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This chicken avocado melt sandwich brings gourmet deli flavor right to your kitchen with minimal effort. The contrast between warm, melty cheese and cool, creamy avocado creates a texture experience that elevates this from basic lunch to memorable meal.
I started making these sandwiches during busy weekday lunches when working from home. What began as a quick way to use leftover chicken has become my go-to entertaining sandwich when friends drop by unexpectedly. The combination of flavors never fails to impress.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Form the protein foundation. Look for thinner cutlets for quicker cooking time.
- Avocado: Adds creamy richness without mayonnaise overload. Choose ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure for perfect ripeness.
- Cheese slices: Melt everything together. Swiss offers nutty flavor, cheddar brings sharpness, and provolone contributes mild creaminess.
- Bread: Provides structure. Sourdough adds tang, ciabatta offers chewiness, and whole grain provides nutritional boost.
- Mayonnaise: Creates moisture and helps bread brown beautifully. Full fat varieties spread most easily.
- Dijon mustard: Cuts through richness with necessary acidity. Whole grain options add interesting texture.
- Red onion: Delivers sharp contrast to creamy elements. Soak in cold water briefly to reduce intensity if desired.
- Tomato: Brings juicy freshness. Choose firm, ripe specimens and slice just before assembly.
- Butter or olive oil: Creates perfect crispy exterior. Clarified butter provides highest smoke point for golden crust.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides ensuring even coverage. Heat olive oil in a skillet until shimmering but not smoking. Cook chicken for exactly 6 minutes on first side without moving to develop golden crust. Flip carefully and continue cooking additional 7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Rest chicken 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Prepare the Avocado and Cheese:
- Halve avocado and remove pit. Scoop out flesh and slice into quarter inch pieces. Arrange cheese slices to fully cover bread surface. Having these elements ready ensures quick assembly while bread remains fresh.
- Prepare the Bread:
- Spread thin layer of mayonnaise across entire surface of each bread slice. Apply light coating of Dijon mustard over mayonnaise. This dual condiment approach creates flavor depth while ensuring bread browns perfectly.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Layer sliced chicken evenly across two bread slices. Distribute avocado slices atop chicken. Place cheese directly over warm chicken to encourage melting. Add red onion and tomato slices as final layers. Cap with remaining bread slices positioning condiment side inward.
- Grill the Sandwiches:
- Heat skillet over medium flame. Add butter or oil and allow to coat surface. Place assembled sandwiches in pan and press gently with spatula. Cook 3 minutes until golden brown. Flip carefully using wide spatula and cook additional 4 minutes while pressing occasionally to ensure even cheese melting.
- Serve:
- Transfer to cutting board and allow to rest 1 minute. Cut diagonally with sharp knife to showcase beautiful layers. Serve immediately while cheese remains perfectly melted.
The avocado truly transforms this sandwich from ordinary to extraordinary. I discovered its power accidentally when I ran out of lettuce one day and substituted avocado instead. My family now requests this version exclusively, and I find the creamy texture creates a luxurious mouthfeel that plain vegetables simply cannot match.
Make-Ahead Options
Preparing elements in advance makes assembly lightning fast. Cook and slice chicken up to two days ahead, storing in airtight container in refrigerator. Combine mayonnaise and mustard in small bowl and refrigerate. When ready to eat, simply assemble and grill. This approach reduces active preparation time to under 10 minutes.
Perfect Pairings
This sandwich deserves thoughtful accompaniments. A light soup like tomato bisque or butternut squash complements without overwhelming. For crunch factor, kettle chips or quick pickle spears provide textural contrast. Avoid heavy sides that compete with the sandwich's satisfying richness.
Ingredient Substitutions
Dietary restrictions need not prevent enjoyment. Plant based chicken alternatives work surprisingly well when seasoned properly. Dairy free cheese substitutes now melt convincingly when given slightly longer cooking time. Gluten free bread performs best when lightly toasted before assembly to prevent sogginess.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, you can use any bread you prefer! Sourdough, ciabatta, or even whole-grain options work well to complement the flavors and textures of the sandwich.
- → Can I substitute the cheese?
Absolutely! Swiss, cheddar, or provolone are great options, but feel free to use your favorite type of cheese or even a dairy-free alternative.
- → How can I make this sandwich healthier?
You can use whole-grain bread, low-fat cheese, or even skip the mayonnaise and butter. Adding more fresh vegetables like spinach or arugula is another nutritious option.
- → What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, use a toaster oven or regular oven to keep the bread crisp, avoiding the microwave to prevent sogginess.
- → Can I prepare the ingredients ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken, slice the avocado and vegetables, and assemble components ahead. Just keep everything tightly sealed in the refrigerator and assemble the sandwich closer to mealtime.
- → How should I adjust for different serving sizes?
Simply increase or decrease the ingredients proportionally. For instance, for more servings, cook additional chicken breasts and prepare more bread, cheese, and toppings accordingly.