This open sandwich features tender, chopped lean chicken tikka mixed with creamy avocado and crisp, fresh vegetables. It is a crunchy, savory treat, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying meal at any time of day.
Why This Recipe Great:
A Complete Meal in One Slice: This open sandwich gives you everything your body needs on a single slice of toast. You get lean protein from the chicken to build muscle, healthy fats from the avocado to keep you full, complex carbs from the whole-grain bread for steady energy, and essential vitamins and fiber from the onions and capsicum.
The Avocado Balance: Avocados are loaded with heart-healthy nutrients, but they can be heavy on calories. By mixing a smaller amount of creamy avocado with lots of fresh veggies and lean chicken, you get a large, satisfying sandwich filling that stays light and healthy.
Great Crunch: The soft, creamy mashed avocado pairs perfectly with the crispy texture of finely diced onions and capsicum. Every single bite offers a contrast between smooth and crunchy textures.
Easy to Change: You can use your favorite healthy bread, like whole-grain, sourdough, or low-carb keto bread.
You can also try a restaurant-style version, like the Avocado Chicken Tikka Sandwich.
Ginger, Garlic, and Green Chili : Wash and dry the ginger and green chilies. Peel the ginger, skin the garlic cloves, and remove the stems from the chilies before blending.
Ground Spices : I used Everest brand Garam Masala and Chaat Masala powders. The chili and turmeric powders are homemade.
Avocado - Pick a small ripe Hass avocado that has turned a dark color and feels a bit soft if you give it a gentle squeeze.
Oat flour - Place rolled oats in a blender and pulse until they reach a powdery consistency. Make it ahead of time for a quick and easy way. Instead of oat flour, you can also use sorghum, chickpea, or almond flour.
Oil - I used light olive oil to cook the chicken. you can also use avocado, peanut, canola or sunflower oil.
Bread - I usually choose thin-sliced sprouted whole grain bread, but it wasn’t available this time, so I picked whole grain bread instead. Other healthy options include sourdough, whole wheat, oat or sprouted rye bread.
Low fat or fat free thick curd/yogurt : Ensure your yogurt/curd is thick consistency for marinating chicken. If your yogurt/curd is too thin or runny, place it in a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl for at least 1 to 2 hours to drain the excess whey. Note : If your curd/yogurt is already thick (like mine!) or you're using Greek yogurt, you can use it directly without straining.
Wash, Dry, and Fine Chop Veggies: Don’t skip the prep! Wash your veggies—the onion, capsicum, and coriander—and dry them thoroughly with paper towels before you begin to chop.
Note : Ensure the vegetables are completely dry before you begin to chop them. This ensures extra moisture doesn't make the sandwich soggy or water down the flavor. Additionally, chopping them very small is the secret to a perfect sandwich.
Pat dry - Gently pat the 250 gms chicken pieces dry using paper towels to remove surface moisture.
Slice same thickness - Use a sharp knife, cut the chicken thigh into small pieces. Aim for a uniform ¼-inch thickness so every piece cooks at the same time.
Place 1/2 inch ginger, 2 to 3 garlic cloves, and 1 to 2 green chilies in the jar and blend them into a coarse texture. If the pieces are too big, just chop them down a bit first so the standard blender can handle them easily.
Add the following to your prepared chicken pieces
1 tsp lime juice
Prepared ginger, garlic, green chili paste
1/2 tsp salt
Even Distribution - Instead of pouring the ingredients in one spot, sprinkle them evenly over the chicken pieces. Use your hands to massage the paste, lime juice, and salt into each piece until thoroughly coated.
Clear the Space : Use a spoon to move the marinated chicken to one side of the bowl to create space.
Make the Marinade in the empty space : Add the following ingredients and mix well.
30 grams ( 2 tbsp) Fat free or low fat thick curd
4 grams (1/2 tbsp) Oat flour
1/4 tsp turmeric powder, ½ tsp chaat masala powder, ½ tsp garam masala powder, 3/4 tsp chili powder.
