Description

An elevated chicken avocado melt sandwich featuring juicy herb-marinated chicken thighs, creamy avocado, and sharp cheddar cheese on toasted sourdough bread, cooked to perfection in a skillet.

Ingredients

Scale

4 large boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
2 large Hass avocados
4 thick slices of sourdough or Texas toast
8 slices of sharp cheddar or American cheese
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
A pinch of red pepper flakes
Half a lemon, juiced

Instructions

Whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Marinate chicken thighs for at least 5 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge).
Cut avocados in half, remove pits, peel, and slice into thin strips. Toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes.
Assemble sandwiches by layering chicken and avocado slices on bread, topped with cheese, and covering with the second slice of bread.
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Grill sandwiches for 2-3 minutes per side until bread is golden and crispy and cheese is melted. Cover with a lid for the last minute if needed to melt cheese.
Rest sandwiches for 1 minute before slicing diagonally and serving immediately.

Notes

For best results, ensure chicken is at room temperature before cooking to ensure even heating. Use a lid to trap steam and help melt the cheese without burning the bread. If using chicken breast, pound to even thickness to prevent drying out. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat in a skillet or toaster oven to restore crispiness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 650
Sugar: 2
Sodium: 800
Fat: 35
Saturated Fat: 12
Carbohydrates: 40
Fiber: 8
Protein: 45

Keywords: chicken avocado melt, sandwich recipe, copycat recipe, quick lunch, comfort food, sourdough sandwich, grilled cheese