Get ready to fall in love with a vibrant, flavor-packed lunch that’s super satisfying and easy to pull together: the Southwest Chicken Wrap. This crave-worthy wrap takes everything you love about Tex-Mex and tucks it into a soft tortilla—think juicy chicken, hearty black beans, sweet corn, creamy avocado, and plenty of zest. Whip it up in just minutes for a high-protein meal that tastes great fresh or on the go. Whether you need a speedy dinner or a make-ahead lunch, this is the wrap you’ll find yourself making on repeat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I adore most about this Southwest Chicken Wrap is how a handful of simple ingredients join forces to create something bold and satisfying. Each component brings its own texture, color, and Southwest-inspired flair, so nothing gets lost in the shuffle!
- Chicken breast: Use cooked and shredded (or chopped) chicken for a hearty, protein-packed base; rotisserie makes this step a breeze.
- Black beans: These deliver fiber, earthy flavor, and bulk up the filling beautifully—just rinse and drain from the can.
- Corn: Sweet pops of corn offer welcome contrast; fresh, frozen, or canned all work well here.
- Diced tomatoes or salsa: Bring a hit of juicy freshness (or a fiery kick, if you use spicy salsa!).
- Avocado: Adds luscious creaminess and those irresistibly rich bites.
- Shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese: Melty, sharp cheese amps up the comfort factor.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: For cool, tangy richness that pulls everything together.
- Lime juice: Lively citrus wakes up all the other flavors—don’t skip it.
- Chili powder: Brings that essential Southwest warmth and a gentle kick.
- Cumin: This earthy spice rounds out the filling with unmistakable depth.
- Salt and black pepper: Just enough to keep all those flavors popping.
- Large flour tortillas: Soft, sturdy wraps are what keep this meal deliciously portable.
- Optional: chopped lettuce, cilantro, hot sauce: For extra freshness, flavor, or heat—totally customizable!
How to Make Southwest Chicken Wrap
Step 1: Mix the Filling
Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl, because all the magic happens here! Add your cooked chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes or salsa, creamy avocado, cheese, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until every bite is perfectly coated and studded with plenty of color—this is where the Southwest Chicken Wrap gets its crave-worthy filling.
Step 2: Prep the Tortillas
To make wrapping a breeze (and avoid any tortilla tears), take a moment to warm your flour tortillas. You can pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds, or give them a quick pass over a hot skillet. They should be soft and pliable, ready to hug all that filling.
Step 3: Fill and Roll
Lay each tortilla out flat and divide your Southwest-inspired filling down the center. If you love extra crunch and color, now’s the time to sprinkle on chopped lettuce, fresh cilantro, or a dash of hot sauce. Fold the sides in, then tightly roll up each tortilla—think burrito-style—for a picture-perfect Southwest Chicken Wrap.
Step 4: Serve or Store
You can dig in immediately, enjoying the fresh flavors while the tortillas are still warm. Or, for true meal prep champions, wrap each one tightly in foil or parchment paper and stash them in the fridge for the week. They’re awesome straight from the fridge or can be warmed up for a gooey, melty treat.
How to Serve Southwest Chicken Wrap
Garnishes
A finishing touch can take your Southwest Chicken Wrap to the next level. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, extra avocado, or a few slices of jalapeno add color and zing. Drizzle with your favorite hot sauce, or a dollop of extra sour cream for even more flair!
Side Dishes
This wrap is hearty enough on its own, but I love pairing it with crunchy tortilla chips, a simple side salad with lime vinaigrette, or crisp veggie sticks for an extra boost of freshness. For a heartier meal, rice or a black bean salad on the side is always a win.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a crowd, slice the wraps in halves or thirds on a slight bias and arrange them on a platter with colorful dipping sauces. Or, press the wraps in a panini press for a warm, melty version—kids and adults both love this twist! The Southwest Chicken Wrap is endlessly customizable, making it perfect for lunchboxes or party trays.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Southwest Chicken Wraps hold up beautifully in the fridge. Just wrap them tightly in foil or parchment and they’ll stay fresh for up to two days. The flavors meld together even more, so they’re perfect for grab-and-go lunches.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead for busy weeks, you can freeze these wraps! For best texture, leave out fresh lettuce and avocado, then wrap each Southwest Chicken Wrap in foil and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick meal anytime.
Reheating
Reheat wraps either in the microwave for about a minute, or for a crisper texture, toast them on a skillet or in a sandwich press until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, let your Southwest Chicken Wrap thaw in the fridge first for the best results.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken in the Southwest Chicken Wrap?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a tasty shortcut and adds tons of flavor. Just shred or chop it, and you’re good to go.
Are there dairy-free options for this recipe?
You bet. Swap in your favorite plant-based cheese and use a dairy-free yogurt in place of sour cream for a wrap that fits your needs.
Can I make Southwest Chicken Wraps vegetarian?
Yes! Simply leave out the chicken and double up on beans, or add grilled tofu or extra veggies like bell peppers and zucchini for a satisfying meatless option.
How do I prevent my wrap from getting soggy?
For best results, avoid adding wet ingredients like fresh salsa or lettuce until right before serving. Wrapping tightly and keeping the wraps chilled also helps maintain texture.
What’s the best way to pack these for lunch?
Wrap the Southwest Chicken Wraps tightly in parchment or foil, then slice in half. Pack with an ice pack to keep them cool, and add lettuce or extra sauce just before eating for maximum freshness.
Final Thoughts
If you love big flavors and quick, satisfying meals, you’ll want to keep this Southwest Chicken Wrap in your weekly rotation. It’s endlessly versatile, perfect for kids and adults, and just downright fun to eat. Give it a try—you’ll see why it earns rave reviews every time!
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Southwest Chicken Wrap Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 wraps 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Southwest Chicken Wrap is a flavorful and satisfying meal that is easy to make and perfect for lunch or dinner. Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a balanced option for a quick and tasty wrap.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- ½ cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- ½ cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- ½ cup diced tomatoes or salsa
- ½ avocado, diced
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 large flour tortillas
- Optional: chopped lettuce, cilantro, hot sauce
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes or salsa, avocado, cheese, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly coated and combined.
- Warm the tortillas slightly to make them easier to fold. Spoon the mixture evenly down the center of each tortilla. Add lettuce, cilantro, or a dash of hot sauce if desired. Fold in the sides, then roll up tightly into a wrap.
- Serve immediately or wrap in foil or parchment for on-the-go meals.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick option.
- These wraps are great cold or can be pressed in a panini press for a warm, crispy version.
- Easily customizable with extra veggies or hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southwest
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wrap
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
