Irresistible Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe at Home

Culinary adventurers crave this panera chipotle chicken avocado melt that promises a flavor explosion in every bite.

Melted cheese and zesty chipotle sauce create an irresistible combination.

Tender chicken pieces nestled between perfectly toasted bread make this sandwich a true comfort classic.

Creamy avocado adds a luxurious texture that complements the spicy notes.

Fresh ingredients and bold seasonings elevate this melt from ordinary to extraordinary.

Crisp edges and warm, gooey center guarantee satisfaction with each mouthwatering slice.

You cannot resist trying this restaurant-inspired recipe that brings gourmet flavors right to your kitchen.

Why the Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Is a Must-Make

• Savor Flavor-Packed Comfort: Dive into a mouthwatering sandwich that combines spicy chipotle mayo, tender grilled chicken, and creamy avocado for an explosion of taste in every bite.
• Master Quick Gourmet Cooking: Create a restaurant-quality meal at home with simple ingredients and basic cooking skills, perfect for home chefs looking to impress without complicated techniques.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Easily swap ingredients or adjust spice levels to suit personal preferences, making this recipe incredibly versatile for different taste buds and dietary needs.
• Elevate Lunch Experience: Transform an ordinary meal into a special moment with layers of premium ingredients that make this sandwich feel like a gourmet treat without requiring professional cooking expertise.

Ingredients for the Panera-Style Chipotle Chicken Melt

• Grilled Chicken: A lean and flavorful protein that serves as the primary filling for the sandwich.

• Pepper Jack Cheese: Provides a spicy and melty layer that adds richness to the sandwich.
• Butter: Creates a golden, crispy exterior when grilling the bread.

• Sourdough Bread: Offers a tangy base with a sturdy texture perfect for grilling.
• Chipotle Mayo: Adds a creamy and spicy element that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Avocado, Tomato, Cilantro: Bring freshness, moisture, and aromatic complexity to the sandwich.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Elevate the chicken's flavor and provide a basic seasoning layer.

How to Make Your Own Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt

Step 1: Prep Your Sandwich Ingredients

Gather your fresh ingredients including sourdough bread, grilled chicken, pepper jack cheese, avocado, tomato, chipotle mayo, cilantro, butter, salt, and black pepper. Slice avocado and tomato into delicate, thin pieces that will nestle perfectly into your sandwich.

Step 2: Butter up the Bread

Generously brush the exterior sides of sourdough bread with butter. This magical coating will transform your sandwich into a crispy, golden delight when grilled.

Step 3: Fire Up the Skillet

Heat a skillet over medium heat. The goal is to create the perfect toasty environment for your melt-worthy masterpiece.

Step 4: Layer the Chicken Base

Arrange grilled chicken pieces across the bread, covering the entire surface. Sprinkle salt and black pepper directly onto the chicken to unlock maximum flavor potential.

Step 5: Cheese Please

Add pepper jack cheese slices over the seasoned chicken. Watch as the heat begins to coax the cheese into a slightly melted embrace.

Step 6: Spread the Creamy Goodness

Generously spread chipotle mayo across the cheese, creating a spicy and creamy foundation that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 7: Avocado Artistry

Carefully arrange avocado slices to completely cover the mayo. These green gems will add a buttery richness to every bite.

Step 8: Fresh Tomato Topping

Place tomato slices over the avocado, introducing a burst of freshness and moisture to the sandwich.

Step 9: Herb It Up

Sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves across the top, distributing them evenly to add an aromatic complexity that elevates the entire sandwich.

Step 10: Top It Off

Crown your creation with the second slice of buttered bread, ensuring the buttered side faces outward.

Step 11: Grill to Perfection

Carefully place the sandwich in the heated skillet. Grill for 3-4 minutes on each side, watching for a golden-brown exterior and completely melted cheese.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from heat and let the sandwich rest for 1-2 minutes. Slice diagonally to reveal the beautiful layers inside. Serve immediately while everything is warm and melty.

Handy Tips for Nailing This Melty, Toasty Sandwich

• Perfect Bread Toasting: Butter both sides of sourdough generously for a crispy, golden-brown exterior that adds rich flavor and satisfying crunch.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Let pepper jack cheese sit at room temperature before adding to sandwich, ensuring smoother, more even melting during grilling.
• Avocado Freshness Hack: Slice avocado just before assembling sandwich to prevent browning and maintain vibrant green color and creamy texture.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust chipotle mayo quantity to personalize heat intensity, making the sandwich adaptable to different spice preferences.
• Protein Swap Option: Replace grilled chicken with turkey or plant-based alternatives for dietary flexibility without compromising sandwich's delicious profile.

