Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt is a hot, cheesy sandwich loaded with smoky chipotle sauce, creamy avocado, and tender chicken.
Author’s Notes
The Sandwich I Couldn’t Get Out of My Head
I’m notorious for ordering the same thing every time I go out. It’s hard to get me to switch it up because I just don’t want to be disappointed!
So when I met a friend at Panera, I was fully planning my usual order. But then she insisted I try the Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt. I gave in and wow…I could not stop thinking about that sandwich.
For days, I kept craving it. Finally, I went to the store, grabbed everything, and made it at home. And honestly? This copycat Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt is EVEN BETTER! I can load it up exactly how I want (more avocado for me every time!), and it costs way less.
I’ve tested a few focaccia options for this. The one in the photos is from Target. It’s good, just not my favorite. My go-to is the focaccia from Trader Joe’s, or I’ll make my own and bake it on a larger pan for thinner slices.
Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Ingredients
| Ingredient | Let’s Chat About It |
|---|---|
| Focaccia or ciabatta & butter | Use soft, fresh bread for the best texture. Butter both sides so it toasts golden and crisp. |
| Rotisserie chicken & white cheddar | Grab a hot and ready chicken and shred it finely. I like the dark meat best! Use a good white cheddar for best flavor. |
| Avocado & cilantro | Pick a ripe avocado for the best creaminess. Add cilantro last so it stays fresh. If you aren’t a fan, leave it out! |
| Sweet cherry peppers | Slice very thin so they soften slightly and don’t overpower the Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt. |
| Chipotle pepper in adobo, mayo, sour cream, lime, oregano & honey | Blend until smooth. Adjust heat with more or less chipotle. Let it chill for better flavor. |
Serving Suggestions
What To Serve With Your Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt
- Fresh fruit: Grapes, berries, or watermelon for a light side
- Simple salad: A quick garden salad with a light dressing
- Soup: Tomato soup or chicken noodle soup pairs really nicely
- Fries or sweet potato fries: If you want something more fun for the side!
More Amazing Sandwich Recipes
Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt
Video
Ingredients
- 1 loaf Focaccia cut to 1 sandwich size or 1 ciabatta roll
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter softened
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder optional
- 2 ounces rotisserie chicken shredded
- a few leaves cilantro
- 1 tablespoon sweet cherry peppers seeds removed & very thinly sliced
- 1 slice white cheddar cheese cut in half
- 1/4 large ripe avocado
- 1 tablespoon chipotle in adobo sauce (1 chipotle and surrounding sauce)
- 1/4 cup mayo Best Foods
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Sauce: Add all chipotle mayo ingredients to a small blender. Season to taste (I add 1/4 tsp salt & 1/8 tsp pepper). Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust, then refrigerate to let the flavor deepen.
- Set oven to broil and place the rack in the center. Let it fully heat.
- Slice focaccia into a sandwich-size portion, then slice in half. (These directions are for 1 sandwich.) Spread butter evenly on both cut sides. Sprinkle with garlic powder if using.
- Place on a baking sheet and broil 45 to 90 seconds until golden. Flip and broil the other side until toasted. Remove from oven.
- Set the top half aside. Spread about 1 tablespoon chipotle mayo on the bottom half. Layer chicken and cheese.
- Broil 30 to 90 seconds until cheese is melted. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
- Remove from oven and add peppers, avocado, and cilantro.
- Spread more chipotle mayo on the top bread, place on the sandwich, and press gently. Press with a heavy pan for a panini-style finish if desired and return to oven for 30 to 60 seconds to warm through.
- Enjoy right away. This sandwich is best fresh and doesn't store well.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
So easy but so delicious – will be putting this on repeat!
Yay! Thank you Patti!