Zesty Southwest Chicken Wrap Recipe for Fresh Flavor Fans

Crisp tortillas and zesty flavors collide in this mouthwatering southwest chicken wrap that promises a flavor explosion.

Tender grilled chicken mingles with bold spices and fresh ingredients.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of heat and freshness.

Colorful bell peppers and creamy avocado add vibrant textures to this simple yet satisfying meal.

Packed with protein and bursting with southwestern flair, this wrap comes together in minutes.

Drizzle with a tangy cilantro lime sauce that elevates every single bite.

You won’t be able to resist this delicious handheld feast that brings the spirit of southwest cuisine right to your plate.

Southwest Chicken Wrap: Reasons to Love This Easy Meal

• Swap ingredients based on personal preference or dietary needs, making this Southwest Chicken Wrap adaptable for vegetarians, spice lovers, or health-conscious eaters.
• Prepare the chicken and crema ahead of time, reducing cooking stress and allowing for a speedy assembly when hunger strikes.
• Combines zesty Southwest spices, creamy chipotle sauce, and fresh vegetables for a mouthwatering meal that satisfies multiple taste cravings in one bite.
• Minimizes kitchen cleanup by using the same pan for cooking chicken and sautéing vegetables, perfect for busy home cooks seeking efficiency.

What You’ll Need for Southwest Chicken Wraps

• Chicken: A lean and flavorful protein that forms the main component of the Southwest wrap.
• Black Beans: A protein-rich ingredient that adds texture and nutrition to the wrap.

• Red Bell Pepper, Red Onion, Jalapeno: Fresh vegetables that provide crunch, color, and a spicy kick to the wrap.
• Garlic: An aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Lime Juice, Chili Powder, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Salt: A blend of spices that creates a bold and zesty Southwest-style seasoning for the chicken.
• Chipotle Pepper: Adds a smoky and spicy flavor to the marinade and crema.

• Sour Cream, Honey, Cotija Cheese: Creamy and tangy ingredients that add richness and balance to the wrap.

• Cilantro: A fresh herb that brings a bright and herbal note to the Southwest crema.

• Tortillas, Rice, Corn: The base and additional components that complete the wrap.

• Olive Oil, Water: Cooking and blending liquids that help in preparation and consistency.

Kitchen Tools for Quick Southwest Chicken Wraps

• Large Skillet: Essential for sautéing chicken and vegetables with even heat distribution.
• High-Speed Blender or Food Processor: Perfect for creating smooth, creamy Southwest sauce.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping chicken, peppers, onions, and garlic with ease.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise dicing and slicing ingredients quickly.
• Mixing Bowl: Great for marinating chicken and combining seasonings.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately portion out spices and seasonings.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Ideal for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.

Building Southwest Chicken Wraps, Step by Step

Step 1: Marinate The Chicken

Dice chicken into small bite-sized pieces.

• Lime juice
• Chili powder
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Olive oil
• Chipotle pepper

Mix thoroughly to coat chicken evenly.

Let marinate for 15 minutes to 24 hours.

Step 2: Prepare Supporting Ingredients

Cook rice following package instructions.

Slice red bell pepper, jalapeno, and red onion.

Mince garlic.

Step 3: Craft Southwest Crema

• Sour cream
• Honey
• Chipotle peppers in adobo
• Lime juice
• Cilantro
• Water
• Salt

Blend until smooth.

Adjust thickness with additional water if needed.

Step 4: Cook The Chicken

Heat skillet over medium heat.

Add marinated chicken.

Saute for 12-15 minutes until fully cooked.

Set aside.

Step 5: Sauté Vegetables

In same skillet, add olive oil.

Sauté peppers and onions for 8 minutes.

Add minced garlic and cook one more minute.

Return chicken to skillet and warm through.

Step 6: Assemble Wraps

Warm tortillas.

• Rice
• Chicken and vegetable mixture
• Black beans
• Corn
• Cotija cheese

Drizzle Southwest Crema generously.

Wrap tightly like a burrito.

Add extra crema if desired.

Helpful Tips for Delicious Chicken Wraps Every Time

• Let chicken sit in the spice mix for at least 15 minutes or overnight to deeply infuse the meat with zesty southwest seasonings.
• Warm tortillas briefly on a skillet to make them more pliable and prevent cracking when wrapping the ingredients.
• Adjust spiciness by controlling the amount of chipotle peppers in the crema or using milder jalapeños for a less intense kick.
• Drain excess liquid from veggies and beans to prevent soggy wraps and maintain a crisp texture.
• Prepare chicken, crema, and chopped vegetables in advance for quick assembly during busy weeknights.

