavor. Cheddar adds a bolder, more pronounced flavor. Feel free to mix and match different cheeses to create your own unique flavor combination.

Avocado Adventure:

Make sure your avocado is ripe but not too soft. It should yield slightly to gentle pressure. If your avocado is too hard, it will be difficult to mash and spread. If it’s too soft, it will be mushy and unappetizing. To ripen an avocado quickly, place it in a paper bag with a banana or apple for a day or two.

Spice It Up:

Want to add a little extra flavor to your Chicken Avocado Melt? Try adding a sprinkle of chili flakes to the avocado spread, or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken. You can also add some sliced jalapenos to the sandwich for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal!

This Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with a side dish. Here are a few suggestions:

• A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette
• A bowl of tomato soup
• Some crispy potato chips or sweet potato fries
• A side of coleslaw or potato salad

Variations: Remix Your Melt

BBQ Chicken Avocado Melt:

Use shredded chicken tossed in your favorite BBQ sauce instead of plain chicken. This adds a smoky and sweet flavor to the sandwich.

Spicy Southwest Chicken Avocado Melt:

Add a sprinkle of chili powder and cumin to the chicken before cooking. Use pepper jack cheese for an extra kick. You can even add some black beans and corn to the avocado spread.

Pesto Chicken Avocado Melt:

Spread a layer of pesto on the bread before adding the chicken and avocado. This adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the sandwich.

If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like Swiss Mushroom Melt, a savory and comforting alternative. Or, try Boursin Chicken Pasta for a creamy and flavorful weeknight dinner. For a taste of the Southwest, give Mexican Chicken a try. Looking for a crowd-pleasing casserole? Then, Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a MUST-try. If you’re craving another amazing sandwich option, check out the Chicken Caesar Sandwich. And for a Mediterranean twist, don’t miss Mediterranean Chicken Gyros.

Making it Ahead of Time

While this sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep some of the components ahead of time. You can cook the chicken and make the avocado spread up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the sandwich. However, I don’t recommend assembling the entire sandwich ahead of time, as the bread may get soggy.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

• Calories: 500-600
• Protein: 30-40g
• Fat: 30-40g
• Carbohydrates: 30-40g

(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients you use.)

Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Lunch Awaits

There you have it! A simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or any time you’re craving a cheesy, creamy, and flavorful meal. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience sandwich bliss. You deserve it!

ULTIMATE CHICKEN AVOCADO MELT SANDWICH

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich is a comforting and satisfying meal packed with creamy avocado, juicy chicken, and melted cheese. It’s easy to make and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Toasting the bread creates a delicious golden-brown crust, complementing the savory filling.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine American

Servings 1

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet
• Small bowl
• Fork
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Spatula
• Meat thermometer (optional)
• Paper towels

Ingredients

  

• 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast 6-8 ounces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt for chicken
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper for chicken
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• ¼ teaspoon salt for avocado
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper for avocado
• Pinch of red pepper flakes optional
• 2 slices of bread sourdough, whole wheat, or ciabatta
• 2 slices of cheese Monterey Jack, provolone, or cheddar
• Lettuce, tomato slices, or sprouts optional
• 1 tablespoon butter or mayonnaise

Instructions

 

• Pat the chicken breast dry with a paper towel.
• In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
• Rub the mixture all over the chicken breast.
• Heat a skillet over medium heat.
• Add the chicken breast and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding.
• In a small bowl, mash the avocado with a fork until creamy.
• Add the lime juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Stir until well combined and adjust seasonings to taste.
• Spread butter or mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread.
• Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in the skillet.
• Top with one slice of cheese.
• Add the sliced or shredded chicken on top of the cheese.
• Spread the avocado mixture evenly over the chicken.
• Top with the remaining slice of cheese.
• Place the other slice of bread on top, butter-side up.
• Cook the sandwich over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
• Gently press down on the sandwich with a spatula to help it cook evenly.
• Carefully remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it cool for a minute or two before slicing in half.

Notes

You can bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or use leftover rotisserie chicken. Sourdough bread adds a tangy flavor, while whole wheat provides a nutty taste. Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully, while provolone has a slightly sharper flavor. Prepare chicken and avocado spread a day in advance, but assemble the sandwich just before cooking to prevent sogginess. For variations, try BBQ chicken, a spicy Southwest version with chili powder and pepper jack cheese, or add pesto for a fresh, herbaceous flavor.