The Best Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Panera Copycat

Q: What is on the Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt?

The original Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt features smoked, pulled chicken, aged white cheddar, fresh avocado slices, fresh cilantro, zesty sweet Peppadew peppers, and a signature chipotle aioli, all served on toasted Black Pepper Focaccia bread.

Q: Is a chicken and avocado sandwich healthy?

A chicken and avocado sandwich can be a healthy, balanced meal. Chicken provides lean protein, while avocado offers healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber. To keep it healthier, choose whole-grain bread and control the amount of mayo and cheese. This homemade version gives you full control over the ingredients.

Craving that smoky, spicy, and creamy Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt from Panera but not the trip or the expense? You know the one—perfectly toasted bread, melty cheese, and that signature chipotle kick that has you thinking about it for days. It’s a top-tier sandwich that feels like a special treat.

But what if you could recreate that exact cafe-quality experience right in your own kitchen, anytime the craving strikes? Imagine saving money while using fresh ingredients and customizing it to be exactly as spicy or cheesy as you like. It seems like a tall order to match such a beloved recipe, but I’ve been on a mission to perfect it.

Here’s the great news: This Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt recipe is the ultimate Panera copycat you can make at home in under 20 minutes. It perfectly balances smoky pulled chicken, creamy fresh avocado, zesty peppadew peppers, and gooey melted Gouda cheese, all brought together by a homemade spicy chipotle mayo on perfectly toasted focaccia bread.

Craving Panera’s Famous Melt Without Leaving Your Kitchen?

This Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt recipe is the ultimate Panera copycat you can make at home in under 20 minutes. It combines smoky chicken, creamy avocado, zesty peppadew peppers, and melted Gouda cheese, all held together by a spicy chipotle mayo on perfectly toasted focaccia bread. In my experience testing this recipe, the key is getting the balance of flavors just right—the smoky sauce, the sweet peppers, and the rich cheese. This version nails it. You get all the flavor and satisfaction of the restaurant original, but with the freshness and cost-savings of making it yourself. It’s a game-changer for quick lunches and easy weeknight dinners.

5 Reasons You’ll Love This Panera Copycat Recipe

You’ll fall in love with this recipe because it delivers cafe-quality flavor with minimal effort and uses simple, accessible ingredients. It’s the perfect solution for a satisfying meal that feels gourmet but comes together in minutes. Here’s why it will become a staple in your home:

Cafe-Quality Flavor at Home: We’ve cracked the code on the signature Panera taste. The combination of smoky chipotle mayo, nutty smoked Gouda, and sweet peppadew peppers creates a flavor explosion that tastes just like the real deal.
Ready in Under 20 Minutes: This is the ultimate fast meal. By using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, you can have these incredible sandwiches assembled and grilled to perfection in less time than it takes to get through a drive-thru.
Uses Simple, Easy-to-Find Ingredients: There are no obscure ingredients here. Everything you need, from the chipotle peppers in adobo to the focaccia bread, is readily available at most grocery stores.
Fully Customizable to Your Spice Level: You are in complete control! Love it extra spicy? Add more chipotle peppers. Prefer a milder heat? Use just the adobo sauce. You can tailor it perfectly to your family’s tastes.
Perfect for a Quick Lunch or Easy Dinner: Whether you need a sophisticated lunch to break up your workday or a no-fuss dinner that everyone will devour, this chicken avocado melt fits the bill. It’s hearty, satisfying, and incredibly delicious.

1. The Ultimate Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe (Updated for 2025)

This is the complete, step-by-step guide to recreating the iconic Panera sandwich. Follow these instructions precisely for a melt that is crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and packed with layers of flavor.

