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.
