Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt: Price, Cal & Recipe

Q: What bread is used for the Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt?

The sandwich is typically served on black pepper focaccia bread, which adds a light peppery flavor and a slightly crisp texture when toasted.

Q: How many calories are in the Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt?

The sandwich contains 930 calories. However, you can lower the calorie count by customizing your ingredients (e.g., less chipotle mayo, skipping the avocado, or switching to a lighter bread).

Item: Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt

Price: $11.99 (may vary by location)

Calories: 930

Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt — Price, Calories & How to Make It at Home

If you’re craving a sandwich that’s smoky, creamy, and packed with bold flavor, Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt is a must-try. With tender chicken, fresh avocado, melted gouda, and that signature chipotle kick, it’s easily one of Panera most popular warm sandwiches. In this guide, you’ll find everything about its price, calories, ingredients, and even how to recreate the same flavor at home.

Prices & Calories

The Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt sits in the premium range of Panera warm sandwiches, and its cost can shift slightly depending on the location. It’s also one of the higher-calorie options, mainly because of its rich ingredients

Price: $11.99 (may vary by location)

Calories: 930

What’s Inside the Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt

Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt is built around a mix of smoky, creamy, and slightly spicy flavors. Each ingredient plays a specific role in giving the sandwich its bold taste and rich texture.

Together, these ingredients create the sandwich’s signature balance of heat, creaminess, and bold flavor.

Main ingredients include:

Black Pepper Focaccia

Smoked Pulled Chicken

White Cheddar

Avocado

Zesty Sweet Peppers

Cilantro

Chipotle Aioli

Best Copycat Recipe for the Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt at Home

If you want the same smoky, creamy flavor at home, this simple copycat recipe gets very close to the Panera Bread version. The key is using pulled chicken, good quality gouda, and a flavorful chipotle mayo.

How to Make the Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt

1. Toast the bread

Lightly butter the focaccia and toast it until it’s warm with a soft, crisp exterior. This step is crucial because Panera version is pressed and lightly toasted, giving the sandwich its signature warm, slightly crunchy bite. Toasting also helps the bread stay firm once the fillings are added.

2. Spread the Chipotle Mayo

Apply a generous layer of chipotle mayo on both slices of bread. This sauce is the main flavor driver of the sandwich, bringing the smoky heat and creamy texture Panera is known for. Spreading it on both sides ensures the flavor is balanced in every bite.

3. Add the Chicken

Use warm pulled chicken and spread it evenly across the bread. Warming the chicken before building the sandwich helps it heat through faster and prevents cold spots. Even distribution also makes the melt easier to press and keeps the texture consistent.

4. Layer the Gouda

Place gouda cheese directly on top of the chicken. When warmed, gouda melts smoothly and adds the rich, buttery element that Panera melt is famous for. Let it soften slightly by starting the heating process before adding the remaining ingredients.

5. Add Peppers, Cilantro, and Avocado

Top the melted gouda with peppadew peppers, cilantro, and fresh avocado. This trio is what gives the sandwich its flavor depth: peppers add a sweet-spicy kick, cilantro adds freshness, and avocado adds creaminess. Keeping these ingredients in the center prevents them from sliding out during pressing.

6. Press and Heat

Place the sandwich in a panini press or warm skillet and press gently. Heating it this way crisps the bread, melts the cheese completely, and blends all the flavors together, just like Panera’s final melt. Press until the outside is golden and the inside is fully warmed through.

Nutrition Profile

Here’s the full nutrition breakdown for the Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt. This helps you understand exactly what you’re getting in terms of calories, macros, and overall meal balance.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 930
Calories from Fat: 440
Total Fat: 49 g
Saturated Fat: 14 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Cholesterol: 135 mg
Sodium: 2490 mg
Carbohydrates: 75 g
Dietary Fiber: 7 g
Total Sugars: 4 g
Protein: 48 g
Caffeine: 0 mg

Customization Tips

If you want to tweak this sandwich to match your taste or dietary needs, Panera offers several simple customization options:

Swap the Bread

You can switch the black pepper focaccia for artisan ciabatta or classic white miche if you prefer a softer texture.

Add Extra Chicken or Avocado

Boosts protein or creaminess without changing the overall flavor profile too much.

Light or Extra Chipotle Sauce

Ideal if you want to dial the heat down or make the smoky flavor more intense.

Remove the Peppers or Cilantro

A good option if you prefer a milder, less tangy bite.

Add a Side Salad or Fruit Cup

Helps create a more balanced meal if you’re watching calories or sodium.

FAQs

Yes, the sandwich has a moderate level of heat thanks to the chipotle mayo. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can request less sauce or even omit it entirely.

Absolutely! You can swap the bread, add extra chicken or avocado, adjust the chipotle sauce, or remove ingredients like the peppers or cilantro. These tweaks let you personalize the sandwich to your liking.

The sandwich is typically served on black pepper focaccia bread, which adds a light peppery flavor and a slightly crisp texture when toasted.

The sandwich contains 930 calories. However, you can lower the calorie count by customizing your ingredients (e.g., less chipotle mayo, skipping the avocado, or switching to a lighter bread).

Yes, the Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt is a popular and permanent menu item at Panera, available in-store and through delivery.