Sizzling Panera-Inspired Chipotle Chicken Melt with Avocado Recipe

Crafting a panera-inspired chipotle chicken melt with avocado promises a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Layers of smoky chicken, melted cheese, and creamy avocado create a sandwich masterpiece.

Bold chipotle sauce adds a zesty kick to every delectable bite.

Perfectly toasted bread cradles the warm, savory ingredients in a comforting embrace.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this restaurant-quality sandwich.

Hungry souls will find themselves swooning over each mouthwatering combination of ingredients.

One slice and you’ll understand why this melt is about to become your new obsession.

FAQs About Panera-Inspired Chipotle Chicken Melt With Avocado

• What gives this sandwich its signature smoky flavor?

The combination of smoked gouda cheese and chipotle mayo creates a deep, smoky taste that elevates the entire sandwich.

• Can I use a different type of bread if I don't have ciabatta?

While ciabatta provides the ideal texture, you can substitute with sourdough or a rustic white bread for similar results.

• Is this sandwich spicy?

The chipotle mayo adds a mild to moderate heat level, which can be adjusted by using more or less of the sauce depending on your spice tolerance.

• How can I make this sandwich healthier?

You can reduce calories by using less bacon, choosing low-fat cheese, and adding extra vegetables like spinach or tomatoes to boost nutritional value.

What’s Special About Panera-Inspired Chipotle Chicken Melt With Avocado

• Boost Flavor Complexity: Combine smoky chipotle mayo, rich smoked gouda, crispy bacon, and tangy pickled onions for a multi-layered taste experience that elevates a classic sandwich.
• Quick Comfort Meal: Prepare this gourmet sandwich in under 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous lunch cravings with minimal cooking skills required.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like chicken with pulled pork, change cheese types, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe adaptable to personal preferences and pantry availability.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Recreate a premium Panera-style sandwich without the restaurant price tag, delivering restaurant-level deliciousness right in your own kitchen.

Main Ingredients In Panera-Inspired Chipotle Chicken Melt With Avocado

• Ciabatta Rolls: Soft, crusty rolls that provide the perfect foundation for this hearty sandwich.

• Shredded Chicken: Tender, flavorful meat that serves as the main protein of the sandwich.
• Smoked Gouda: Rich, smoky cheese that melts beautifully and adds depth of flavor.
• Bacon: Crispy strips that bring a salty, crunchy element to the sandwich.

• Chipotle Mayo: Spicy, creamy spread that adds a zesty kick to the sandwich.
• Butter: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior when grilling the bread.
• Avocado: Creamy, smooth slices that provide a rich, buttery texture.
• Pickled Red Onions: Tangy, slightly sharp topping that cuts through the richness of the other ingredients.

Directions For Panera-Inspired Chipotle Chicken Melt With Avocado

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Surface

Preheat a skillet or griddle to medium heat, ensuring an even cooking temperature for your sandwich.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

Slice the ciabatta rolls horizontally, creating top and bottom halves.

Gently spread butter on the outer sides of each roll for a golden, crispy exterior.

Step 3: Add Zesty Spread

Generously apply chipotle mayo to the interior of each bread half, creating a spicy and creamy base for the sandwich.

Step 4: Build the Flavor Layers

• Smoked gouda cheese slices
• Shredded chicken
• Crispy bacon strips
• Fresh avocado slices
• Tangy pickled red onions

Step 5: Create the Sandwich

Carefully assemble the ingredients between the bread halves, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.

Step 6: Grill to Perfection

Place the assembled sandwich on the preheated skillet.

Use a spatula to gently press down, creating a crisp exterior and helping the cheese melt.

Step 7: Cook Until Golden

Grill each side for 3-4 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown color and fully melted cheese.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from heat, slice the sandwich diagonally, and serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Tips You’ll Want For Panera-Inspired Chipotle Chicken Melt With Avocado

• Toast ciabatta rolls with butter for a golden, crispy exterior that adds rich flavor and perfect crunch.
• Spread chipotle mayo generously to infuse smoky heat throughout the sandwich, enhancing overall taste profile.
• Use high-quality smoked gouda for deeper, more complex melting cheese experience that elevates the sandwich.
• Select rotisserie or freshly shredded chicken for maximum tenderness and easier sandwich assembly.
• Add extra pickled red onions for tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of bacon and cheese.

