Copycat Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe

Alright, if you love that perfect mix of smoky, creamy, and fresh, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Copycat Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe. It’s one of those sandwiches that feels indulgent but still hits all the right notes—think melty gouda with tender chicken, creamy avocado, and a spicy chipotle kick that wakes up your taste buds. I first tried recreating this sandwich at home because, honestly, I wanted that Panera magic without the wait or the trip.

What makes this Copycat Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe so special is how easy it is to pull together, yet it tastes so decadent. It’s great for a cozy lunch or when you’re craving something hearty but fresh. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser—you can easily double the recipe if friends drop by. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll find yourself thinking about it for days!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is how each ingredient brings something unique to the table—smoky chipotle for depth, creamy avocado for richness, and fresh cilantro to brighten everything up. I always recommend getting good quality rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor.

• Focaccia bread: I used garlic herb focaccia for an extra layer of flavor, but any crusty flatbread will work.
• Shredded rotisserie chicken: Already cooked and seasoned, perfect for quick assembly and juicy texture.
• Avocado: Look for ripe but firm avocados so your slices hold up nicely.
• Mayo: Adds creaminess that balances the heat from chipotles.
• Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: These are the smoky, spicy heart of the recipe—don’t skimp here!
• Cilantro: Fresh chopped cilantro gives a fresh herbal lift that complements the spices.
• Peppadew peppers (or sweet & hot cherry peppers): For a touch of sweet heat and vibrant color.
• Gouda cheese: I prefer sliced gouda for melty, smooth creaminess.
• Water: Just a splash to loosen up the chipotle mayo mixture.

Variations

I love that this Copycat Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe is super adaptable depending on what you like or have on hand. Feel free to make it your own—this is your kitchen adventure, after all!

• Variation: Swap gouda for pepper jack if you want it spicier—I tried this once and the extra kick really made the sandwich pop.
• Diet-friendly version: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter sauce that still tastes creamy.
• Vegetarian twist: Replace chicken with roasted Portobello mushrooms for a smoky meaty texture.
• Extra crunchy: Add some thinly sliced radishes or cucumbers for a fresh bite.

How to Make Copycat Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chipotle Mayo Sauce

Start by blending together the mayo, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, and 2 tablespoons of water. Use a fork or small whisk to mix until smooth — the water helps thin out the mayo for easy spreading. Taste as you go so the heat isn’t overwhelming; you can always add more chipotles if you want more punch. This step makes all the difference because that sauce is the smoky, creamy glue that holds this sandwich together.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken and Veggies

Next, shred your rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces, making sure there are no big chunks. Then, slice up the avocado and chop the cilantro and peppadew peppers. I find it easiest to prep everything beforehand so assembly goes smoothly and fast—no scrambling while the bread’s toasting.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich

Cut the focaccia into sandwich-sized portions, slice each horizontally but keep it hinged for easier layering. Spread a generous amount of chipotle mayo on both sides of the bread. Layer shredded chicken, then avocado slices, followed by chopped peppadew peppers and cilantro. Top it all off with slices of gouda. You want a good balance so each bite has a little of everything.

Step 4: Toast and Melt

Heat a skillet or panini press over medium heat and place your sandwich inside, pressing lightly if possible. Toast it for 3-5 minutes until the bread is golden and the gouda melts to gooey perfection. If you don’t have a panini press, covering the pan with a lid helps trap heat and melt the cheese evenly.

How to Serve Copycat Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little extra chopped cilantro on top just before serving for an herbal freshness that really wakes up the sandwich. Sometimes I add a squeeze of lime juice over the avocado for a zingy touch. A tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt also helps the avocado shine.

Side Dishes

This sandwich pairs so nicely with simple sides like a crisp green salad or sweet potato fries. I’ve also served it alongside a cup of tomato soup for cozy comfort food vibes. If you want to keep things lighter, some crunchy carrot sticks and hummus are great companions too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like slicing the sandwich into smaller sliders and serving them on a wooden board with dipping sauces on the side. It’s fun for casual entertaining because everyone can grab their favorite bites. Wrapping each slider in parchment paper also makes it easy to eat at a picnic or potluck.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover sandwiches wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap in the fridge. It keeps them fresh for up to 2 days, but I recommend eating them sooner for best texture, especially because avocado tends to brown over time.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this Copycat Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe, I’ve found that freezing before assembling is best—freeze the shredded chicken sauce mixture separately, and store bread and sliced avocado fresh. Avocado doesn’t freeze well, so add it fresh when ready to eat. Reheat the chicken mixture and assemble just before serving.

Reheating

To keep the sandwich as close to fresh as possible, I reheat it in a skillet over medium-low heat with a lid on to melt the cheese and warm the filling without drying out the bread. Microwave works in a pinch but can make the bread soggy. A quick toast afterward helps bring back some crispness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Copycat Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort sandwiches, especially when I want something quick that still feels special. I love how the flavors come together so effortlessly but taste like you put in a ton of effort. I’m certain you’ll enjoy making it as much as eating it—plus, it’s a great way to impress friends or treat yourself without leaving the kitchen. Give it a try and let it become your new favorite sandwich!

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