Even Distribution - Using your hands, coat each piece of chicken evenly with the marinade. Repeat this process for the remaining pieces until everything is well-coated.
Chill - Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour to allow the salt to penetrate the meat.
Why Use Non-Stick: It allows you to cook the chicken with less oil, prevents the meat from sticking, and makes cleanup much easier.
Option 1: High-Quality Ceramic Non-Stick (Medium Heat): A premium ceramic coating safely works at medium heat. Leave plenty of space between the chicken pieces so moisture can escape, helping you attain a light brown color.
Option 2: Hybrid or Seasoned Carbon Steel (Medium-High Heat): If using these durable pans, you can safely use medium high heat and leave a little space between the pieces while still achieving a light brown color.
Add oil and Spread evenly : Measure 1/2 tbsp of oil and add it to the pan. Use a pastry brush to coat the entire bottom of the nonstick surface. The usage of tbsp of oil depends upon the size of your pan.
Preheat pan : Heat over a medium flame for about 4 to 5 minutes.
Note: I used a ceramic non-stick pan at medium heat for this recipe.
Listen for the Sizzle: Heat the pan over medium heat until it is hot, but not very hot. When you add the chicken, you should hear a sizzling sound; this confirms the pan is ready.
Space them Out: Arrange the patties with plenty of space between them to ensure even cooking and light browning.
The 3 Minute cook : Cook for about 3 minutes without moving them. This allows a light golden crust to form.
Check and Flip: Use two spoons to quickly peek at the underside by lifting the edge of the chicken piece. Once a light golden color is achieved, flip them over.
Note : Less oil in the pan can cause the chicken pieces to burn easily ,so don’t cook for too long on one side over a medium flame. Cook them until to attain light golden color.
Flip and reduce heat: Once the first side is golden, flip the chicken pieces and reduce the heat to low.
Cover and Cook : Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 3–4 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken pieces at 165-180F .
Remove Excess Moisture : If you see moisture on the surface of the chicken after removing the lid, cook for one more minute until the moisture evaporates.
Total Time : The total cooking time for one batch is typically 6–7 minutes.
Timing Variations: Cooking time will vary based on your type of cookware, the thickness of the chicken piece and the amount of heat used.
Note : If your lid doesn't have a vent hole, leave it slightly ajar (partially covered) to let steam escape slightly.
Drain and pat dry- Place the cooked pieces on a plate lined with paper towels. Use an additional paper towel to gently pat all sides of the pieces to absorb the surface oil.
Transfer and cool down- Quickly move them to a fresh plate. Let the tikkas sit for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows them to cool down before you start chopping.
Make Small pieces - Place the cooled chicken on a cutting board. Cut the chicken into small pieces so they are ready for the stuffing.
Split, Pit & Scoop : Use a sharp knife to cut the small ripe avocado in half lengthwise. Twist to separate, remove the seed, and spoon the flesh into a large mixing bowl.
Mash : Use a fork to press the avocado into small, pieces.
Season : Add 1 tsp of lime juice and a little salt.
Combine : Add the chopped chicken tikka, onion (60g), capsicum (60g) and coriander (2 tbsp) to the bowl with the mashed avocado.
Note on Texture: Ensure the chicken has cooled completely to room temperature before combining. Mixing it while even slightly warm will create steam and melt the healthy fats in the avocado, turning your stuffing into a watery mess.
Mix : Fold the mixture gently until every piece of chicken and vegetable is evenly coated.
Note: Taste and adjust : If the flavor feels flat, it is likely under-seasoned. If needed, add salt and spice (such as pepper, red chili flakes, or chopped green chilies) to bring out the flavor and achieve your preferred spice level
Electric Toaster : Place your bread slices in the toaster and toast until they reach your desired level of golden brown and crispiness. You can also toast bread by broiling it in the oven or in a pan.
Note : For the best results, toast the bread just before assembling the sandwich to ensure it stays warm and crunchy.
Prep: Take the freshly toasted bread and your prepared stuffing.
Spread: Scoop 2 to 3 tbsp of stuffing onto one slice and spread it evenly.
Note : Leave a small border around the edges to prevent the filling from falling out while eating.
Serve : Enjoy immediately while the bread is still warm and crunchy.
Yes! You can prepare the chicken ahead of time for a quick and easy meal. Just put it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge immediately after cooling (and always within 2 hours of cooking). According to food safety guidelines, cooked chicken lasts in the fridge for 3–4 days.
Using a high quality non-stick pan ensures the chicken pieces don't stick, allows you to use less oil for a healthier meal, and makes cleanup much easier.
Eat immediately to ensure the bread stays crunchy and the flavors stay fresh.
The most likely reason is overcrowding the pan. Without enough space, the pieces will steam in their own juices instead of browning. For the best results, though, cook in two batches or use a larger pan.
Thicker pieces may stay raw in the middle even if the outside looks done. To fix this, cover the pan with a lid from start to finish to trap heat and ensure they cook through. Keep the lid slightly ajar (or use a lid with a steam hole) to allow some moisture to escape; this prevents the chicken from becoming soggy while it cooks.
It balances all four nutritional pillars: lean protein from chicken, heart-healthy fats from avocado, complex carbs from whole-grain bread, and essential fiber from the vegetables. This combination ensures you stay full and energized.
It is a high-quality, lean protein source that helps build and repair muscle tissue. It also provides B vitamins, which are essential for converting your food into usable energy throughout the day.
Capsicum is a powerhouse of Vitamin C for immunity, while onions provide antioxidants that fight inflammation. Together, they add crunch and essential micronutrients that protect your cells.
Going open-faced means you get all the delicious toppings with only half the bread. It’s an easy way to cut down on calories and carbs without losing any flavor.
This open sandwich features tender, chopped lean chicken tikka mixed with creamy avocado and crisp, fresh vegetables. It is a crunchy, savory treat, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying meal at any time of day.
Why This Recipe Great:
A Complete Meal in One Slice: This open sandwich gives you everything your body needs on a single slice of toast. You get lean protein from the chicken to build muscle, healthy fats from the avocado to keep you full, complex carbs from the whole-grain bread for steady energy, and essential vitamins and fiber from the onions and capsicum.
The Avocado Balance: Avocados are loaded with heart-healthy nutrients, but they can be heavy on calories. By mixing a smaller amount of creamy avocado with lots of fresh veggies and lean chicken, you get a large, satisfying sandwich filling that stays light and healthy.
Great Crunch: The soft, creamy mashed avocado pairs perfectly with the crispy texture of finely diced onions and capsicum. Every single bite offers a contrast between smooth and crunchy textures.
Easy to Change: You can use your favorite healthy bread, like whole-grain, sourdough, or low-carb keto bread.
You can also try a restaurant-style version, like the Avocado Chicken Tikka Sandwich.
Pat dry - Gently pat the 250 gms chicken pieces dry using paper towels to remove surface moisture.
Slice same thickness - Use a sharp knife, cut the chicken thigh into small pieces. Aim for a uniform ¼-inch thickness so every piece cooks at the same time.
Place 1/2 inch ginger, 2 to 3 garlic cloves, and 1 to 2 green chilies in the jar and blend them into a coarse texture. If the pieces are too big, just chop them down a bit first so the standard blender can handle them easily.
Add the following to your prepared chicken pieces
1 tsp lime juice
Prepared ginger, garlic, green chili paste
1/2 tsp salt
Even Distribution - Instead of pouring the ingredients in one spot, sprinkle them evenly over the chicken pieces. Use your hands to massage the paste, lime juice, and salt into each piece until thoroughly coated.
Clear the Space : Use a spoon to move the marinated chicken to one side of the bowl to create space.
Make the Marinade in the empty space : Add the following ingredients and mix well.
