The Ultimate Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe You’ll Crave Again and Again

Are you obsessed with Panera’s mouthwatering Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt like I am? That perfect combination of smoky chicken, creamy avocado, and melty cheese gets me every time! But heading to Panera whenever the craving hits can get expensive Good news – I’ve perfected a copycat recipe that tastes just like the real thing, and I’m gonna share all my secrets with you today

After testing this recipe multiple times (and gaining a few happy pounds in the process!), I can confidently say this homemade version will satisfy your Panera cravings without leaving the house Let’s dive in!

What Makes This Sandwich So Special?

Before we get to the recipe, let’s break down what makes this sandwich truly addictive:

• The perfect bread choice: Black pepper focaccia that’s sturdy enough to hold everything together
• Smoky chicken: The foundation of amazing flavor
• Creamy avocado: Adds rich, buttery texture
• Sweet-heat peppers: For that unexpected flavor pop
• Melted gouda cheese: Gets all gooey and delicious
• Zesty chipotle sauce: Ties everything together with smoky heat

This combination creates a flavor explosion that’s irresistible. The smokiness from both the chicken and gouda perfectly balances the cool creaminess of the avocado, while the peppers and sauce add just enough heat to make things interesting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this copycat Panera sandwich here’s your shopping list

For the Chipotle Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise (light mayo works too!)
• 1½ teaspoons Tabasco chipotle sauce (or adobo sauce from canned chipotles)

For the Sandwich:

• 1 loaf focaccia bread (black pepper variety preferred)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 ounces smoked chicken breast
• 2-3 peppadew peppers (or roasted red peppers)
• Half an avocado, sliced
• 2 slices smoked gouda cheese

Smart Substitutions

Can’t find exact ingredients? No worries! Here are some swaps that still work great:

• Bread options: Can’t find focaccia? Try ciabatta, sourdough, or French bread
• Chicken alternatives: Regular cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken works if you can’t find smoked
• Pepper substitutes: Roasted red peppers or sweet cherry peppers can replace peppadew peppers
• Cheese choices: Swap gouda for Monterey Jack, Swiss, or cheddar
• Mayo options: Use regular or light mayo depending on your preference

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now let’s make this amazing sandwich!

1. Prepare the Chipotle Sauce

In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise with Tabasco chipotle sauce (or adobo sauce)Stir well until completely combinedCover and refrigerate until ready to use

2. Prepare the Ingredients

Move your oven rack to the highest position and preheat the broilerChop fresh cilantroDrain and halve the peppadew peppers (or slice roasted red peppers)Slice half an avocado thinly

3. Prepare the Chicken

If using uncooked chicken:

Add chicken breast to a pot of boiling waterCook for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°FRemove from water, let cool slightly, then shred the chickenSeason with salt and pepper

If using rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken:

Simply shred or slice the chicken into sandwich-appropriate pieces

4. Assemble Your Sandwich

Cut focaccia into your preferred sandwich sizeSlice horizontally to create top and bottom piecesSpread chipotle sauce generously on the bottom sliceSprinkle chopped cilantro over the sauceLayer with smoked chicken, peppers, avocado slices, and gouda cheese

5. Melt That Cheese!

Place the open-faced sandwich on a baking sheetBroil for 3-5 minutes until cheese is melty and bubblyWatch carefully to prevent burning!

6. Complete and Serve

Remove from oven and top with the other bread slicePress down slightly and slice if desiredServe immediately while warm and melty

Pro Tips for Sandwich Success

After making this sandwich way too many times (my waistline can confirm), I’ve picked up some tricks:

• Toast the bread first: For extra crunch, lightly toast the focaccia before adding toppings
• Cheese placement matters: Put cheese directly on top of the warm chicken to help it start melting
• Avocado preservation: Squeeze a bit of lemon juice on your avocado slices to prevent browning if not serving immediately
• Heat control: If your broiler runs hot, keep a close eye on the sandwich to prevent burning
• Make it a panini: Use a panini press instead of the broiler for an extra-crispy exterior
• Batch prep: Make a bigger batch of chipotle sauce and shredded chicken to have on hand for quick sandwiches all week

Make-Ahead Options

This sandwich is perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to prepare components ahead:

• Chipotle sauce: Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 weeks
• Shredded chicken: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge
• Frozen chicken option: Freeze portioned shredded chicken for up to 3 months
• Complete sandwich: Assemble the whole sandwich (minus avocado) and wrap tightly for next-day lunch

Nutritional Info (Per Sandwich)

For those watching their intake, here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown:

My homemade version saves about 200 calories compared to the Panera original!

Perfect Pairings

What goes great with this epic sandwich? Try these sides:

• Potato chips for added crunch
• Side salad for freshness
• Broccoli cheddar soup for the ultimate Panera experience
• Fresh fruit for a light contrast

Common Questions Answered

Is this sandwich spicy?
The chipotle mayo adds a kick, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with less chipotle sauce and adjust to taste.

Can I make this low-carb?
Absolutely! Try a lettuce wrap instead of bread for a lower-carb option that still delivers on flavor.

How do I keep leftover avocado from browning?
Store unused avocado with the pit still in it, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. A squeeze of lemon juice also helps prevent browning.

Can I use pre-made chipotle mayo?
Yes! Store-bought chipotle mayo works great as a time-saver.

What’s the best way to meal prep this sandwich?
Prepare all components separately and assemble just before eating. If taking for lunch, keep the bread separate until ready to eat to prevent sogginess.

Why This Recipe Works Better Than Others

I’ve tried several copycat recipes, and this one truly captures the Panera experience because:

1. We use the right bread – focaccia makes all the difference
2. The balance of smoky and creamy elements is spot-on
3. The chipotle sauce has the perfect level of heat
4. Broiling creates that melty cheese without making the bread soggy
5. The fresh cilantro adds brightness that many recipes miss

My Personal Sandwich Story

The first time I had Panera’s Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt, I was hooked. But living 30 minutes from the nearest Panera meant I couldn’t satisfy my craving whenever I wanted. After spending way too much on DoorDash fees, I decided to create my own version.

It took several attempts (and a very happy family who got to taste-test), but I finally nailed it. Now I make this sandwich at least once a week, and honestly? Sometimes I think mine tastes even better than the original!

Final Thoughts

Making your own Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt at home isn’t just about saving money (though that’s a nice bonus). It’s about being able to customize it exactly how you like it, whether that means extra avocado, more cheese, or adjusting the spice level.

Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about recreating restaurant favorites in your own kitchen. So next time you’re craving this iconic sandwich, skip the drive to Panera and whip up this copycat version instead. Your taste buds (and wallet) will thank you!