The flavors of this copycat Panera chipotle chicken avocado melt are hard to beat. Discover how to make this classic sandwich at home.
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Forget about spending money at Panera Bread, you can recreate this delectable melt right in your kitchen. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you'll soon be savoring every bite of this tasty sandwich.
The sandwich is perfect for lunch. You can even add a cup of homemade soup or salad on the side to make a more filling meal.
Reasons to Love
- A perfect flavor combination. The chipotle chilies add a fiery kick, while the chicken brings savory goodness. The avocado, cheese, and buttery bread perfectly complement the primary flavors.
- Makes a quick lunch or hearty dinner. Packed with protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the avocado, it offers a satisfying and nourishing meal option.
Ingredients
This mouthwatering sandwich combines bold flavors and fresh ingredients for a unique taste sensation.
These are the items used in the recipe:
- shredded or pulled chicken
- focaccia bread
- mayonnaise
- chipotle sauce (chipotle peppers in adobo sauce)
- avocado
- Peppadew pepper slices
- fresh cilantro
- smoked gouda cheese
- butter
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
Once you've gathered all the ingredients, it's time to make the sandwich. Just follow these easy step-by-step directions.
Place mayonnaise into a food processor.
Add chipotle pepper to mayo and blend until smooth.
Layer the shredded chicken on the top of the bottom slice of bread.
Top the chicken with peppadew pepper slices.
Add a slice of gouda and the avocado slices.
Sprinkle cilantro over the avocado then top with another slice of gouda.
Spread the chipotle mayo on the other bread slice before using it to top off your sandwich.
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toast both sides of the sandwich in the skillet.
Hint: If you don't have a small food processor, simply mix together the chipotle mayonnaise ingredients together in a small bowl by hand.
Variations
This Panera copycat recipe can be easily modified to suit your preferences. Here are some easy ways to change up the sandwich:
- Add bacon: Make your melt even more mouthwatering by adding crispy bacon. It will add smokiness to the melt.
- Swap out ingredients: Experiment with different cheeses, veggies, or even try a vegetarian version by using grilled tofu instead of chicken. An air fryer Cornish hen or slow cooker Chipotle Chicken is an excellent option for the meat too.
- Make it low-carb: Wrap all the delicious fillings in crisp lettuce leaves for a refreshing low-carb twist.
- Add some sliced tomatoes and lettuce to create an even more refreshing experience.
- Vary the bread. Other types of bread work well for the sandwich, like sourdough bread or ciabatta rolls.
- Add ground black pepper. You can sprinkle pepper on the bread slices or add some to the mayonnaise mixture.
You can even make a no-knead Italian artisan bread loaf for the bread in the chipotle chicken avocado melt recipe.
Tips
Top tip: Don't skip the toasting step at the end. It gives the sandwich some crunch and warmth.
- A rotisserie chicken can be shredded for the meat in the sandwich.
- Cover the pan when toasting to melt the cheese.
Serving suggestions
Serve with crispy sweet potato fries or air fryer potato wedges for a delightful textural contrast. It's a match made in culinary heaven.
You can enjoy it with a refreshing broccoli salad or green bean tomato salad. The vegetables add a burst of brightness that cuts through the richness of the chipotle chicken avocado melt.
It can also be served with a radish salad for a cool and crunchy accompaniment. The creamy dressing provides a satisfying contrast to the warm and spicy flavors of the sandwich.
Storage
Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Place the wrapped sandwich in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days for optimal taste and quality.
Related Recipes
Want to try a few more easy lunch ideas for one or two people? Here are a few of our favorite recipes.
- Baked popcorn chicken
- Seafood pasta salad recipe is quick and easy to prepare.
- Quesadillas de carne asada are a Mexican favorite.
- Pizza for one is simple to make and easy to customize.
- Chili for two cooks up quickly in a slow cooker.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to see more recipes.
Recipe
Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt (Panera Copycat)
Ingredients
- 5 ounces shredded chicken
- 2 slices focaccia bread or similar
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- ½ medium chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
- ¼ medium avocado sliced thinly
- Peppadew pepper slices
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 slices smoked gouda
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Place the mayonnaise and chipotle pepper into a food processor, and blend until smooth.
- Spread the chipotle mayo on the half of the bread that will be the top of your sandwich.
- Layer the shredded chicken on top of the other slice of bread.
- Top the chicken with peppadew pepper slices, then a slice of gouda and the avocado slices. Sprinkle cilantro over the avocado.
- Place a remaining slice of cheese on top before placing the other slice of bread mayo side down on top.
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Toast both sides of the sandwich in the skillet and then serve.
Jessica
Copycat recipes are my all time fav! I already have a great one for Panera's potato soup. It goes so well with these sandwiches!
Sharon
Yummmmm! I love copycat recipes and anything with chipotle so this recipe was right up my alley. Loved this sammie and will make it again.
Emilie
Yum! Thank you so much for this copycat recipe! I love panera bread but those sandwiches get expensive, especially when feeding a family of five. Thanks for the easy instructions for making a favorite sandwich at home!
Ksenia
Your Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt recipe is a true winner! The combination of tender chicken, creamy avocado, and the delightful chipotle flavor creates a sandwich that's bursting with taste. Your clear instructions made recreating this Panera copycat dish a breeze, and the final result was a hit with my family. Thanks for sharing this fantastic recipe that brings a touch of restaurant flair to our home dining – it's definitely become a favorite go-to for a satisfying and flavorful meal!
Sage Scott
We just made an triple batch of focaccia bread and decided to try this delicious recipe. Just like Panera, but less expensive since we cooked at home.
Jenny
This was so good to make at home! I love making copycats at home this turned out amazing and was so good to eat! Panera is one of my favorite lunch spots so I love being able to make this at home now!
Sue
My favorite Panera sandwich! Your version is a perfect copycat - so delicious! Thank you!
Devy
Tried this with leftover roast chicken. I love how everything complements each other. From the avocado, chicken, cheese, etc. They all create interesting textures and flavors. And it's too delicious,
Rachna
I had some leftover roasted chicken from the whole chicken that I had done. Used that in this recipe and it was so good. Thanks for this lovely recipe.
Chichi
This sandwich was quite rich and filling. We doubled the recipe and added it to meal time rotation. Easy and delicious.
Louise
This was so good.
I found the recipe on pinterest and gave it a go.
I admit I have never had the original (we don't have them here) but I loved everything in the sandwich so wanted to try it.
I take food to cook for lunch to work everyday so I am always looking for new ideas.
Everyone at work was impressed with the sandwich so I passed the recipe on 🙂
Marie
Chipotle mayo took this chicken sandwich over the top. It was creamy, spicy and delicious. It has become a lunch regular.
Celina
Ever since I moved overseas I have craved this classic Panera sandwich and now I get to enjoy this at home. I topped off the sandwich with some nice pieces of smoked peameal bacon, can't wait to try it with some grilled veggies next time I made it.