Craving a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal? Look no further! These Southwest Chicken & Avocado Wraps are the answer to your midday hunger pangs. Packed with tender chicken, creamy avocado, zesty Southwest flavors, and fresh veggies, these wraps are a delightful explosion of taste and texture that’s perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or a grab-and-go snack.
What are Southwest Chicken & Avocado Wraps?
Southwest Chicken & Avocado Wraps – a mouthful of a name, and even more of a flavor explosion in your mouth! But seriously, have you ever paused to wonder where the ‘Southwest’ in Southwest Chicken Wraps comes from? Does it involve a compass and a chicken walking towards Arizona? Of course not! (Though, that would be an interesting sight.) We’re talking about that bold, smoky, slightly spicy flavor profile reminiscent of Tex-Mex cuisine, using spices and ingredients typically found in the southwestern United States.
Maybe someone just had a really good trip to Santa Fe and came home inspired! Whatever the real story, one thing’s for sure: ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,’ or in this case, the way to everyone’s heart is through these absolutely irresistible, flavorful wraps! So forget the mystery and get wrapping, you won’t regret it!
Why You’ll Love These Southwest Chicken & Avocado Wraps:
These wraps are a triple threat of awesome! First, the Southwestern flavor punches through with every bite, offering a zesty and slightly spicy kick that’s balanced by the creamy avocado and cool sour cream. Second, ditching takeout and making these wraps at home is a serious money-saver.
You can control the ingredients and portion sizes, leading to healthier and cheaper meals. Finally, you get to customize your wraps with all your favorite toppings. This is your wrap, your way.
Looking for something similar but with a little more heat? Check out my Fiery Chile Lime Chicken Wraps for an extra spicy kick! Give these Southwest Chicken & Avocado Wraps a try and experience mealtime bliss!
Key Ingredients for Southwest Chicken & Avocado Wraps:
Here’s what you’ll need to assemble these delicious wraps:
- Cooked Chicken Breast (2 cups, shredded): Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken breast works great!
- Avocados (2, ripe): Adds creaminess and healthy fats.
- Large Tortillas (4-6): Flour or whole wheat, your choice!
- Black Beans (1/2 cup, rinsed and drained): Adds protein and texture.
- Corn (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and crunch.
- Red Bell Pepper (1/2 cup, diced): Adds color and a bit of sweetness.
- Red Onion (1/4 cup, thinly sliced): Adds a sharp bite.
- Cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped): For a fresh, vibrant flavor.
- Lime (1, juiced): Adds acidity and brightness.
- Sour Cream (1/4 cup): Adds creamy, tangy goodness.
- Southwest Seasoning (2 tablespoons): The key to that Southwestern flavor! You can find it pre-made or create your own blend (chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne pepper).
How to Make Southwest Chicken & Avocado Wraps:
Get ready for a taste explosion that’s incredibly easy to create! These Southwest Chicken & Avocado Wraps are a breeze to make, delivering a satisfying and flavorful meal in just 20 minutes. The creamy avocado, zesty Southwest seasoning, and fresh veggies create a symphony of flavors you’ll crave again and again and the best part is you can whip these wraps anytime anywhere.
- Preparation time : 20 minutes
- Total time : 20 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken:
If you are not using precooked chicken, cook the chicken breast first. You can grill, bake, or pan-fry it. Once cooked, let it cool slightly and then shred it with two forks. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with 1 tablespoon of Southwest seasoning. Stir well to ensure the chicken is fully coated.
Step 2: Mash the Avocado:
In a separate bowl, mash the ripe avocados with a fork until you reach your desired consistency. Add a squeeze of lime juice to prevent the avocado from browning and to enhance the flavor. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 3: Prep the Veggies:
Dice the red bell pepper and thinly slice the red onion. Rinse and drain the black beans. Chop the cilantro. These fresh veggies add a burst of flavor and texture to the wraps.
Step 4: Warm the Tortillas:
Lightly warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 15-20 seconds per side, or until they are pliable. Alternatively, you can microwave them briefly, wrapped in a damp paper towel. This makes them easier to fold without tearing.
Step 5: Assemble the Wraps:
Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a generous layer of mashed avocado over the center of the tortilla. Top with a portion of the seasoned chicken, black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, and sliced red onion. Drizzle with sour cream and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
Step 6: Wrap it Up:
Fold in the sides of the tortilla towards the center. Then, fold the bottom edge upwards and tightly roll the wrap towards the top. If necessary, secure the wrap with a toothpick to keep it from unraveling.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy:
Cut the wrap in half, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures in your Southwest Chicken & Avocado Wrap!
What to Serve Southwest Chicken & Avocado Wraps With:
These wraps are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to create a complete and satisfying meal:
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing complement.
- Tortilla Chips and Salsa: For a Tex-Mex fiesta!
- Mexican Street Corn Salad: Elevate your meal with a vibrant and flavorful side.
- Spicy Coleslaw: The coolness of the coleslaw provides a nice contrast to the slight heat of the wraps.
- Agua Fresca: A refreshing fruit-infused water, like watermelon or lime, is perfect for washing down the flavors.
Top Tips for Perfecting Southwest Chicken & Avocado Wraps:
- Don’t Overfill: Resist the urge to pile on too many ingredients, or your wrap will be difficult to close.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for an extra kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or seasoned tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Make it Ahead: Prepare the chicken, veggies, and avocado mixture ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the wraps just before serving. This is great for meal prepping!
- Get Creative with Toppings: Feel free to add other favorite toppings, such as cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack), pico de gallo, or pickled jalapeños.
- Southwest Seasoning Swap: If you don’t have pre-made Southwest seasoning, use a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Experiment to find your perfect blend.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing: While best eaten fresh, assembled wraps can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. However, keep in mind that the avocado may brown slightly.
- Reheating: Reheating assembled wraps is not recommended, as the tortilla may become soggy. If you have leftover chicken, veggies, and avocado mixture, store them separately and assemble fresh wraps when you are ready to eat. You can gently reheat the chicken in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat.
- Freezing: Freezing assembled wraps is not recommended, as the texture of the vegetables and avocado will change. However, you can freeze the cooked and seasoned chicken. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Final Thoughts:
These Southwest Chicken & Avocado Wraps are the ultimate customizable meal! Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a portable snack, these wraps are sure to satisfy. Play around with the ingredients, adjust the spice level to your liking, and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures. Happy wrapping!
FAQs:
Q: Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for this recipe. Just shred it and toss it with the Southwest seasoning.
Q: Can I make these wraps vegan?
A: Yes! Substitute the chicken with seasoned tofu or grilled halloumi, and use a vegan sour cream alternative.
Q: Can I make my own Southwest seasoning?
A: Yes! A simple blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne pepper works perfectly. Adjust the cayenne pepper to your desired spice level.
Q: Can I add cheese to the wraps?
A: Absolutely! Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese are all great additions.
Q: Are these wraps good for meal prepping?
A: Yes! Prepare the chicken, veggies, and avocado mixture ahead of time and store them separately. Assemble the wraps just before serving.
Enjoy your Southwest Chicken & Avocado Wraps!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest