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If you’re searching for a satisfying lunch or quick dinner that’s bursting with flavor, the Chicken and Avocado Panini Recipe is going to become your new favorite. This sandwich brings together tender, perfectly seasoned chicken, creamy mashed avocado, fresh spinach, and sharp cheddar cheese, all hugged by crisp, golden sourdough bread. Every bite delivers a delicious balance of textures and tastes that feels both comforting and fresh. Best of all, it comes together in just 25 minutes, proving that incredible meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures in this Chicken and Avocado Panini Recipe. From the juicy chicken to the creamy avocado, every component adds something special.
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces, they provide the protein-packed foundation with a tender, juicy bite.
- 2 ripe avocados: Mashed to creamy perfection, they add a luscious richness and subtle buttery flavor.
- 4 slices sourdough bread: Crusty yet soft, perfect for grilling to a golden crisp that holds everything together.
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves: Adds a fresh, slightly earthy flavor plus a pop of vibrant green color.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully, lending a tangy, melty goodness that binds the sandwich components.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for cooking and brushing the bread, ensuring a golden crust and enhanced flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing the overall flavor profile.
How to Make Chicken and Avocado Panini Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by dicing the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, then generously season them with salt and pepper. This seasoning step brings out the chicken’s natural flavor, ensuring it’s tasty on its own and well-balanced with the other ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken to Perfection
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are fully cooked through—about 7 to 10 minutes. This step locks in juiciness and adds a savory depth of flavor.
Step 3: Mash the Avocados
While the chicken is cooking, scoop the ripe avocados into a bowl and mash them with a pinch of salt. This creamy mash adds a dreamy texture and a subtle salty backdrop that complements the richness of the chicken and cheese.
Step 4: Assemble the Panini
Lay out a slice of sourdough bread and start layering by spreading the fresh spinach leaves, followed by the cooked chicken pieces. Then add a generous dollop of mashed avocado, topping it off with shredded sharp cheddar. Carefully place the second bread slice on top, creating the perfect stack ready for grilling.
Step 5: Grill to Golden, Melty Perfection
Brush both sides of the assembled panini with olive oil to help achieve that irresistible crispy crust. Grill over medium-low heat for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted into gooey goodness.
Step 6: Slice and Serve Immediately
Once grilled, slice the panini diagonally to showcase the layers and serve it immediately. The contrast between the warm, melty inside and the crisp bread makes every mouthful a delight.
How to Serve Chicken and Avocado Panini Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple with a few sprigs of fresh parsley or a light drizzle of balsamic glaze to add a subtle tang and extra color. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper on top adds visual interest and a hint of spice that plays well with the creamy avocado and sharp cheddar.
Side Dishes
This panini pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad, like a light arugula and cherry tomato mix dressed in lemon vinaigrette. Alternatively, classic crunchy kettle-cooked chips or a bowl of tomato soup offer comforting contrasts that round out the meal wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the panini into smaller, picnic-friendly sliders or serve with toothpicks as finger food for gatherings. You can also toast the bread under a broiler for a slightly different texture or swap sourdough for ciabatta for a different bite experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. The sandwich will hold its flavor well, just keep in mind that the bread might lose some crispness.
Freezing
While fresh is best for this Chicken and Avocado Panini Recipe, you can freeze the cooked chicken separately. Avoid freezing the assembled sandwich as the bread and avocado don’t reheat well. Thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge before reheating and assembling your panini fresh.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the sandwich and warm it in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes per side until the cheese melts and the bread crisps back up. Avoid the microwave to prevent sogginess and preserve that delicious grilled texture.
FAQs
Can I use other breads for this Chicken and Avocado Panini Recipe?
Absolutely! While sourdough gives a great crust and flavor, ciabatta, focaccia, or even a sturdy multigrain loaf are excellent alternatives that toast beautifully and can hold all the fillings without falling apart.
Is it possible to make this sandwich vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the chicken with grilled or roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. The avocado and cheddar still provide plenty of creaminess and flavor in the panini.
How ripe should the avocados be for this recipe?
Choose avocados that are ripe but still firm to the touch. They should give slightly under gentle pressure but not be mushy. This ensures a creamy mash that’s easy to spread without becoming watery.
Can I prepare parts of the Chicken and Avocado Panini Recipe ahead of time?
You can cook and season the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Mash the avocado just before assembling to prevent browning and keep the sandwich fresh and vibrant.
What cheeses work best besides sharp cheddar?
Cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack add fantastic meltability and flavor variations. Sharp cheddar gives a nice tang, but don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorites!
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Avocado Panini Recipe is a perfect blend of fresh ingredients and comforting flavors that you’ll want to make again and again. It’s quick, simple, and packed with layers of texture and taste that never fail to satisfy. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a staple in your meal rotation—you won’t regret it!
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Chicken and Avocado Panini Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken and Avocado Panini combines juicy, seasoned chicken with creamy mashed avocado, fresh spinach, and sharp cheddar cheese, all pressed between crispy sourdough bread slices. Ready in just 25 minutes, this satisfying grilled sandwich offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures for a delightful lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 450g)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Panini Filling:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Bread and Finishing:
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing bread)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season them generously with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add one tablespoon of olive oil. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and cooked through internally.
- Mash Avocado: While the chicken cooks, peel and pit the ripe avocados, then mash them in a bowl with a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Panini: On one slice of sourdough bread, layer fresh spinach leaves, the cooked chicken pieces, mashed avocado, and shredded cheddar cheese. Top with another slice of bread to form the sandwich.
- Prepare for Grilling: Brush both sides of the assembled panini with olive oil to ensure a crispy, golden crust when grilled.
- Grill Panini: Place the sandwich on a heated skillet or panini press over medium-low heat. Grill each side for 3-4 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted thoroughly.
- Serve: Remove the panini from the skillet, slice it diagonally for presentation, and serve immediately while warm and melty.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the chicken seasoning.
- If you don’t have a panini press, a regular skillet works great; pressing the sandwich gently with a spatula helps achieve good contact and melting.
- Use ripe avocados for a creamy texture; underripe will be tough and less flavorful.
- Sourdough bread is recommended for its sturdy texture and tangy flavor, but other thick sliced bread can be substituted.
- Leftover panini can be reheated in a skillet or oven, but best enjoyed fresh.
