Description
Juicy, seasoned chicken and creamy avocado spread with cheddar cheese and fresh sprouts, all in your favorite bread. Perfect for lunch or dinner!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 8 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough, whole wheat, or brioche)
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sprouts (alfalfa, broccoli, or your favorite)
- Optional: Lettuce, tomato slices, bacon
Instructions
- Pound chicken breasts to 1/2 inch thickness for even cooking. Pat dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Rub spice mixture all over the chicken breasts.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet (cook in batches if needed).
- Sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Reduce heat to medium and cook for another 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from skillet and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Slice the chicken breasts thinly against the grain.
- Cut avocados in half, remove pits, and scoop flesh into a medium bowl.
- Mash with a fork until mostly smooth, leaving some small chunks.
- Add diced red onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and garlic powder to the mashed avocados.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well. Adjust seasonings as needed.
- Lay out the bread slices on a clean work surface.
- Spread a generous layer of avocado mixture on four of the bread slices.
- Arrange sliced chicken evenly over the avocado spread on each of the four bread slices.
- Place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of the chicken on each sandwich.
- Sprinkle sprouts over the cheese. Add lettuce, tomato, or bacon, if desired.
- Top each sandwich with the remaining bread slices.
- Toast in a panini press, skillet (butter the outside of the bread), or under the broiler until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Cut the sandwiches in half and serve immediately.
Notes
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes to the avocado spread or use spicy mayo.
- Add some crunch: Include chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Use different cheeses: Try pepper jack, provolone, or Swiss cheese.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute chicken with grilled halloumi or roasted vegetables.
- Make it ahead: Prepare chicken and avocado spread ahead of time and store separately.
- Bread Options: Experiment with ciabatta rolls, croissants, or gluten-free bread.
- Herb Variations: Substitute cilantro with parsley or dill in the avocado spread.
- Lemon Instead of Lime: Use lemon juice in the avocado spread if you don’t have lime.
- Add a Sauce: Drizzle balsamic glaze, pesto, or sriracha mayo.
- Grilling the Chicken: Grill the chicken for a smoky flavor. Marinate beforehand.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes