Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps are a delightful fusion of flavors that transport your taste buds straight to the sunny Southwest. As someone who loves experimenting with bold spices and fresh ingredients, I find these wraps to be the perfect meal for any occasion. The combination of juicy grilled chicken, zesty salsa, and crisp vegetables wrapped in a soft tortilla creates a satisfying texture that is both hearty and refreshing.
Originating from the vibrant culinary traditions of the American Southwest, these wraps have become a favorite for many due to their convenience and versatility. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch or a casual dinner, Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps are not only easy to make but also customizable to suit your taste preferences. People adore this dish for its robust flavors and the way it brings together the warmth of grilled chicken with the coolness of fresh toppings. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen, thawed)
- 1 cup black beans (canned, rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving
Preparing the Chicken
1. Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan on the stove or even bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C). 2. While the grill is heating up, take the chicken breasts and place them on a cutting board. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly. 3. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This will be your marinade. 4. Rub the marinade all over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors while the grill heats up.Grilling the Chicken
5. Once the grill is hot, place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on one side without moving them, allowing those beautiful grill marks to form. 6. Flip the chicken breasts and grill for another 6-7 minutes on the other side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If you’re using a grill pan, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. 7. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist. 8. After resting, slice the chicken into thin strips. Set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.Preparing the Wraps
9. While the chicken is resting, gather all your wrap ingredients. I like to have everything prepped and ready to go for easy assembly. 10. In a large bowl, combine the shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, and shredded cheese. Toss everything together gently to mix. 11. If you’re using avocado, slice it into thin pieces and set it aside. You can also sprinkle a little lime juice on the avocado to prevent browning.Assembling the Wraps
12. Now it’s time to assemble the wraps! Take one flour tortilla and lay it flat on a clean surface or plate. 13. Start by placing a generous handful of the lettuce mixture in the center of the tortilla. Be careful not to overfill, as it will make wrapping difficult. 14. Next, add a few slices of the grilled chicken on top of the lettuce mixture. 15. Add a couple of slices of avocado, and if you like, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess. 16. If you’re a fan of cilantro, sprinkle some fresh chopped cilantro on top for an extra burst of flavor. 17. To wrap the tortilla, fold in the sides first, then roll it from the bottom up, tucking in the filling as you go. Make sure to roll it tightly to keep everything inside. 18. Repeat the assembly process for the remaining tortillas and ingredients.Cooking the Wraps (Optional)
19. If you prefer a warm, crispy wrap, you can grill the assembled wraps. Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. 20. Place the wraps seam-side down on the grill pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. 21. Remove from the heat and let them cool for a minute before slicing them in half diagonally for serving.Serving Suggestions
22. Serve the Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps with lime wedges on the side forConclusion:
In summary, these Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their meal game with a burst of flavor and a touch of spice. The combination of tender grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and zesty Southwest dressing wrapped in a soft tortilla creates a delightful experience that is both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch, a picnic treat, or a fun dinner option, these wraps are versatile enough to suit any occasion. For serving suggestions, consider pairing your wraps with a side of homemade guacamole or a refreshing corn salad to complement the flavors. You can also switch things up by adding black beans, avocado slices, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese for an extra layer of taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping the chicken for grilled shrimp or tofu for a delicious vegetarian option. I encourage you to give these Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps a try and make them your own! Don’t forget to share your experience and any creative variations you come up with. I’d love to hear how they turned out for you! Happy cooking! PrintSouthwest Grilled Chicken Wraps: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Your Next Meal
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Savor the deliciousness of Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps, featuring marinated grilled chicken, fresh veggies, creamy avocado, and zesty toppings all wrapped in a soft tortilla. Ideal for a quick and flavorful lunch or dinner!
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen, thawed)
- 1 cup black beans (canned, rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the marinade on the chicken and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Place the marinated chicken on the grill.
- Cook for 6-7 minutes on one side without moving.
- Flip and grill for another 6-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, and shredded cheese. Toss gently.
- Slice the avocado and set aside.
- Lay a tortilla flat.
- Place a handful of the lettuce mixture in the center, followed by grilled chicken slices, avocado, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Sprinkle with cilantro if desired.
- Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll from the bottom up, tucking in the filling as you go.
- Repeat for remaining tortillas.
- For crispy wraps, grill the assembled wraps seam-side down on a preheated grill pan or skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Let cool for a minute before slicing in half diagonally.
- Serve the wraps with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the fillings with your favorite vegetables or sauces.
- For a spicier kick, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the wraps.
- These wraps can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a quick meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes