Name: Southwest Chicken Wrap
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Southwest
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 large flour tortillas; 1 cup shredded lettuce; 1 medium tomato, diced; 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed; 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned); 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend); 1/4 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup salsa or Southwest dressing (optional)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Southwest Chicken Wrap is a delightful fusion of bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and savory grilled chicken wrapped in a soft tortilla. It’s the perfect quick lunch or dinner that brings a taste of the Southwest right to your kitchen. With smoky, spicy seasonings, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing, each bite is a satisfying explosion of flavor. It’s a healthy yet indulgent meal that you can easily customize to suit your taste preferences. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make and can be packed up for lunch on the go!

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
4 large flour tortillas
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 medium tomato, diced
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup salsa or Southwest dressing (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
To assemble the wraps, lay the tortillas flat on a clean surface.
Start by layering the shredded lettuce in the center of each tortilla, followed by the sliced chicken, diced tomato, red onion, black beans, corn, and cheese.
Add a dollop of sour cream and a drizzle of salsa or Southwest dressing (if using).
Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it tightly into a wrap.
Serve immediately or wrap tightly in foil for a portable meal.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 wraps
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Add avocado: Slice avocado or guacamole for a creamy addition.
Use whole wheat tortillas: For a healthier option, swap regular flour tortillas for whole wheat.
Spicy option: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or jalapeños to turn up the heat.
Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, for a tasty vegetarian wrap.
Grilled shrimp or steak: You can substitute the chicken with grilled shrimp or steak for a different protein.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Wraps can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To reheat, wrap the chicken wrap in foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it for about 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make the Southwest Chicken Wrap ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients and assemble the wraps ahead of time. Just store the components separately and assemble them when you’re ready to eat to prevent sogginess.

Can I use a different protein for this wrap?

Absolutely! You can substitute grilled chicken with grilled shrimp, steak, or even a vegetarian option like tofu or beans.

How do I prevent the wraps from getting soggy?

To keep the wraps from getting soggy, make sure you use fresh, dry ingredients and assemble them just before serving. If you’re making them ahead of time, keep the sauces separate until you’re ready to eat.

Can I freeze the Southwest Chicken Wraps?

While wraps are best fresh, you can freeze the chicken (without the fresh veggies or dressing). Once wrapped, wrap the whole thing in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.

What’s a good side dish for these wraps?

A side of chips and salsa, Mexican rice, or a fresh avocado salad would pair perfectly with Southwest Chicken Wraps.

Can I add more veggies to the wrap?

Yes, feel free to add more vegetables such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or spinach for extra crunch and nutrition.

Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. The seasoning used in the chicken adds a mild heat, but you can add extra hot sauce or jalapeños for more spice.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.

Can I make the chicken in advance?

Yes, the chicken can be grilled or cooked in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before assembling the wraps.

How do I make this wrap gluten-free?

To make the Southwest Chicken Wrap gluten-free, simply swap the flour tortillas for gluten-free tortillas.

Conclusion

The Southwest Chicken Wrap is a fantastic choice for anyone craving a quick, flavorful, and filling meal. With its fresh ingredients, easy preparation, and versatility, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual lunch. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own spin, this wrap is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!

Southwest Chicken Wrap

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This Southwest Chicken Wrap is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Grilled chicken seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and paprika is combined with fresh veggies like lettuce, tomato, and black beans. The wrap is complemented with a creamy dressing, making it a healthy yet indulgent dish. Easy to customize, you can add avocado, swap the chicken for shrimp, or even make it vegetarian. A perfect on-the-go meal with bold Southwest flavors!

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10min
Cook Time: 15min
Total Time: 25min
Yield: 4servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Southwest, Tex-Mex

Instructions

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Remove chicken from grill, rest for a few minutes, and slice into thin strips.
To assemble, lay tortillas flat.
Layer shredded lettuce, sliced chicken, tomato, red onion, black beans, corn, and cheese in the center of each tortilla.
Add a dollop of sour cream and drizzle salsa or Southwest dressing, if desired.
Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll tightly.
Serve immediately or wrap in foil for a portable meal.

Notes

Customize with avocado, grilled shrimp, or steak for variation.
Use whole wheat tortillas for a healthier option.
For a spicier wrap, add hot sauce or jalapeños.