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Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe

Recreate the famous Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt at home! This recipe features tender chicken, creamy avocado, and smoky chipotle sauce, all melted between toasted bread.
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Equipment

  • Skillet or grill pan
  • Knife for slicing
  • Spatula
  • Small bowl (if making homemade chipotle mayo)
  • Cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 slices of sourdough bread or bread of choice
  • 1 ripe avocado sliced
  • 1/4 cup chipotle mayo store-bought or homemade
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese or cheese of choice
  • 1 tablespoon butter softened
  • Optional: fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Chicken:
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is cooked through.
  • Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
  • Prepare the Sandwich Components:
  • While the chicken is resting, slice the avocado into thin slices.
  • Spread chipotle mayo on one side of each slice of bread.
  • Butter the other side of the bread slices for toasting.
  • Assemble the Melt:
  • Lay two slices of bread butter-side down on a clean surface.
  • Layer the chicken slices evenly on one slice of bread.
  • Top the chicken with sliced avocado and sprinkle with shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
  • Place the second slice of bread on top, chipotle mayo-side facing the chicken.
  • Grill the Sandwich:
  • Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
  • Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, pressing down slightly with a spatula to ensure even toasting. Flip the sandwich carefully and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
  • Serve and Enjoy:
  • Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it cool for a minute before slicing it in half. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve immediately.