The Cheesy Chicken Avocado Melt You Have To Try! is a delicious combination of tender chicken, creamy avocado, and melted cheese, all nestled between toasted bread. It’s packed with fresh flavors and perfect gooey cheese that pulls you in with every bite. This melt brings together the richness of avocado with the hearty taste of chicken in a way that feels both comforting and fresh.
I love making this melt when I want something quick but special. The best part is how the cheese melts perfectly over the chicken and avocado, creating a warm and creamy texture that’s simply irresistible. Adding a little seasoning to the chicken makes all the difference, giving it a tasty kick that keeps everyone coming back for more.
For serving, I like to pair it with a light salad or some crunchy chips to balance out the creaminess. It’s a great lunch or easy dinner that feels like a treat but comes together in no time. If you’re a fan of avo and cheese, this one is definitely worth giving a try—you won’t regret it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast works great for tenderness and quick cooking. You can swap it for cooked shredded rotisserie chicken to save time.
Cheese: Cheddar brings nice sharpness and meltiness. Monterey Jack mixed in adds creaminess. Mozzarella or pepper jack can be good substitutes to change the flavor.
Avocado: Ripe avocado makes the melt creamy and fresh. If you can’t find ripe avocados, try guacamole or a mild green salsa as a quick alternative.
Bread: I love using thick-cut sourdough or Texas toast. They hold up well to toasting and juicy fillings. You can substitute with any sturdy sandwich bread you like.
Seasonings: Smoked paprika and chili powder give a smoky, mild heat. Feel free to adjust or use cumin, taco seasoning, or even a pinch of cayenne for more spice.
How Do You Get the Cheese Perfectly Melted Without Soggy Bread?
The secret is cooking the sandwich slowly over medium heat and using butter on the outside of the bread for a golden crust. Here’s how:
- Butter the bread evenly to create a protective, crispy barrier.
- Cook one side first with the cheese and chicken inside so cheese starts melting before flipping.
- Flip carefully and cook the other side until golden and cheese is fully melted.
- Use medium heat to prevent burning the bread before the cheese melts.
This method ensures crunch on the outside while the inside is gooey and warm. I like to cover the pan briefly during cooking if needed, to trap heat and help the cheese melt faster without burning the bread.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Nonstick skillet or griddle – perfect for even cooking and easy flipping without sticking.
- Spatula – helps you flip the sandwich carefully without spilling the filling.
- Mixing bowl – handy for mashing avocado and mixing in tomato and cilantro.
- Knife and cutting board – necessary for slicing chicken and dicing veggies safely.
- Measuring spoons – keep your seasoning balanced for the best flavor.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for turkey or ham slices for a different protein twist that still pairs well with avocado and cheese.
- Use pepper jack or mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar for a milder or creamier melt.
- Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat if you like spicy flavors.
- Include sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a veggie boost and extra texture.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Avocado Melt
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Sandwich:
- 2 slices of thick-cut bread (e.g., sourdough or Texas toast)
- 1 chicken breast, boneless and skinless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional for a mild kick)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 small tomato, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting bread)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This sandwich takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend 5-7 minutes cooking the chicken, about 5 minutes making the avocado spread and assembling the sandwich, then 6-8 minutes grilling it to golden perfection.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken
Slice the chicken breast into thin strips. Toss the slices in a bowl with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper until everything is well coated.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken strips and cook until they are cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove from the heat and set aside.
3. Make the Avocado Spread
In a small bowl, mash the ripe avocado with lime juice and a pinch of salt. Stir in the diced tomato and half of the chopped cilantro for freshness and flavor.
4. Assemble and Cook the Sandwich
Butter one side of each bread slice. Place one slice butter-side down on a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Sprinkle a generous layer of cheese on top of the bread, then evenly layer the cooked chicken strips. Spread the avocado mixture over the chicken, and top with more cheese to help it stick together.
5. Finish Grilling
Place the second bread slice on top with the butter side facing up. Cook until the bottom bread is golden brown and crispy, and cheese starts melting, about 3-4 minutes. Carefully flip the sandwich and cook the other side until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted, about 3 more minutes.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it cool for 1 minute. Slice it in half, garnish with the remaining chopped cilantro, and serve warm. Perfect with a fresh salad or crispy chips on the side!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight or use the cold water method before cooking. Pat it dry to remove excess moisture for better browning.
What Can I Substitute for Bread?
If you want a low-carb option, try using large lettuce leaves or whole wheat pita pockets instead. For a different texture, you can also use tortillas and make a quesadilla-style melt.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sandwich components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reassemble and lightly toast the sandwich before serving for best results.
Can I Make This Sandwich Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the chicken and avocado spread in advance, but assemble and grill the sandwich just before eating to keep the bread from getting soggy and the cheese perfectly melted.
