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Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe

Okay, let me tell you about this Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe that I’ve been making nonstop lately. It’s one of those sandwiches that feels like an indulgence but is actually super quick and easy to whip up. The smoky chicken combined with creamy avocado and that subtle heat from the chipotle sauce? Absolute magic on sourdough! If you’re craving something that’s flavorful, fresh, and satisfying all at once, this is it.

What I really love is how versatile it is—you can make it for a lazy weekend lunch or an easy dinner when you don’t want to fuss. Plus, the chunk of avocado adds that buttery texture that pairs beautifully with the spicy and tangy chipotle mayo. Trust me, once you try this Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe, it’ll be your go-to when you want a quick yet gourmet-style sandwich at home.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Balanced Flavors: The smoky chicken and creamy avocado complement the zesty chipotle sauce perfectly for a punchy but not overwhelming taste.
  • Quick & Easy: Ready in about 10 minutes, it’s perfect when time is short but you want something special.
  • Fresh & Textured: Using fresh ingredients like avocado and Peppadew peppers adds brightness and crunch to every bite.
  • Versatile & Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients or spice levels to suit your cravings or what’s in your fridge.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s talk about the ingredients in this Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe—I love how each one plays a thoughtful role in flavor and texture. Plus, many are pantry staples or easy to find, making this sandwich approachable yet special.

  • Olive oil: Helps achieve that crispy, golden crust without overpowering the sandwich flavor.
  • Sourdough bread: Crunchy on the outside and chewy inside, providing sturdy support for the fillings.
  • Avocado: Adds creaminess and a cool counterpoint to the smoky chicken and spicy sauce.
  • Smoked chicken breast: Brings a savory, smoky protein base—easier and quicker than cooking chicken from scratch.
  • Peppadew peppers: These sweet and mildly spicy peppers add a juicy pop and vibrant color.
  • Fresh chopped cilantro: A fresh herbal note to brighten up the rich sandwich components.
  • Chao creamy original slice: This plant-based cheese melts wonderfully, offering a rich, creamy layer that holds everything together.
  • Chipotle sauce: The star of the show—a smoky, spicy spread that ties all the flavors together with a little kick.
  • Chipotle adobo sauce: Used in the chipotle mayo to give it that smoky heat and depth.
  • Mayonnaise: Makes the chipotle sauce creamy and smooth, balancing the spice.
  • Lemon juice: Adds brightness and a little zest that cuts through the richness.
  • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the chipotle sauce with a subtle savory punch.
  • Coarse salt: Brings out all the flavors evenly in the sauce and sandwich.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best things about this Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I’ve played around with different cheeses and toppings, and each time I tweak it, I find a new favorite flavor combo to suit my mood—or whatever’s in the fridge!

  • Variation: Sometimes I swap the smoked chicken for grilled or shredded rotisserie chicken if I don’t have smoked on hand, and it still tastes amazing.
  • Spice Level: If you like it hotter, I add extra chipotle adobo or a dash of cayenne in the mayo. For a milder version, just tone down the chipotle sauce.
  • Cheese Choices: I’ve tried pepper jack or a sharp cheddar for a different meltiness and depth—feel free to experiment!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe

Step 1: Whip up the Chipotle Sauce

Start by stirring together chipotle adobo sauce, mayo, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt in a small bowl until it’s smooth and creamy. Taste it and adjust the salt or chipotle if you want it smokier or spicier. I always make this first so the sauce has a moment to meld while I prep the sandwich.

Step 2: Prepare your skillet and bread

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, brush olive oil onto the outside surfaces of each slice of sourdough. This step might seem small, but it guarantees that perfectly golden, crispy crust every time, which is key for the best melt.

Step 3: Build the sandwich in the skillet

Place one slice of bread, oiled-side down, in the hot skillet. Layer on the slice of Chao cheese, smoked chicken breast, sliced avocado, Peppadew peppers, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Spread 1–2 tablespoons of the chipotle sauce on the inside of the second bread slice before placing it chipotle-side down on top.

Step 4: Toast to melty perfection

Keep the heat medium-high and cook until the bottom slice of bread is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt—usually about 3-4 minutes. Carefully flip the sandwich over and cook the other side until it’s toasted and the cheese is fully melted, another 3 minutes or so. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Step 5: Slice and serve

Once golden and melty, remove the sandwich from the skillet and slice it in half. The steam from inside keeps the cheese gooey, and the layers are perfectly melded. Serve warm and enjoy every rich, smoky bite!

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Pro Tips for Making Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe

  • Don’t Overload the Bread: Too many fillings can make the sandwich hard to flip and soggy, so keep layers balanced for the best texture.
  • Use Medium-High Heat: This ensures you get a golden crust outside without burning before cheese melts inside.
  • Let Chipotle Sauce Rest: Making the sauce ahead helps flavors fully develop, giving you a deeper smoky taste.
  • Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use ripe avocado and fresh peppers for bright flavor contrasts that take your melt to the next level.

