Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps – Easy Dinner Recipe

Why Make This Recipe

Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps are a perfect choice for an easy dinner. They are healthy, quick to prepare, and flavorful. You can pack them with your favorite vegetables and sauces, making each wrap customizable to suit your taste. Moreover, these wraps are a great way to use up leftover grilled chicken, making them an efficient option for busy weeknights. With a warm tortilla hugging all the delicious fillings, each bite brings a delightful crunch and freshness, making dinner not just a meal but an experience. Plus, who doesn’t love a meal that can be eaten on-the-go?

How to Make Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps

Making Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps is simple and requires minimal cooking skills. You start by prepping your ingredients, seasoning the chicken, and then layering everything in a tortilla. Let’s dive into the ingredients and the step-by-step process!

Ingredients:

• 2 large flour tortillas
• 1 grilled chicken breast, sliced
• 1/2 cup lettuce, shredded (you can use spinach or kale instead)
• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup diced cucumbers
• 1/4 cup sweet corn kernels
• 2 tablespoons red onion, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons creamy Southwest dressing (or your favorite dressing)
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Substitutions:

• You can replace flour tortillas with whole-grain wraps for a healthier twist.

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the Tortillas

Start by laying out the large flour tortillas on a clean, flat surface. You can warm the tortillas slightly in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds to make them more pliable and easier to roll. This step is optional but can make wrapping much easier.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

If you already have grilled chicken, slice it into thin strips. If your chicken is not seasoned, you can sprinkle it with a bit of salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder to enhance the flavor. Make sure to taste it after seasoning to ensure it meets your preference.

Step 3: Layer the Dressing and Vegetables

On each tortilla, spread a tablespoon of creamy Southwest dressing. It adds flavor and keeps the wrap moist. Then, layer the shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, and red onion evenly over the dressing. Make sure to leave some space at the edges for wrapping.

Step 4: Add the Grilled Chicken

Now, take the sliced grilled chicken and distribute it evenly over the vegetables on each tortilla. If you love meat, you can add a little extra chicken to pack in more protein.

Step 5: Wrap it Up

To wrap the tortilla, fold the sides in over the filling, then start rolling from the bottom up. Keep the filling tucked in as you roll. Once you reach the top, you can place the wrap seam-side down on a plate to keep it from unrolling.

How to Serve Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps

Serving Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps is straightforward. You can slice each wrap in half on a diagonal to show off the colorful filling inside. Arrange them on a plate with extra dipping sauce on the side, if desired. You might consider pairing the wraps with a light side salad or some sweet potato fries for a complete meal. Additionally, these wraps are great for lunch boxes, picnics, or tailgating, making them a versatile choice.

How to Store Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps

If you have leftovers, store them properly in the refrigerator. Wrap each individual wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil to keep them fresh. These wraps can be stored for up to 2 days. However, if you know you won’t eat them within that time, consider eating the filling separately from the tortilla. Store the chicken and veggies in an airtight container and the wraps separately, to maintain their freshness.

Tips to Make Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps

1. Prep Ahead: Chop your vegetables and grill the chicken in advance for a quick assembly at dinner time. Prepped ingredients can last in the fridge for up to three days.

2. Customize: Feel free to switch out ingredients. You can add black beans for extra protein or avocado for creaminess.

3. Sauce It Up: Experiment with different dressings or sauces. Barbecue sauce, ranch, or even a zesty cilantro lime dressing can add a unique twist.

4. Use a Panini Press: If you want a warm and crispy exterior, consider grilling the wrapped tortillas in a panini press or on a skillet with a bit of olive oil.

5. Make it a Meal Prep: You can prepare several wraps at once and store them in the fridge for quick weekday lunches or dinners.

Variation

If you want to create a vegetarian version of these wraps, simply skip the grilled chicken. Instead, you can add more vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or switch to chickpeas or tofu for a protein alternative. Use a different type of dressing that complements the flavors of your vegetables.

FAQs

Can I use frozen grilled chicken?

Yes, using frozen grilled chicken can be a great time-saver. Just make sure to thaw it completely before slicing and assembling your wraps.

How can I make the wraps spicier?

If you enjoy heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or some spicy salsa to the filling. You can also look for spicy Southwest dressing if you want to kick up the flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps gluten-free, you can use gluten-free tortillas or lettuce leaves as a wrap. Just ensure that all your ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I make these wraps ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the wraps without the dressing and store them in the refrigerator. Add the dressing right before eating to keep them fresh.

What are some side dishes that go well with the wraps?

Great side dishes to accompany Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps include a light salad, coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a simple fruit salad. Choose a side that complements the fresh and vibrant flavors in the wraps.

With Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps, dinner can be delicious, nutritious, and incredibly easy to prepare. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and flavors to find your perfect wrap!

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