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A toasted Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt with gooey white cheddar and fresh avocado on black pepper focaccia.

Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt {Panera Copycat}

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 920
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 squares Black Pepper Focaccia bread, halved horizontally
  • 8 ounces smoked chicken breast, shredded or pulled
  • 4 slices aged white cheddar cheese
  • 1 large Hass avocado, halved and thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup pickled Peppadew peppers (zesty sweet peppers), sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup mayonnais e
  • 1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon lime juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Method
 

  1. Prepare the chipotle aioli by whisking together the mayonnaise, minced chipotle peppers in adobo, lime juice, and garlic powder in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  2. Preheat a panini press to medium-high heat or a cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
  3. Lay the four pieces of focaccia on a clean work surface. Spread approximately 1 tablespoon of the chipotle aioli on the interior side of each bread slice.
  4. On the bottom slices of the focaccia, layer the pulled chicken evenly. Distribute the sliced Peppadew peppers and chopped cilantro over the chicken.
  5. Arrange the avocado slices on top of the cilantro layer, then place two slices of white cheddar cheese over the avocado to act as a binder.
  6. Place the top focaccia slices over the cheese to close the sandwiches.
  7. Transfer the sandwiches to the panini press. Grill for 4-5 minutes until the bread is toasted with golden grill marks and the cheese is thoroughly melted.
  8. If using a skillet, place the sandwich in the pan, weight it down with a heavy press or another skillet, and cook for 3 minutes per side. Note: To ensure even melting in a skillet, add 1 teaspoon of water to the pan and cover with a lid for the final 60 seconds of cooking.
  9. Remove from heat, slice diagonally, and serve immediately while the cheese is molten.