Pin it
Creamy chicken avocado melt is my favorite go-to meal when I want something both satisfying and a little bit indulgent while still checking some boxes for nutrition. Creamy chicken mixed with ripe avocado and melty cheese, all piled high on hearty toasted bread, makes this a regular request at my dinner table.
I remember the first time I served this to my kids on a busy school night. It was so quick to pull together and they licked their plates clean. Now it is our comfort food for lazy weekends and cozy evenings.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken: about two cups shredded or diced. For best flavor, use rotisserie or roast your own for juicier bites.
- Avocado: one ripe mashed. Choose avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure and have green skin underneath the stem.
- Greek yogurt: about half a cup. Or use mayonnaise if you prefer yogurt for tang and creaminess without all the heaviness of mayo.
- Lime juice: about a tablespoon. Adds brightness and prevents the avocado from turning brown. Always use fresh limes instead of bottled juice.
- Garlic powder: about a teaspoon for a gentle kick and depth of flavor.
- Onion powder: about a teaspoon too. This boosts the savoriness without needing to chop onions.
- Salt and pepper: to taste. Always taste as you go to make sure you get the perfect seasoning balance.
- Bread: four thick slices. Sourdough or whole grain works best for a sturdy base that holds up to toppings.
- Shredded cheese: about one cup. Cheddar brings sharpness, mozzarella gives a gooey melt, or mix them for both textures.
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional): This adds freshness and a pop of color when sprinkled at the end.
- Red pepper flakes for garnish (optional): Use these if you love a bit of heat with your melts.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
- In a large bowl, add the chicken, ripe mashed avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is creamy and fully combined, making sure the avocado is thoroughly mixed in so it coats every piece of chicken. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Toast the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit or one hundred seventy five degrees Celsius. Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet making sure they are in a single layer. Lightly toast the bread in the oven for five to seven minutes until just beginning to brown and crisp around the edges. Keep an eye on them so they do not burn.
- Assemble the Melts:
- Take the toasted bread out of the oven, and while still warm, spread a generous mound of the creamy chicken avocado mixture on top of each slice. Use a spoon or spatula and press down slightly so it clings to the bread and makes an even layer.
- Add the Shredded Cheese:
- Grab your shredded cheese and sprinkle a thick layer over each open-face sandwich. Press the cheese into the chicken mixture a little so it does not fall off later.
- Melt the Cheese:
- Slide the baking sheet with your assembled melts back into the oven. Bake for ten to fifteen minutes, checking at the ten-minute mark. Cheese should be melted fully and bubbling along the edges. For extra golden tops, you can broil for a minute or two at the end but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Add Garnishes and Serve:
- Once the melts come out of the oven, let them cool for a minute. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro or parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like it spicy. Serve warm while the cheese is stretchy.
Pin it
My personal favorite part of this dish is definitely the rich creaminess from the avocado pairing with the tangy Greek yogurt and cheesy topping. I will never forget the first summer we made these melt sandwiches at our lake cabin, sharing them right off the hot tray after a swim in the sun.
Storage Tips
You can prepare the chicken avocado mixture ahead and keep it covered in the fridge for up to two days. Assemble the melts just before baking so the bread does not become soggy. Leftovers reheat well in a low oven. If you want to freeze them, assemble but do not add cheese until baking day for best texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
Turkey breast works just as well as chicken if that is what you have on hand. For a dairy-free version, swap Greek yogurt with a vegan yogurt or use all avocado. Vegan cheese or a smoky gouda can be great for different flavor twists. If you do not have lime, lemon juice is an easy stand-in.
Serving Suggestions
Serve melts with a fresh green salad, tomato soup, or a side of crunchy pickles. They also pair perfectly with chips for a picnic-style meal. Sometimes I double the recipe and cut smaller slices for sharing at parties because everyone loves picking them up with their hands.
Pin it
You will want to make these creamy chicken avocado melts again and again because they are that crowd-pleasing salty, buttery, cheesy kind of delicious everyone loves.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken for this melt?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Just shred it and combine with the other ingredients for convenience and extra flavor.
- → Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt?
Mayonnaise or plain regular yogurt are great alternatives that still give a creamy texture and taste.
- → Does whole grain bread work as well as sourdough?
Whole grain bread is a nutritious choice and holds up well to the chicken avocado mixture and melted cheese.
- → How do I make it spicier?
Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the chicken avocado mixture before assembling the melts.
- → What cheese varieties pair best?
Cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix all combine smoothly, lending both stretch and flavor to the finished melt.