If you are craving a sandwich that bursts with creamy, savory, and fresh flavors, this Chicken and Avocado Panini Recipe is an absolute game-changer. It combines juicy, perfectly cooked chicken with silky mashed avocado, crisp spinach, and sharp cheddar, all hugged by slices of crusty sourdough bread browned to golden perfection. This is not just any panini—it’s a delightful balance of textures and tastes that makes for a satisfying meal any time of day. Once you try this Chicken and Avocado Panini Recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to delights for lunch or a casual dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chicken and Avocado Panini Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering vibrant color, satisfying texture, and incredible flavor. From the creamy avocado to the sharp cheddar, every element contributes to making this panini unforgettable.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 450g): Provides tender, juicy protein that’s the heart of the sandwich.
- Ripe avocados (2): Adds creaminess and a subtle buttery flavor that perfectly complements the chicken.
- Sourdough bread (4 slices): Offers a rustic crunch with a slightly tangy note that holds everything together beautifully.
- Fresh spinach leaves (1 cup): Brings a fresh, vibrant green color and a mild crunch for balance.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts deliciously, adding a tangy and rich layer of flavor.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Used both for cooking the chicken and brushing the bread to achieve that irresistible golden crust.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.
How to Make Chicken and Avocado Panini Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, which helps them cook evenly and makes every bite more flavorful. Season them generously with salt and pepper to draw out their natural flavors and give that savory boost right from the start.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat a skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon of olive oil, then add your chicken pieces. Let them cook until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown exterior and are no longer pink inside, about 7 to 10 minutes. This step builds the savory foundation for your panini, so patience here rewards you with tasty chicken every time.
Step 3: Mash the Avocado
While the chicken is sizzling away, grab your ripe avocados and mash them in a bowl with a pinch of salt. This simple addition enhances the avocado’s creamy texture and natural flavor, making it the perfect spread to elevate every bite of your panini.
Step 4: Assemble the Panini
Lay out one slice of sourdough bread and pile on fresh spinach leaves, followed by the cooked chicken pieces, then the mashed avocado, and finally a hearty sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Cap it with another slice of sourdough to create your sandwich masterpiece.
Step 5: Brush with Olive Oil and Grill
Brush both sides of your assembled panini generously with olive oil—this small step is key to developing that irresistible crispy, golden exterior. Grill it over medium-low heat for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until the bread is beautifully toasted and the cheddar cheese has melted into a gooey, mouthwatering layer.
Step 6: Slice and Serve Immediately
Once grilled, slice the panini diagonally to showcase the colorful layers. Serve it while it’s warm and the cheese is perfectly melty — this is when your Chicken and Avocado Panini Recipe truly shines, sending your taste buds on a joyous ride.
How to Serve Chicken and Avocado Panini Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can elevate your panini presentation and flavor. Consider a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or a light drizzle of balsamic glaze for a tangy contrast. A few chili flakes can also bring a subtle kick that pairs beautifully with the creamy avocado and sharp cheddar.
Side Dishes
This panini pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides like a crisp garden salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette or some crunchy sweet potato fries. If you want something warm, a bowl of tomato basil soup complements the cheesy, savory notes in the sandwich perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Chicken and Avocado Panini Recipe on a wooden board with a side of pickles and colorful roasted vegetables. If you’re hosting, slice the panini into smaller finger sandwich-sized pieces for an inviting appetizer platter everyone can enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container and store in the fridge. Your panini will stay fresh for up to 2 days, though it’s best enjoyed while still warm and crisp.
Freezing
This panini is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to freeze it, wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Store in the freezer for up to one month. Keep in mind that the texture of avocado may change slightly post-freeze.
Reheating
To bring your panini back to life, reheat it in a preheated skillet over medium heat until warmed through and the bread regains its crunch. Avoid using a microwave if you want to keep that wonderful crispness intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this Chicken and Avocado Panini Recipe?
Absolutely! While sourdough adds great flavor and texture, you can swap in ciabatta, focaccia, or even multigrain bread. Just make sure the bread slices are sturdy enough to hold all the fillings when grilled.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace chicken with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or portobello mushrooms. The creamy avocado and sharp cheddar still make for a delicious and satisfying sandwich.
How ripe should the avocados be?
You want your avocados to be perfectly ripe—soft enough to mash easily but not overripe or brown. They should give slightly when pressed gently but still feel firm overall.
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Definitely. You can cook and store the chicken in the fridge for up to 2 days before assembling your panini, which makes this recipe quick and convenient for busy days.
What type of cheddar cheese works best?
A sharp cheddar adds the perfect tang and melts beautifully, but feel free to experiment with white cheddar, smoked cheddar, or even a mild Monterey Jack if you prefer something less intense.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Avocado Panini Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug wrapped in bread. It’s simple, nourishing, and packed with layers of flavor that are sure to satisfy any craving. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with friends, this recipe never disappoints. So go on, give it a try—you’ll soon wonder how you ever lived without it in your meal rotation.
Print
Chicken and Avocado Panini Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and satisfying Chicken and Avocado Panini recipe combining juicy seasoned chicken, creamy mashed avocado, fresh spinach, and melted sharp cheddar cheese grilled between crispy sourdough bread slices. Ready in just 25 minutes, this panini makes the perfect quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 450g), diced into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
Panini
- 2 ripe avocados, mashed with a pinch of salt
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season well with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
- Mash Avocado: While the chicken is cooking, mash the ripe avocados in a bowl and add a pinch of salt for seasoning. Mix well until creamy.
- Assemble Panini: Lay one slice of sourdough bread on a clean surface. Layer fresh spinach leaves, the cooked chicken, mashed avocado, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top. Cover with another slice of bread.
- Prepare for Grilling: Brush both sides of the assembled panini with olive oil to ensure a crispy golden outside when grilled.
- Grill Panini: Place the panini on a skillet or pan over medium-low heat. Grill for 3-4 minutes on each side until the bread is golden brown and the cheddar cheese melts completely.
- Serve: Remove the panini from heat, slice diagonally, and serve immediately while warm and melty.
Notes
- You can substitute sourdough bread with ciabatta or focaccia for variation.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of lemon juice to the mashed avocado.
- Use a panini press if available for more even grilling and perfect grill marks.
- Ensure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
