Description
A fast, comforting hot lunch featuring juicy chicken, creamy avocado, and melted cheese on crispy toasted bread. Ready in 20 minutes, it’s filling, customizable, and perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast (shredded or sliced; rotisserie chicken is perfect, about 5 oz)
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (regular, light, or avocado mayo)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 ripe avocado (about 5 oz), mashed
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon or lime juice
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
- 2 slices hearty sandwich bread (whole grain, sourdough, or gluten-free)
- 2 slices cheese (Swiss, cheddar, mozzarella, or similar; about 1.5 oz total)
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil (for toasting, optional)
- Fresh tomato slices (optional)
- Red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your broiler (or toaster oven) to high. This takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Butter one side of each bread slice (about 1/2 tablespoon per slice) or brush with olive oil. Toast in a hot skillet, grill pan, or toaster until crisp and golden, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- In a small bowl, mix shredded chicken with mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until well-coated. Add extra mayo or a splash of chicken broth if chicken is dry.
- In another bowl, mash avocado with lemon or lime juice, salt, and chili flakes if using. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Lay out toasted bread slices (buttered side down). Spread half the avocado mash on each slice. Top with chicken mixture, spreading evenly. Layer cheese slices over the chicken.
- Add optional toppings: tomato slices, red onion, or fresh herbs on top of the cheese if desired.
- Place assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet and broil for 2-4 minutes, watching closely, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to brown.
- Remove from oven, let cool for 1-2 minutes, then transfer to plates. Sprinkle with fresh herbs if desired, slice in half, and serve immediately.
Notes
Double toast soft bread for extra crunch. For closed sandwiches, add a second bread slice and broil both sides, flipping halfway. Taste chicken and avocado mixtures before assembling for best flavor. Mash avocado right before assembly to prevent browning. Use rotisserie chicken for juiciness; add broth or extra mayo if using leftover chicken. Watch the broiler closely to avoid burning cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 21
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 28
Keywords: chicken avocado melt, quick lunch, hot sandwich, easy recipe, broiler, healthy lunch, comfort food, rotisserie chicken, avocado, cheese melt