Cheesy Chicken Avocado Melt

$- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded - 1 ripe avocado, mashed - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup mayonnaise - 1 tablespoon lime juice - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 4 slices of whole grain or sourdough bread - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish For the chicken, you can use rotisserie or leftover chicken. This saves time and gives a nice flavor. If you want to cut calories, use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise. You can swap lime juice with lemon juice if needed. For cheese, feel free to try pepper jack for a spicy kick. This dish is rich in protein from the chicken and cheese. The avocado adds healthy fats and fiber. Each serving has about: - Calories: 550 - Protein: 36g - Carbohydrates: 40g - Fat: 30g - Fiber: 8g This meal is not only tasty but also balanced. It gives you energy and keeps you full. Enjoy creating your own Chicken Avocado Melt! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by shredding 2 cups of cooked chicken breast. I find rotisserie chicken works well. 2. In a medium bowl, mash 1 ripe avocado until smooth. 3. Combine the shredded chicken and mashed avocado in the bowl. Mix them well. 4. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, and 1 tablespoon of lime juice. 5. Sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, plus salt and pepper to your taste. 6. Stir the mixture until all ingredients are blended. 1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. 2. Place 2 slices of whole grain or sourdough bread in the skillet. 3. Spread half of the chicken-avocado mixture on each slice of bread. 4. Top the slices with the remaining two pieces of bread. Gently press down. 5. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Look for golden brown bread and melted cheese. 6. If needed, add the remaining olive oil to the skillet while cooking. 7. Once done, remove the melts from heat. Let them sit for a minute before slicing. 8. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before you serve. - Use a non-stick skillet for even cooking. It helps prevent sticking. - Keep an eye on the heat; too high may burn the bread. - Press down gently on the bread for better browning. - Let the melts cool slightly to help the cheese set. - Adjust the lime juice to taste for a zestier flavor. To boost the flavor of your Chicken Avocado Melt, think about adding fresh herbs. Cilantro or parsley can add a bright touch. You can also mix in red pepper flakes for some heat. A dash of hot sauce can make it zesty too. Using fresh lime juice gives a nice tang. It wakes up the creamy avocado and rich cheese. You can make this meal healthier with a few easy swaps. Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter spread. You can also replace cheddar cheese with a lower-fat option. Whole grain bread adds more fiber than white bread. If you're low on calories, try cutting the portion size. This way, you can enjoy the melt but still stay on track. To make this melt, you need some handy tools. A non-stick skillet works best to get that crispy bread. Use a spatula to flip the sandwiches safely. A mixing bowl helps you combine all your ingredients well. A knife makes slicing easy when the melt is done. Don’t forget a cutting board too! These tools ensure a smooth cooking process. Pro Tips Choose the Right Bread: Opt for a hearty whole grain or sourdough bread that can hold up to the filling without getting soggy. Perfectly Mash the Avocado: Ensure your avocado is ripe and mash it until smooth for a creamier texture in the chicken mixture. Control the Heat: Cook on medium heat to allow the cheese to melt thoroughly without burning the bread. Add Some Spice: Consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture for a spicy kick. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in your Chicken Avocado Melt. Try using turkey for a leaner option. You can also use shredded pork for a richer flavor. If you like seafood, add cooked shrimp or crab meat. Each protein adds a unique taste and texture. For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken. Use black beans or chickpeas instead. Mash them with avocado for a creamy base. You can also add roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. These options make your melt filling and tasty without meat. Add spices for more flavor. A pinch of cayenne pepper gives a nice kick. Try smoked paprika for a smoky taste. Fresh herbs like basil or dill can brighten the dish. You can also mix in some hot sauce or salsa for extra zing. To keep your Chicken Avocado Melt fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss. Place the sandwich in the fridge right after it cools down. It should stay good for about 2 to 3 days. If you notice any strange smell or color changes, it's best to toss it. You can freeze the chicken-avocado mixture, but not the bread. To freeze, place the mixture in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to push out as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. The mixture can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. When it's time to eat your leftovers, use a skillet for the best taste. Heat the skillet on medium-low. Add a little olive oil to keep it from sticking. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cover it with a lid. Heat for about 5 minutes on each side. This warms it through and makes the bread crispy again. Enjoy your tasty lunch! You can serve this tasty dish with a side salad. A simple green salad works well. You can also pair it with sweet potato fries for a crunchy bite. For a fresh taste, add sliced tomatoes or cucumbers. A light dip, like salsa, makes a great addition too. Yes, you can prep this meal ahead of time. Mix the chicken and avocado filling. Store it in the fridge until you are ready to cook. I suggest using it within 24 hours for the best taste. You can also slice the bread ahead of time. This makes cooking quick and easy. To make this recipe dairy-free, skip the cheddar cheese. You can use a dairy-free cheese alternative instead. Another option is to add more avocado for creaminess. You can also use hummus for a tasty twist. Always check the labels to ensure your substitutes are dairy-free. In this article, we explored the key ingredients and step-by-step instructions for making a Chicken Avocado Melt. We discussed measurements, nutritional information, and cooking tips to ensure perfect results every time. You now have ideas for variations and helpful storage info to keep leftovers fresh. Remember, small tweaks can enhance flavor and nutrition. With these tips, you can impress anyone with your culinary skills. Enjoy your cooking, and have fun experimenting with different flavors!$

A delicious and creamy chicken avocado melt perfect for a quick meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
1 ripe avocado, mashed
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 2 mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 4 teaspoon garlic powder
to taste salt and pepper
4 slices whole grain or sourdough bread
2 tablespoons olive oil
for garnish fresh cilantro or parsley

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken and mashed avocado until well mixed.
Add the cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the chicken-avocado mixture. Stir until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Place 2 slices of bread in the skillet, and spread half of the chicken-avocado mixture on each slice.
Top with the remaining two slices of bread and gently press down.
Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted. Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet if needed.
Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit for a minute before slicing.
Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve warm for the best flavor.

Keyword avocado, chicken, melt, sandwich