Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich

This chicken avocado melt sandwich brings together the perfect combination of tender chicken, creamy avocado, and melty cheese all grilled to perfection. While it seems simple, the flavor profile is incredibly complex, making it an instant favorite for lunch or a quick dinner option when you need something satisfying but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen.

I first made this sandwich when I needed a quick lunch solution for unexpected guests. They were so impressed they asked for the recipe before leaving, and now it has become my go to option whenever I need to impress someone with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: provide the perfect protein foundation and stay tender when cooked properly
• Salt and pepper: enhance the natural flavors of the chicken
• Olive oil: helps achieve that beautiful golden crust on the chicken
• Avocado: adds creaminess and healthy fats look for ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure
• Your choice of cheese: creates that irresistible melt factor Swiss offers nutty flavor while cheddar adds sharpness
• Bread of your choice: sourdough adds tanginess while ciabatta provides a hearty texture
• Mayonnaise: creates a moisture barrier that prevents sogginess and adds richness
• Dijon mustard: brings a subtle heat and depth that plain yellow mustard cannot match
• Red onion: provides a sharp contrast to the creamy elements select ones with vibrant purple color
• Tomato: adds juiciness and acidity choose firm ripe tomatoes for best results
• Butter or olive oil for grilling: creates that perfect golden exterior that makes a sandwich exceptional

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides making sure to cover the entire surface. Heat olive oil in a skillet until shimmering but not smoking. Place chicken in the pan without overcrowding and cook undisturbed for 6 to 7 minutes until deep golden brown. Flip once and cook the other side for another 6 to 7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing to keep the juices intact.

Prepare the Avocado and Cheese:

Halve the avocado and remove the pit. Scoop out the flesh and slice it into thin slices approximately ¼ inch thick. Have your cheese slices ready at room temperature for better melting. If using block cheese, slice it approximately ⅛ inch thick for optimal melting properties.

Prepare the Bread:

Spread a thin but even layer of mayonnaise on one side of each bread slice going all the way to the edges. On the same sides, spread a layer of Dijon mustard. This combination creates a flavorful moisture barrier that prevents the bread from becoming soggy from the other ingredients.

Assemble the Sandwiches:

On two slices of bread with the condiment sides facing up, arrange the sliced chicken in an even layer covering the entire bread surface. Layer avocado slices on top of the chicken, slightly overlapping them. Place cheese slices over the avocado ensuring complete coverage. Add red onion slices and tomato slices, distributing them evenly. Top with the remaining bread slices, condiment side down.

Grill the Sandwiches:

Heat a clean skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of butter or drizzle of olive oil and allow it to coat the surface. Place assembled sandwiches in the pan and press down gently with a spatula. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip using a wide spatula, add a little more butter if needed, and cook the second side for another 3 to 4 minutes until golden and the cheese is completely melted.

Serve:

Remove sandwiches from the heat and let them rest for one minute. This brief resting period allows the melted cheese to set slightly and makes for a cleaner eating experience. Cut diagonally with a sharp knife and serve immediately while still warm.

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The Dijon mustard is actually my secret weapon in this sandwich. My grandfather was a chef who always said a good sandwich needs something sharp to cut through richness, and this ingredient perfectly balances the creamy avocado and melty cheese without overpowering the delicate chicken flavor.

Make Ahead Options

You can prepare most components of this sandwich up to two days in advance for quicker assembly. Cook and slice the chicken, storing it in an airtight container. However, leave the avocado slicing until just before assembly to prevent browning. If you must slice avocado ahead, toss the slices in a little lemon juice to maintain their color. The assembled sandwich can be wrapped tightly in parchment paper and refrigerated for up to 6 hours before grilling.

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

This sandwich plays well with both light and hearty sides. For a lighter meal, serve alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. When you need something more substantial, crispy sweet potato fries or a cup of tomato soup make excellent companions. For beverages, try sparkling water with lemon, unsweetened iced tea, or a light lager if you prefer something alcoholic.

Ingredient Substitutions

If chicken isnt your preference, thinly sliced turkey breast works beautifully as an alternative. Vegetarians can substitute the chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or extra firm tofu slices that have been pressed and seasoned well. Dairy free cheese options continue to improve and can replace conventional cheese for those avoiding dairy. Bread options are virtually endless but for best results choose something sturdy enough to hold the fillings without falling apart during grilling.

The Secret to Perfect Melting

The key to achieving that instagram worthy cheese pull is controlling your heat properly. Too hot and your bread will burn before the cheese melts too low and the sandwich becomes dry as moisture escapes. Medium heat is perfect because it allows the cheese to melt slowly while the bread develops that beautiful golden color. Another trick is to cover the pan with a lid for the last minute of cooking which traps steam and helps melt the cheese completely without overcooking the bread.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of bread works best for this sandwich?

Sourdough, ciabatta, or any sturdy bread with a crisp crust and soft interior works best to hold the ingredients together.

→ Can I use another type of cheese?

Yes! Swiss, cheddar, or provolone are great options, but you can use your favorite cheese for this sandwich.

→ What is the best way to reheat this sandwich?

Use a toaster oven or regular oven to reheat the sandwich to maintain the bread's crispness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.

→ How can I add more flavor to the sandwich?

Try adding a smear of pesto, hot sauce, or even pickled jalapeños for extra zing and depth of flavor.

→ Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the chicken and use extra avocado or a plant-based protein alternative as a substitute.