Save
This chipotle chicken avocado melt recreates the beloved Panera sandwich with a dairy-free twist. The combination of smoky chicken, creamy avocado, and zesty peppadew peppers creates a perfect balance that's elevated by the homemade chipotle sauce.
I first made this sandwich during lockdown when I was craving my Panera favorite but couldn't go out. Now it's become our Friday lunch tradition, and my family actually prefers this homemade version to the original.
Ingredients
- Sourdough bread provides the perfect sturdy base with a slight tang that complements the fillings
- Smoked chicken breast brings protein and smoky flavor without requiring any cooking
- Avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats that balance the spicy elements
- Peppadew peppers contribute sweet heat and bright color to the sandwich
- Fresh cilantro brings a pop of herbaceous freshness that cuts through the richness
- Chao creamy original cheese melts beautifully and keeps the sandwich dairy free
- Mayonnaise forms the creamy base for the chipotle sauce
- Chipotle adobo sauce delivers smoky heat that makes this sandwich special
- Lemon juice brightens the sauce with acidity
- Fresh garlic adds depth to the sauce that powdered versions just cannot match
- Coarse salt enhances all the flavors and brings everything together
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Chipotle Sauce
- Combine mayonnaise, chipotle adobo sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt in a small bowl. Stir thoroughly until completely smooth and well incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more salt or chipotle for extra heat if desired.
- Prepare the Sandwich
- Brush the outside of both bread slices with olive oil for perfect golden toasting. Lay the first slice oil side down and begin layering with Chao cheese on the bottom, followed by chicken slices, avocado, peppadew peppers, and cilantro. Spread a generous layer of chipotle sauce on the inside of the second bread slice before placing it oil side up on top.
- Toast to Perfection
- Heat a large skillet over medium high heat until hot. Place the assembled sandwich in the skillet and cook for approximately 3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt. Flip carefully using a spatula and toast the other side for another 2 to 3 minutes until equally golden and crispy.
- Serve Immediately
- Remove the perfectly toasted sandwich from the skillet and transfer to a cutting board. Slice diagonally with a sharp knife and serve right away while the cheese is still melty and the bread is crisp.
Save
The first time I served this to my daughter, she was skeptical about the peppadew peppers. Now she specifically requests extra peppers whenever I make this sandwich. Their sweet heat perfectly balances the smoky chicken and creamy avocado in a way that creates sandwich magic.
Make Ahead Options
The chipotle sauce is actually better when made a day ahead. The flavors meld together beautifully overnight in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container for up to one week. This makes weekday lunch prep much faster when you have the sauce ready to go.
Smart Substitutions
If you cannot find Chao cheese, any dairy free cheese that melts well works nicely. Violife and Follow Your Heart are excellent alternatives. For those who eat dairy, provolone or pepper jack make delicious substitutions.
For the chicken, rotisserie chicken tossed with a bit of liquid smoke provides a quick alternative to smoked chicken breast. Turkey also works well if that is what you have available.
The peppadew peppers deliver a unique sweet heat, but roasted red peppers with a pinch of cayenne can approximate the flavor if peppadews are unavailable in your area.
Serving Suggestions
This sandwich pairs beautifully with a light side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The acidity helps cut through the richness of the sandwich.
For a heartier meal, serve alongside sweet potato fries which complement the smoky chipotle flavors perfectly.
During summer months, fresh corn on the cob makes a seasonal side that brings sweetness to balance the spicy elements in the sandwich.
Save
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make the chipotle sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The chipotle sauce can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes assembly even quicker when you're ready to make the sandwich.
- → What can I substitute for Chao cheese to keep it dairy-free?
Any plant-based cheese slice works well as a substitute for Chao. Look for varieties that melt well, such as Violife, Follow Your Heart, or Daiya slices. If dairy isn't a concern, provolone or pepper jack make excellent alternatives.
- → Where can I find peppadew peppers?
Peppadew peppers are usually found at grocery store olive bars, in jars near pickled items, or sometimes in the international foods section. If unavailable, roasted red peppers with a splash of vinegar make a good substitute.
- → How spicy is the chipotle sauce?
The sauce has a medium heat level. For a milder version, reduce the chipotle adobo sauce to 1-2 teaspoons. To increase spiciness, add more adobo sauce or include a minced chipotle pepper from the can.
- → Can I use regular chicken instead of smoked?
Absolutely! While smoked chicken adds distinctive flavor, regular grilled or roasted chicken breast works well too. For a similar smoky flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the chipotle sauce.
- → What's the best way to slice this sandwich?
Allow the sandwich to rest for about a minute after toasting, then slice diagonally with a sharp knife for the cleanest cut. This helps prevent the fillings from squeezing out and makes for an attractive presentation.