Cream Cheese Wraps Recipe

Dreamy Cream Cheese Wraps Recipe: A Lunchtime Game-Changer

Wrap lovers rejoice as these delightful cream cheese wraps dance with vibrant flavors and textures.

Soft tortillas embrace a luxurious cream cheese filling that promises pure culinary delight.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of creamy richness and fresh ingredients.

The simple yet elegant wrap can elevate any casual lunch or quick dinner.

Crafted with minimal effort, these wraps bring restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen.

Packed with protein and bursting with zesty notes, they offer a satisfying meal in minutes.

You’ll want to add these irresistible wraps to your regular meal rotation.

Why You’ll Crave Southwest Cream Cheese Chicken Wraps

  • Packed with bold southwest flavors like cumin, chili powder, and jalapeño, this recipe delivers a zesty punch that'll wake up your taste buds.
  • Whip up this delicious meal in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending hours cooking.
  • Easily adaptable with options to swap ingredients, add extra heat, or make vegetarian by substituting chicken, giving you total creative control over your dinner.
  • Combines kid-friendly ingredients like cheese and chicken with enough exciting flavors to keep adults interested, making it a universal hit at the dinner table.

Southwest Chicken Wrap Ingredients You Need Today

Protein:
  • Chicken: A tender and juicy protein that serves as the main filling for the Southwest-style wrap.
Dairy:
  • Cream Cheese, Sour Cream, Cheddar Cheese: Creamy ingredients that add richness and tangy flavor to the wrap.
Vegetables and Seasonings:
  • Jalapeno, Bell Pepper, Corn, Black Beans, Green Onions, Cilantro: Fresh vegetables and herbs that provide texture, color, and Southwest-inspired flavors.
Spices:
  • Cumin, Chili Powder, Onion Powder, Garlic: Aromatic spices that bring warmth and depth to the chicken mixture.
Liquid and Binding:
  • Olive Oil, Lime Juice: Ingredients that help cook the chicken and add a bright, zesty note to the wrap.
Wrap Components:
  • Tortillas, Tortilla Strips: Soft wraps and crunchy strips that hold the filling and provide additional texture.

Helpful Tools for Easy Chicken Wrap Assembly

  • Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and mixing ingredients evenly.
  • Cutting board: Perfect for chopping vegetables like bell peppers, jalapeños, and green onions.
  • Sharp knife: Needed for precise vegetable and herb cutting.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
  • Measuring spoons: Helpful for accurately measuring spices and seasonings.
  • Can opener: Required for opening black beans and corn cans.

How to Make Creamy Southwest Chicken Wraps Step-by-Step

Step 1: Sizzle and Spice the Protein

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in diced chicken along with cumin, chili powder, onion powder, minced garlic, chopped jalapeno, and diced bell pepper.

Cook for about 5 minutes, ensuring the mixture is heated through and vegetables become tender.

Step 2: Create Creamy Southwest Filling

Blend in these ingredients:
  • Corn kernels
  • Black beans
  • Sour cream
  • Cream cheese
  • Fresh lime juice

Continue cooking and stirring until cream cheese transforms into a smooth, melted consistency.

Step 3: Enhance with Cheese and Fresh Herbs

Remove skillet from heat.

Fold in:
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Chopped green onions
  • Freshly chopped cilantro

Step 4: Wrap and Serve

Distribute the flavorful mixture evenly across tortillas.

Sprinkle with crispy tortilla strips if desired.

Roll the wraps tightly, creating compact and delicious handheld meals.

Serve immediately while warm and inviting.

Southwest Chicken Wrap Pro Tips for Big Flavor

  • Spice Balance Adjust the chili powder and jalapeno to match your heat preference, ensuring a personalized flavor experience.
  • Cheese Melting Technique Ensure cream cheese melts completely by stirring continuously and keeping heat low-medium for smooth consistency.
  • Protein Swap Easily replace chicken with ground turkey, shredded beef, or plant-based alternatives for diverse dietary needs.
  • Prep Ahead Strategy Prepare filling mixture in advance and store in refrigerator, perfect for quick weeknight meals or meal prepping.
  • Wrap Warming Tip Lightly toast tortillas on a skillet before filling to enhance texture and prevent soggy wraps.

