Pin it
This chicken avocado melt sandwich transforms ordinary lunch into a restaurant-worthy meal with layers of juicy chicken, creamy avocado, and melted cheese between perfectly grilled bread. The combination of flavors and textures creates a satisfying sandwich that works for casual weekday lunches or weekend gatherings.
I created this sandwich one afternoon when craving something hearty yet fresh. After the first bite, my family declared it our new favorite lunch option, and it's become our go-to when we want something more exciting than basic deli sandwiches.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Provide lean protein and are quick to cook
- Avocado: Adds creamy texture and healthy fats for a satisfying element
- Cheese: Brings melty goodness with Swiss offering nutty flavor while cheddar provides sharpness
- Bread: Serves as the foundation with sourdough adding tang and ciabatta offering chewiness
- Mayonnaise: Creates a moisture barrier preventing soggy bread while adding richness
- Dijon mustard: Contributes tangy flavor that cuts through the richness
- Red onion: Provides sharp crunch and vibrant color contrast
- Tomato: Adds juicy freshness and acidity to balance the rich elements
- Butter or olive oil: Creates that irresistible golden crust when grilling
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season and Cook Chicken:
- Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides ensuring even coverage. Heat olive oil in a skillet until it shimmers before adding chicken. Cook for a full 6-7 minutes per side without disturbing to develop a golden crust. The chicken should reach 165°F internally. Allow chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Prepare Avocado and Cheese:
- Select a ripe avocado that yields slightly to gentle pressure. Slice it into thin strips about ¼ inch thick for even distribution throughout the sandwich. Choose cheese slices that cover most of the bread surface area for proper melting. If using block cheese, aim for slices about ⅛ inch thick for optimal melt.
- Prepare Bread Foundation:
- Spread a thin but complete layer of mayonnaise on one side of each bread slice. The fat creates a moisture barrier and helps achieve golden browning. Follow with a light layer of Dijon mustard which adds complexity without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Assemble with Care:
- Start with the mayonnaise-mustard side facing up on two bread slices. Layer chicken first, distributing evenly across the surface. Add avocado slices next, slightly overlapping. Place cheese on top of avocado to help it melt and adhere to ingredients below. Arrange red onion and tomato slices as the final layer before topping with remaining bread slices, condiment side down.
- Grill to Perfection:
- Heat skillet over medium heat until a drop of water sizzles then evaporates. Add just enough butter or oil to coat the surface without pooling. Place sandwiches in the pan and press gently with a spatula to ensure even contact. Cook until deeply golden, about 3-4 minutes, then flip carefully using a wide spatula. Reduce heat slightly and cover pan for 1-2 minutes to encourage cheese melting without burning the bread.
Pin it
The avocado is truly the star ingredient in this sandwich. I discovered its transformative power years ago when looking to elevate basic chicken sandwiches. The buttery texture creates a luxurious mouthfeel that makes this sandwich feel indulgent despite being made with wholesome ingredients.
Make-Ahead Tips
This sandwich can be partially prepared ahead of time to streamline lunch preparation. Cook and slice the chicken up to two days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The spread mixture can also be combined and refrigerated. When ready to eat, simply assemble and grill for a fresh hot sandwich in minutes. For packed lunches, consider toasting the bread separately and assembling just before eating to prevent sogginess.
Creative Variations
The basic structure of this sandwich welcomes endless variations to suit your preferences or use ingredients you have on hand. Substitute turkey or even thick portobello mushroom slices for a vegetarian version. Add bacon for extra savory depth or incorporate pesto instead of mustard for an Italian twist. Try pepper jack for heat lovers or goat cheese for tangy sophistication. Add spinach or arugula after grilling for fresh peppery notes.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty sandwich pairs beautifully with lighter side dishes to create a balanced meal. A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness perfectly. Sweet potato fries offer a colorful contrast while quick pickled vegetables provide palate-cleansing brightness. For casual entertaining, cut sandwiches into quarters and serve as part of a sandwich board alongside olives, nuts, and fresh fruit.
Pin it
With just a little preparation, this sandwich delivers gourmet flavors in every bite, making any meal feel special and satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What's the best cheese to use for a chicken avocado melt?
Swiss, cheddar, and provolone all work excellently with this sandwich. Swiss offers a nutty flavor that pairs well with avocado, cheddar provides a sharp contrast to the creamy elements, and provolone melts beautifully with a mild flavor that doesn't overpower the chicken. Choose based on your personal preference or try a combination!
- → Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
Absolutely! You can cook and slice the chicken up to 2 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes assembly much quicker when you're ready to make the sandwiches. Just bring the chicken to room temperature before adding it to your sandwich for the best results.
- → How do I prevent the avocado from browning?
For best results, slice the avocado just before assembling your sandwich. If you need to prepare it ahead of time, sprinkle the slices with a little lemon or lime juice, which helps slow the oxidation process that causes browning. Also, keeping the avocado slices in contact with the mayo spread rather than exposed to air can help preserve their color.
- → What bread works best for this sandwich?
Sourdough and ciabatta are excellent choices as they hold up well to grilling and have enough structure to support the fillings. Sourdough adds a tangy flavor that complements the creamy elements, while ciabatta offers a crispy exterior with a soft interior. Other good options include multigrain for added nutrition or brioche for a buttery, richer sandwich.
- → Can I make this sandwich without a grill or skillet?
Yes! You can use a panini press if available, or even a regular toaster. For the toaster method, toast your bread first, then assemble the sandwich and microwave it briefly (10-15 seconds) to melt the cheese. While you won't get the same crispy exterior, you'll still enjoy the delicious flavors of the sandwich.
- → What sides pair well with a chicken avocado melt?
This sandwich pairs beautifully with light sides like a simple green salad, sweet potato fries, or a cup of tomato soup. For a refreshing contrast, try serving it with a side of cucumber salad or coleslaw. If you're looking for something heartier, roasted vegetables or potato chips also make excellent accompaniments.