The Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt is a popular menu item at Panera Bread, a fast-casual restaurant chain known for its healthy and flavorful food options. This sandwich has gained a loyal following, and for good reason – it’s a perfect combination of spicy, smoky, and creamy flavors, all wrapped up in a crispy baguette. But have you ever wondered what exactly goes into making this delicious sandwich? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the ingredients and nutritional information of the Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt at Panera.
Breaking Down the Ingredients
The Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt is made with a variety of ingredients, each carefully selected to provide a unique flavor and texture profile. Here are some of the main ingredients you’ll find in this sandwich:
- Chipotle Chicken Breast: The star of the show is the chipotle chicken breast, which is made with all-natural chicken breast meat that’s been marinated in a blend of chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, and spices. The chipotle peppers add a smoky heat to the chicken, while the adobo sauce provides a rich, slightly sweet flavor.
- Avocado: Fresh avocado slices are added on top of the chicken, providing a creamy texture and a boost of healthy fats. Avocados are also a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Pepper Jack Cheese: A slice of pepper Jack cheese is melted on top of the chicken and avocado, adding a spicy kick and a creamy texture. Pepper Jack cheese is a type of cheese that’s flavored with jalapeño peppers, which gives it a distinctive spicy flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes is added on top of the cheese, providing an extra kick of heat. Red pepper flakes are made from dried and crushed red peppers, and they have a spicy, slightly sweet flavor.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro leaves are added on top of the sandwich, providing a fresh, herbal flavor. Cilantro is a popular herb that’s commonly used in Mexican and Asian cuisine.
- Baguette: The sandwich is served on a crispy baguette, which provides a crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor. Panera’s baguettes are made with all-natural ingredients and are baked fresh in-house every day.
Nutritional Information
The Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt is a relatively healthy option, especially compared to other fast food sandwiches. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for this sandwich:
- Calories: 740
- Protein: 37g
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 1040mg
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 5g
As you can see, the Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt is a relatively balanced sandwich, with a good mix of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. However, it is high in sodium, so it may not be the best option for those on a low-sodium diet.
Customization Options
One of the best things about Panera is the ability to customize your meal to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Here are some ways you can customize the Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt:
- Hold the Cheese: If you’re lactose intolerant or prefer a dairy-free option, you can ask for the cheese to be held. This will reduce the calorie and fat content of the sandwich.
- Add Some Heat: If you like a little extra heat in your sandwich, you can ask for extra red pepper flakes or a side of hot sauce.
- Swap the Bread: If you prefer a different type of bread, you can ask for the sandwich to be served on whole grain bread or a baguette with seeds.
- Add Some Veggies: You can also add some extra veggies to your sandwich, such as lettuce, tomato, or cucumber.
Allergen Information
Panera takes food allergies and sensitivities seriously, and they provide detailed allergen information for all of their menu items. Here are some allergens to be aware of in the Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt:
- Dairy: The pepper Jack cheese contains dairy, so this sandwich is not suitable for those with dairy allergies or intolerances.
- Eggs: The chipotle chicken breast may contain eggs, so this sandwich is not suitable for those with egg allergies.
- Soy: The chipotle chicken breast may contain soy, so this sandwich is not suitable for those with soy allergies.
- Gluten: The baguette contains gluten, so this sandwich is not suitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
Conclusion
The Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt is a delicious and satisfying sandwich that’s perfect for those looking for a healthy and flavorful meal option. With its combination of spicy chipotle chicken, creamy avocado, and melted pepper Jack cheese, this sandwich is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or just looking for a new twist on the classic chicken sandwich, the Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt is definitely worth trying.
| Ingredient | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbohydrates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chipotle Chicken Breast | 260 | 35g | 10g | 0g |
| Avocado | 140 | 3g | 12g | 6g |
| Pepper Jack Cheese | 100 | 6g | 8g | 0g |
| Red Pepper Flakes | 0 | 0g | 0g | 0g |
| Cilantro | 0 | 0g | 0g | 0g |
| Baguette | 200 | 4g | 2g | 40g |
Note: The nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used by Panera.
What is the Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt at Panera?
The Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt is a popular menu item at Panera, consisting of a crispy chicken breast, melted cheese, sliced avocado, and chipotle sauce, all served on a toasted baguette. This sandwich combines the flavors of spicy chipotle peppers, creamy avocado, and melted cheese, making it a favorite among Panera customers.
The combination of flavors and textures in the Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt creates a unique and delicious taste experience. The crispy chicken breast provides a satisfying crunch, while the melted cheese and avocado add creaminess. The chipotle sauce adds a spicy kick, balancing out the richness of the other ingredients.
What type of chicken is used in the Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt?
The Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt features a crispy chicken breast, which is made from 100% clean chicken, meaning it is free from artificial preservatives, flavors, and sweeteners. Panera is committed to serving high-quality chicken that is raised without antibiotics and added hormones.
The chicken breast is cooked to perfection and then topped with the other ingredients, creating a flavorful and satisfying sandwich. The use of clean chicken ensures that customers can enjoy their meal without worrying about added preservatives or artificial ingredients.
What is the chipotle sauce made of?
The chipotle sauce in the Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt is made from a blend of chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, and other spices. The chipotle peppers add a smoky heat, while the adobo sauce provides a slightly sweet and tangy flavor.
The chipotle sauce is a key component of the sandwich, adding a spicy kick and a depth of flavor. Panera’s chipotle sauce is made with high-quality ingredients and is free from artificial preservatives and flavors, ensuring that customers can enjoy the authentic taste of chipotle peppers.
Can I customize the Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt?
Yes, customers can customize the Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt to suit their tastes. Panera offers a variety of options, including the ability to swap out the baguette for a different bread or to add or remove ingredients.
Customers can also ask for modifications, such as holding the cheese or adding extra chipotle sauce. Panera’s menu is designed to be flexible, allowing customers to create a meal that meets their dietary needs and preferences.
Is the Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt a healthy option?
The Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt can be a relatively healthy option, depending on the customer’s choices. The sandwich features lean protein from the chicken breast, healthy fats from the avocado, and whole grain bread.
However, the sandwich also contains cheese and chipotle sauce, which add calories and fat. Customers can make healthier choices by opting for a lighter bread or holding the cheese. Panera also offers a variety of sides, including salads and soups, which can help balance out the meal.
Can I order the Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt online?
Yes, customers can order the Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt online through Panera’s website or mobile app. Panera offers a variety of ordering options, including the ability to pick up orders at the restaurant or have them delivered.
Customers can also use Panera’s online ordering system to customize their meal and make special requests. The online ordering system is convenient and easy to use, allowing customers to enjoy their favorite Panera menu items from the comfort of their own homes.
Is the Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt available at all Panera locations?
The Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt is a popular menu item at Panera, and it is available at most locations. However, menu items can vary by location, so it’s always a good idea to check with your local Panera to confirm availability.
Customers can use Panera’s website or mobile app to find their nearest location and view the menu. If the Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt is not available at a particular location, customers can try a different menu item or visit a different Panera restaurant.