Name: Chicken Avocado Melt: Easy & Delicious Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 avocado, sliced; 4 slices cheese (Swiss, cheddar, or provolone); 4 slices bread (sourdough, ciabatta, or your choice); 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 small red onion, thinly sliced; 1 tomato, sliced; Butter or olive oil for grilling

Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience, a symphony of flavors and textures designed to tantalize your taste buds. Imagine perfectly seasoned, tender chicken, layered with creamy, ripe avocado, and then blanketed under a luscious layer of melted cheese, all nestled between slices of your favorite toasted bread. It’s a warm, comforting embrace in sandwich form, making it an absolute delight for lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even a sophisticated brunch item.

A Modern Twist on a Beloved Classic

The concept of the “melt” sandwich has a rich history as a beloved comfort food, evolving from simple cheese and tuna variations into increasingly gourmet creations. The addition of avocado, a fruit celebrated globally for its healthy fats and silky texture, elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Its vibrant green hue and subtle, nutty flavor perfectly complement the savory chicken, creating a balanced and incredibly satisfying profile. I find myself returning to this particular combination time and again because it perfectly marries the richness of melted cheese with the fresh, clean taste of avocado, all while providing substantial protein.

People absolutely adore this dish for its incredible versatility and the harmonious blend of textures: the delightful crunch of the toasted bread, the tender chicken, the buttery avocado, and the irresistible gooeyness of the melted cheese. It’s truly a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create something spectacular. Get ready to master your very own Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich Recipe and discover your new favorite go-to meal.

Ingredients:

For the Creamy Chicken Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cooled and shredded or finely diced (about 2 large breasts) – I find rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here for convenience and flavor.
- ½ cup mayonnaise, good quality full-fat – for that rich, creamy texture.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard – adds a subtle tang and depth.
- ¼ cup finely diced celery – for a refreshing crunch.
- 2 tablespoons finely minced red onion or shallots – for a delicate bite without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped (optional, but highly recommended for fresh flavor).
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste.
- A pinch of smoked paprika (optional, for a hint of smoky warmth).
For the Zesty Avocado Spread:
- 2 large ripe Hass avocados – ensure they are perfectly ripe for mashing.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice or lemon juice – crucial for freshness and preventing browning.
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste.
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste.
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a very subtle kick).
For Assembling the Melts:
- 8 slices of good quality sourdough bread or your favorite hearty sandwich bread – sourdough offers a fantastic tang and holds up beautifully to grilling.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened – for grilling the bread to golden perfection.
- 8 slices of cheese – I love using Monterey Jack for its fantastic melt and mild flavor, or a combination of cheddar and provolone for more complexity.

Preparing the Creamy Chicken Salad

Prepare the Chicken: If you’re not using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, start by cooking your chicken breasts. You can boil, bake, or grill them until thoroughly cooked. Once cooked, allow the chicken to cool completely. This step is important for preventing the mayonnaise from separating and ensuring a firm texture. Once cooled, shred the chicken using two forks or your fingers, or dice it into small, uniform pieces, about ¼-inch. I personally prefer shredding as it creates a wonderful texture that holds the dressing beautifully. Place the prepared chicken into a medium-sized mixing bowl.
Dice the Vegetables: Take your celery and red onion (or shallots) and dice them very finely. We’re aiming for small pieces that contribute crunch and flavor without dominating each bite. For the celery, make sure to remove any tough strings. For the red onion, mincing it ensures its pungent flavor is distributed evenly and subtly. Add these finely diced vegetables to the bowl with the shredded chicken. If you’re using fresh chives, give them a good chop and add them in now as well.
Create the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and the optional smoked paprika. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined and the dressing is smooth and creamy. A good quality mayonnaise truly makes a difference here, contributing to the richness of the chicken salad. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed. I often find a little extra pepper or a tiny dash more mustard can elevate the flavor.
Combine and Chill: Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the medium bowl. Using a spatula or spoon, gently fold all the ingredients together until the chicken is thoroughly coated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can break down the chicken fibers too much and result in a mushy texture. Once combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and gives the salad a firmer consistency, making it easier to work with when assembling the sandwiches. Trust me, this little waiting period is worth it for the enhanced taste.

Mashing the Zesty Avocado Spread

Select and Prepare Avocados: Choose two large, ripe Hass avocados. You can tell they’re ripe if they yield slightly to gentle pressure when squeezed but aren’t overly soft or mushy. Cut each avocado in half lengthwise around the pit. Twist the halves apart, then carefully remove the pit. Use a spoon to scoop the creamy flesh out of the skin and transfer it to a small mixing bowl.
Mash the Avocado: Using a fork, begin to mash the avocado flesh. I prefer to leave some small chunks of avocado for texture, rather than mashing it into a completely smooth puree. The variations in texture make each bite more interesting. Mash it to your desired consistency – some like it almost smooth, others prefer it quite chunky. This step is incredibly satisfying; watching the vibrant green flesh transform is a little joy in itself.
Season and Mix: Once mashed, add the fresh lime juice (or lemon juice), salt, black pepper, and the optional red pepper flakes to the avocado. The citrus juice is absolutely essential here; it not only brightens the flavor but also significantly slows down the avocado’s natural tendency to brown. Stir everything together gently until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. If you like a bit more zing, add a touch more lime juice. If you enjoy a bit of heat, a few more red pepper flakes can be a welcome addition. This zesty spread adds a fantastic counterpoint to the rich chicken salad.

