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This chicken avocado melt sandwich is a simple way to upgrade an everyday lunch or dinner with fresh ingredients and melty cheese. It balances creamy avocado and tangy Dijon with tender chicken for a satisfying bite. Perfect when you want something hearty without complicated prep or hard-to-find ingredients.
I made this after a busy day when I needed comfort with ease. It quickly became a favorite for casual weekend lunches.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: for juicy protein choose fresh chicken breasts without excess liquid
- Olive oil: adds flavor and helps cook the chicken evenly pick a good quality extra virgin for the best taste
- Avocado: brings creaminess and a mild buttery flavor aim for ripe but firm avocados that yield slightly to pressure
- Cheese: such as Swiss cheddar or provolone melts well go with your favorite for personal flavor preference
- Bread: like sourdough or ciabatta provides a sturdy base with a crisp crust fresh bread heats up nicely without getting soggy
- Mayonnaise and Dijon mustard: lend creamy tang to balance richness use fresh Dijon for best sharpness
- Red onion slices: add bite and crunch select bright, firm onions for sharp flavor
- Tomato slices: provide juiciness and a fresh pop pick ripe tomatoes without too many water pockets
- Butter or olive oil for grilling: gives the bread a golden crust and adds richness go for unsalted butter or mild olive oil
Instructions
- Build The Base:
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple seasoning enhances natural chicken flavor without overpowering.
- Cook The Chicken:
- Heat olive oil over medium-high and carefully cook chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side until no longer pink in the center. Let rest to keep juices locked in before slicing thinly for even layering.
- Prep The Additions:
- Slice the avocado so it’s smooth and spreadable but still holds shape. Get your cheese slices ready so they melt evenly. Thinly slice red onion and tomato to balance textures.
- Spread The Bread:
- Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard on all bread slices. This keeps bread moist and adds tang that cuts through the richness.
- Assemble The Sandwich:
- On two slices of bread layer sliced chicken then avocado, cheese, red onion, and tomato. Top with the remaining bread slices mayo side down to seal in flavors.
- Grill To Perfection:
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat and add butter or olive oil. Cook sandwiches pressing gently with a spatula for 3 to 4 minutes each side until bread is golden and cheese is melted through.
- Rest And Serve:
- Remove sandwiches from heat and let sit a minute so cheese sets slightly making it easier to slice and eat warm without losing filling.
What I love most about this sandwich is the creamy avocado which feels indulgent but healthy at the same time. It reminds me of lazy Sunday afternoons when family gathered in the kitchen sharing food and stories over simple homemade meals.
Storage tips
Store any leftover sandwiches wrapped tightly in foil or airtight container for up to two days in the fridge. Reheat gently in a skillet or toaster oven to keep bread crispy but avoid microwave which can make bread chewy.
Ingredient swaps
Chicken thighs can replace breasts for more flavor though cooking times will adjust slightly. Swap Dijon mustard for spicy brown or honey mustard for a different tang dimension. Use any melting cheese you like such as mozzarella or fontina.
Serving ideas
Serve with a crisp green salad or homemade potato chips for a simple meal. A side of pickles or coleslaw also brightens the richness of the sandwich nicely.
These small details bring your sandwich to the next level.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → What type of cheese works best for this sandwich?
Swiss, cheddar, or provolone are excellent choices as they melt smoothly and complement the creamy avocado and savory chicken.
- → Can I use a different bread for this melt?
Absolutely, sourdough and ciabatta are great, but you can use any bread that grills well and holds the fillings without falling apart.
- → How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?
Cooking the chicken breasts over medium-high heat and letting them rest before slicing helps retain juices and tenderness.
- → Are there alternatives to mayonnaise and Dijon mustard?
You can use aioli, mustard alone, or even a light spread of cream cheese based on preference, though the mayo-mustard combo adds classic tang.
- → What’s the best method to grill the sandwich evenly?
Use a skillet or grill pan over medium heat, press gently with a spatula to help the cheese melt evenly and achieve a golden crust.