Copycat Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe
This Copycat Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt offers a deliciously smoky and creamy sandwich packed with shredded rotisserie chicken, smoky chipotle peppers, fresh avocado, and melted gouda on garlic herb focaccia bread. It’s a flavorful and easy-to-make melt inspired by the popular Panera recipe, perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Sandwich
- 2 flat loaves of focaccia bread (garlic herb flavor recommended)
- 6 oz shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 4 oz sliced Gouda cheese
Chipotle Mayo Spread
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 6 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 2 tablespoons water
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup chopped Peppadew peppers (or sweet & hot cherry peppers)
Instructions
- Prepare the chipotle mayo: In a blender or food processor, combine the mayonnaise, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, and water. Blend until smooth to create a creamy, smoky spread.
- Add the peppers and cilantro: Transfer the blended chipotle mayo to a bowl and mix in the chopped cilantro and Peppadew peppers. This adds freshness and a hint of sweetness and heat.
- Assemble the sandwich: Slice the focaccia bread loaves flat. Spread a generous amount of the chipotle mayo mixture on both sides of the bread.
- Add fillings: Layer the shredded rotisserie chicken evenly over the bottom halves of the bread. Place the sliced avocado on top of the chicken, then add slices of Gouda cheese.
- Grill the melt: Close the sandwiches with the top halves of the focaccia bread. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches on the skillet and press down gently with a spatula or grill press. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side until the bread is toasted and the cheese has melted.
- Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the heat, slice if desired, and serve warm to enjoy the melty, smoky, and fresh flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute chipotle peppers with chipotle powder for a less spicy spread.
- Using fresh rotisserie chicken adds convenience and flavor, but grilled chicken breast can also be used.
- For extra crispiness, lightly brush the focaccia bread with olive oil before grilling.
- If you prefer, you can toast the sandwiches in a panini press instead of a skillet.
- Peppadew peppers add a sweet and mild heat; substitute with pickled cherry peppers if unavailable.
Keywords: Panera, Chipotle chicken, avocado melt, sandwich, copycat recipe, focaccia bread, Gouda cheese