Chicken, gooey melted cheese, and silky avocado pressed between golden, buttered bread — imagine inhaling that warm, toasty aroma as you pull the sandwich from the pan. The Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich is all about contrast: crisp crust gives way to a creamy, savory interior where tender shredded chicken and avocado mingle with melted cheddar (or mozzarella) in a pillowy embrace. Each bite delivers a satisfying mix of savory and fresh, a gentle richness from the avocado, and that comforting pull of melted cheese.
This sandwich is the kind of recipe that feels like a small celebration: perfect for cozy weekend breakfasts, rushed weekday lunches that need to feel indulgent but simple, or casual dinners with friends. Make it for a laid-back brunch, prep it for game-day snacking, or pack halves for a picnic — it travels well when wrapped tight. If you’re interested in other bold chicken flavors to pair with family nights, check out this twist on grilled chicken: Huli Huli Chicken.
At a Glance
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5–6 minutes (about 2–3 minutes per side)
- Total Time: 15–16 minutes
- Servings: 1 sandwich (scale ingredients to make more)
- Difficulty Level: Easy — great for beginner cooks
Nutrition Highlights
Estimated nutrition per serving (one sandwich) — values are rounded estimates calculated from USDA FoodData Central entries for each ingredient. Individual brands and portion sizes will change totals.
- Calories: ~1,240 kcal
- Protein: ~92 g
- Carbohydrates: ~43 g
- Fat: ~79 g
- Fiber: ~14 g
- Sodium: ~1,000–1,300 mg (varies with cheese and bread choice)
Notes on accuracy and health context:
- These macronutrient estimates use USDA FoodData Central for cooked chicken breast, avocado, cheddar cheese, whole-wheat bread, and butter. Because this sandwich contains a full cup of shredded cheese and a whole avocado, it’s calorie-dense and rich in healthy monounsaturated fats (from avocado) and protein (from chicken and cheese). For guidance on daily nutrient targets and heart-healthy choices, consult sources such as the Mayo Clinic and USDA dietary guidance.
Why You’ll Love It
This sandwich combines immediate sensory satisfaction with practical appeal:
- The irresistible taste and texture: warm, crunchy bread meets creamy avocado and melted cheese for a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Comfort with balance: the avocado lends freshness and healthy fats, while chicken adds lean protein to keep you full.
- Speed and simplicity: minimal ingredients, few steps, and quick skillet time make it a weeknight winner.
- Crowd-pleasing versatility: serve it plain for kids, spice it up for adults, or turn it into a plate for brunch and pair with salad or fries.
Preparation Guide
Ingredients
- 2 slices of bread (your choice; whole-wheat recommended)
- 1 cooked chicken breast, shredded (about 6 oz / 170 g)
- 1 ripe avocado, mashed
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Butter or olive oil for grilling (about 1 tbsp)
Optional ingredients and substitutions
- Add-ins: a squeeze of lime, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, or thinly sliced red onion.
- Spice: a pinch of smoked paprika, crushed red pepper, or a spread of chipotle mayo for heat.
- Substitutions: use Greek yogurt instead of some avocado for a lighter creaminess; swap cheese for a lower-fat option; use gluten-free bread for GF needs.
Step-by-step Instructions
- Preheat a skillet over medium heat.
- In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken and mashed avocado. Season with salt and pepper. (If you like, stir in a squeeze of lime and a pinch of smoked paprika.)
- Spread the chicken and avocado mixture evenly on one slice of bread, top with shredded cheese, and cover with the second slice of bread.
- Butter the outside of the sandwich (or brush with olive oil).
- Place the sandwich in the skillet and grill until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula to encourage cheese melt.
- Remove from heat, let rest 1 minute, cut in half, and serve warm.
Practical tips:
- Don’t overmix the chicken and avocado; you want creamy pockets of avocado and strands of chicken.
- Keep heat at medium — too hot will char the bread before cheese melts. Use a lid briefly if cheese needs help melting.
- Check doneness by peeking for fully melted cheese and a golden-brown crust.
Best Pairings
- Classic sides: a crisp green salad, kettle chips, or sweet potato fries.
- Beverages: hot coffee or tea for breakfast; an ice-cold lemonade or light beer for lunch.
- Light accents: a wedge of lime, a quick pickle, or a handful of arugula tucked inside for peppery contrast.
- Dip and share: serve with a small bowl of salsa or ranch. If you want an avocado-focused companion dish, try pairing with this creamy Avocado Crack Dip for a double-avocado celebration.
