Chicken Avocado Melt

$- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded - 1 ripe avocado, mashed - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon lime juice - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 4 slices of whole grain bread - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh cilantro for garnish Gather these ingredients to make your Chicken Avocado Melt. The chicken adds protein, while the avocado gives a creamy texture. Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully and adds a tasty flavor. Cherry tomatoes and red onion bring freshness and crunch. Lime juice adds a nice zing, and garlic powder gives depth. Whole grain bread is perfect for a hearty base. Olive oil helps crisp up the bread, and cilantro is a lovely garnish. Make sure your chicken is cooked and shredded ahead of time. You can use leftover chicken or even rotisserie chicken for ease. The avocado should be ripe but not overripe for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy gathering these ingredients; they set the stage for a delicious meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, take a mixing bowl. Add the following ingredients: - 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded - 1 ripe avocado, mashed - 1 tablespoon lime juice - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste Mix them well. Ensure everything blends into a creamy, tasty mixture. This step is key. The lime juice adds zest and keeps the avocado fresh. Next, grab a large skillet. Preheat it over medium heat. While it heats, take four slices of whole grain bread. Brush one side of each slice with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the skillet is ready, lay two slices of bread oil-side down. Spread the chicken and avocado mixture evenly over the bread. Now, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Add 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion. Top off each with another slice of bread, oil-side up. This creates a sandwich that will be warm and crispy. Cook the sandwiches for about 4-5 minutes. Look for a golden brown crust. Carefully flip them over and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Check to make sure the cheese melts well. When both sides are golden, you’re done! Remove the sandwiches from heat. Let them cool for a minute before cutting them in half. Serve warm and add fresh cilantro on top. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Avocado Melt! To make the best Chicken Avocado Melt, keep your bread from getting soggy. Here are some tips: - Use dry bread: Start with fresh, dry whole grain bread. The drier it is, the less chance it has to soak up moisture. - Oil both sides: Brush olive oil on both sides of the bread. This helps create a barrier against moisture. - Don't overload: Keep the chicken and avocado mix light. A thick layer can make the bread soggy. Now, let’s talk about getting that golden crust: - Preheat the skillet: Always preheat your pan. A hot skillet helps the bread brown nicely. - Cook slowly: Cook on medium heat. This allows the cheese to melt while the bread crisps up. - Flip carefully: Use a spatula to flip the sandwich. This helps keep all the fillings inside. Pair your Chicken Avocado Melt with some great side dishes. Here are some ideas: - Fresh salad: A simple side salad adds freshness. Try a mix of greens with a light vinaigrette. - Sweet potato fries: These fries add a fun crunch and a slight sweetness that goes well with the melt. For dips or sauces, consider: - Salsa: A bit of salsa adds a zesty kick. It pairs well with the creamy avocado. - Garlic aioli: This sauce adds a rich flavor. It complements the chicken and cheese perfectly. Pro Tips Choose Ripe Avocado: Make sure your avocado is perfectly ripe for the best flavor and creaminess. It should yield slightly when gently pressed. Grill for Extra Flavor: For a smoky taste, consider grilling the sandwiches instead of using a skillet. This adds a delicious char to the bread. Mix Up the Cheese: While mozzarella is great, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor profile. Add Some Heat: If you like a little spice, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken and avocado mixture. {{image_2}} You can easily switch ingredients in the Chicken Avocado Melt to match your taste. Here are some great ideas: - Alternative cheeses or spreads: If you want a different cheese, try cheddar or pepper jack. Cream cheese also makes a rich spread. - Using different types of bread: Whole grain bread is great, but you can use sourdough or ciabatta for a nice crunch. Gluten-free bread works too! Adding extra flavors can really make your melt shine. Here are some suggestions: - Adding spices or herbs: A pinch of cumin or chili powder can add a nice kick. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can brighten the dish. - Incorporating additional vegetables: Feel free to toss in spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. They add color and nutrients to your melt. These swaps and additions can transform your Chicken Avocado Melt into something new and exciting. Enjoy experimenting! To keep your Chicken Avocado Melt fresh, store it properly. Use an airtight container. Place the sandwich in the container and cover it tightly. This helps prevent air from getting in, which can make it soggy. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the quality will start to fade. If you notice any change in smell or texture, it’s better to throw it away. When reheating, you want to keep the crispy texture. The best method is to use a skillet. Preheat the skillet on medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cover it with a lid. Heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side. This method warms the inside and keeps the bread crispy. You can also adapt leftovers. Try adding more cheese or fresh veggies to elevate the flavor. If you want a twist, consider making a quesadilla with the filling. Just put it between two tortillas and cook until golden. This adds a fun change to your meal! You can try several great options if you want a meatless version. Here are some ideas: - Tofu: Use firm tofu. Press it to remove water, then cube it. - Chickpeas: Mash canned chickpeas for a similar texture and protein. - Tempeh: This fermented soy product adds a nutty flavor when cooked. - Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms can give a savory taste and a meaty feel. These options keep the dish tasty and satisfying. Yes, you can freeze it! Here’s how to do it right: 1. Assemble but don’t cook: Prepare the sandwiches without cooking them. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. 2. Store in a container: Put the wrapped sandwiches in a freezer-safe bag or container. 3. Label and date: Write the date on the bag. They can stay frozen for about three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Cook as directed until hot and crispy. Serving this melt at a party is fun and easy! Here are some tips: - Cut into smaller pieces: Slice the sandwiches into quarters for easy bites. - Use toothpicks: Stick toothpicks in each piece to keep them together and make serving easy. - Create a platter: Arrange the melts on a large platter with dips like salsa or guacamole. - Pair with sides: Serve with chips, fresh veggies, or a light salad for extra color and crunch. These ideas will impress your guests and make your gathering memorable. This blog post shared a tasty Chicken Avocado Melt recipe. You learned about the key ingredients and cooking steps. I included helpful tips to perfect your sandwich. You also found creative variations to try. Storing leftovers and reheating them correctly keeps your meal fresh. With this guide, making a delicious Chicken Avocado Melt is simple. Enjoy your cooking journey!$

A delicious sandwich featuring shredded chicken, creamy avocado, and melted mozzarella cheese.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
1 piece ripe avocado, mashed
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
0.5 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
to taste salt and pepper
4 slices whole grain bread
1 tablespoon olive oil
as needed fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mashed avocado, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully blended.
Preheat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Brush one side of each slice of bread with olive oil.
Place two slices of bread in the skillet oil-side down.
Spread an even layer of the chicken and avocado mixture over the bread slices in the skillet.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the mixture, followed by halved cherry tomatoes and chopped red onion.
Top each with another slice of bread, oil-side up, creating a sandwich.
Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip the sandwiches and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes on the other side, until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden.
Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before cutting in half.
Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro on top.

Notes

Serve warm for the best flavor.

Keyword avocado, chicken, melt, sandwich