Avocado Melt Chicken

This filling Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich comes to my rescue during busy weekdays when I want something tasty but quick. The mix of tender chicken, smooth avocado and gooey cheese makes a fancy-feeling sandwich that doesn't need any special cooking tricks.

This sandwich has gotten me out of countless lunch jams at home. I threw it together one day using leftover grilled chicken, and now it's what everyone asks for when they drop by for a casual bite.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: works great with freshly cooked or yesterday's leftovers
• Salt and pepper: brings out all the good chicken flavors
• Olive oil: makes the chicken brown up nicely
• Avocado: pick ones that feel slightly soft when you give them a gentle squeeze
• Cheese slices: Swiss is my go-to for its slightly sweet taste and how well it melts
• Bread: sourdough gives a nice tang, while ciabatta holds up well for grilling
• Mayonnaise: the secret to getting that amazing golden outside
• Dijon mustard: adds a fancy kick that cuts through the richness
• Red onion: grab ones that feel heavy and have tight, glossy skin
• Tomato: use ripe but still firm ones so your sandwich doesn't get mushy
• Butter or olive oil: helps create that mouthwatering crispy exterior

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Sprinkle chicken breasts well with salt and pepper on all sides. Get your olive oil hot in a pan over medium high heat until it shimmers. Add the chicken carefully and don't move it for about 6 7 minutes until it's nicely browned. Flip once and cook another 6 7 minutes until it hits 165°F inside. Let it sit on your cutting board for at least 5 minutes, then slice it thinly across the grain.

Prepare the Avocado and Cheese:

Cut the avocado in half and take out the pit. While the flesh is still in the skin, slice it up, then scoop it out with a spoon. Get your cheese slices ready, making sure they'll cover your bread well.

Prepare the Bread:

Spread a thin layer of mayo on the outside of each bread slice – this'll make them super crispy when grilled. On the inside faces, put a bit of Dijon mustard for some extra flavor punch.

Assemble the Sandwiches:

Take two pieces of bread and lay down some overlapping chicken slices. Add the avocado slices on top, spread out evenly. Next comes the cheese, then some thin red onion and tomato slices. Put the other bread slices on top, keeping the mayo-coated sides facing out.

Grill the Sandwiches:

Warm up a pan over medium heat. Add a bit of butter or olive oil and move it around to coat the surface. Put your sandwiches in and press them down lightly with a spatula. Cook for 3 4 minutes until the bottom turns golden and crispy. Flip carefully and cook another 3 4 minutes until both sides look great and the cheese has completely melted.

Serve:

Take the sandwiches off the heat and let them sit for a minute so everything can settle. Cut them diagonally with a sharp knife for the best look. Serve right away while they're still warm and melty.

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Dijon mustard is the game-changer in this recipe. I found this out by chance when I ran out of yellow mustard one time, and now I can't make these sandwiches any other way. It adds just the right bit of heat that goes perfectly with the rich cheese and creamy avocado.

Make-Ahead Options

These sandwiches taste best fresh off the pan, but you can get things ready ahead of time to make it faster. You can cook and slice the chicken a day early and keep it in the fridge in a sealed container. Just let the chicken warm up to room temp before making your sandwich. This trick has saved me many times when friends show up without warning.

Perfect Pairings

This sandwich stands on its own, but the right side dish makes it even better. Try a simple arugula salad with lemon juice and olive oil for a peppery contrast. If you want something heartier, go for crispy sweet potato fries or a bowl of tomato soup. In summer, I love to serve these with a cool cucumber and dill salad that balances the richness.

Customization Ideas

What's great about this sandwich is how easily you can change it up. Want a southwest kick? Throw in some pickled jalapeños and use pepper jack cheese instead. Craving Mediterranean flavors? Add roasted red peppers and mix in some feta with your melting cheese. If you love bacon, add a few crispy pieces for extra crunch. My family really enjoys adding fresh basil leaves during summer when our garden has tons of it.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of bread works best?

Thick breads like sourdough, ciabatta, or any sturdy loaf with a crusty exterior are ideal to hold in the fillings.

→ Can I switch out the cheese?

Absolutely! Choose cheddar, provolone, Swiss, or a cheese you love that melts nicely.

→ How can I make it more nutritious?

Swap for whole grain bread, use light mayo, and go easy on the cheese. You'll still get a tasty result!

→ Is this sandwich good for meal prep?

It's better fresh, but you can prep the chicken and slice veggies ahead. Assemble and toast just before eating.

→ What are good sides for this?

Pair it with a leafy salad, creamy coleslaw, or a comforting bowl of soup to round out your meal.