How to Serve Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe

The image shows a toasted sandwich cut into two triangular halves. The sandwich has three visible layers: the top and bottom layers are golden brown toasted bread with a crispy texture, the middle layer consists of light-colored sliced turkey or chicken, and there is a layer of green leafy herbs, likely cilantro, peeking out from the sides. The sandwich is placed on a white plate with ridged edges, set on a white marbled surface. In the background, part of another similar sandwich is visible on a white plate, along with a small white bowl of light orange dipping sauce with a wooden spoon resting inside it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like adding an extra sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top and a few thin slices of fresh jalapeño if I’m feeling adventurous and want a little extra heat. A wedge of lime on the side is great too—it adds a refreshing zing that contrasts beautifully with the richness.

Side Dishes

To round out this sandwich, I often serve it with a crisp green salad sprinkled with a light vinaigrette or crispy baked sweet potato fries. Both sides keep the meal balanced and add a nice fresh crunch or subtle sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at brunch or game day, I’ve layered smaller versions as sliders using mini sourdough buns and served them on a wooden board with colorful toothpicks. They’re a hit with guests and perfect for sharing!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though that hardly ever happens in my house), wrap the sandwich tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. This helps prevent the bread from drying out and keeps the filling fresh.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this sandwich because the avocado doesn’t freeze well and can turn mushy. If you want to prep ahead, I recommend freezing the chipotle sauce separately in an airtight container, then assembling the sandwich fresh.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the sandwich in a preheated skillet over medium-low heat with a cover on for a few minutes. This revives the crispiness outside and gently warms the filling without turning the avocado bitter or mushy.

FAQs

  1. Can I use different bread for this Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe?

    Absolutely! While sourdough is my favorite because of its texture and flavor, you can use other sturdy breads like ciabatta, multigrain, or even a hearty white sandwich loaf. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold the fillings without getting soggy.

  2. What if I don’t have smoked chicken breast—what’s a good substitute?

    No worries if smoked chicken isn’t available! Grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even turkey slices work well. Just consider adding a little smoked paprika to the chipotle sauce or chicken to mimic that smoky flavor.

  3. Can I make the chipotle sauce in advance?

    Definitely! In fact, I recommend making the chipotle sauce a few hours or even a day ahead to let the flavors meld. Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container, and just give it a stir before using.

  4. Is there a vegan option for this sandwich?

    Yes! Use a plant-based smoked “chicken” slice and vegan cheese (like the Chao creamy original in the recipe), and swap regular mayo for vegan mayo in the chipotle sauce. It tastes just as delicious and creamy.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe enough—it’s the perfect blend of smoky, creamy, spicy, and fresh, all in one quick sandwich. I’ve shared it with friends and family, and it’s always a hit, which tells me I’m definitely not the only one who appreciates a flavorful, fuss-free meal. Give it a try next time you want to impress yourself (and anyone lucky enough to share), and don’t be shy about tweaking it to your taste. You’re going to love having this recipe in your weekly lineup.

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Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 11 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 serving
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

The Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt is a flavorful and spicy sandwich featuring smoked chicken breast, creamy avocado, melted cheese, and a zesty chipotle sauce, all toasted to perfection on sourdough bread. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a satisfying lunch or light dinner.


Ingredients

For the sandwich:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 slices sourdough bread
  • 1/4 avocado (sliced)
  • 2 ounces smoked chicken breast (sliced)
  • 3 Peppadew peppers (sliced)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro
  • 1 slice Chao creamy original cheese
  • 1 – 2 tablespoons chipotle sauce

For the chipotle sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon chipotle adobo sauce
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt


Instructions

  1. Prepare the chipotle sauce: In a small bowl, stir together the chipotle adobo sauce, mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, and coarse salt until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set the sauce aside.
  2. Heat the skillet: Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brush the olive oil onto the outer sides of each slice of sourdough bread to ensure a golden crust while grilling.
  3. Assemble the sandwich: Place one bread slice, oiled side down, on the skillet. Layer with the slice of Chao cheese first, followed by the smoked chicken breast, sliced avocado, sliced Peppadew peppers, and fresh chopped cilantro. Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of the prepared chipotle sauce onto the inside of the second bread slice.
  4. Grill the sandwich: Place the second slice of bread on top, chipotle sauce side down. Cook until the bottom bread slice is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Carefully flip the sandwich and cook the other side until toasted and cheese is fully melted, about 2 to 3 minutes more.
  5. Serve: Remove the sandwich from the skillet, slice in half, and serve immediately for a warm, gooey, and flavorful melt.

Notes

  • To make this sandwich spicier, increase the amount of chipotle adobo sauce in the chipotle sauce.
  • If Chao cheese is not available, you can substitute with any creamy melting cheese like Havarti or Monterey Jack.
  • Peppadew peppers add a sweet and mildly spicy flavor; if unavailable, consider using roasted red peppers or jalapeños.
  • Use a non-stick skillet for easier cooking and cleanup.
  • For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a low-fat mayo alternative.
  • You can prepare the chipotle sauce in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg

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