Chicken Avocado Melt

$To make a Chicken Avocado Melt, gather these simple ingredients: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 ripe avocado, mashed - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup diced tomatoes - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and black pepper to taste - 4 slices of whole grain bread - 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided - Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish You can easily swap some ingredients for different flavors or dietary needs. Here are some ideas: - Use grilled chicken instead of pan-cooked for a smoky taste. - Substitute Greek yogurt for avocado if you're looking for a creamy spread. - Try using cheddar or pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for a different cheese flavor. - Instead of whole grain bread, use sourdough or gluten-free bread if you prefer. - Replace lime juice with lemon juice for a different citrus twist. This Chicken Avocado Melt is not just tasty; it also provides good nutrition. Here’s a quick look at the benefits: - Protein: Chicken breasts provide a great source of lean protein. - Healthy Fats: Avocado offers heart-healthy fats that keep you full. - Vitamins: Tomatoes and onions add vitamins and antioxidants. - Fiber: Whole grain bread gives you fiber, which is good for digestion. Each serving has a mix of protein, healthy fat, and carbs, making it a balanced meal. Enjoy this delightful dish while knowing it fuels your body right! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step gets the oven ready for baking. Next, take the chicken breasts and season them. Use garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure to cover both sides well. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color. The chicken should be cooked through, with juices running clear. After cooking, take the chicken out and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice it into thin strips. While the chicken rests, it's time to make the avocado mixture. Grab a mixing bowl and add the mashed avocado. Then, add diced tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and fresh lime juice. Don’t forget a dash of salt and pepper for taste. Mix everything well until you have a chunky spread. This mixture adds flavor and creaminess to your sandwich. Now, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the sandwiches from sticking. Place the slices of whole grain bread on the baking sheet. Spread the avocado mixture evenly across each slice. Next, layer the sliced chicken over the avocado. Top it off with shredded mozzarella cheese. To finish, drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil on top. This adds richness to the melts. Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for the cheese to melt and bubble, with a golden edge. When done, take them out and garnish with chopped cilantro. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Avocado Melts! To cook chicken breasts just right, start with even thickness. Place them between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet to pound them to about half an inch thick. This helps them cook evenly. Season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side. You want them golden brown. Check that the juices run clear when cut. Let them rest before slicing. This keeps them juicy and tasty. When picking an avocado, look for one that is slightly soft but not mushy. Press gently on the skin. If it gives a little, it is ripe and ready. Dark green or black skin usually means it's ripe. Avoid avocados with large dark spots or dents. These can mean the fruit is bad inside. If you buy one that is not ripe, leave it on the counter for a few days. Once ripe, store it in the fridge to keep it fresh longer. Serve your Chicken Avocado Melt warm for the best flavor. It pairs well with a fresh salad or crispy chips. You can add a squeeze of lime over the top for extra zest. For drinks, I suggest iced tea or lemonade. They balance the richness of the melt. Consider adding a side of salsa for a spicy kick. This will enhance the flavor and add some fun! Pro Tips Choose the Right Avocado: Make sure to use a ripe avocado for the best flavor and creaminess. It should yield slightly to gentle pressure when squeezed. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety and juiciness. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add extras like sliced jalapeños or olives for an extra kick, or substitute the mozzarella with your favorite cheese. Make Ahead: You can prepare the avocado mixture in advance; just store it in an airtight container with a squeeze of lime juice to prevent browning. {{image_4}} You can change the cheese to fit your taste. Mozzarella works well, but try others. Cheddar adds a sharp bite. Swiss cheese melts nicely and has a mild flavor. For something creamy, use gouda or cream cheese. Mix different cheeses for a fun twist. Each cheese brings its flavor, making your Chicken Avocado Melt unique. You can make a great vegetarian version too! Swap chicken for grilled vegetables. Zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms work well. You can also use chickpeas or black beans for protein. Add some spinach for extra greens. The avocado mixture stays the same, adding creaminess to your dish. This version is just as tasty and filling. Want to kick up the flavor? Add spices or toppings. A sprinkle of chili powder gives heat. Fresh jalapeños add crunch and spice. You can also mix in some corn or black olives for texture. For a fresh taste, top with arugula or microgreens. These extras make each bite exciting and full of flavor. To keep your Chicken Avocado Melts fresh, store them in an airtight container. Let them cool first. Place them in the fridge after they cool to room temperature. Use them within three days for the best taste. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. You can freeze Chicken Avocado Melts for later. Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze them for up to three months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness. When you're ready to enjoy your melts, you'll want to reheat them right. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the bread crispy and the cheese gooey. You can also use a microwave, but the bread may get soggy. If you use the microwave, heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Avocado Melt again! Yes, you can use grilled chicken. Grilled chicken adds a nice smoky flavor. It also keeps the chicken juicy. Just make sure it's cooked all the way through. Slice it thinly, like the pan-cooked version. This way, it fits perfectly on the melt and mixes well with the avocado. To check if your avocado is ripe, gently squeeze it. It should feel soft but not mushy. Look for a dark green or black skin. Avoid avocados that have many dents or brown spots. If it's hard, leave it out for a few days. It will ripen on its own. You can serve your Chicken Avocado Melt with several tasty sides. Here are some ideas: - Mixed green salad: A fresh salad adds a nice crunch. - Sweet potato fries: These offer a sweet flavor that pairs well. - Coleslaw: A tangy slaw adds great texture. - Fruit salad: A light fruit salad brings a sweet touch. All these sides balance the rich flavors of the melt. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations! You now have a simple guide to make a Chicken Avocado Melt. You learned about the key ingredients, how to prep them, and tips for perfect chicken and ripe avocados. We also explored fun variations and how to store leftovers. Cooking this dish can be easy and fun. Enjoy making it your own, and share it with friends and family. Happy cooking!$

A delicious open-faced sandwich featuring seasoned chicken, creamy avocado, and melted mozzarella cheese.

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Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup ripe avocado, mashed
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
0.5 cup diced tomatoes
0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
to taste salt and black pepper
4 slices whole grain bread
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
for garnish fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring it's hot and ready for baking.
Take the chicken breasts and season both sides generously with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and thoroughly cooked (juices should run clear). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.
While the chicken is resting, prepare the avocado mixture. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed avocado, diced tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, fresh lime juice, and a dash of salt and pepper. Stir well to blend the ingredients into a chunky and flavorful spread.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Arrange the slices of whole grain bread on the baking sheet.
Evenly distribute the prepared avocado mixture across each slice of bread, spreading it out to cover the surface completely.
Layer the sliced chicken over the avocado mixture for each sandwich. Follow this with a generous sprinkling of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken.
Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the assembled open-faced sandwiches to enhance richness and flavor.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on the edges.
Once out of the oven, garnish each sandwich with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of color and flavor. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve the Chicken Avocado Melts warm and enjoy this delightful blend of flavors!

Notes

Serve warm for the best flavor.

Keyword avocado, chicken, melt, sandwich