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I whipped up this simple chicken avocado melt one boring Sunday when plain old sandwiches just weren't doing it for me. It's incredible how a couple easy changes can turn basic stuff into something really tasty. After plenty of tries (including one unforgettable mess with overly ripe avocados!), I've figured out a way that gets you that perfect mix of crunchy bread, tender chicken, smooth avocado, and melted cheese.
What Makes This Sandwich Special
This melt checks all the boxes - crunchy exterior, smooth middle, and loaded with taste in every mouthful. What's great? You can tweak it however you want, and you'll likely find most ingredients already in your kitchen. And it only takes minutes to put together, so it's just right for those hectic days when you need something yummy but can't spend forever cooking.
What You'll Need
- Main Components:
- 2 chunky sourdough bread slices
- 1 prepared chicken breast, cut into pieces
- 1 soft avocado
- 2 slices cheese that melts well
- Butter or mayo for the outside
- Flavor Boosters:
- Sea salt
- Freshly ground pepper
- Fresh herbs if you want
- Tools Needed:
- Big frying pan or flat grill
- Solid spatula
- Good knife
How To Make It
- Setting Up Your Foundation
- Use softened butter and spread it all over one side of each bread piece. Turn them over and put cheese on both inner sides - this makes a barrier that stops sogginess. Add a tiny bit of salt to the cheese.
- Adding Your Fillings
- Put your hot sliced chicken on one bread piece, then arrange avocado slices on top. Sprinkle with fresh pepper and a bit of salt. Top with the other bread slice, keeping buttered sides facing outward.
- Cooking It Just Right
- Put your sandwich in an already hot pan on medium heat. Let it cook about 3-4 minutes until it turns golden, then carefully flip it. Push down lightly with your spatula and cook another 3 minutes until cheese gets all gooey and bread becomes crispy and golden.
Tricks For The Best Results
Make sure your pan is good and hot before you drop in the sandwich - if it's too cool, your bread will just soak up butter and get soggy. If you're using chicken from yesterday's dinner, warm it up a bit first so it won't cool down your cheese. Want extra crunch? Throw some grated parmesan on the buttered outsides before grilling. And always let it sit for a minute after cooking - it really helps keep everything from falling apart.
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Tasty Variations
I sometimes add crunchy bacon or thin prosciutto when I'm feeling a bit extra. Other times I'll toss on some tangy pickled red onions, or kick up the heat with jalapeño slices. Try swapping regular mayo for chipotle mayo or pesto to change the flavor profile. And don't stick to just one cheese - try smoky gouda or spicy pepper jack for something different!
Keeping It Fresh
These melts taste best straight from the pan, but you can get everything ready ahead of time. Cook and slice your chicken and keep it wrapped in the fridge. Just cut your avocado right before you build the sandwich - nobody wants brown avocado! Need to prep earlier? You can put them together (leave out the avocado) and wrap them tightly in foil, then keep in the fridge for up to 4 hours before cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I stop sogginess?
Toast the bread first, slice avocado right before eating, and wait to add tomato until you're ready to serve.
- → What's the best way to warm leftovers?
Reheat in a toaster oven or oven to keep the bread crisp. Avoid the microwave since it makes things soggy.
- → How thin should chicken be sliced?
A quarter-inch is just right. Let it sit awhile before cutting to keep the juices in.
- → What's the best melting cheese?
Cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or Swiss work great. Pick a thin slice for even melting.
- → Can it be prepped ahead?
You can cook the chicken in advance, but assemble and grill the sandwich right before eating for the best taste.
Conclusion
A simple sandwich with juicy grilled chicken, smooth avocado slices, and melted cheese between toasted bread for a quick bite.