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Southwest Chicken Wrap

Featured in Fast and Simple Recipes for Busy Days.

The Southwest Chicken Wrap transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal bursting with Southwestern flavors. Featuring juicy marinated chicken seasoned with chipotle and lime, it's complemented by a colorful mix of sautéed vegetables, black beans, and corn. The homemade Southwest crema adds a creamy, tangy finish that brings all the elements together perfectly. This versatile wrap works great for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, offering a satisfying combination of protein, vegetables, and bold seasonings in every bite. The recipe strikes an ideal balance between fresh ingredients and comfort food, making it a reliable choice for both casual meals and special occasions.
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Updated on Fri, 21 Feb 2025 23:00:48 GMT
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Transform ordinary tortillas into flavor-packed wraps bursting with zesty marinated chicken, colorful vegetables, and creamy Southwest sauce. This satisfying meal brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen in just 40 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, these wraps deliver a delicious blend of textures and bold southwestern flavors in every bite.

The aroma of these wraps cooking takes me back to family dinners in Arizona, where the blend of smoky chipotle and fresh lime would fill our kitchen. Now, it's become a staple in my own home, bringing those cherished memories to my table.

Flavor Building Blocks

  • Chicken breast: Choose fresh, never frozen for the juiciest results
  • Chipotle peppers: Look for ones packed in adobo sauce for authentic smoky heat
  • Large tortillas: Select burrito-sized wraps that hold well without tearing
  • Fresh lime juice: Essential for both marinade and crema, avoid bottled versions
  • Black beans: Rinse well to remove excess sodium and improve texture
  • Fresh vegetables: Choose firm peppers and crisp onions for best results
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Creating Perfect Wraps

Chicken Preparation:
Dice chicken into uniform pieces, combine with marinade ingredients, and let flavors develop for at least 15 minutes.
Vegetable Preparation:
Chop peppers, onions, and garlic uniformly for even cooking and visual appeal.
Rice Foundation:
Cook rice until tender but not mushy, allowing it to rest covered for fluffiest results.
Sauce Creation:
Blend crema ingredients until smooth, adjusting thickness with water as needed.
Chicken Cooking:
Sauté marinated chicken until golden brown and cooked through, developing caramelization.
Wrap Assembly:
Layer ingredients strategically, starting with rice and ending with sauce for perfect distribution.

My Mexican grandmother taught me to toast the tortillas slightly before assembling. This simple step not only makes them more flexible but also adds a subtle nutty flavor that elevates the entire wrap.

Complete Meal Solutions

Create a festive spread by serving these wraps alongside Mexican-style rice, fresh guacamole, and crispy tortilla chips. For lighter options, pair with a citrus-dressed green salad or roasted corn salad. Consider setting up a build-your-own wrap station for casual entertaining.

Customization Magic

Adapt this versatile recipe to dietary needs by using whole wheat tortillas for extra fiber or cauliflower rice for lower carbs. Swap chicken for black beans and roasted sweet potatoes for a vegetarian version. Adjust the heat level by varying chipotle amounts or adding fresh jalapeños.

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Fresh Storage Tips

Store components separately in airtight containers for up to three days. Keep tortillas at room temperature wrapped in a clean kitchen towel. When ready to eat, warm tortillas briefly and assemble just before serving for optimal texture.

These Southwest chicken wraps have become my signature dish for both family dinners and casual entertaining. The combination of properly marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and homemade sauce creates a meal that's both satisfying and memorable. What makes this recipe truly special is its ability to bring people together, whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend lunch. Remember, the key to perfect wraps lies in the quality of ingredients and the care taken in assembly – every step matters in creating this southwestern masterpiece.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare these wraps ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare all components in advance. Store separately and assemble just before eating to maintain freshness.
→ What can I substitute for cotija cheese?
Feta cheese makes a great substitute, or you can skip it for a dairy-free version.
→ How spicy is this wrap?
It's moderately spicy, but you can adjust the heat by changing the amount of chipotle peppers and jalapeños.
→ Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, though the flavor won't be as rich. Toss pre-cooked chicken with the seasonings and warm before serving.
→ How do I prevent the wrap from getting soggy?
Let hot ingredients cool slightly and drain any excess liquid before assembling. Serve the crema on the side if not eating immediately.

Zesty Southwest Chicken Wrap

This Southwest Chicken Wrap combines tender marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and homemade chipotle crema for a delicious meal packed with flavor.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes

Category: Quick & Easy

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Chicken Marinade

01 ¾ lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
02 ¼ cup lime juice (about one lime)
03 ½ tsp chili powder
04 ½ tsp onion powder
05 1 tsp garlic powder
06 ½ tsp smoked paprika
07 ¼ tsp salt
08 3 tbsp olive oil
09 1 tbsp chipotle pepper in adobo sauce

→ Wrap Ingredients

10 4 large tortillas
11 1 cup uncooked rice
12 1 small red bell pepper, chopped
13 1 jalapeño, chopped
14 ½ red onion, thinly sliced
15 3 garlic cloves, minced
16 1 tsp olive oil (to sauté the veggies)
17 ¾ cup thawed or fresh corn kernels
18 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
19 ¼ cup cotija cheese

→ Southwest Crema

20 ⅓ cup sour cream
21 1½ tbsp honey
22 ½–1 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo
23 1 tbsp lime juice
24 3 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
25 1–2 tbsp water (to thin the crema)
26 ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

Step 01

Begin by patting the chicken dry and cutting it into small, bite-sized pieces. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken with olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and chipotle pepper in adobo sauce. Stir everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Step 02

Prepare the rice according to the package instructions. Meanwhile, combine sour cream, honey, chipotle peppers in adobo, lime juice, cilantro, water, and salt in a blender. Blend until smooth, adjusting the water for your desired consistency.

Step 03

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is slightly caramelized on the outside.

Step 04

Using the same skillet, heat 1 tsp of olive oil. Add the chopped bell pepper, jalapeño, sliced red onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and fragrant. Toss the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the vegetables.

Step 05

Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Start by spreading a layer of cooked rice in the center. Top with the chicken and vegetable mixture, followed by black beans, corn, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese. Drizzle the Southwest crema generously over the top. Fold sides inward, then roll tightly from the bottom.

Notes

  1. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free tortillas. Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing the amount of chipotle in adobo sauce.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • Blender
  • Rice cooker or pot

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (sour cream, cotija cheese)
  • Contains gluten (tortillas)