Copycat Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe

This crispy, creamy Copycat Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe is made with smoked Gouda, fresh avocado, and roasted chicken, ready in just 20 minutes. The warm, melted cheese blends perfectly with the soft avocado as you slice through the toasted focaccia bread. I make this whenever a simple sandwich simply will not cut it for lunch.

Better Than Takeaway

I used to spend way too much money grabbing this specific sandwich on my lunch break. Making it at home proved surprisingly easy once I tracked down the right ingredients.

My biggest mistake early on was using standard sandwich bread instead of hearty focaccia. The thicker bread handles the heavy chipotle mayo and avocado without getting soggy.

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Copycat Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe Ingredients

• 4 slices focaccia bread
• 4 tbsp chipotle mayonnaise
• 1 large cooked chicken breast, sliced
• 4 slices smoked Gouda cheese
• 1/2 ripe avocado, sliced
• 1/4 cup sweet Peppadew peppers, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
• 1 tbsp butter, softened

How To Make Copycat Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe

1. 1. Prep The Bread: Spread one tablespoon of chipotle mayonnaise onto the inside of each slice of focaccia bread.
2. 2. Layer The Ingredients: On the bottom slice, add the sliced chicken breast, chopped Peppadew peppers, and fresh cilantro.
3. 3. Add Avocado And Cheese: Top with the sliced avocado and two slices of smoked Gouda per sandwich, then close with the top piece of bread.
4. 4. Butter The Outside: Spread the softened butter evenly across the top and bottom outsides of the assembled sandwiches.
5. 5. Cook And Melt: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and cook the sandwich for 4 to 5 minutes per side until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.

Recipe Tips

• Press it down: Use a heavy skillet or a panini press to weigh the sandwich down while cooking for a crispier crust.
• Find the right peppers: Sweet Peppadew peppers are crucial for the signature Panera flavor, usually found in the olive bar or pickle aisle.
• Low and slow: Cooking over medium-low heat prevents the thick bread from burning before the thick slices of Gouda have time to melt.

What To Serve With Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt

Pair this hearty sandwich with a warm bowl of broccoli cheddar soup or a crisp apple to recreate the true cafe experience. Kettle-cooked potato chips also add a great crunch alongside the soft, melted interior of the sandwich.

How To Store

This sandwich is best eaten immediately, as the avocado will brown and the bread can become soggy. If you need to prep ahead, store the sliced ingredients separately in the fridge for up to 3 days and assemble right before cooking.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, if you cannot find smoked Gouda, a regular Gouda, sharp cheddar, or provolone will also melt nicely.
• What can I substitute for focaccia? A thick-cut sourdough or ciabatta roll works well to hold up against the wet ingredients.
• How can I make my own chipotle mayo? Mix a half cup of regular mayonnaise with one tablespoon of adobo sauce from a can of chipotle peppers.

Nutrition

• Calories: 740
• Total Fat: 45g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 115mg
• Sodium: 1250mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 48g
• Protein: 38g