Chicken Bacon Avocado Cheddar Sandwiches

Just like many other culinary creations, this meal was made out of necessity. One evening my husband wasn't home and we were having what I call a FFYS (fend for yourself) night. In an attempt to avoid eating out, I went to the fridge to see what could be made quickly. Thankfully there was already some chicken thawed out and a few slices of bacon left. We have chicken, bacon, ranch sandwiches or quesadillas occasionally so my mind started heading in that direction. Then I spotted the avocado on the counter that was reaching it's overripe point so I decided to use that too. I added some sharp cheddar slices because...well...cheese and voilà, a meal is born. 

The best part is the whole thing comes together in less than 20 minutes AND it only uses one, I repeat ONE, pan. I'm sure the individual parts could be made ahead and reheated later, or it can be made into a wrap or pita pocket. Skip the carbs altogether and use lettuce for a wrap. It's super easy and super delicious. The bacon and chicken are filling, and again: how can you go wrong with cheese? The avocado mash adds the perfect balance of freshness. This is a great summer night meal, but honestly we'll be eating these all year round.

The first step is to start cooking the bacon in a large skillet. 

Cut chicken breast in half lengthwise into even slices. Don't worry if it's not perfect. No matter how hard i try I can never get them even. Cover chicken with plastic wrap and use a meat pounder or mallet to pound the slices thin.

The link for the meat pounder I use can be found here. It's awesome.


My favorite basic seasoning for chicken is kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle both sides of chicken with a generous amount.

Next remove meat from one avocado and mash with a fork. Squeeze in a tiny amount of lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.

Remove bacon when done cooking and drain excess grease on a paper towel. Cook bacon to your liking. I always leave my pieces in to cook longer because I love crunchy bacon!

Turn heat to medium and cook chicken in the remaining bacon grease. Let the bottom side get nice and brown, where the piece is almost cooked through. Don't move it around much or flip it a bunch of times. Flip pieces over to other side until golden brown. Since the chicken is so thin it shouldn't take very long for it to be completely cooked through.

Toast the bread slices while the chicken is cooking and get all ingredients ready to be assembled. 

Let chicken rest for a few minutes while putting the rest of the sandwich together.

The chicken may need to be sliced into smaller pieces to fit on the bread, but that's entirely up to personal preference. All that matters is that you get everything between the 2 slices of bread!

{This amount makes 2 sandwiches} 

INGREDIENTS
4 slices of sandwich bread
1 boneless skinless chicken breast
4 slices of bacon 
4 slices of cheese
1 avocado 
lemon juice
S&P
garlic powder
onion powder
smoked paprika

INSTRUCTIONS

1) Cut bacon slices in half to make 8 pieces that will fit on the bread.

2) Start cooking bacon in a large skillet while getting the rest of the ingredients together.

3) Cut chicken breast in half and pound each piece thin.

4) Season each side of the chicken pieces liberally with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.

5) Remove avocado meat and mash with a fork. Squeeze a little lemon juice to prevent oxidation and season with salt and pepper to taste.

6) When bacon is cooked to preferred doneness, remove and drain on a plate with paper towels.

7) On medium heat cook the chicken in the remaining bacon grease. Cook until first side is nicely golden brown and the piece is mostly cooked through. Flip and when the other side reaches golden brown it should be completely done.

8) While chicken is cooking start toasting the bread slices.

9) When the chicken is done drain it on a paper towel lined plate. Allow it to rest for about 5 minutes while the rest of the sandwich is assembled.

10) Assemble sandwiches. It doesn't really matter how it gets done as long as everything makes it on there, but here is how I do it:
On one slice of bread layer cheese, bacon and chicken. (Chicken pieces may need to be cut in half to fit the slice better) On the other slice goes the second piece of cheese and avocado. 

Put it all together and enjoy! Serve with a side salad, chips, fruit, etc. or just have it by itself!