Ingredients:

For the Chipotle Mayo:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1-2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (plus 1 tsp of the sauce)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
For the Sandwich:
- 4 slices of Focaccia or Ciabatta bread
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie is great!)
- 4 slices smoked Gouda cheese
- 1 large ripe avocado, sliced
- ¼ cup chopped Peppadew peppers
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Optional: 2-3 strips of cooked bacon per sandwich

Instructions:

Make the Chipotle Mayo: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, lemon juice, and salt until smooth. Set aside. For more heat, add more pepper; for less, use only the sauce.
Prep the Bread: Spread a generous layer of the chipotle mayo on the inside of all four slices of bread.
Assemble the Sandwich: On the two bottom slices of bread, layer evenly with shredded chicken, two slices of smoked Gouda cheese each, chopped Peppadew peppers, and sliced avocado. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro, if using.
Close and Cook: Place the top slices of bread onto the sandwiches. Melt butter or heat olive oil in a large skillet or panini press over medium heat.
Grill to Perfection: Carefully place the sandwiches in the hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the Gouda cheese is perfectly melted and gooey.
Serve Immediately: Remove from the skillet, slice in half diagonally, and serve hot with your favorite side.

@choosing_balance
Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt, my take on the Panera sandwich that I loveee! Here’s an at home version to make 🙂 Ingredients: •6 slices of bread •2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken •1 avocado •1/2 cup spinach •3 slices gouda Chipotle Sauce: •1/4 cup mayo •1/4 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce •1/2 tsp garlic powder •1/2 tsp salt Instructions: 1. Chop the chipotle peppers 2. In a small bowl, mix together the mayo, chipotle peppers, salt, & garlic 3. Add sauce to one piece of bread then layer it with chicken, cheese, avocado, & spinach 4. Make into a sandwich and repeat for the other 2 sandwiches 5. Bake at 350F for 15-18 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is nice and toasty! 6. This makes 3 sandwiches, enjoy! #lunchideas #easylunch #easyrecipes #easyrecipe #panera #chickensandwich #chickenrecipes #mealprep #sandwiches #sandwich #choosingbalance #healthylunch #healthier #healthyeating
♬ Cruel Summer – Taylor Swift

Save this recipe to your “Easy Lunch Ideas” board!

Pro-Tips & Variations for the Perfect Chicken Melt

For the perfect chicken melt, use black pepper focaccia, adjust chipotle mayo spice with more or less adobo sauce, and use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time. From my experience making dozens of these, I’ve learned a few tricks that elevate this sandwich from great to unforgettable. The real magic is in the details, like choosing the right bread and knowing how to get the cheese perfectly gooey.

1. Mastering the Smoky Chipotle Mayo

The signature flavor of this melt comes from its sauce, and making a balanced, smoky chipotle mayo is incredibly simple. The key is to balance the heat of the peppers with the creaminess of the mayo and the brightness of lemon juice.

Materials Needed:

Small mixing bowl
Whisk or fork
Airtight container for storage

Step-by-Step Directions:

Start with the Base: Combine ½ cup of good-quality mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice in your bowl.
Introduce the Heat: Finely mince 1-2 chipotle peppers from a can of chipotles in adobo sauce. Start by adding 1 minced pepper and 1 teaspoon of the adobo sauce from the can into the mayo.
Whisk and Taste: Whisk thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and uniform in color. Taste the mayo. If you desire more heat and smoky flavor, add the second minced pepper or more adobo sauce.
Season and Rest: Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. For best results, let the mayo rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Pro Tip: For a smoother, less spicy sauce, use only the adobo sauce from the can and omit the minced peppers. This gives you all the smoky flavor with less intense heat.
Pin this easy sauce recipe for all your sandwiches and dips!

2. Choosing the Perfect Bread and Cheese

The foundation of a great melt is using a sturdy bread that crisps up beautifully and a cheese that delivers a spectacular, gooey melt. This combination is non-negotiable for achieving that authentic cafe texture and flavor.

Materials Needed:

Your choice of bread and cheese.

Step-by-Step Directions:

Select a Sturdy Bread: The key is a bread that can hold up to the fillings and grilling. Panera uses Black Pepper Focaccia, which is the top choice. Excellent alternatives are thick-sliced sourdough, ciabatta rolls, or a rustic country loaf.
Prioritize Melty Cheese: Smoked Gouda is the classic choice for its smoky flavor and incredible melting ability. It gets creamy and gooey without becoming oily.
Consider Alternatives: If you can’t find Smoked Gouda, try regular Gouda, sharp white cheddar for a tangier bite, Havarti for extra creaminess, or Monterey Jack for a milder flavor that melts beautifully.
Slice Appropriately: Slice your bread about ½ to ¾ inch thick. For cheese, use pre-sliced or slice your own to about ⅛ inch thickness for even melting.

