Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe

Imagine the savory boldness of smoky chipotle, creamy avocado, melty cheese, and juicy chicken all stacked between two slices of herby, golden focaccia. That’s exactly what you get with this Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt—a Panera copycat that delivers café-level comfort with irresistible, homemade charm.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt is just how approachable—but irresistible—the ingredients are. Each one brings its own color, heat, or classic comfort, and when you layer them together, it’s magic in sandwich form.

• Focaccia Bread (2 flat loaves): Choose garlic herb focaccia for a pillowy bite and a hit of savory flavor, but any fresh, sturdy loaf will work for that signature café crunch.
• Shredded Rotisserie Chicken (6 oz): Grab a store-bought rotisserie chicken for ultimate ease and juicy, seasoned meat every time.
• Avocado (1, sliced): The creamy avocado cools off the chipotle heat and gives the melt its luxurious texture.
• Mayonnaise (¼ cup): Mayo is the base for a smoky, spicy chipotle sauce that ties everything together.
• Chipotle Peppers in Adobo (6 peppers): These bring deep, smoky spice and a little tang—adjust the quantity to suit your heat preference.
• Cilantro (¼ cup, chopped): Fresh cilantro adds a pop of herbal brightness and color.
• Peppadew Peppers (¼ cup, chopped): These sweet and zippy peppers offer a little tang and a splash of color (swap in cherry peppers if needed).
• Gouda Cheese (4 oz, sliced): Melts beautifully for that iconic, pull-apart factor, while bringing subtle smokiness of its own.
• Water (2 tablespoons): Just a bit creates the steam for the final “melt” in your skillet!

Variations

Part of what makes this Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt so fun is how playfully you can make it your own. With just a few tweaks, it’s easy to suit what you have on hand or fit everyone’s cravings at the table.

• Use Turkey or Tofu: Try leftover roast turkey or pressed tofu instead of chicken for a new twist or vegetarian option.
• Vary the Cheese: Swap gouda for sharp cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack to change up the melt and flavor profile.
• Swap Out the Peppers: Use roasted red peppers or spicy banana peppers if you can’t find peppadews for a similar sweet heat.
• Make it Lighter: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a protein-packed, lighter chipotle sauce.

How to Make Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt

Step 1: Prep the Chipotle Mayo

Spoon your mayo into a small mixing bowl, then chop the chipotle peppers in adobo (removing the seeds if you want less heat). Stir the peppers into the mayo until everything’s smooth, smoky, and flecked with vibrant red. Set this golden sauce aside—it’s the flavor backbone of every bite.

Step 2: Slice and Spread

Slice both loaves of focaccia horizontally, then cut into 8 even squares so you have the perfect sandwich bases and tops. Slather each slice generously with your homemade chipotle mayo, letting the sauce creep right to the edges for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Build Your Melts

Onto half the bread slices, layer sliced gouda cheese, then pile on the creamy avocado, juicy shredded chicken, a shower of chopped cilantro, and a handful of peppadew peppers. Cap with the remaining focaccia pieces, sauce side down, to sandwich all those gorgeous fillings together.

Step 4: Toast and Melt

Heat a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high. Place your sandwiches in the skillet (work in batches if needed) and toast for 2–3 minutes per side—press lightly so the bread gets golden and the cheese starts to melt. To finish, tilt the pan, pour in a couple tablespoons of water, and quickly cover. Steam for one minute so the gouda becomes ooey and every layer is perfectly warmed through.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Lift each Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt from the skillet, slice if you like, and dive straight in! The aroma alone will make it impossible to wait—and your tastebuds are about to fall in love.

How to Serve Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh cilantro over the hot melt makes the colors pop and adds fresh flavor. Try a squeeze of lime, a dusting of smoked paprika, or even a few thin slices of pickled jalapeño for a little extra heat and visual flair—it’s the perfect finishing touch to your Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt.

Side Dishes

This sandwich is a meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with crisp kettle chips, a simple green salad tossed with a citrusy vinaigrette, or a steaming bowl of tomato soup. The creamy-spicy sandwich and a cool, crunchy side—truly bliss!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, cut each melt into strips or triangles and serve alongside a ramekin of extra chipotle mayo as a dipping sauce. Or, set up a “sandwich board” with avocado, extra pickles, and a variety of peppers for a build-your-own Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt party—perfect for game day or lunch with friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover melts tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to two days. For best results, keep avocado slices and condiments separate until ready to reheat, to preserve freshness and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze assembled (but un-toasted) sandwiches, tightly wrapped and without avocado, for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then add fresh avocado before reheating for the meltiest, most luscious result.

Reheating

To reheat, place the sandwich in a hot skillet over medium-low heat, cover, and warm for 3–4 minutes per side until heated through and the cheese is melty. You can also use a toaster oven; just keep an eye out to avoid over-browning the bread.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving comfort food with a smoky, spicy twist, this Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt is about to become your new go-to recipe. It’s quick, customizable, and seriously satisfying. Trust me—once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again (and again) for cozy lunches, easy dinners, or when you simply want to share something deliciously unforgettable with the people you love.

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