Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe
The Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt is a delightful combination of savory, smoky, and spicy flavors, creating a sandwich that’s both satisfying and indulgent. With tender chicken breast, creamy avocado, roasted red peppers, and melted smoked gouda, all enveloped in the fluffy embrace of focaccia bread, this melt is a must-try for sandwich lovers. The star of the show is the chipotle mayo, which adds a kick of heat and a burst of smoky flavor, making every bite a tantalizing experience.
Ingredients
This melt brings together a harmonious blend of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating the perfect bite. You’ll need 1 loaf of focaccia bread, 1 chicken breast, 4 slices of smoked gouda cheese, 1/4 cup of roasted red peppers (sliced), and 1 sliced avocado. For the chipotle mayo, gather 1/3 cup of light mayo, 1 tablespoon of adobo sauce from a can of chipotles, and 1/2 minced chipotle pepper.
Each ingredient in this recipe contributes significantly to the overall flavor and texture. The focaccia bread provides a soft yet slightly crispy base, while the chicken offers a tender and juicy protein element. Smoked gouda cheese brings a creamy and smoky note, perfectly complementing the sweetness of the roasted red peppers and the creamy texture of the avocado. The chipotle mayo ties everything together with its spicy, smoky goodness, enhancing the sandwich with a burst of flavor in every bite.
Preparing the Chipotle Mayo
Creating the chipotle mayo is a simple yet crucial step that elevates the sandwich to new heights. Start by combining light mayo, adobo sauce, and minced chipotle pepper in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated. If you prefer a milder flavor, adjust the amount of chipotle pepper to your taste. For those who love a spicier kick, feel free to add a bit more chipotle or even an extra splash of adobo sauce. This versatile sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it a convenient addition to other dishes as well.
Cooking and Shredding the Chicken
To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked and easy to shred, begin by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the chicken breast and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the water and allow it to cool slightly before shredding. Use two forks to pull the chicken apart into bite-sized pieces. Season the shredded chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavors. This step can also be done ahead of time, making the assembly of the sandwich quicker and more efficient.
Assembling the Sandwich
The key to a perfect melt lies in the careful layering of ingredients. Begin by slicing the focaccia loaf in half lengthwise, if it hasn’t been pre-sliced. Spread a generous tablespoon of the chipotle mayo on one half of the focaccia bread. Next, layer one-quarter of the shredded chicken onto the bread, ensuring even coverage. Add about a tablespoon of roasted red pepper slices, followed by one-quarter of the avocado slices. Finally, top with a slice of smoked gouda cheese. Place the remaining half of the focaccia bread on top to complete the sandwich.
Cooking the Melt
To cook the sandwich to perfection, heat a skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the assembled sandwich in the skillet and cover it with a lid. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is lightly toasted. The lid helps trap the heat, ensuring the cheese melts evenly and the bread gets a nice, golden-brown crust. Once the cheese is melted and the bread is toasty, remove the sandwich from the skillet, slice it in half, and serve immediately. The result is a warm, gooey, and delicious melt that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Recipe Tips
- Variations and Substitutions: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or bread. Provolone or cheddar can be excellent substitutes for smoked gouda. For a different bread option, try ciabatta or a hearty multigrain.
- Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare the chipotle mayo and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store the chipotle mayo in the refrigerator and the shredded chicken in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Storage and Reheating: If you have leftovers, store the assembled but uncooked sandwiches in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, cook them in a skillet as directed. Reheating a cooked sandwich can be done in a toaster oven to maintain its crispness.
What to Serve With This Recipe
To complement the rich and smoky flavors of the Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt, consider serving it with a fresh, crisp side salad. A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette can balance the sandwich’s richness. For a heartier meal, serve the melt alongside a bowl of tomato soup or sweet potato fries. Beverages like iced tea, lemonade, or a light beer can enhance the dining experience, providing a refreshing contrast to the sandwich’s bold flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, provolone, cheddar, or Monterey Jack are great alternatives.
- How can I adjust the spice level? Reduce or increase the amount of chipotle pepper and adobo sauce in the mayo to suit your taste.
- What if I don’t have focaccia bread? Ciabatta, multigrain, or even a sturdy baguette can be used as substitutes.
- Can I make this sandwich ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble the sandwich when ready to cook.
- How should I store leftovers? Store uncooked sandwiches in the refrigerator and cook them when ready to eat. Reheat cooked sandwiches in a toaster oven to maintain their texture.
- Can I grill the sandwich instead of using a skillet? Absolutely, grilling adds a nice smoky flavor and can be a great alternative to cooking in a skillet.
Ingredients
1 loaf focaccia bread
1 chicken breast
4 slices smoked gouda cheese
1/4 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
1 avocado, sliced
Chipotle Mayo:
1/3 cup light mayo
1 tbsp adobo sauce (from a can of chipotles)
1/2 chipotle pepper, minced
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add the chicken breast and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the water, shred it, and season with salt and pepper.
- If needed, slice the focaccia loaf in half lengthwise. In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the chipotle mayo: light mayo, adobo sauce, and minced chipotle pepper. Spread a generous tablespoon of the chipotle mayo on one half of the focaccia bread.
- Layer one-quarter of the shredded chicken onto the bread, followed by about a tablespoon of roasted red pepper, one-quarter of the avocado slices, and a slice of smoked gouda cheese. Place the remaining half of the focaccia bread on top to complete the sandwich.
Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 loaf focaccia bread
- 1 chicken breast
- 4 slices smoked gouda cheese
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers sliced
- 1 avocado sliced
Chipotle Mayo:
- 1/3 cup light mayo
- 1 tbsp adobo sauce from a can of chipotles
- 1/2 chipotle pepper minced
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add the chicken breast and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the water, shred it, and season with salt and pepper.
- If needed, slice the focaccia loaf in half lengthwise. In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the chipotle mayo: light mayo, adobo sauce, and minced chipotle pepper. Spread a generous tablespoon of the chipotle mayo on one half of the focaccia bread.
- Layer one-quarter of the shredded chicken onto the bread, followed by about a tablespoon of roasted red pepper, one-quarter of the avocado slices, and a slice of smoked gouda cheese. Place the remaining half of the focaccia bread on top to complete the sandwich.