I can’t get enough of that gooey, melty, Grilled Chicken Avocado Melt! It’s one of my all-time favorite sandwiches – the juicy grilled chicken, the creamy avocado, the oozing cheese…it’s pure perfection. I’ll never forget the first time I tried it. I was visiting my best friend Sara down in California, and she insisted we stop by this little local cafe she swore had the best Grilled Chicken Avocado Melt in town. I’ll admit, I was a bit skeptical at first – I mean, how good could a simple sandwich really be? But from the very first bite, I was absolutely hooked. The char-grilled chicken was so tender and flavorful, the ripe avocado was creamy and cool, and the sharp cheddar cheese had melted into gooey, stringy perfection. I think I must have taken at least a dozen photos to document just how amazing it looked. And the taste? Out of this world. I swear, I didn’t stop raving about that Grilled Chicken Avocado Melt for the rest of our trip.
Why This Grilled Chicken Avocado Melt Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Grilled Chicken Avocado Melt
There’s just something so satisfying about the combination of juicy grilled chicken, creamy avocado, and melty cheese. But what really sets this Grilled Chicken Avocado Melt apart is the special technique I use to get the chicken perfectly cooked and seasoned. The key is brining the chicken breasts before grilling, which keeps them super moist and flavorful. And I’ve perfected the art of getting that irresistible charred exterior while keeping the interior tender and juicy. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The star of the show! Brining and grilling the chicken is what makes this Grilled Chicken Avocado Melt so crave-worthy.
– Ripe avocado – You’ll want to use a nice, creamy avocado that’s just soft enough to spread.
– Sharp cheddar cheese – The melty, gooey cheese is the perfect complement to the chicken and avocado.
– Brioche buns – These soft, buttery buns are the ideal vessel for holding all that delicious filling.
– Mayonnaise – Just a schmear of mayo adds a cool, creamy contrast.
– Seasonings – A simple blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika is all you need to bring out the flavors.
Step-by-Step Grilled Chicken Avocado Melt Instructions
Preparing Your Grilled Chicken Avocado Melt
Get ready to sink your teeth into the most heavenly Grilled Chicken Avocado Melt you’ve ever tasted! This recipe comes together quickly, with just about 30 minutes of hands-on time. You’ll need a grill or grill pan to get that perfect char on the chicken, as well as a few basic kitchen tools like a cutting board and spatula.
1- Start by brining the chicken breasts in a simple solution of salt, sugar, and water for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours). This helps keep the meat super juicy and flavorful.
2- Once the chicken is brined, pat it dry and season generously with the spice blend. Then fire up your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
3- While the chicken is grilling, toast the brioche buns until golden brown.
4- When the chicken is cooked through, top each bun with a slice of grilled chicken, a few slices of ripe avocado, and a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese.
5- Pop the sandwiches back on the grill or under the broiler just until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes.
6- Finally, spread a thin layer of mayo on the top bun and assemble your Grilled Chicken Avocado Melt. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
The key to an amazing Grilled Chicken Avocado Melt is all in the seasoning and cooking method for the chicken. Make sure to brine it first, then season generously with the spice blend. And don’t be afraid to really char the outside on the grill – that’s where you’ll get the most flavor.
Another pro tip? Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into it. This helps the juices redistribute so you get a super moist and tender bite every time. And when it comes to the avocado, look for ones that are just ripe enough to slice and spread easily. Overripe avocado can make the sandwich a bit messy.
Serving and Storing Your Grilled Chicken Avocado Melt
Perfect Pairings for Grilled Chicken Avocado Melt
This Grilled Chicken Avocado Melt is practically a meal all on its own, but it’s always nice to have a tasty side dish or beverage to round it out. I love serving it with a crisp green salad or some freshly-made potato salad. And an ice-cold lemonade or iced tea is the perfect thirst-quenching companion.
If you’re looking to make it a heartier meal, you could also serve the Grilled Chicken Avocado Melt with a side of roasted potatoes or a bowl of creamy tomato soup for dipping. The possibilities are endless!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftovers of this Grilled Chicken Avocado Melt will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, although the avocado may start to brown a bit. To reheat, just pop the sandwich back in the oven or under the broiler for a minute or two until warmed through and the cheese is melty again.
You can also make the components ahead of time and assemble right before serving. Grill the chicken and toast the buns in advance, then simply layer everything together when you’re ready to eat. Just be sure to keep the avocado slices separate until the last minute so they don’t turn brown.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Grilled Chicken Avocado Melt
Creative Grilled Chicken Avocado Melt Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up, there are so many fun ways to put a spin on this Grilled Chicken Avocado Melt recipe. Try using a different type of cheese, like pepper jack or gouda. Or swap the brioche buns for sourdough or even a croissant. You could also mix things up by adding crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or even a fried egg.
For a lighter version, skip the bun altogether and serve the grilled chicken and avocado mixture on a bed of greens. And in the summer, you could grill some juicy tomato slices to add a pop of freshness.
Making Grilled Chicken Avocado Melt Diet-Friendly
To make this Grilled Chicken Avocado Melt recipe a bit more diet-friendly, there are a few easy swaps you can try. Use a low-fat or reduced-fat cheddar cheese to cut down on the calories and fat. You can also opt for a whole-wheat or gluten-free bun to make it healthier.
For a keto-friendly version, skip the bun altogether and serve the grilled chicken, avocado, and cheese mixture as an open-faced sandwich on a bed of greens. And for a vegan twist, use plant-based cheese or omit the cheese entirely and add some roasted veggies instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs would work great in this Grilled Chicken Avocado Melt recipe. They’ll stay nice and juicy, and the rich, dark meat pairs deliciously with the creamy avocado. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as thighs will take a bit longer to grill than breasts.
Q: How can I get the cheese to melt perfectly?
A: The key is to melt the cheese right at the end, either by popping the sandwiches back on the grill or under the broiler for a minute or two. This will give you that gorgeous, gooey, melty cheese without overcooking the other components.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The grilled chicken, toasted buns, and even the avocado slices can all be prepped in advance. Just store everything separately in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and serve. I’d recommend waiting to add the cheese until right before melting it, so it doesn’t get dry or crusty.
Q: How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
A: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. You can also do a visual check – the chicken should be opaque throughout and the juices should run clear when pierced.
Q: What if I don’t have a grill?
A: No problem! You can easily make this Grilled Chicken Avocado Melt using a grill pan or cast-iron skillet on the stovetop. Just heat it over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches 165°F internally.
Grilled Chicken Avocado Melt
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4
Description
Indulge in the ultimate quick and easy weeknight meal with this delectable Grilled Chicken Avocado Melt. Juicy grilled chicken, melted cheese, and creamy avocado come together in this irresistible sandwich.
Ingredients
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 slices provolone cheese
– 2 avocados, sliced
– 4 brioche or sourdough buns, toasted
Instructions
1. – Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. – Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. – Grill the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. – Place a slice of cheese on each chicken breast and continue grilling until the cheese is melted, about 1-2 minutes.
5. – Place the grilled chicken and cheese on the toasted buns.
6. – Top with sliced avocado.
7. – Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For best results, use ripe and creamy avocados. You can also customize the cheese to your liking, such as cheddar or Swiss. Serve with a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s just no beating a perfectly-crafted Grilled Chicken Avocado Melt. The combination of juicy, flavorful chicken, creamy avocado, and melty cheese is simply irresistible. This recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household – it’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and downright delicious.
So what are you waiting for? Fire up that grill and get ready to sink your teeth into the best Grilled Chicken Avocado Melt you’ve ever tasted. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below, and be sure to share this recipe with all your friends and family!
