Zesty Southwestern Chicken Wrap Recipe for Lively Lunches
Crisp tortillas cradle a delightful southwestern chicken wrap that bursts with vibrant flavors and zesty spices.
Tender grilled chicken mingles with fresh ingredients, creating a mouthwatering meal in minutes.
Colorful bell peppers and tangy salsa add a punch of excitement to every bite.
Packed with protein and bold southwestern seasonings, this wrap delivers a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner option.
The combination of creamy avocado and spicy seasonings makes this recipe a true crowd-pleaser.
Colorful, convenient, and absolutely delicious, this wrap transforms an ordinary meal into a culinary adventure.
You’ll want to savor every single bite of this flavor-packed southwestern delight.
Storing Southwestern Chicken Wraps
FAQs
Large flour tortillas are ideal because they’re soft, flexible, and can hold all the ingredients without tearing easily.
Yes, add jalapeños, use hot salsa, or include a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat level according to your preference.
Ensure you fold the sides first, then roll tightly from bottom to top, keeping the filling compact and secure inside the tortilla.
Absolutely! You can cook the chicken and prepare ingredients ahead of time, then quickly assemble wraps when ready to eat.
Southwestern Chicken Wrap Zesty Notes
Southwestern Chicken Wrap Ingredients
Main Protein:Seasoning Mix:Wrap Base:Cheese and Creamy Elements:Fresh Vegetables and Beans:Finishing Touches:How to Assemble Chicken Wraps
Step 1: Whip Up Zesty Chicken Marinade
Grab a mixing bowl and blend olive oil with taco seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Lovingly massage this vibrant mixture all over the chicken breasts, ensuring every inch gets coated with flavor.
Step 2: Sizzle and Brown Chicken
Fire up your skillet on medium-high heat.
Lay the seasoned chicken down and let it dance in the pan for about 6 minutes per side.
You’re looking for a gorgeous golden-brown exterior and fully cooked interior.
Once done, let the chicken take a quick rest before slicing.
Step 3: Prep Colorful Fillings
While the chicken chills, get your ingredients ready for the wrap party.
Chop tomatoes into bite-sized cubes, slice creamy avocado, and arrange all your ingredients within easy reach.
Step 4: Create Creamy Base Layer
Spread out a soft tortilla on your workspace.
Dollop sour cream and salsa right in the center, leaving a little border around the edges for easy rolling.
Step 5: Stack Delicious Layers
Now for the fun part!
Layer your ingredients with delicious precision:Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for an extra burst of flavor.
Step 6: Master the Perfect Wrap
Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll from the bottom up.
Keep it snug and tight so all those amazing ingredients stay nestled inside.
Your Southwestern Chicken Wrap is ready to devour!
Tips for Tasty Southwestern Wraps
Southwest Wrap Variations
Serving Ideas for Chicken Wraps
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Southwestern Chicken Wrap Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Southwestern chicken wraps bring zesty flavors dancing across crisp tortillas with bold Mexican-inspired ingredients. Spicy grilled chicken, fresh salsa, and creamy avocado create a quick meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Wrap Components and Toppings:
- 4 large burrito-sized flour tortillas
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded monterey jack or cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) corn kernels, drained
- 1 large ripe tomato, diced
- 1 ripe avocado, cut into slices
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) sour cream or plain greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) salsa, any heat level
Instructions
- Prepare a zesty seasoning blend by whisking olive oil with taco seasoning, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Thoroughly coat chicken breasts with the spiced oil mixture, ensuring even coverage.
- Preheat a skillet to medium-high heat for approximately 2-3 minutes until hot.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken in the skillet, cooking for 6 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove chicken from heat and let it rest for 3-5 minutes to retain moisture.
- While chicken rests, slice avocado, dice tomatoes, and organize remaining ingredients.
- Lay a fresh tortilla on a clean work surface.
- Spread a thin layer of sour cream and salsa across the center of the tortilla.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese as the first layer over the sauce.
- Slice the rested chicken into thin strips and arrange over the cheese.
- Layer black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and avocado slices evenly.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro for added flavor.
- Fold the sides of the tortilla inward to prevent filling from falling out.
- Tightly roll the wrap from bottom to top, ensuring a compact and secure seal.
- Optional: Slice diagonally and serve immediately for maximum freshness.
Notes
- Use high-quality taco seasoning for a robust, authentic flavor that elevates the entire wrap’s taste profile.
- Choose fresh, ripe avocados that are slightly soft to the touch for creamy, smooth texture without stringiness.
- Slice chicken against the grain to ensure tender, easy-to-bite pieces that don’t fall apart when eating the wrap.
- Consider warming tortillas briefly on a skillet to increase flexibility and prevent cracking during rolling.
- Add extra protein by incorporating greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier, protein-rich alternative.
- Create a vegetarian version by substituting chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or seasoned tofu for similar texture.
- Cook extra chicken and prepare wrap components separately to assemble quickly during busy weekdays.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Lena Martinez
Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach
Education
Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices
Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.