Expert Note: Avoid very soft, thin bread like standard sandwich loafs, as they will get soggy from the sauce and avocado and won’t develop a crispy crust when grilled.
What’s your favorite bread and cheese combo? Let me know in the comments!

3. Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

To make this recipe even faster for a weeknight, you can prep the chicken and chipotle mayo ahead of time. This meal-prep approach means you can assemble and grill the sandwich in just a few minutes.

Materials Needed:

Airtight containers
Refrigerator

Step-by-Step Directions:

Prep the Protein: Cook and shred your chicken up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Mix the Sauce: The chipotle mayo can be made up to 5 days ahead of time. Store it in a sealed jar or container in the fridge. The flavor actually gets better as it sits!
Assemble Fresh: For the best results, always assemble the sandwich right before you plan to cook it. Pre-assembling can lead to soggy bread, especially from the avocado and sauce.
Storing Leftovers: If you have a leftover sandwich, wrap it tightly in foil and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. To reheat, place it in a 350°F (175°C) oven or an air fryer for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy again.

Lesson Learned: Don’t slice the avocado until you’re ready to build the sandwich. Brushing it with a little lemon juice can help prevent browning if you have a slight delay between slicing and assembling.
Save these meal prep hacks to your “Quick Dinners” board!

4. Serving Suggestions & Fun Variations

While the sandwich is a star on its own, you can easily turn it into a full meal with classic sides or customize it with delicious variations. The classic Panera pairing is with a soup, but a fresh salad or adding bacon are also fantastic options.

Materials Needed:

Your favorite side dishes or variation ingredients.

Step-by-Step Directions:

Classic Panera Pairing: Serve the melt with a cup of creamy tomato soup or broccoli cheddar soup for the ultimate comfort meal. A side of kettle-cooked potato chips also works perfectly.
Add a Fresh Side: For a lighter meal, pair the sandwich with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette.
Variation: Add Bacon: For extra smoky flavor and a crunchy texture, add 2-3 slices of crispy cooked bacon to each sandwich.
Variation: Change the Peppers: If you can’t find Peppadew peppers, try using sliced roasted red peppers for a sweeter flavor or pickled jalapeños for an extra spicy kick.
Low-Carb Option: Skip the bread! Serve the heated chicken and melted cheese over a bed of lettuce and top with the avocado, peppers, cilantro, and a drizzle of chipotle mayo for a delicious salad bowl.

Pro-Tip: If making the low-carb bowl, warm the chicken and melt the cheese in a pan before adding it to the fresh greens to avoid wilting the lettuce.
Try the bacon variation and thank me later! Pin this for inspiration.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to the Best Chicken Avocado Melt

Here is a quick summary of the most important steps to remember for making the perfect Panera-style chicken avocado melt at home.

The Sauce is Key: Whisk mayo with minced chipotles in adobo sauce and lemon juice. Adjust peppers for heat.
Bread Matters: Use a sturdy bread like Focaccia or Ciabatta that can be grilled to a crispy golden brown.
The Perfect Combo: The classic Panera combination is smoked chicken, smoked Gouda, avocado, and sweet Peppadew peppers.
Cook for the Melt: Grill on a skillet or panini press for 3-4 minutes per side until the cheese is gooey and the bread is toasted.
Prep Ahead: Save time by making the chipotle mayo and cooking/shredding the chicken in advance.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have the secrets to recreating the legendary Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt, you can skip the drive-thru and impress everyone with your culinary skills. This sandwich is more than just a recipe; it’s your ticket to a perfect, flavor-packed lunch or dinner, any day of the week.

What will you be serving your melt with? Let me know your perfect pairing in the comments below

The Best Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Panera Copycat

Craving Panera’s Famous Melt Without Leaving Your Kitchen?

5 Reasons You’ll Love This Panera Copycat Recipe

1. The Ultimate Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe (Updated for 2025)