Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich

This hearty Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich has been my go-to lunch option for quick weekday meals and casual weekend entertaining alike. The combination of succulent chicken, creamy avocado, and melted cheese creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures that simply satisfies every time.

I first created this sandwich during a busy work week when I needed something substantial but didn't have time for complicated cooking. Now it's requested by my family at least once a week and has become our favorite way to use leftover rotisserie chicken.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: perfectly seasoned and juicy as the protein foundation
• Salt and pepper: the essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken
• Olive oil: helps achieve that beautiful golden sear on the chicken
• Avocado: brings creamy richness and healthy fats to balance the sandwich
• Cheese slices: Swiss, cheddar, or provolone all work beautifully as they melt differently
• Bread: sourdough or ciabatta provide the perfect sturdy structure to hold everything
• Mayonnaise: creates a moisture barrier that prevents sogginess and adds richness
• Dijon mustard: adds a subtle tangy kick that cuts through the richness
• Red onion: brings a pleasant bite and color contrast to the sandwich
• Tomato: adds juiciness and fresh acidity to balance the rich elements
• Butter: for grilling creates that irresistible golden crust on your bread

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season and Cook the Chicken:

Begin by thoroughly seasoning both sides of your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat your olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Place the chicken in the pan allowing it to develop a golden crust before flipping—typically 6 to 7 minutes per side. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F internally or when the juices run clear. Let the meat rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing to keep all those flavorful juices inside.

Prepare Your Ingredients:

While the chicken rests, slice your avocado into thin, even slices and prepare your cheese. For premium results, bring cheese to room temperature for about 10 minutes before assembling so it melts more evenly. Slice your onion as thinly as possible, ideally using a mandoline for consistency.

Construct Your Foundation:

Apply a thin, even layer of mayonnaise to the outside of each bread slice—this is the secret to an evenly golden crust. Then spread a layer of Dijon mustard on the inside of each slice. The mayo works as a barrier, preventing the bread from becoming soggy, while the mustard adds the perfect tang.

Layering Strategy:

Start with one slice of bread, mustard side up, then layer on your sliced chicken, distributing it evenly. Next, arrange the avocado slices in a single layer, followed by the cheese. Add thin slices of red onion and tomato, then top with the second slice of bread, mustard side down. Press gently to compact the sandwich slightly.

Perfect Grilling Technique:

Heat your skillet over medium heat—not high—as you want the cheese to melt before the bread burns. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil and place your sandwich in the pan. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, pressing down occasionally with a spatula. The sandwich is ready when the bread turns a deep golden brown and the cheese has completely melted.

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The Dijon mustard is what transforms this sandwich from good to exceptional. My grandmother always said a proper sandwich needs a touch of something tangy to cut through the richness, and she was absolutely right. Every time I make this recipe, I remember her teaching me how to build the perfect sandwich in her kitchen growing up.

Make Ahead Options

You can prep most components of this sandwich in advance to make assembly lightning fast when hunger strikes. Cook and slice the chicken up to two days ahead and store it in an airtight container. Just remember to never slice the avocado until right before serving to prevent browning. If you need to prepare everything in advance, squeeze some lemon juice over the sliced avocado to keep it fresh looking longer.

Ingredient Substitutions

This sandwich welcomes many variations depending on what you have available. Leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken works beautifully in place of freshly cooked chicken breasts. For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or extra firm tofu slices marinated in a bit of soy sauce and olive oil. Dairy-free cheese alternatives can work well though they sometimes need a bit longer to melt properly.

Serving Suggestions

This sandwich pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with just olive oil and lemon juice to balance the richness. For a more substantial meal, add a side of sweet potato fries or a cup of tomato soup for dipping. For casual entertaining, cut the sandwiches into quarters and serve as part of a sandwich board alongside pickles, sliced vegetables, and different dipping sauces.

The Secret to Perfect Melting

The key to achieving that Instagram-worthy cheese pull is controlling your heat properly. Too high and your bread will burn before the cheese melts; too low and everything becomes soggy. Medium heat allows for gradual melting while still achieving a crispy exterior. If your sandwich is browning too quickly before the cheese melts, cover the pan with a lid for 30 seconds to create steam that will help melt the cheese without burning the bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of bread is best for this sandwich?

Sourdough, ciabatta, or any artisanal bread works well, as they hold up under grilling and pair perfectly with the filling.

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, Swiss, cheddar, provolone, or any melting cheese of your choice will complement the sandwich beautifully.

→ Is it possible to make this sandwich healthier?

Absolutely! Use whole-grain bread, skip the butter, and opt for low-fat cheese or Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.

→ How can I store leftover sandwiches?

Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat them in a toaster oven to retain the bread’s crispiness.

→ Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?

Yes, replace the chicken with grilled vegetables or a plant-based protein like marinated tofu or tempeh.