Fun Twist Ideas for Southwest Chicken Wraps

• Vegetarian Southwest Wrap: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or black beans, maintaining the same spice blend for a plant-based protein option.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and ensure all spices and sauces are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap tortillas with large lettuce leaves and replace rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter, keto-friendly meal.
• Spicy Seafood Variation: Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp or white fish, keeping the southwest marinade and crema for a zesty seafood wrap.

Sides and Sauces to Serve with Chicken Wraps

• Flavor Fiesta Plating: Serve these wraps on a colorful ceramic plate with extra Southwest Crema drizzled on top, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves for a vibrant presentation.
• Picnic Perfect Companion: Pack these wraps in foil for a delicious outdoor meal, keeping them warm and easy to transport for beach trips, hiking, or park lunches.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Offer additional toppings like sliced avocado, extra cheese, or hot sauce on the side, allowing everyone to personalize their wrap and enjoy their preferred flavor intensity.
• Balanced Meal Builder: Pair the Southwest Chicken Wrap with a light side salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lime vinaigrette to create a complete and satisfying meal with varied textures and nutrients.

Storing Southwest Chicken Wraps for Later Meals

• Store leftover wrap components separately in airtight containers. Keep chicken, rice, veggies, and crema in different sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate storage prevents soggy tortillas and maintains ingredient freshness.
• Wrap individual chicken and veggie mixtures in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Southwest crema can be frozen in ice cube trays for easy portioning. Frozen ingredients will last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm ingredients separately in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to prevent drying. Cook chicken and veggies for 3-4 minutes until heated through. Assemble fresh wrap with warmed ingredients.

FAQs

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are perfect. They absorb the marinade well and cook quickly, creating tender and flavorful meat for the wrap.

• Can I make this recipe spicy or mild?

Absolutely! Adjust the heat by controlling the amount of chipotle peppers and jalapenos. For mild version, reduce or remove the peppers. For extra heat, add more chipotle or include jalapeno seeds.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. Check that all other ingredients like spices and sour cream are certified gluten-free. Always verify individual ingredient labels.

Southwest Chicken Wrap Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor spicy southwest chicken wrap flavor with this quick, zesty meal that combines grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and tangy sauce. Crisp tortillas enfold bold ingredients, delivering a satisfying lunch or dinner option you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 0.75 pounds (340 grams) chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables and Grains:

• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 1 small red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 jalapeno, chopped
• 1/2 red onion, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3/4 cup thawed or fresh corn kernels

Seasonings, Sauces, and Toppings:

• 1/4 cup lime juice (about one lime)
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (more as needed)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chipotle pepper in adobo
• 4 large tortillas
• 1/4 cup cotija cheese
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
• 1/2–1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1–2 tablespoons water (to thin the crema)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon olive oil (for sauteing the veggies)

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Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken by dicing into small pieces and mixing with lime juice, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, olive oil, and chipotle pepper. Allow to rest for 15-24 minutes to absorb flavors.
2. Prepare rice according to package instructions and slice red bell pepper, jalapeno, and red onion while rice cooks.
3. Create Southwest Crema by blending sour cream, honey, chipotle peppers in adobo, lime juice, cilantro, water, and salt until smooth. Adjust consistency with additional water if needed.
4. Cook marinated chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 12-15 minutes until fully cooked, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Using the same skillet, sauté peppers and onions in olive oil for 8 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Return chicken to skillet and warm briefly.
6. Warm tortillas and layer with rice, chicken-vegetable mixture, black beans, corn, and cotija cheese. Drizzle generously with Southwest Crema.
7. Fold tortilla edges inward and roll tightly into a wrap. Slice diagonally and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• Make the chicken extra juicy by letting it marinate longer, preferably overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor penetration.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chipotle pepper quantities in the crema, allowing spice-sensitive individuals to enjoy the dish.
• Swap protein options easily by using tofu, shredded beef, or plant-based alternatives for diverse dietary preferences.
• Prep ingredients in advance to create quick weeknight meals, storing marinated chicken and chopped vegetables separately in sealed containers for faster assembly.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Southwestern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 564
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 879 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 73 mg