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Southwest Chicken Wrap

Flavor-Packed Southwest Chicken Wraps for Easy Family Meals

These Southwest Chicken Wraps are quick, healthy, and customizable, perfect for family meals and satisfying cravings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Marinating Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 wraps
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 0.75 lb Chicken breasts A lean protein source for a satisfying wrap; tofu or beef can be used as substitutes.
  • 1/4 cup Lime juice Adds acidity and brightness; fresh lime is preferred for the best flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp Chili powder Spices the chicken; adjust to taste for desired heat level.
  • 1/2 tsp Onion powder Provides a savory background flavor; fresh onions can work well too.
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder Enhances depth and aroma; substitute with fresh garlic (1 clove) if you prefer.
  • 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika Delivers a smoky flavor; regular paprika can be used if needed.
  • 1/4 tsp Salt Enhances overall flavor; feel free to adjust as necessary.
  • 3 tbsp Olive oil For marinating chicken and sautéing veggies; avocado oil is a good alternative.
  • 1 Tbsp Chipotle pepper in adobo Adds heat and depth; adjust according to your spice preference.
For the Wrap Assembly
  • 4 large Tortillas The base for your scrumptious wrap; whole grain or gluten-free options can also be used.
  • 1 cup Uncooked rice Adds substance to the wrap; quinoa makes a nutritious alternative.
For the Veggie Mix
  • 1 small Red bell pepper Offers color and sweetness; any preferred bell pepper can be substituted.
  • 1 Jalapeño Adds a zesty kick; omit if you want a milder flavor.
  • 1/2 Red onion Contributes crunch and tang; yellow onion can be an alternative.
  • 3 Garlic cloves Boosts flavor in the veggie mix.
  • 1 tsp Olive oil Used for cooking the vegetable mix.
  • 3/4 cup Corn kernels Brings sweetness and texture; frozen corn works beautifully.
  • 1 cup Black beans A protein-packed addition; can be swapped with other beans or lentils.
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 1/4 cup Cotija cheese Adds a creamy and salty element; feta cheese is a suitable substitute.
  • 1/3 cup Sour cream Offers creaminess to the sauce; Greek yogurt is a healthy alternative.
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp Honey Adds a touch of sweetness; maple syrup can also work.
  • 1/2-1 Tbsp Chipotle peppers in adobo Provides sauce spiciness based on your taste.
  • 1 Tbsp Additional lime juice Brightens the crema further, enhancing freshness.
  • 3 Tbsp Fresh cilantro Adds a burst of freshness; feel free to omit if not a fan.
  • 1-2 Tbsp Water Used to thin the crema to your desired consistency.
  • 1/4 tsp Salt Balances flavors in the crema; adjust to taste.

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by dicing the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and the chipotle pepper in adobo. Add the diced chicken and coat well with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to 24 hours, allowing the flavors to infuse.
  2. While the chicken marinates, prepare the uncooked rice according to package instructions. Typically, this involves boiling water, adding the rice, and simmering it covered until fully cooked and fluffy, approximately 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, set the rice aside, covered, to keep it warm.
  3. Next, wash and slice the red bell pepper and red onion into thin strips. Mince the garlic cloves finely for maximum flavor. If using jalapeño, slice it into rings, adjusting the amount based on your heat preference. Gather all prepared vegetables in a bowl, ready for sautéing later.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the marinated chicken to the pan. Sauté the chicken for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until fully cooked and golden brown. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, transfer it to a plate and cover to keep warm.
  5. In the same skillet, add the olive oil for the vegetables over medium heat. Add the sliced red bell pepper and red onion, cooking for about 8 minutes until they become tender and slightly caramelized. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
  6. After the vegetables have cooked down, return the sautéed chicken to the skillet with them. Mix together gently and allow everything to warm through for about 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld beautifully. This mixture will serve as the hearty filling for your Southwest Chicken Wraps.
  7. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds until pliable. On each tortilla, layer a generous amount of cooked rice, the chicken and veggie mixture, black beans, corn, and a sprinkle of Cotija cheese. Drizzle your creamy sauce over the top for extra flavor before carefully folding the tortilla over the filling to wrap it tightly.

Nutrition

Serving: 1wrapCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 8gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 80mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For best results, marinate the chicken for 24 hours and use fresh ingredients to enhance flavor.

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