Ways to Customize Your Chicken Avocado Melt

• Spicy Southwest Melt: Replace pepper jack with spicy habanero cheese and add roasted green chiles for extra heat.
• Mediterranean Style: Swap chipotle mayo for tzatziki sauce, use feta cheese, and include sliced cucumber and red onion.
• Smoky BBQ Chicken Melt: Drizzle BBQ sauce over chicken, use smoked gouda cheese, and add crispy bacon strips.
• Veggie Lovers Version: Substitute grilled chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms, use mozzarella cheese, and add roasted red peppers.

Best Pairings for Chipotle Chicken Avocado Sandwiches

• Pair with Zesty Citrus Margarita: Blend fresh lime juice, tequila, and triple sec to cut through the sandwich's rich, creamy flavors and complement the chipotle spiciness.
• Enhance with Crisp Mexican Street Corn Salad: Create a tangy side dish with grilled corn, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime to balance the sandwich's warmth and provide textural contrast.
• Match with Cool Cucumber Agua Fresca: Prepare a refreshing drink mixing cucumber, water, mint, and a touch of honey to soothe the palate and neutralize the spicy chipotle mayo.
• Complement with Roasted Jalapeño Salsa: Craft a quick dipping sauce with charred jalapeños, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro to add an extra layer of bright, spicy complexity to the meal.

How to Store and Reheat This Sandwich Like a Pro

• Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, keeping it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Consume within this timeframe to maintain optimal taste and texture.
• Store chicken, cheese, and avocado separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keep bread at room temperature in a sealed bag to prevent staleness.
• Warm the sandwich in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side to restore crispiness. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy bread and rubbery cheese.
• Prepare sandwich ingredients in advance and assemble just before serving to ensure maximum freshness and prevent avocado browning.

Panera Copycat FAQs to Make It Even Easier

• Is chipotle mayo spicy?

The chipotle mayo delivers a mild to moderate heat with smoky undertones, providing a subtle kick without overwhelming the sandwich’s other flavors.

• Can I substitute pepper jack cheese?

Yes, you can replace pepper jack with monterey jack, cheddar, or provolone to adjust the spice and meltiness according to your preference.

• How do I ensure chicken stays moist?

Grill chicken at medium heat and avoid overcooking. Season with salt and pepper, and slice into even pieces to maintain tenderness and juiciness.

• What type of bread works best?

Sourdough is recommended for its tangy flavor and sturdy texture, but you can also use ciabatta or artisan white bread for similar results.

Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Panera’s chipotle chicken avocado melt brings smoky southwest flavors dancing across melted cheese and grilled bread. Spicy chipotle chicken, creamy avocado, and tangy sauce create a delicious sandwich you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread and Base:

• 2 slices sourdough bread
• 1 tbsp butter (15 ml)

Protein and Cheese:

• 6 oz (170 g) grilled chicken breast
• 2 slices pepper jack cheese
• 1/2 avocado
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) chipotle mayo

Toppings and Seasonings:

• 1 tsp (5 ml) olive oil
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• 1 small handful fresh cilantro
• 1 slice tomato

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Instructions

1. Slice avocado and tomato into thin, uniform pieces, ensuring even distribution across the sandwich.
2. Brush exterior sides of sourdough bread with butter, creating a golden, crispy surface for grilling.
3. Warm a skillet over medium heat for optimal bread toasting and sandwich melting.
4. Layer one bread slice with grilled chicken, arranging pieces to cover the entire surface.
5. Sprinkle salt and black pepper directly onto chicken for enhanced flavor profile.
6. Add pepper jack cheese slices atop seasoned chicken, allowing them to slightly melt.
7. Carefully spread chipotle mayo across the cheese, creating a creamy and spicy foundation.
8. Arrange avocado slices uniformly over the mayo, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Place tomato slice on top of avocado, adding freshness and moisture to the sandwich.
10. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, distributing them evenly for aromatic complexity.
11. Place second buttered bread slice on top, with buttered side facing outward.
12. Grill sandwich in skillet for 3-4 minutes per side until bread turns golden brown and cheese melts completely.
13. Remove from heat, let cool for 1-2 minutes, then slice diagonally and serve immediately.

Notes

• Perfectly slice avocado and tomato thinly to ensure even flavor distribution and aesthetically pleasing presentation.
• Butter the bread’s exterior generously to achieve a crispy, golden-brown texture that elevates the sandwich’s overall taste and crunch.
• Choose high-quality pepper jack cheese for maximum melting potential and a spicy kick that complements the chipotle mayo.
• For a gluten-free version, swap sourdough with gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 648
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 892 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 107 mg