Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt (Panera Copycat) Recipe

Introduction

The Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt is a flavorful, spicy twist on the classic sandwich, inspired by Panera’s popular melt. With creamy avocado, smoky chipotle mayo, and gooey gouda, this sandwich delivers a perfect balance of heat and creaminess that’s easy to make at home.

Ingredients

• 2 flat loaves of focaccia bread (garlic herb recommended)
• 6 oz shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 6 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup Peppadew peppers, chopped (or sweet & hot cherry peppers)
• 4 oz sliced gouda cheese
• 2 tbsp water

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with the mayonnaise. Stir well and set aside.
2. Step 2: Slice each flat focaccia loaf into 4 pieces, creating 8 square slices total.
3. Step 3: Spread the chipotle mayo evenly on each slice of bread.
4. Step 4: On half of the bread slices, layer the gouda cheese, avocado slices, shredded chicken, chopped cilantro, and Peppadew peppers.
5. Step 5: Top these slices with the remaining bread slices, chipotle mayo side down, to form sandwiches.
6. Step 6: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and carefully place the sandwiches in the pan.
7. Step 7: Cook the sandwiches for 2–3 minutes until the bottom is golden, then flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
8. Step 8: Tilt the pan to pour in 2 tablespoons of water, cover with a lid, and steam the sandwiches for 1 minute until the water evaporates.
9. Step 9: Remove the cover, take the sandwiches off the pan, and enjoy warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder flavor, reduce the number of chipotle peppers or substitute with milder roasted red peppers.
• Try swapping gouda for pepper jack or cheddar for a different cheese profile.
• Use homemade or store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience and extra flavor.
• Adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the avocado slices can brighten the sandwich.
• If you don’t have Peppadew peppers, sweet or hot cherry peppers work well as a substitute.

Storage

Store any leftover sandwiches wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over low heat until heated through to keep the bread crispy and cheese melted. Avoid microwaving, which can make the sandwich soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the shredded chicken and add extra avocado or roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a hearty vegetarian option.

What if I don’t have focaccia bread?

You can use any sturdy bread like ciabatta, sourdough, or even thick sandwich bread. Just make sure it holds up well when toasted and pressed.

Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt (Panera Copycat) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 88 reviews

• Author: Naomi
• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x

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Description

This Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt is a flavorful Panera copycat sandwich featuring shredded rotisserie chicken, creamy avocado, smoky chipotle mayo, and gooey gouda cheese, all nestled between slices of garlic herb focaccia bread. Grilled to perfection in a skillet with a quick steam for melty goodness, this sandwich combines smoky heat, fresh herbs, and smooth textures for a satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread

• 2 flat loaves of focaccia bread (garlic herb recommended)

Filling

• 6 oz shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 4 oz sliced gouda cheese
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup Peppadew peppers, chopped (or sweet & hot cherry peppers)

Chipotle Mayo

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 6 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
• 2 tbsp water (for steaming)

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Instructions

1. Prepare chipotle mayo: In a small bowl, combine the chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with the mayonnaise. Stir well until evenly mixed and set aside.
2. Slice focaccia: Cut the flat loaves of focaccia bread into 4 pieces each, yielding 8 square pieces in total.
3. Spread mayo: Evenly spread the prepared chipotle mayo on each slice of focaccia bread.
4. Assemble sandwiches: On half of the bread slices, layer the sliced gouda cheese, avocado slices, shredded rotisserie chicken, chopped cilantro, and chopped Peppadew peppers.
5. Top sandwiches: Place the remaining slices of bread on top to form sandwiches.
6. Cook sandwiches: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the assembled sandwiches into the skillet.
7. Grill first side: Cook the sandwiches for 2 to 3 minutes until the bread is golden and the cheese starts melting.
8. Flip sandwiches: Carefully flip each sandwich with a spatula and cook the other side for an additional 2 minutes.
9. Steam sandwiches: Tilt the pan to one side and pour in 2 tablespoons of water. Cover the skillet immediately and let the sandwiches steam for 1 minute until the water evaporates, ensuring the cheese is fully melted.
10. Serve: Remove the cover, take out the sandwiches, and enjoy your warm, melty Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt!

Notes

• You can substitute the Peppadew peppers with sweet or hot cherry peppers if unavailable.
• Using rotisserie chicken saves time but cooked shredded chicken works well too.
• Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers according to your preferred spice level.
• For extra crispiness, press the sandwiches gently with a spatula while cooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Category: Sandwich
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: chipotle chicken sandwich, avocado melt, Panera copycat, grilled sandwich, gouda cheese sandwich, spicy chicken melt, quick lunch recipe