If you are craving a sandwich that bursts with fresh, creamy, and savory flavors, this Chicken and Avocado Panini Recipe is bound to become your new favorite. Imagine tender, juicy chicken combined with smooth mashed avocado, crisp spinach, and sharp melted cheddar cheese all hugged by perfectly toasted sourdough bread. This recipe captures a harmony of textures and tastes that feels both indulgent and wholesome, delivering a satisfying meal in just about 25 minutes. Whether for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner, this panini recipe is a total winner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken and Avocado Panini Recipe lies in its simplicity, using fresh and familiar ingredients that each play a vital role in building incredible flavor and texture. Every item on the list brings something special to the table, from the creamy avocado that balances the savory chicken, to the crunchy sourdough bread that provides the perfect crisp bite.
- Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender, juicy protein that cooks quickly and soaks up seasoning beautifully.
- Ripe avocados: Make sure they’re soft but not mushy—perfect for mashing into creamy goodness.
- Sourdough bread: Its slightly tangy flavor and firm texture help the panini crisp up wonderfully on the grill.
- Fresh spinach leaves: Adds a vibrant burst of green color and a light, fresh flavor.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly to bind all the layers with a tangy, rich creaminess.
- Olive oil: Brushing the bread with olive oil ensures a golden, crunchy exterior and a boost of savory depth.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate each ingredient’s natural flavors without overpowering them.
How to Make Chicken and Avocado Panini Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
Start by dicing your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, seasoning generously with salt and pepper to ensure each bite is flavorful. This initial seasoning is essential, as it forms the savory base for the entire panini.
Step 2: Cooking the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon of olive oil and add the diced chicken. Let it cook until golden brown and cooked through, which usually takes around 7 to 10 minutes. This step locks in the juiciness and gives the chicken a delicious caramelized crust.
Step 3: Preparing the Avocado
While the chicken cooks, scoop the flesh from the ripe avocados into a bowl and mash it with a pinch of salt. This simple preparation transforms the avocado into a creamy spread that adds luscious texture and freshness to the panini.
Step 4: Assembling the Panini
Time to build your masterpiece! On one slice of sourdough bread, layer a handful of fresh spinach leaves first for a slight crunch and earthy notes. Next, add the warm cooked chicken pieces, followed by a generous spread of the mashed avocado. Top it all with a cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese for that irresistible melt and tang.
Step 5: Grilling the Panini
Place the second slice of bread on top and brush both sides of the assembled sandwich with olive oil. This is the secret to achieving golden, crispy crusts and that beautiful grill pattern. Grill your panini over medium-low heat for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, allowing the cheese to melt thoroughly and the bread to toast perfectly.
Step 6: Serving
Once grilled to perfection, slice the panini diagonally to show off the delicious layers inside. Serve immediately while warm and melty to enjoy every flavor nuance at its best.
How to Serve Chicken and Avocado Panini Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your panini experience by adding a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a few red chili flakes for some heat. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the avocado layer before assembling can brighten the flavors even more, making every bite pop.
Side Dishes
This panini pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing sides. Think a crisp mixed green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette, or a bowl of homemade tomato soup for comforting contrast. Crispy sweet potato fries or a simple cucumber and herb salad also complement the sandwich beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Cut the panini into smaller squares as finger food for party platters. You can also swap spinach with arugula for a peppery twist, or add sun-dried tomatoes inside for an extra layer of savory complexity. The possibilities with the Chicken and Avocado Panini Recipe are endless and deliciously fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator. For best taste and texture, consume within 1 to 2 days. Keep in mind the bread might lose some crispness but the flavors will still be superb.
Freezing
You can freeze assembled but ungrilled paninis by wrapping them in foil and placing them in freezer bags. Freeze for up to one month. To grill, just thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking to maintain the perfect balance of melty cheese and crispy bread.
Reheating
Reheat your panini in a skillet over low-medium heat or in a sandwich press to restore crispness and warm the filling evenly. Microwaving is possible but can make the bread soggy, so it’s best to avoid if you want that fresh-from-the-grill texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for the Chicken and Avocado Panini Recipe?
Absolutely! While sourdough is ideal for its flavor and sturdiness, you can substitute with ciabatta, focaccia, or even a hearty multigrain bread. Just ensure the bread slices are thick enough to hold the fillings and toast well.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version of this Chicken and Avocado Panini Recipe, simply swap the chicken for grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or portobello mushrooms. You’ll still get plenty of flavor and a satisfying texture.
How ripe should the avocados be for this recipe?
The avocados should be ripe enough to mash easily with a fork but not so soft that they become watery or brown. Gently press the skin; it should yield slightly without feeling mushy.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
Definitely! You can cook and season the chicken a day ahead and refrigerate it. Mash the avocado just before assembling to prevent browning, or prepare the other ingredients like spinach and cheese in advance for a quicker assembly.
What if I don’t have a panini press?
No problem at all! You can use a regular skillet or griddle and press the sandwich down slightly with a spatula or a heavy pan. Just watch closely to flip carefully and get an even, golden crust on both sides.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Avocado Panini Recipe is a delightful blend of creamy, savory, and crunchy elements that come together effortlessly to create a meal you will want to make again and again. It’s quick, nourishing, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for sharing with loved ones or simply treating yourself to a flavorful, homemade lunch or dinner. Give it a try soon and enjoy every warm, melty bite!
Print
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 is a flavorful and satisfying sandwich combining tender, seasoned chicken breast, creamy mashed avocado, fresh spinach, and sharp cheddar cheese all pressed between crispy sourdough bread. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner, it offers a delicious balance of protein, healthy fats, and greens with a delightful grilled crunch.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 450g)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
Sandwich Components
- 2 ripe avocados
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Dice and Season Chicken: Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them well with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the diced chicken and cook for 7-10 minutes until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through.
- Mash Avocado: While the chicken cooks, peel and pit the avocados. Mash them in a bowl with a pinch of salt until creamy and smooth.
- Assemble Panini: Lay out a slice of sourdough bread and layer fresh spinach leaves, the cooked chicken pieces, mashed avocado, and shredded cheddar cheese. Top with another slice of bread to form the sandwich.
- Brush and Grill: Brush both sides of the assembled panini with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Place the sandwich on the skillet over medium-low heat and grill each side for 3-4 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
- Serve: Remove the panini from the skillet, slice it diagonally, and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- Using ripe avocados ensures smooth and creamy texture for the sandwich.
- You can substitute sourdough bread with any hearty bread like ciabatta or multigrain.
- For extra flavor, add a spread of mustard or mayonnaise before assembling.
- Make sure to grill on medium-low heat to prevent the bread from burning before the cheese melts.
- Leftover paninis can be wrapped and refrigerated, but are best eaten fresh.