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: Avoid leaving the assembled sandwich out for more than 2 hours (per USDA food safety guidance). Avocado and cooked chicken are perishable.
- Refrigeration: If assembled, store wrapped tightly in the fridge and consume within 1–2 days. Quality will decline because avocado browns and cheese may change texture. Alternatively, store components separately — shredded chicken (up to 3–4 days), mashed avocado with lemon or lime to slow browning (1 day), bread (3–4 days).
- Freezer: Whole assembled sandwiches with avocado don’t freeze well (avocado texture changes). You can freeze cooked shredded chicken for 2–3 months in airtight containers; thaw before assembling and grilling.
Insider Secrets
- Bread choice matters: choose a sturdy, slightly dense bread (sourdough or whole-wheat) so it crisps without collapsing.
- Cheese technique: grate your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded for better melt — pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents that inhibit smooth melting.
- Avocado texture: mash the avocado just enough to bind the chicken, but leave some small chunks for texture. For a brighter flavor and slower browning, mix in a teaspoon of lime juice.
- Even melting: if your skillet browns the bread but cheese hasn’t fully melted, cover the pan for 30–60 seconds to trap heat and soften the cheese.
Creative Twists
- Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt: Stir in a teaspoon (or more) of chipotle in adobo sauce to the chicken-avocado mix and swap cheddar for pepper jack. (For another chipotle-inspired idea, see similar recipes online.)
- Vegan version: Replace chicken with shredded, seasoned jackfruit or marinated tempeh, use mashed avocado plus vegan cheese, and cook on olive oil. Use vegan butter for grilling.
- Low-carb / Keto: Swap bread for grilled portobello caps or low-carb bread and use a lighter cheese or reduced-fat option if reducing calories.
- Mediterranean twist: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and use mozzarella with a drizzle of balsamic reduction.
Recipe Q&A
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of a cooked chicken breast?
A: Yes — rotisserie chicken is a perfect shortcut. Shred to the desired size and proceed.
Q: How do I keep the avocado from browning?
A: Mix a little lime or lemon juice into the mashed avocado and assemble right before cooking or store the mash in an airtight container with plastic pressed to the surface.
Q: Is there a lighter version of this sandwich?
A: Use reduced-fat cheese, half an avocado (or avocado + Greek yogurt), whole-grain thin bread, and olive oil spray instead of butter to cut calories and fat.
Q: Can I make multiple sandwiches ahead for a party?
A: Pre-mix the chicken and avocado, keep chilled, and assemble and grill on demand to keep bread crisp and avocado fresh.
Q: My sandwich is soggy after grilling — why?
A: Sogginess often comes from excess avocado moisture or overfilled sandwiches. Use slightly firmer avocado, pat shredded chicken dry, and toast the bread briefly before assembling.
Conclusion
Give this Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich a try when you want something that feels indulgent without a fuss — it’s fast to make, deeply satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. If you’re inspired by smoky, spicy versions, explore this chipotle-forward take for more bold flavor at Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt – Simply Whisked. For another home-cook rendition that’s similar in spirit and presentation, check out this handy guide at Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich.
Share your finishing touches and photos — I’d love to hear how you personalize yours. Happy cooking!
Print
Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delicious sandwich featuring tender shredded chicken, creamy avocado, and gooey melted cheese pressed between crispy, buttery bread.
Ingredients
- 2 slices of whole-wheat or your choice of bread
- 1 cooked chicken breast, shredded (about 6 oz / 170 g)
- 1 ripe avocado, mashed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Butter or olive oil for grilling (about 1 tbsp)
Instructions
- Preheat a skillet over medium heat.
- In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken and mashed avocado. Season with salt and pepper. Optionally, stir in a squeeze of lime and a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Spread the chicken and avocado mixture evenly on one slice of bread, top with shredded cheese, and cover with the second slice of bread.
- Butter the outside of the sandwich (or brush with olive oil).
- Place the sandwich in the skillet and grill until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula to encourage cheese melt.
- Remove from heat, let rest for 1 minute, cut in half, and serve warm.
Notes
For enhanced flavor, consider adding lime juice to the avocado and using a sturdy bread to prevent sogginess. Grating your own cheese can improve melt quality.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 1240
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 79g
- Saturated Fat: 33g
- Unsaturated Fat: 46g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 14g
- Protein: 92g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
