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This Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich has become my go-to for effortless comfort food when I want something both satisfying and fresh. Tender chicken pairs with perfectly ripe avocado and gooey cheese melted between golden slices of bread. The blend of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors makes every bite memorable and ideal for lunch or an easy dinner.
I reach for this sandwich whenever I need to turn leftover chicken into a crave-worthy meal. My kids request them after soccer practice and everyone raves about the melty cheese and creamy avocado.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: choose breasts that are firm and pink for juiciness and quick cooking
- Salt and pepper: simple but they let the flavors of the chicken shine use freshly ground pepper for extra flavor
- Olive oil: a touch adds flavor and keeps the chicken moist opt for cold pressed extra virgin
- Avocado: pick one that feels slightly soft to the touch but not mushy it should yield gently under pressure
- Your favorite cheese: pick Swiss for nuttiness or cheddar for tang slice it yourself from a block for best melting
- Bread: choose sourdough or ciabatta for a crisp texture go for whole grain for extra nutrition
- Mayonnaise: adds creaminess use real mayo for best richness
- Dijon mustard: brings just enough tang and brightens the flavors try stone ground or classic Dijon
- Red onion: slice it very thin for a zesty crunch look for one with shiny skin and no soft spots
- Tomato: choose a ripe tomato that is firm but gives slightly when pressed juicy but not watery
- Butter or olive oil for grilling: choose unsalted butter or a mild olive oil to achieve a golden crust
Instructions
- Prepare and Season the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts all over with salt and pepper making sure every surface is evenly coated for full flavor. Let them sit for a couple of minutes so the seasoning can absorb.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet set over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for six to seven minutes per side. Make sure not to crowd the pan so they brown nicely. Check that the chicken is fully cooked by slicing into the thickest part it should be opaque without any pinkness. Let it rest on a plate for several minutes so juices do not escape when you slice.
- Slice and Prep Fillings:
- Once the chicken has rested slice it very thinly at an angle so each bite has tender strips. Slice the avocado just before assembling the sandwich to prevent browning. Prepare cheese slices red onion and tomato and arrange them for easy assembly.
- Assemble the Sandwich:
- Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard on each piece of bread go right to the edges for full flavor. On half the bread layer the sliced chicken then avocado and cheese. Top with several slices of red onion and tomato making sure to distribute evenly.
- Form the Sandwiches:
- Place the other slices of bread on top mayo and mustard side down so the flavors are sealed in. Press gently to hold everything together.
- Grill the Sandwiches:
- Heat a clean skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Add a little butter or olive oil and let it heat until shimmering. Place the sandwiches into the pan and cook for three to four minutes per side pressing gently with a spatula so the cheese melts into the fillings and the bread crisps up. Cook until the sandwiches are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the sandwiches from the skillet using a spatula. Let them cool for a minute so the hot cheese does not spill out as you slice. Cut each sandwich in half and serve while still warm for the best flavor and melty texture.
I always grab extra ripe avocados at the market so I am ready for sandwich night. My daughter loves assembling hers with extra tomato and onion sometimes we make it a fun family assembly line at the kitchen counter.
Storage Tips
Wrap leftover sandwiches tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to two days. To reheat place them in a skillet over low heat to restore crispness. If freezing wrap each sandwich in parchment and place in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap the chicken for turkey or roasted vegetables if you want a vegetarian twist. Try pepper jack cheese for an extra kick or add arugula for a peppery green bite. Sourdough holds up best to grilling but any hearty bread works.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sandwiches with a side salad potato chips or a warm cup of tomato soup. I like to cut them into halves or quarters for party trays or casual gatherings. Fresh fruit makes a bright refreshing addition on the side.
Cultural and Historical Context
Grilled sandwiches are a comfort food tradition around the world but melting avocado and cheese with chicken makes this particular sandwich distinctly modern. It captures flavors from California cuisine clean fresh and satisfying. It is endlessly versatile and fits right in at family gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Seasonal Adaptations
In summer swap tomato slices for roasted red peppers. Add crisp baby greens in spring for freshness. Try smoked mozzarella or gouda in colder months.
Success Stories
Many people write to tell me this was the first sandwich their kids learned to make solo. One friend says it is their picnic must have every year and leftover chicken never goes to waste with this recipe.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Make sandwiches through the assembly step then wrap and freeze before grilling. To serve thaw overnight and grill as written for a fast hot meal during busy weeks.
This sandwich is perfect for using up leftovers and impressing with minimal effort. You will want to make it again and again for quick meals everyone loves.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I keep the chicken juicy?
Grill the chicken breast over medium-high heat and avoid overcooking; let it rest before slicing for tenderness.
- → Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, try sourdough, ciabatta, whole grain, or any bread sturdy enough to hold the ingredients and grill well.
- → What cheese works best for melting?
Swiss, cheddar, or provolone all melt smoothly and pair well with chicken and avocado flavors.
- → How can I make this gluten-free?
Simply choose a gluten-free bread variety that holds up to grilling and layering.
- → What other toppings can I add?
Try spinach, roasted peppers, or sliced pickles for added flavor and crunch in your sandwich.