Assembling the Sandwiches

Prepare the Bread: Lay out all eight slices of your chosen bread on a clean work surface. I highly recommend using a good quality sourdough, as its robust texture stands up well to grilling and its slight tang complements the other flavors beautifully. Take your softened unsalted butter and generously spread it evenly on one side of each bread slice. Don’t skimp on the butter; it’s what gives your sandwich that glorious, crispy, golden-brown crust. Ensure you spread it all the way to the edges for full coverage. This buttered side will be the exterior of your sandwich when grilling.
Layer the Cheese: For each sandwich, take two slices of bread. On the unbuttered side of one slice, place a slice of cheese. Then, on the unbuttered side of the other slice, place another slice of cheese. This strategic placement ensures that the cheese is directly next to the bread on both sides, creating that perfect melt and helping to ‘glue’ the sandwich together. Monterey Jack is my go-to for its superb melting properties, but feel free to experiment with your favorite melting cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even a blend.
Add the Chicken Salad: Take one of the bread slices with cheese on it (this will be the bottom slice of your sandwich). Spoon a generous amount of your chilled creamy chicken salad onto this cheese-covered side. Aim for a substantial layer, but be mindful not to overfill it to the point where it’s impossible to grill without spillage. Use the back of your spoon to gently spread the chicken salad evenly across the cheese, leaving about half an inch border to prevent it from oozing out during grilling.
Spread the Avocado: Now, carefully spread a generous layer of your zesty avocado spread directly over the chicken salad. The vibrant green of the avocado against the creamy chicken salad is already starting to look appealing! Again, spread it gently to the edges, ensuring even coverage. This combination of textures and flavors is what makes our Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich Recipe truly special. The cool, creamy avocado perfectly balances the richness of the chicken salad.
Complete the Sandwich: Finally, take the second slice of bread, cheese side down, and place it on top of the avocado layer. Gently press down on the entire sandwich to lightly compress it. This helps to make it more compact and ready for grilling. You should now have a beautifully layered sandwich, buttered on the outside, ready for its transformation into a crispy, cheesy, molten delight. Repeat this process for the remaining sandwiches.

Grilling to Golden Perfection

Preheat the Skillet: Place a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or a non-stick griddle over medium-low heat. A heavy-bottomed pan is ideal as it distributes heat more evenly, preventing hot spots and ensuring a consistent golden-brown crust. Allow the pan to heat up for about 3-5 minutes. You want it warm enough to melt the butter and start toasting the bread, but not so hot that it burns the bread before the cheese has a chance to melt through. Patience is key here.
Grill the First Side: Carefully place one or two of your assembled sandwiches into the preheated skillet, buttered-side down. Do not overcrowd the pan; leave enough space so you can easily flip them. If you have a sandwich press or a second heavy skillet, you can gently place it on top of the sandwiches to press them down. This helps to create a more compact sandwich and ensures maximum contact with the hot pan, promoting even browning and melting. Cook for 4-6 minutes on the first side.
Check for Doneness: After 4-6 minutes, carefully lift a corner of the sandwich with a spatula to check its color. You’re looking for a beautiful, deep golden-brown crust. The bread should be crispy, and you might even start to see the cheese peeking out and melting slightly. If it’s browning too quickly, reduce the heat. If it’s not browning enough, increase the heat slightly. Adjusting the heat throughout the grilling process is perfectly normal and contributes to a perfectly cooked melt.
Flip and Continue Grilling: Once the first side is perfectly golden, use a wide spatula to carefully flip the sandwich over. Cook for another 4-6 minutes on the second side, again pressing down gently if you like. During this second phase of cooking, the heat will penetrate further into the sandwich, melting the cheese completely and warming the chicken salad and avocado through. You’ll notice the aroma filling your kitchen – that’s the smell of deliciousness in progress!
Achieve the Perfect Melt: The sandwich is ready when both sides are a rich golden-brown, the bread is crisp, and the cheese is fully melted and oozy. You might see some cheese bubbling out from the sides, which is a wonderful sign of a perfectly “melted” sandwich. The goal is not just a toasted exterior, but a warm, gooey interior where all the flavors are harmoniously blended. Remove the finished sandwiches from the skillet and set them on a cutting board.

