Chipotle Chicken Melt Recipe

This smoky, cheesy Chipotle Chicken Melt Recipe is made with tender pulled chicken, smoked Gouda, and zesty peppadew peppers on crispy focaccia, ready in just 15 minutes. The hero moment arrives when the melted gouda fuses with the spicy chipotle mayo to create a creamy, savory bite that rivals any cafe sandwich. I make this whenever I crave that bakery-style comfort food without the high price tag.

Better Than Takeaway

I used to drive across town just to buy this sandwich for lunch, but making it at home is surprisingly faster and fresher. The first time I tried replicating it, I used regular cheddar, but I quickly learned that smoked Gouda is non-negotiable for that authentic depth of flavor found in the original.

Using store-bought rotisserie chicken saves so much time while keeping the filling moist and flavorful. I also realized that pressing the sandwich in a skillet with a heavy lid works just as well as an expensive panini press, giving you that perfectly compressed, crispy crust.

Jump to Recipe

Chipotle Chicken Melt Recipe Ingredients

• For the Chipotle Mayo:
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• For the Sandwich:
• 4 slices black pepper focaccia bread (or regular focaccia)
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (rotisserie works best)
• 4 slices smoked Gouda cheese
• 1/4 cup peppadew peppers, sliced
• 1/2 avocado, sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

How To Make Chipotle Chicken Melt Recipe

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, minced chipotle peppers, lime juice, and garlic powder until smooth and combined.
2. Assemble the Base: Spread a generous layer of the chipotle mayo on the bottom side of each slice of focaccia bread.
3. Layer the Filling: On two slices of bread, layer the smoked Gouda cheese, followed by the shredded chicken, sliced peppadew peppers, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro.
4. Top and Butter: Place the remaining bread slices on top, sauce side down, and spread the softened butter on the outer top and bottom crusts of each sandwich.
5. Cook the Melt: Heat a large skillet or panini press over medium heat and cook the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing down gently, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Recipe Tips

• Find the Peppadews: Look for “sweet piquante peppers” in the pickle aisle if you can’t find the brand name Peppadew; they provide the essential sweet heat that defines this melt.
• Weigh It Down: If using a standard skillet, place a heavy cast-iron pan or a foil-wrapped brick on top of the sandwiches while cooking to achieve that compressed, crispy panini texture.
• Cheese Placement: Place the cheese directly against the bread rather than in the middle of the chicken; this acts as a glue for the sandwich and ensures it melts completely before the bread burns.

What To Serve With Chipotle Chicken Melt

Serve this hearty melt with a bowl of creamy tomato basil soup for the ultimate café-style lunch combo. A simple side salad with a bright vinaigrette also works wonderfully to cut through the richness of the smoked gouda and spicy mayo.

How To Store

These sandwiches are best eaten immediately while the bread is crispy. If you have leftovers, wrap them in foil and reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes to crisp the bread back up; avoid the microwave as it will make the focaccia soggy.

FAQs

Can I use a different bread?
Yes, ciabatta or thick-cut sourdough are great alternatives if you cannot find focaccia. Just ensure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the moist fillings and withstand pressing.

Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild to medium kick depending on how much adobo sauce you use. You can reduce the chipotle peppers in the mayo if you prefer a subtler smoky flavor without the heat.

What if I can’t find smoked Gouda?
While smoked Gouda is traditional for this specific melt, smoked cheddar or provolone can work. You will miss a bit of that specific creamy smoke flavor, but it will still be delicious.

Nutrition

• Calories: 780
• Total Fat: 48g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Cholesterol: 115mg
• Sodium: 1380mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 52g
• Protein: 35g