30 grams ( 2 tbsp) Fat free or low fat thick curd
4 grams (1/2 tbsp) Oat flour
1/4 tsp turmeric powder, ½ tsp chaat masala powder, ½ tsp garam masala powder, 3/4 tsp chili powder.
Even Distribution - Using your hands, coat each piece of chicken evenly with the marinade. Repeat this process for the remaining pieces until everything is well-coated.
Chill - Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour to allow the salt to penetrate the meat.
Add oil and Spread evenly : Measure 1/2 tbsp of oil and add it to the pan. Use a pastry brush to coat the entire bottom of the nonstick surface. The usage of tbsp of oil depends upon the size of your pan.
Preheat pan : Heat over a medium flame for about 4 to 5 minutes.
Note: I used a ceramic non-stick pan at medium heat for this recipe.
Listen for the Sizzle: Heat the pan over medium heat until it is hot, but not very hot. When you add the chicken, you should hear a sizzling sound; this confirms the pan is ready.
Space them Out: Arrange the patties with plenty of space between them to ensure even cooking and light browning.
The 3 Minute cook : Cook for about 3 minutes without moving them. This allows a light golden crust to form.
Check and Flip: Use two spoons to quickly peek at the underside by lifting the edge of the chicken piece. Once a light golden color is achieved, flip them over.
Note : Less oil in the pan can cause the chicken pieces to burn easily ,so don’t cook for too long on one side over a medium flame. Cook them until to attain light golden color.
Flip and reduce heat: Once the first side is golden, flip the chicken pieces and reduce the heat to low.
Cover and Cook : Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 3–4 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken pieces at 165-180F .
Remove Excess Moisture : If you see moisture on the surface of the chicken after removing the lid, cook for one more minute until the moisture evaporates.
Total Time : The total cooking time for one batch is typically 6–7 minutes.
Timing Variations: Cooking time will vary based on your type of cookware, the thickness of the chicken piece and the amount of heat used.
Note : If your lid doesn't have a vent hole, leave it slightly ajar (partially covered) to let steam escape slightly.
Drain and pat dry- Place the cooked pieces on a plate lined with paper towels. Use an additional paper towel to gently pat all sides of the pieces to absorb the surface oil.
Transfer and cool down- Quickly move them to a fresh plate. Let the tikkas sit for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows them to cool down before you start chopping.
Make Small pieces - Place the cooled chicken on a cutting board. Cut the chicken into small pieces so they are ready for the stuffing.
Split, Pit & Scoop : Use a sharp knife to cut the small ripe avocado in half lengthwise. Twist to separate, remove the seed, and spoon the flesh into a large mixing bowl.
Mash : Use a fork to press the avocado into small, pieces.
Season : Add 1 tsp of lime juice and a little salt.
Combine : Add the chopped chicken tikka, onion (60g), capsicum (60g) and coriander (2 tbsp) to the bowl with the mashed avocado.
Note on Texture: Ensure the chicken has cooled completely to room temperature before combining. Mixing it while even slightly warm will create steam and melt the healthy fats in the avocado, turning your stuffing into a watery mess.
Mix : Fold the mixture gently until every piece of chicken and vegetable is evenly coated.
Note: Taste and adjust : If the flavor feels flat, it is likely under-seasoned. If needed, add salt and spice (such as pepper, red chili flakes, or chopped green chilies) to bring out the flavor and achieve your preferred spice level
Electric Toaster : Place your bread slices in the toaster and toast until they reach your desired level of golden brown and crispiness. You can also toast bread by broiling it in the oven or in a pan.
Note : For the best results, toast the bread just before assembling the sandwich to ensure it stays warm and crunchy.
Prep: Take the freshly toasted bread and your prepared stuffing.
Spread: Scoop 2 to 3 tbsp of stuffing onto one slice and spread it evenly.
Note : Leave a small border around the edges to prevent the filling from falling out while eating.
Serve : Enjoy immediately while the bread is still warm and crunchy.