Serving Suggestions and Enjoyment

Rest and Slice: It’s tempting to dive right in, but allow the Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich to rest for just a minute or two on the cutting board. This brief resting period helps the cheese to set slightly and prevents all the delicious filling from spilling out when you cut it. For the best presentation and easier eating, slice each sandwich diagonally in half. The diagonal cut not only looks appealing but also makes the sandwich easier to handle and showcases all the beautiful layers within.
Immediate Enjoyment: Serve your Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwiches immediately while they are still warm and the cheese is gloriously molten. There’s truly nothing better than that first bite of crispy bread, creamy chicken salad, zesty avocado, and gooey melted cheese. This is where all your hard work and patience truly pay off! The combination of textures and temperatures is simply divine.
Suggested Pairings: While these melts are incredibly satisfying on their own, they also pair wonderfully with a simple side. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette makes for a refreshing contrast. A bowl of your favorite tomato soup is a classic grilled cheese accompaniment, perfect for dipping. Even a handful of crunchy potato chips adds a lovely textural element. For a refreshing drink, iced tea or a sparkling lemonade would be delightful.
Embrace the Flavor: As you savor each bite, notice the layers of flavor: the savory, creamy chicken salad with its hint of Dijon and fresh chives, the bright and zesty avocado cutting through the richness, and the comforting, melted cheese binding everything together, all encased in a perfectly grilled, buttery sourdough crust. This Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a delightful experience of textures and tastes. Enjoy every single moment of it!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it – my absolute favorite comfort food, reimagined and ready to become yours! This isn’t just any sandwich; it’s truly an experience designed to delight your taste buds and warm your soul. We’re talking about the perfect trifecta of textures and flavors that come together in a symphony of deliciousness: the velvety, creamy richness of fresh, ripe avocado, the tender, savory chunks of perfectly seasoned and cooked chicken, and that utterly irresistible, gooey melt of your favorite cheese, all nestled between slices of beautifully toasted, golden-brown bread. Every single bite is a harmonious blend – a delightful little crunch from the toasted bread, a generous amount of satisfying creaminess from the avocado, and a burst of savory goodness from the chicken and cheese that truly satisfies on every level. It’s hearty enough to fill you up, yet incredibly flavorful without being overly complicated to prepare. This makes it an ideal choice for a busy weekday lunch when you need something quick and delicious, a cozy weekend brunch to treat yourself, or even a light, satisfying dinner that feels a bit special. I can wholeheartedly promise you that once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a cherished staple in your culinary repertoire. It’s the kind of dish that consistently brings a smile to your face and a comforting warmth to your soul, effortlessly elevating the humble sandwich to a gourmet delight right in your own kitchen.

But the journey with this incredible sandwich doesn’t have to end there! One of the things I adore most about truly great recipes is their adaptability, and this particular sandwich shines in its versatility. For serving, while it’s absolutely spectacular on its own, you can elevate your meal even further. I love pairing it with a simple side salad, perhaps dressed with a light vinaigrette, to add a refreshing contrast to the richness. A bowl of classic tomato soup makes for a quintessential comfort food duo, perfect for dipping those cheesy, avocado-laden edges. Alternatively, a handful of crispy potato chips or some crunchy pickles offer a delightful textural counterpoint, ensuring every meal is an adventure.

Elevate Your Chicken Avocado Melt with Creative Twists:

Now, let’s talk variations – because this recipe is a canvas waiting for your personal touch! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese; while sharp cheddar or creamy Monterey Jack are fantastic choices, a smoky provolone, a tangy feta, or even a robust Swiss could introduce exciting new dimensions and unexpected flavor profiles. You could also introduce a hint of spice by adding a thin slice of jalapeño, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the chicken mixture before grilling. For an extra layer of freshness and color, consider adding a few thin slices of ripe tomato, some crisp red onion, or a handful of baby spinach before the sandwich hits the pan. Don’t have chicken on hand? Cooked turkey breast, seasoned ground beef, or even crispy bacon bits would make excellent substitutions, transforming the flavor profile in delightful and equally satisfying ways. And for bread, don’t limit yourself to sourdough or classic white; a hearty whole wheat, a rustic ciabatta, a nutty rye, or even a sweet brioche can completely change the experience. Remember, cooking is about joy and exploration, so feel empowered to make this recipe truly your own and discover your perfect version.

Ultimately, this Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich Recipe is more than just a set of instructions; it’s an invitation to create something delicious, satisfying, and memorable. It’s about taking simple, wholesome ingredients and transforming them into a culinary masterpiece that will impress your family and friends, or simply treat yourself to a moment of pure gastronomic bliss. I genuinely hope you’ll take the plunge and give this amazing recipe a try very soon. When you do, please don’t keep your experience to yourself! I absolutely love hearing from you. Share your creations, tell me about your favorite variations and unique twists, and let me know how much you enjoyed every cheesy, creamy, savory bite. Your feedback, tips, and especially your mouth-watering photos are what inspire me most, so be sure to share your sandwich adventures. Happy cooking, and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite sandwich!