Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe [Must Try]

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Calling all cravings for a lunch that’s both satisfying and bursting with flavor! Look no further than this Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe. Remember those melty, smoky, and oh-so-addictive chipotle chicken avocado melts from Panera Bread? Well, move over takeout menus, because you can now recreate this restaurant favorite in the comfort of your own kitchen.

This recipe takes juicy, tender chicken and infuses it with the smoky magic of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Imagine this: succulent chicken slices nestled on toasted focaccia bread, layered with creamy avocado and melty cheese. A drizzle of our homemade chipotle mayo adds a touch of cool creaminess and smoky heat, creating a symphony of flavor in every bite.

But the beauty of this Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe goes beyond just taste. It’s surprisingly quick and easy to make, requiring minimal prep work and readily available ingredients. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to customize the spice level to your preference, swap the focaccia for your favorite bread, or add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips For Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe

Our Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt recipe is a delicious foundation, but just like any good chef, you can add your personal touch to create a flavor masterpiece that suits your taste buds. Here are some tips to help you experiment and find your perfect balance of smoky goodness:

• Heat Seeker? For a fiery fiesta, add an extra chipotle pepper or two to the mayo, or choose spicier chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. 
• Go Green: Don’t be afraid to add some leafy companions to the party! Chopped spinach or mixed greens layered under the chicken adds a boost of nutrients and a textural contrast.
• Cheese Symphony: Smoked gouda is a classic choice, but feel free to explore other cheese options! Sharp cheddar adds a bolder flavor, Monterey Jack offers a milder option, or try a blend of your favorites for a unique taste experience.
• Bread Basket Bonanza: Focaccia bread provides a wonderful canvas for this melt, but you can use what you have on hand! Crusty sourdough, toasted ciabatta, or even whole-wheat bread can all be delicious alternatives.
• Avocado Obsession: Love avocado? Add a drizzle of fresh lime juice to prevent browning and enhance the flavor. For a touch of luxury, consider using a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese on top of the avocado slices.

Get details about more mouthwatering dishes

Chipotle Chicken Tinga Burrito Recipe
Chipotle Chicken Recipe Adobo
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Chipotle Cilantro Rice Recipe

Serving Tips Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe

The melty cheese pulls away in perfect strings, revealing a symphony of smoky chipotle chicken and creamy avocado. Your Panera-inspired masterpiece is ready, but the culinary adventure doesn’t stop there! This versatile sandwich can be enjoyed on its own for a satisfying lunch, or you can elevate it to a full meal with a few creative side dishes. Here are some serving suggestions to transform your chipotle chicken avocado melt into a showstopping culinary experience:

• Soup-er Combination: Channel the classic Panera experience by pairing your melt with a steaming bowl of their signature soups. Tomato basil, broccoli cheddar, or creamy mushroom soup all complement the smoky and savory flavors of the melt beautifully.
• Salad Sensation: Balance the richness of the melt with a light and refreshing side salad. A simple mixed green salad with a zesty vinaigrette dressing is perfect, or you can add chopped vegetables, crumbled feta cheese, and a sprinkle of sunflower seeds for extra flavor and crunch.
• Fresh and Fruity: A side of fresh fruit is a light and healthy way to round out your meal. Grapes, berries, or slices of melon offer a sweet and refreshing counterpoint to the savory flavors of the melt.
• Crispy Companions: For a heartier option, pair your melt with a serving of crispy french fries, sweet potato fries, or onion rings. The salty crunch of the fries perfectly complements the creamy and smoky flavors of the sandwich.
• Pickle Power: A classic deli favorite, dill pickles add a tangy and refreshing element to the melt. They help to cut through the richness of the cheese and avocado, creating a satisfying flavor profile.

Nutrition in Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe

We’ve talked about taste and versatility, but it’s always important to consider the nutritional content of the meals we create. So, let’s delve into the specifics of our Panera-inspired chipotle chicken avocado melt recipe.

The exact nutritional breakdown can vary slightly depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use. However, this recipe generally provides a good source of lean protein thanks to the chicken breasts. Chicken is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids your body needs to build and repair tissues.

The creamy avocado adds healthy fats and essential vitamins, while the smoky chipotle peppers offer a flavor boost without a significant increase in calories or fat. Additionally, this recipe uses olive oil, a heart-healthy fat, for cooking.

Here’s a ballpark estimate of the key nutrients per serving (assuming 1 melt):

• Calories: Around 500 calories per serving (depending on bread and cheese choices)
• Protein: Approximately 30 grams of protein per serving
• Fat: Roughly 25 grams of fat per serving (including a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats from avocado, cheese, and oil)
• Carbohydrates: Around 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving (including some natural sugars from the bread and avocado)

Conclusion

This Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe is your gateway to restaurant-quality flavor crafted right in your own kitchen. With readily available ingredients and minimal prep work, you can create a satisfying and flavorful lunch that’s sure to become a regular on your menu.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to crank up the heat with extra chipotle peppers, add a pop of color with fresh vegetables, or explore different types of bread to suit your taste. This recipe is your culinary canvas, ready for you to unleash your creativity and create your own signature melt masterpiece.

Ditch the takeout menus and say goodbye to sad desk lunches. This Panera-inspired melt is your weeknight hero, offering a protein-packed and flavorful option that can be customized to your preferences. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! Enjoy it on its own for a quick bite, or elevate it to a full meal with a side of soup, salad, or crispy fries.

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