Chipotle Chicken Avo Melt with Jalapeno Ranch

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

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Are you ready to embark on an up-levelled toastie? Look no further than the delightful Chipotle Chicken & Avocado Melt with Jalapeno Ranch recipe.

This mouthwatering toastie brings together tender chipotle-infused chicken, creamy avocado slices, melted cheddar cheese, and zesty red onions, all nestled between slices of your favourite bread. Topped with a homemade jalapeno ranch sauce, this melt will elevate your taste buds to new heights.

Hand holding toasted sandwich dipping into sauce.

Why this recipe is amazing

Flavour & texture:

Bold and slightly spicy chipotle flavour with a smoky kick.
Creamy and tangy jalapeno ranch adds a zesty twist.
Crispy and cheesy exterior with gooey, melted cheese inside.

Difficulty & Time:

Easy-to-follow recipe instructions for a stress-free cooking experience.
Requires basic cooking skills, suitable for both beginners and experienced home cooks.
Takes approximately 20-25 minutes to prepare from start to finish.

Versatility:

Adaptable to dietary preferences by using different bread types (sourdough bread sandwich anyone? I also like whole wheat, etc.).
Customise the spice level by adjusting the amount of chipotle or jalapeno used.
Add extra ingredients like sliced tomatoes, crispy bacon, or fresh greens to personalise the melt to your liking.

What ingredients are needed

Spread of ingredients used to make chipotle chicken and jalapeno ranch sauce

Chipotle Chicken: The star of this recipe is the thinly sliced, boneless chicken breast marinated in chipotle pepper. The chipotle in adobo sauce provides a smoky and spicy kick, infusing the chicken with so much flavour. Combined with the other spices for a harmonious blend of smokiness and heat, adding depth and complexity to the dish.
Avocado: The creamy and luscious slices are a perfect companion to the spicy chipotle chicken. Avocado brings a buttery texture and a mild, nutty flavour to the melt. It complements the heat and adds a refreshing element to balance the overall taste.
Cheddar Cheese: Melted cheddar cheese acts as the glue that holds this delicious concoction together. Its rich and savoury flavour enhances the overall taste, while its melt-ability creates a gooey texture. Try other cheese too. Want extra cheese pull? Add some mozzarella!
Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onions contribute a satisfying crunch and a burst of freshness to the melt. Their mild, sweet flavour complements the spiciness of the chipotle chicken and adds a vibrant pop of colour to the sandwich.
Jalapeno Ranch: The homemade jalapeno ranch sauce is the pièce de résistance of this recipe. A combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, jalapeno slices, fresh coriander/cilantro, lime juice, garlic powder, and dill. It brings a zesty and creamy element to the melt. The jalapeno adds a little heat, while the lime juice and coriander/cilantro contribute a refreshing citrus flavour. This sauce ties all the flavours together, elevating the melt + adding woah!

Chicken melt on griddle with gooey melted cheese bubbling

Setting you up for success – General Tips & Tricks for the ultimate melt/toasted sandwich.

Here are some valuable tips and tricks to help you create the best melt or toasted sandwich:

Choose the Right Bread: Opt for bread that can hold up to the filling and toasting process. Sourdough, ciabatta, or whole wheat bread are excellent choices as they have a sturdy texture and a good crust that crisps up nicely.
Preheat the Sandwich Press or Pan: Ensure your sandwich press or pan is preheated before adding the sandwich. This allows for even toasting and helps create a crisp exterior.
Layer Ingredients Thoughtfully: Layer the ingredients strategically to ensure an even distribution of flavours and textures. Place the cheese next to the bread to create a barrier that prevents moisture from saturating the bread. Place ingredients like avocado or tomato in the middle to avoid them coming into direct contact with the bread, which can lead to sogginess.
Control Moisture: To prevent a soggy sandwich, pat dry any ingredients that have excess moisture. Before assembling the sandwich, You can lightly toast the bread to create a protective barrier against moisture.
Don’t Overstuff: Avoid overfilling the sandwich, as it can make it challenging to close properly and may result in the filling spilling out during toasting. Aim for a balanced filling-to-bread ratio to ensure the sandwich cooks evenly.
Toasting Time: Keep a close eye on the sandwich while toasting to achieve the desired level of crispiness without burning. If using a sandwich press, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for recommended toasting time. When using a pan, flip the sandwich carefully and toast each side until golden brown.
Rest Before Cutting: Allow the sandwich to rest for a minute or two after toasting to let the cheese set and the flavours meld together. This will make it easier to slice without the fillings spilling out.
Experiment with Ingredients: Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different combinations of ingredients. Try different cheeses, spreads, vegetables, or proteins to create unique and delicious flavour profiles.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the melted or toasted sandwich immediately while it’s still warm and gooey. Pair it with your favourite side dish or soup for a complete and satisfying meal.

Open face sandwich layered with chicken, cheese, avocado and drizzled with green jalapeno sauce

Frequently Asked Questions

When I made this dish on our live cooking show, some community members asked:

How do I prevent my sandwich from becoming soggy?

Spread condiments on the inside of the sandwich, rather than on the bread’s outer surface, to create a moisture barrier.
Pat dry any ingredients with excess moisture before adding them to the sandwich.

My cheese isn’t melting properly. What can I do?

Make sure the heat is not too high, as this can cause the bread to burn before the cheese melts. Lower the heat and give it a little more time.
Also grating the cheese before adding it to the sandwich, as it will melt more evenly and quickly.

How can I prevent my sandwich from sticking to the pan or press?

Brushing the cooking surface of the pan or press with a thin layer of butter or oil can help prevent sticking.
Non-stick pans or using a non-stick spray can also aid in preventing sticking.
If using a sandwich press, ensure that the surfaces are clean and not overly greasy before adding the sandwich.

My sandwich is too thick to close or cut easily. What should I do?

Avoid overstuffing the sandwich. Aim for a balanced filling-to-bread ratio.
Flatten the ingredients slightly or cut them into thinner slices to reduce the bulkiness.
If the sandwich is still difficult to close, you can secure it with toothpicks before toasting and remove them carefully afterwards.

My sandwich is browning too quickly. How can I prevent it from burning?

Adjust the heat to medium or medium-low to allow for a slower, more even browning.
Keep a close eye on the sandwich while toasting and flip it carefully to ensure both sides are toasted evenly.

Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?

While melts and toasted sandwiches are best enjoyed immediately, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and assemble them right before toasting. This way, you can save time without compromising on taste and texture.

Can I make these sandwiches without a sandwich press?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a sandwich press, you can use a griddle, panini press, or even a regular frying pan. Simply cook the sandwich on both sides until the cheese melts and the bread turns golden and crispy.

Bowl of sliced chipotle chicken sitting on chopping board with avocado and red onion.

Did you make this recipe?

Let us know how it turned out for you! Comment below, tag @missmolly_makes on Instagram using #missmollymakes or visit us LIVE at twitch.tv/missmollymakes.com