Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich Recipe

Some sandwiches feel like a quick fix, and others feel like a small comfort you make for yourself in the middle of a busy day.

This chicken avocado melt falls into the second category. I started making it during a stretch of rushed lunches when I wanted something warm and filling, but not heavy or complicated.

I had leftover chicken, a ripe avocado, and a few slices of cheese, and it became my go-to combination.

The chicken brings the protein, the avocado adds a creamy layer that feels almost like a spread, and the cheese ties everything together once it melts.

It’s simple, steady, and satisfying, something you can make on a quiet afternoon or even as a quick dinner when you don’t feel like cooking anything elaborate.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe is inspired by the kind of sandwiches I used to order at small cafés, warm, straightforward melts with just a handful of ingredients. I always liked how they tasted comforting but still somewhat fresh. Over time, I tried recreating that same café-style feel at home, especially on days when I wanted a comforting meal without too much fuss.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Melt-style sandwiches date back to classic diner menus where deli meats and cheese were layered on bread and heated until the inside softened and the outside toasted. Adding avocado is a more recent twist, giving the sandwich a fresher, modern touch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Warm and satisfying: The melted cheese and toasted bread make it feel cozy.
• Balanced flavors: Creamy avocado, mild chicken, and gentle seasoning work well together.
• Quick to prepare: Ready in about 15 minutes.
• Uses everyday ingredients: No special items needed.
• Great for lunch or dinner: Simple enough for midday, hearty enough for evening.
• Easily customizable: Change the bread, cheese, or seasoning.
• Kid-friendly: Mild flavors that most people enjoy.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Slice the avocado evenly so it layers cleanly without slipping.
• Season each layer rather than only the chicken.
• Toast on medium heat so the cheese melts without burning the bread.
• Use a skillet with a lid for better melting.
• Slice chicken thinly for even heating.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Skillet or griddle
• Spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Small bowl for avocado

Ingredients in This Recipe

• Cooked chicken (1 cup, shredded or sliced): Tender, mild protein that absorbs seasoning well.
• Avocado (½ ripe avocado, sliced): Creamy and smooth, acts like a natural layer.
• Cheese slices (4 slices; Swiss, cheddar, or provolone): Helps create the melt.
• Bread (2 slices; sourdough or whole-grain): Holds up well when toasted.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning that brightens the avocado and chicken.
• Butter (2 tablespoons): For toasting and cooking the sandwich evenly.
• Tomato slices (optional): Adds juiciness and freshness.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): For a small kick.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken.
• Mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a milder melt.
• Ciabatta or multigrain bread if you prefer something sturdier.
• Greek yogurt spread instead of avocado for a tangy option.
• Vegan cheese and tofu strips for a plant-based version.

Ingredient Spotlight

Avocado: The avocado serves as both a flavor and texture booster. It brings a mild creaminess, replaces the need for heavy sauces, and keeps the sandwich from feeling dry.

Chicken: Lean and adaptable, chicken blends smoothly into the melt, soaking up spices and pairing well with cheese without overpowering the sandwich.

Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich

This sandwich features toasted bread layered with melted cheese, tender cooked chicken, and creamy sliced avocado. It is assembled and cooked until the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheese is gooey, resulting in a warm, satisfying bite with contrasting textures of crunch and creaminess.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 2

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 slices bread slices preferably sturdier bread like sourdough or country loaf
• 1 cup cooked chicken shredded or sliced
• 1/2 avocado ripe avocado sliced
• 4 slice cheddar cheese or your favorite melty cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter for toasting and cooking

Equipment

• Skillet or frying pan
• Spatula
• Knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Lay out the bread slices and evenly distribute slices of cheese on one side of two pieces of bread. Set aside.
2. Heat a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat until it melts and starts to sizzle, releasing a fragrant aroma.
3. Place the bread slices (cheese side up) into the skillet, pressing gently to ensure contact with the butter, and cook for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown on the bottom.
4. Flip the bread slices carefully using a spatula, and cook for another 2 minutes until the other side is golden and the cheese begins to melt.
5. Remove the toasted bread slices from the skillet and set aside. Wipe the skillet clean if needed and add another tablespoon of butter.
6. Once the skillet is hot and butter is melted, layer the cooked chicken and sliced avocado on one toasted slice of bread. Top with the other toasted slice to assemble the sandwich.
7. Place the assembled sandwich back into the skillet and cook over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, pressing down gently, until the bread is crispy and the cheese is fully melted inside.
8. Flip the sandwich carefully and cook the other side for an additional 2 minutes until evenly browned and crispy.
9. Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it sit for a minute to settle. Slice in half if desired for a more inviting presentation.
10. Serve immediately while warm, with melted cheese and crispy edges, and enjoy the comforting layers of flavors and textures.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a dash of black pepper or hot sauce before serving.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Press gently with a spatula, not too hard or the avocado may squeeze out.
• Keep the heat moderate to allow full melting.
• Add a second layer of cheese if you want more richness.
• Use a nonstick pan for even browning.

What to Avoid

• Avoid rushing the toasting; high heat burns bread quickly.
• Don’t use underripe avocado, it won’t spread well.
• Avoid overstuffing with chicken; balanced layers toast better.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Cook and shred chicken up to 3 days ahead
• Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge
• Slice or mash avocado just before assembling
• Assemble sandwiches fresh for best texture
• Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat
• Avoid microwaving, it softens the bread and avocado

How to Serve This Dish

• Works well as lunch, dinner, or a filling snack
• Serve hot, sliced diagonally for easy eating
• Pair with a small green salad for balance
• Serve alongside tomato soup or vegetable soup
• Add sweet potato fries or regular fries for a heartier meal

Creative Leftover Transformations

• Chicken avocado quesadilla: Reheat leftovers with tortillas.
• Avocado toast: Layer ingredients over toasted bread.
• Melt bowl: Serve ingredients over warm rice.
• Wrap version: Roll everything into a tortilla.
• Mini sliders: Use small rolls for snack-sized melts.

Variations to Try

• Spicy Melt: Add jalapeños or chipotle mayo.
• Italian Melt: Use mozzarella and basil.
• BBQ Chicken Melt: Add a light brush of barbecue sauce.
• Bacon Avocado Melt: Add crisp bacon for extra texture.
• Veggie Melt: Replace chicken with roasted vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I use rotisserie chicken?
  Yes, it works perfectly and saves time.
• What cheese melts best?
  Cheddar, Swiss, provolone, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack.
• Can I make this dairy-free?
  Yes, use dairy-free cheese and olive oil instead of butter.
• Is this sandwich good for kids?
  Yes, the flavors are mild and familiar.
• Can I use grilled chicken instead?
  Absolutely, just slice it thin so it reheats evenly.
• Can I make it in an air fryer?
  Yes, assemble the sandwich and air fry at 375°F for 4–5 minutes, flipping once.
• What bread works best?
  Sourdough, whole-grain, or country-style bread hold up best.
• Can I add bacon or sauce?
  Yes, crispy bacon or a light spread of mayo or mustard works well.

Mahek Manchanda

Hi, I am Mahek Manchanda. The curious heart behind Dramatically Stirring. I’ve always been most at ease in my own company. I’m not exactly a people-person (small talk still makes me cringe), but there are two things I’ve always loved with my whole heart: animals and food.