These Southwest Chicken Wraps are a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual lunches. Packed with zesty chicken, crisp veggies, and a creamy, tangy sauce, these wraps offer a satisfying taste of the Southwest in every bite.
Key Ingredients for Southwest Chicken Wraps
Here’s what you’ll need to assemble these delicious Southwest Chicken Wraps:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Southwest Creamy Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon adobo sauce (from a can of chipotle peppers in adobo)
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Wraps:
- 4 large (10-12 inch) flour tortillas or your favorite wrap
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or a Mexican blend)
- ½ cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- ½ cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Optional toppings: sliced avocado, salsa, hot sauce, shredded lettuce
How to Make Southwest Chicken Wraps
Whipping up these Southwest Chicken Wraps is a breeze, promising a flavorful and satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. The magic lies in the tender, spiced chicken, perfectly complemented by a zesty creamy dressing and fresh, vibrant toppings, all bundled into soft tortillas.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Southwest Creamy Dressing: While the chicken is cooking or cooling slightly, in a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lime juice, adobo sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Warm the Tortillas: Gently warm the flour tortillas one at a time. You can do this by briefly heating them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 20-30 seconds per side, or by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving them for 20 seconds until pliable.
- Assemble the Wraps: Lay a warmed tortilla flat. Spread a generous tablespoon or two of the Southwest creamy dressing over the center of the tortilla, leaving a border. Top the dressing with a portion of the cooked chicken, followed by shredded Monterey Jack cheese, rinsed black beans, corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, diced red onion, and chopped fresh cilantro.
- Fold and Serve: Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then tightly roll it up from the bottom to create a secure wrap. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and fillings. For extra flair or to make them easier to handle, you can grill or press the assembled wraps in a panini press for a few minutes until golden and the cheese is melted. Serve immediately with any extra dressing or your favorite optional toppings like sliced avocado or salsa.
Why You’ll Love This Southwest Chicken Wraps
You’ll absolutely adore these Southwest Chicken Wraps for so many reasons! The star of the show is undoubtedly the perfectly seasoned, juicy chicken, bursting with smoky and spicy flavors that dance on your palate. Alongside the tender chicken, you’ll find a symphony of fresh, crunchy vegetables and the creamy, zesty Southwest dressing, creating a delightful contrast in textures and tastes that’s truly irresistible.
Beyond the incredible flavor, making these wraps at home is a fantastic way to save money compared to takeout or pre-made options, offering a budget-friendly yet gourmet-feeling meal. Plus, the ability to customize your toppings – from cool avocado to fiery salsa – means you can tailor each wrap to your exact preferences, making it a truly personal culinary experience. Forget boring lunches; these Southwest Chicken Wraps are a vibrant fiesta in every bite, and we can’t wait for you to try them and discover your new favorite go-to meal!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To ensure you can enjoy your delicious Southwest Chicken Wraps at a later time, proper storage is key.
- Refrigeration: If you have leftover assembled wraps, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
- Individual Components: It’s often best to store the components separately if you plan to assemble fresh wraps later. Cooked chicken, mixed vegetables, and the dressing can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the tortillas separate and slightly separated with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
- Reheating Assembled Wraps: Reheating assembled wraps can sometimes make them a bit soggy due to the moisture from the fillings. If you choose to reheat, place the wrapped wrap on a baking sheet and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can use a panini press or a skillet on medium heat for a few minutes per side, being careful not to overcook.
- Freezing: While not ideal for the assembled wraps as tortillas can become gummy, you can freeze the cooked chicken mixture and the Southwest creamy dressing separately for future use. Ensure both are cooled completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly before assembling fresh wraps.
Final Thoughts
These Southwest Chicken Wraps are a testament to how simple ingredients can create an explosion of flavor. They’re quick to make, incredibly adaptable, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Give them a try for your next meal and savor the delicious, zesty goodness!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Southwest Chicken Wraps
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- While the chicken is cooking or cooling slightly, in a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lime juice, adobo sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 teaspoon adobo sauce, ½ teaspoon chili powder, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, to taste salt and pepper
- Gently warm the flour tortillas one at a time. You can do this by briefly heating them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 20-30 seconds per side, or by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving them for 20 seconds until pliable.4 large flour tortillas
- Lay a warmed tortilla flat. Spread a generous tablespoon or two of the Southwest creamy dressing over the center of the tortilla, leaving a border. Top the dressing with a portion of the cooked chicken, followed by shredded Monterey Jack cheese, rinsed black beans, corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, diced red onion, and chopped fresh cilantro.1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, ½ cup black beans, ½ cup corn kernels, ½ cup diced red bell pepper, ¼ cup diced red onion, ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then tightly roll it up from the bottom to create a secure wrap. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and fillings. For extra flair or to make them easier to handle, you can grill or press the assembled wraps in a panini press for a few minutes until golden and the cheese is melted. Serve immediately with any extra dressing or your favorite optional toppings like sliced avocado or salsa.optional toppings: sliced avocado, salsa, hot sauce, shredded lettuce