Name: Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 slices sourdough bread; 1/4 avocado (sliced); 2 ounces smoked chicken breast (sliced); 3 Peppadew peppers (sliced); 1 tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro; 1 slice Chao creamy original cheese; 1 – 2 tablespoons chipotle sauce; 1 tablespoon chipotle adobo sauce; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 clove garlic (minced); 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 18 reviews

Oh, friends, if you’re craving a sandwich that hits all the right notes—smoky, creamy, a little spicy, and totally satisfying—you have to try this Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe. It’s one of those meals that feels fancy but comes together in under 10 minutes, which makes it my go-to for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend lunch. I love how the smoky chicken breast and chipotle sauce blend with the smooth avocado and melty cheese, giving every bite a perfect balance of flavors.

Honestly, this recipe feels like a warm hug wrapped in sourdough. When I first made the Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe, I was surprised at how simple ingredients could make such a standout sandwich. Plus, all the components come together so quickly that you can whip it up any time you need something comforting—and you’ll love having those Peppadew peppers add a little sweet zing that really wakes up your taste buds.

❤️

Why This Recipe Works

Flavor Harmony: Smoky chipotle sauce combined with creamy avocado and melty cheese creates a deliciously balanced taste.
Quick & Easy: This sandwich comes together in just about 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute cravings.
Textural Contrast: Crispy toasted sourdough meets soft chicken and creamy toppings, offering a satisfying bite every time.
Customizable: It’s a great base recipe that you can tweak easily with your favorite peppers, cheese, or bread type.

The image shows a sandwich with three layers on a white plate with ridged edges. The sandwich bread is toasted golden brown with a crispy texture. Inside, the first layer is fresh green lettuce, followed by slices of red tomato and pale cooked chicken meat. A creamy orange sauce is spread across the sandwich layers adding moisture. The sandwich is cut into halves, showing all layers clearly, and the plate is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right ingredients here makes all the difference. The smoked chicken brings a rich depth of flavor, while the chipotle sauce adds a smoky heat that pairs beautifully with creamy avocado. Make sure your sourdough is fresh for crisp, golden toast that’s sturdy enough to hold all those delicious layers.

Olive oil: For brushing the bread to get that perfect golden crisp without greasiness.
Sourdough bread: I love sourdough here because its tangy flavor complements the smoky chicken and chipotle notes.
Avocado: Provides creamy texture and cooling balance to the spicy sauce.
Smoked chicken breast: Adds a smoky protein punch—look for pre-cooked varieties to save time.
Peppadew peppers: These sweet, mildly spicy peppers add a unique flavor kick and a pop of color.
Fresh cilantro: Adds brightness and a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness.
Chao creamy original cheese slice: Melts beautifully and offers smooth plant-based richness.
Chipotle sauce ingredients (chipotle adobo, mayo, lemon juice, garlic, salt): Whipping your own sauce lets you customize heat level and keeps the sandwich fresh-tasting.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I like to mix things up depending on what I have at home or what mood I’m in. The beauty of this Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe is that it’s really flexible—add a little extra chipotle if you want more heat or swap out the cheese for your favorite melting cheese. Make it yours!

Extra heat: Sometimes, I add a few dashes of hot sauce or extra chipotle adobo to the sauce for a spicier kick.
Cheese swaps: While I adore Chao, good old cheddar or pepper jack work just as well and add different flavor profiles.
Meat alternatives: For a lighter option, shredded rotisserie chicken or even turkey breast can be great substitutes.
Dietary tweaks: If you want a dairy-free version, just omit the cheese or use your favorite plant-based slice.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up Your Chipotle Sauce

I start by mixing the chipotle adobo sauce, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, and salt in a small bowl until it’s nice and smooth. This sauce is what gives the sandwich its smoky, creamy zip, so take a moment to taste and tweak. Maybe add a little extra lemon juice if you want a brighter tang, or more adobo sauce for heat. Set it aside while you get the pan ready.

Step 2: Prep and Toast Your Bread with Olive Oil

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Brush one side of each slice of sourdough with olive oil—that’s the secret to getting a golden, crispy crust that isn’t greasy. Once the pan is hot, place the bread oil-side down.

Step 3: Layer the Magic Inside

On top of the bread in the pan, start layering: first the creamy cheese slice, then the smoked chicken, sliced avocado, Peppadew peppers, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Before you add the second slice of bread, spread a generous layer of your homemade chipotle sauce on the inside—it really ties all the flavors together.

