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I've made so many trips to Panera chasing their beloved chipotle chicken sandwich that I finally nailed my own version at home. My take combines smoky chicken, buttery avocado and a kick of chipotle sauce all squeezed between crispy sourdough slices. What's great? This dairy-free creation means everyone can dig in, and between us, it actually tastes better than what you'd get at the restaurant.
Homemade Goodness Without Fuss
Whenever I make this sandwich, guests are shocked it didn't come from a restaurant. The smoky chicken works wonderfully with the sweet and tangy peppadew peppers, while the avocado adds that smooth, velvety feel we crave. My scratch-made chipotle mayo pulls it all together, and being dairy-free means everyone gets to enjoy these incredible flavors.
What You'll Need
Go for quality sourdough - those chunky slices really matter. I typically use a cup of smoked chicken breast, though a grocery store rotisserie chicken works in a pinch. If you want cheese, Chao dairy-free slices are my go-to, but you won't miss it if you leave it out. Don't forget peppadew peppers for that sweet-spicy kick. Grab a nicely ripened avocado for creaminess. The chipotle sauce comes together fast, and a bit of olive oil helps get that beautiful golden outside.
Putting It All Together
Start by throwing together that tasty chipotle sauce - blend mayo with adobo sauce, crushed garlic and a squeeze of lemon. Get everything ready, then stack your sandwich. Slather that spicy sauce on your bread, pile on chicken, cheese if you want it, avocado slices and flattened peppers. Brush the bread outside with olive oil for that perfect crunch in the pan. Cook about two or three minutes each side until it's all melty and golden.
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Insider Tricks
Keep an eye on your pan temperature - you want golden brown bread, not charred. I always cut my avocado right before adding it so it stays nice and green. I like to flatten those peppadew peppers before adding them so you'll taste them in every mouthful.
Easy Substitutions
When I'm rushed, I sometimes grab ready-made chipotle sauce from the store. Can't find smoked chicken? No problem - rotisserie chicken or even good deli meat works great too. And don't stress about the cheese - there's so much flavor packed in this sandwich that it's just as amazing without it.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What can I use instead of Peppadew peppers?
Roasted red peppers or cherry peppers make a great swap if you can’t find Peppadew peppers. They add that perfect tang and hint of sweetness!
- → How do I keep avocado from turning brown?
Cut the avocado right before putting together the sandwich. The lemon in the chipotle sauce will also help slow down browning.
- → Can I prep the chipotle sauce earlier?
Of course! Store it in the fridge inside a sealed container, and it'll stay good for about a week.
- → What exactly is Chao creamy original?
It’s a plant-based cheese alternative. Swap it with normal cheese if dairy-free isn’t necessary for you.
- → Can I use regular chicken instead of smoked chicken?
Yep! Grilled or roasted chicken works fine. It just won’t have that smoky touch.
Conclusion
Recreate Panera’s sandwich using smoky chicken, ripe avocado, and sweet peppers, topped with a tangy chipotle sauce. Grill it all together on sourdough!