Fun Southwest Wrap Variations to Try Next

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with black beans or tofu, keeping the same spices and cooking method for a protein-packed vegetarian option.
  • Keto-Friendly Wrap: Swap tortillas with large lettuce leaves, use cauliflower instead of corn, and add extra cheese for a low-carb alternative.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Substitute Southwest spices with oregano, paprika, and za'atar, replace cheddar with feta cheese, and add diced cucumber for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortillas or grain-free wraps, ensure all spices and ingredients are certified gluten-free, and serve with a side of fresh salsa.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Chicken Wraps at Parties

  • Party Platter Paradise: Create a colorful spread with these wraps cut into bite-sized pinwheels, perfect for game day or casual gatherings.
  • Fiesta Fresh Side Kick: Pair the wraps with a zesty corn salsa or cool avocado crema to enhance the southwest flavors and add extra texture.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and store in airtight containers for quick, delicious lunches throughout the week, keeping the tortillas separate to prevent sogginess.
  • Protein Power Bowl Option: Transform the wrap filling into a low-carb bowl by serving over cauliflower rice or mixed greens for a lighter meal alternative.

Chicken Wrap Storage Tips for Freshness All Week

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the chicken mixture separate from tortillas to prevent sogginess.
  • Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze filling for up to 2 months, ensuring you remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
  • Warm refrigerated mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Gently warm the filling in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add fresh tortillas just before serving to maintain their soft texture and prevent them from becoming tough or crispy.

FAQs

  • What ingredients give these wraps their Southwest flavor?

The combination of cumin, chili powder, jalapeno, bell pepper, and cilantro creates the classic Southwest taste profile, delivering a spicy and vibrant flavor experience.

  • Can I make these wraps spicier or milder?

You can adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of jalapeno, or substituting with milder green chiles if you prefer less spice. Adding hot sauce can also boost the heat level.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

These wraps are perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and store it separately from the tortillas, then assemble when ready to eat to keep the wraps fresh and prevent sogginess.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Cream Cheese Wraps Recipe

Cream Cheese Wraps Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Indulgent cream cheese wraps blend Philadelphia cream cheese with fresh herbs and Mediterranean flair. Simple ingredients create elegant appetizers perfect for gatherings and quick snacks you will enjoy sharing with friends.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Meat:

  • 3 cups chicken, cooked and shredded

Vegetables and Spices:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 dash cayenne pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
  • 1 15 ounces (425 grams) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Dairy and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 68 large wraps or tortillas
  • 1 1/2 to 2 cups tortilla strips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a sizzling surface for cooking.
  2. Introduce chicken and aromatic spices including cumin, chili powder, onion powder, minced garlic, diced jalapeno, and bell pepper. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes until chicken is heated and vegetables become tender.
  3. Incorporate corn, black beans, sour cream, cream cheese, and fresh lime juice into the skillet. Gently stir and cook until cream cheese transforms into a smooth, creamy consistency.
  4. Remove skillet from heat and fold in shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro, allowing the residual warmth to blend flavors.
  5. Distribute the vibrant southwestern mixture evenly across tortilla wraps, optionally garnishing with crispy tortilla strips for added texture.
  6. Carefully roll each wrap tightly, ensuring ingredients are securely enclosed, and serve immediately while warm and flavorful.

Notes

  • Customize Heat Levels by adjusting the amount of jalapeño or using milder peppers for sensitive palates.
  • Meal Prep Friendly as the filling can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for quick assembly later.
  • Protein Flexibility allows substituting chicken with turkey, shredded beef, or plant-based alternatives for different dietary needs.
  • Low-Carb Option works by serving the mixture over cauliflower rice or using lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Lunch, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 348
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 570 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star