Step 4: Cook Until Golden and Melty

Once the bottom of the sandwich is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt (this usually takes about 3-4 minutes), carefully flip the sandwich. Continue cooking on the other side until toasted and melty. Keep an eye on the heat so the bread doesn’t burn before the cheese melts.

Step 5: Slice and Serve Warm

Remove your sandwich from the skillet and let it cool for a minute—just enough so you don’t burn your mouth but the cheese stays gooey. Slice it in half, admire those melty layers, then dig in!

💡

Pro Tips for Making Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe

Use Medium-High Heat: It’s the sweet spot to get crispy bread without burning before the cheese melts.
Don’t Skip the Olive Oil: Brushing the bread keeps it from drying out and helps that perfect golden crust form.
Slice Peppadews Thinly: Thin slices distribute the pepper’s sweetness and mild heat evenly so every bite sings.
Prep Ingredients in Advance: Having your sauce and toppings ready makes the cooking go faster and keeps things from getting messy.

How to Serve Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe

The image shows a toasted sandwich cut into two triangular halves. The sandwich has three visible layers: the top and bottom layers are golden brown toasted bread with a crispy texture, the middle layer consists of light-colored sliced turkey or chicken, and there is a layer of green leafy herbs, likely cilantro, peeking out from the sides. The sandwich is placed on a white plate with ridged edges, set on a white marbled surface. In the background, part of another similar sandwich is visible on a white plate, along with a small white bowl of light orange dipping sauce with a wooden spoon resting inside it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually throw a few extra fresh cilantro leaves on top for that pop of green and a squeeze of fresh lime adds zesty brightness to balance the richness. If you’re feeling fancy, a light sprinkle of smoked paprika on the plate around your sandwich is a subtle nod to those smoky flavors.

Side Dishes

For sides, I love pairing this melt with a simple garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some crunchy baked sweet potato fries. A cup of tomato soup also feels like a cozy pairing, perfect for dipping and warming up.

Creative Ways to Present

If I’m hosting friends, I sometimes cut the sandwich into smaller triangles and serve on a wooden board with little bowls of chipotle sauce and sliced limes on the side. It’s fun, casual, and encourages everyone to build their perfect bite. Adding a few colorful pickled veggies on the side amps up the visual appeal and adds tang.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually wrap leftovers tightly in parchment paper and then store in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps the bread from getting soggy while maintaining the flavors. Leftover melts taste great the next day if reheated properly.

Freezing

Freezing works best if you deconstruct the sandwich first—keep the bread separate from the cooked chicken and avocado. Freeze components in airtight bags, then assemble and quickly toast when ready to eat. This prevents the bread from getting too soggy or the avocado from browning prematurely.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the sandwich in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and the bread crisps back up. Avoid microwaving directly if you want to keep that crunch, but if you’re in a hurry, a quick zap is better than nothing.

FAQs

Can I make the chipotle sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The chipotle sauce actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly. Just keep it in a sealed container and give it a good stir before using.
What if I can’t find Peppadew peppers?

If Peppadews aren’t available, you can substitute with pickled jalapeños for more heat or even roasted red peppers for sweetness without the spice. Both options bring a nice flavor contrast and texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe?

Definitely! You can swap the smoked chicken for grilled portobello mushrooms, marinated tofu, or your favorite plant-based deli slices. The chipotle sauce and avocado still bring plenty of flavor to keep things delicious.
How do I keep the avocado from browning?

Using fresh avocado slices and serving the sandwich immediately helps. You can also toss avocado with a little lemon or lime juice before assembling to slow browning. The chipotle sauce’s acidity also helps protect the avocado a bit.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, and it’s a huge time saver! Smoked or rotisserie chicken works beautifully and keeps the sandwich smoky and tender without additional cooking time.

Final Thoughts

This Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe is one of those treasures I’m excited to share because it’s simple, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying every single time. Whether you’re new to making sandwiches like this or a seasoned pro looking for an easy yet elevated option, give this recipe a try—you’ll love how the smoky heat blends with creamy avocado in a perfectly toasted sandwich. It’s comfort food that feels a little fancy and comes together quicker than you’d think. I can’t wait for you to make it and enjoy those first melty bites just like I do!