Indulge in the wholesome and flavorful "Heart-Healthy Chicken Melt," a lighter take on a classic comfort dish that doesn’t compromise on taste. This recipe pairs tender, marinated grilled chicken with creamy avocado, juicy sliced tomatoes, and melty low-sodium mozzarella, all layered atop toasted whole grain bread for a fiber-packed base. Enhanced with the zesty brightness of fresh basil and the natural seasoning of garlic, paprika, and lemon juice, this melt is perfect for anyone looking for a nutritious yet satisfying meal. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a guilt-free culinary delight that’s ideal for lunch or a quick weeknight dinner. Plus, your heart will thank you for the lean protein, healthy fats, and whole grains in every bite!
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure they are well-coated. Allow the chicken to marinate while the grill heats, about 10 minutes.
Grill the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
While the chicken is resting, toast the whole grain bread slices until lightly golden brown.
Slice the grilled chicken breasts quickly into thin strips.
To assemble the melts, place a slice of low-sodium mozzarella cheese on each piece of toasted bread. Add sliced chicken on top, followed by slices of tomato and avocado.
Return the assembled melts to the grill or a preheated oven set to broil, and heat just until the cheese is melted.
Remove from heat and top each melt with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Serve the heart-healthy chicken melts warm and enjoy!
Calories |
1779 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 92.4 g | 118% | |
| Saturated Fat | 26.2 g | 131% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 356 mg | 119% | |
| Sodium | 1378 mg | 60% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 80.3 g | 29% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 22.2 g | 79% | |
| Total Sugars | 14.7 g | ||
| Protein | 157.6 g | 315% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.7 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 1018 mg | 78% | |
| Iron | 9.4 mg | 52% | |
| Potassium | 2398 mg | 51% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.