Ways To Switch Up Panera-Inspired Chipotle Chicken Melt With Avocado

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Melt: Replace smoked gouda with pepper jack cheese and add green chiles for extra kick.
• Mediterranean Fusion Melt: Swap chipotle mayo for tzatziki, use feta cheese, and add sliced cucumber and kalamata olives.
• BBQ Pulled Chicken Melt: Substitute shredded chicken with BBQ pulled chicken, use cheddar cheese, and top with crispy onion straws.
• Vegetarian Avocado Melt: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms, use provolone cheese, and add roasted red peppers.

What Goes Well With Panera-Inspired Chipotle Chicken Melt With Avocado

• Elevate Sandwich Sipping: Craft Beer Companion
• Pair this zesty chipotle chicken melt with a crisp IPA that cuts through the richness, balancing the smoky chipotle and creamy avocado with hoppy brightness.
• Refresh and Complement: Citrus Mocktail
• Create a lime-infused sparkling water with fresh mint to cleanse the palate, echoing the sandwich's vibrant flavors while providing a light, refreshing counterpoint.
• Temperature Harmony: Chilled Cucumber Salad
• Serve a quick cucumber salad dressed in light vinaigrette alongside the melt, offering a cool, crisp texture that contrasts the warm, melty sandwich and adds a fresh vegetable element.

Storage Notes For Panera-Inspired Chipotle Chicken Melt With Avocado

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping the sandwich components separate to maintain crispness.
• Wrap Technique: Cover sandwich tightly in aluminum foil before refrigerating to prevent moisture loss and preserve texture.
• Reheating Skillet: Warm sandwich on medium-low heat in a skillet for 2-3 minutes per side, ensuring cheese melts and bread crisps without burning.
• Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F, wrap sandwich in foil, and heat for 10 minutes to restore original warmth and crunchiness.

Panera-Inspired Chipotle Chicken Melt with Avocado Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Panera-inspired chipotle chicken melt elevates sandwich craft with smoky, creamy layers of flavor. Melted cheese, spicy chipotle sauce, and fresh avocado create a quick lunch that satisfies serious sandwich cravings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken breast
• 4 slices smoked gouda cheese
• 4 slices crispy bacon

Bread and Base:

• 2 ciabatta rolls
• 1 tablespoon butter

Toppings and Condiments:

• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/4 cup pickled red onions
• 2 tablespoons chipotle mayonnaise

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Instructions

1. Prepare griddle or skillet at medium heat, ensuring an even cooking surface around 350°F.
2. Carefully slice ciabatta rolls horizontally, creating two symmetrical halves for maximum sandwich coverage.
3. Apply a delicate layer of chipotle mayo across interior surfaces of bread, distributing evenly for consistent flavor.
4. Construct sandwich layers strategically: first place smoked gouda cheese slices, then arrange shredded chicken for substantial protein coverage.
5. Add crispy bacon strips across chicken layer, providing a smoky and crunchy texture element.
6. Incorporate freshly sliced avocado and tangy pickled red onions, enhancing the sandwich’s complexity and visual appeal.
7. Gently close sandwich, ensuring ingredients are tucked securely within bread boundaries.
8. Position sandwich onto preheated cooking surface, applying gentle pressure with spatula to promote even browning.
9. Cook approximately 3-4 minutes per side, monitoring bread color transformation to golden-brown and cheese melting progression.
10. Once cheese melts completely and exterior achieves desired crispness, remove from heat.
11. Slice diagonally, creating elegant presentation and easier consumption.
12. Serve immediately while sandwich remains warm and ingredients maintain optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Bacon Crispiness Matters: Cook bacon until extra crispy to provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy avocado and melted cheese.
• Temperature Control: Keep heat at medium to prevent burning the bread while ensuring the cheese melts completely and the chicken warms through evenly.
• Avocado Protection: Add avocado slices last to prevent browning and maintain their fresh, vibrant green color and creamy texture.
• Customization Friendly: Swap smoked gouda for pepper jack for a spicier version or use turkey bacon for a lighter protein alternative that still delivers robust flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 860
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1500 mg
• Fat: 52 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 64 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 46 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg