Cheesy Chicken Avocado Melt

$- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 ripe avocado, mashed - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 4 slices of whole grain bread - 1 small tomato, sliced - Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish - Additional toppings (jalapeños, onions, etc.) - Different types of cheese When making the Cheesy Chicken Avocado Melt, you will need a mix of fresh ingredients. This dish shines with its simple yet tasty flavors. Start with two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. These cook fast and stay juicy. The ripe avocado adds creaminess and good fats. Next, grab a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. This cheese melts beautifully and creates that gooey texture we love. You will also need olive oil, garlic powder, and paprika. These add depth and a hint of spice. Don’t forget salt and pepper to season everything just right. For the base, use four slices of whole grain bread. It gives a nice crunch and healthy fiber. Finally, slice one small tomato for freshness. Top it off with cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Feel free to get creative with optional ingredients. Add jalapeños for heat or onions for sweetness. You can also swap the cheese for your favorite type. Enjoy experimenting! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Aim for a golden brown color. Once cooked, remove the chicken and let it rest. After a few minutes, slice it into thin strips. Next, prepare the avocado spread. In a bowl, mash the ripe avocado and add salt and pepper to taste. On a baking sheet, lay out the slices of whole grain bread. Spread a generous layer of the avocado on each slice. Divide the sliced chicken evenly among the bread. Top each piece with a slice of tomato. Finally, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over each slice for that gooey goodness. Now it’s time to bake! Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 10-12 minutes. You want to watch for the cheese to melt and become bubbly. Once done, take it out and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. Enjoy your Cheesy Chicken Avocado Melt! - To ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer. The center should reach 165°F (74°C). This helps keep the chicken juicy and safe to eat. - For a creamy and flavorful avocado spread, mash the ripe avocado well. Add salt and pepper to taste. You can mix in a bit of lemon juice to enhance its flavor and keep it green. - Pair your Cheesy Chicken Avocado Melt with a fresh salad or warm soup. A light side can balance the richness of the melt. - Serve with tasty dips like salsa or ranch dressing. These add a fun twist and extra flavor to each bite. - Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color. This makes your dish look vibrant and inviting. - You can also sprinkle extra cheese on top before serving. It will look even more delicious! Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Ensure your chicken breasts are of even thickness by pounding them slightly; this helps in cooking them evenly and prevents dryness. Avocado Freshness: To keep your avocado from browning, add a splash of lime or lemon juice to the mashed avocado before spreading it on the bread. Cheese Variation: Feel free to mix different types of cheese, like cheddar or gouda, with mozzarella for a unique flavor twist. Garnish with Flair: For added freshness and color, consider adding sliced radishes or microgreens as a garnish alongside the cilantro or parsley. {{image_2}} You can easily swap chicken for turkey or tofu. Turkey gives a leaner option. Tofu makes it plant-based and very tasty. For cheese, try cheddar or gouda. Each cheese brings a different taste. Cheddar adds a sharpness, while gouda is creamy and smooth. Want more spice? Add jalapeños for a kick! Slice them thin and mix them in. For a Mediterranean twist, use feta and olives. Feta gives a salty flavor. Olives add a briny touch that brightens the dish. To reduce calories or fat, use less cheese. You can also choose low-fat cheese. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free bread. This way, you keep the dish delicious and safe for gluten-free diets. To store leftovers, let the Cheesy Chicken Avocado Melt cool. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap or foil. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. For reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the melts on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps the bread crispy and the cheese gooey. You can also use a microwave, but the bread may get soggy. If you want to freeze prepped ingredients, you can do that too. Cook the chicken, let it cool, then slice it. Store the chicken in freezer bags. You can also freeze the avocado spread, but it may change texture. For assembled melts, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They can freeze for up to two months. To defrost, take them out the night before. Place them in the fridge to thaw. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven as mentioned above. This keeps the taste just right! To make a vegetarian version of the Cheesy Chicken Avocado Melt, replace the chicken with grilled vegetables. You can use zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. These veggies add great flavor and texture. Ensure they are seasoned well before cooking. You can also try using a plant-based protein, like tofu or tempeh. Top it all with the same creamy avocado and cheese for a satisfying meal. Yes, you can prepare components ahead of time. Cook the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to three days. You can also mash the avocado and store it in an airtight container. Just add a bit of lemon juice to keep it fresh. Assemble the melts just before baking for the best taste and texture. Many side dishes go well with this melt. Here are some great options: - A fresh green salad with lemon dressing - Crispy sweet potato fries - Steamed broccoli or green beans - A light soup, like tomato or cucumber These sides balance the richness of the melt and add freshness to your meal. To check if the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. It should be white and no longer pink inside. Juices should run clear as well. Always ensure your chicken is cooked properly for safety. You now have a complete guide to making a tasty Cheesy Chicken Avocado Melt. We covered all the needed ingredients, from chicken to toppings. The step-by-step instructions help you cook perfectly. Remember the tips for great flavor and how to store leftovers. Get creative with variations to suit your taste, too. This dish is simple and fun to make, so enjoy every bite. Cooking can be a joy, and this recipe is a perfect way to start.$

Cheesy Chicken Avocado Melt

A delicious and hearty melt featuring chicken, avocado, and mozzarella cheese on whole grain bread.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 piece ripe avocado, mashed
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and pepper
4 slices whole grain bread
1 small tomato, sliced
for garnish fresh cilantro or parsley

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken breasts for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
In a bowl, mix the mashed avocado with salt and pepper to taste.
On a baking sheet, arrange the slices of whole grain bread. Spread a layer of mashed avocado on each slice.
Divide the sliced chicken evenly among the bread slices and then top each with a slice of tomato.
Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each slice.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.

Notes

Feel free to add other toppings like jalapeños for extra spice.

Keyword avocado, cheesy, chicken, melt, sandwich