Southwest Chicken Wrap Recipe

Introduction

This Southwest Chicken Wrap is a flavorful and satisfying meal packed with spicy marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy chipotle sauce. Perfect for a quick lunch or a casual dinner, these wraps bring a delicious mix of textures and tastes wrapped in a warm tortilla.

Ingredients

• 0.75 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ¼ cup lime juice
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp salt
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp chipotle pepper in adobo
• 4 large tortillas
• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 1 small red bell pepper
• 1 jalapeño
• ½ red onion, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp olive oil
• ¾ cup corn kernels
• 1 cup black beans
• ¼ cup cotija cheese
• ⅓ cup sour cream
• 1½ tbsp honey
• ½-1 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 3 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1-2 tbsp water
• ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Dice the chicken breasts and marinate them in lime juice, 3 tablespoons olive oil, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon chipotle pepper in adobo. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
2. Step 2: Cook the rice according to package instructions and set aside.
3. Step 3: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the marinated chicken until cooked through, about 12 to 15 minutes.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add 1 teaspoon olive oil and sauté the chopped red bell pepper, sliced red onion, and jalapeño until tender. Add the minced garlic and cooked chicken back in, stirring well to warm everything through.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, mix the sour cream, honey, ½ to 1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo, lime juice, chopped cilantro, water, and ¼ teaspoon salt to make the sauce.
6. Step 6: To assemble each wrap, layer cooked rice, the chicken and vegetable mixture, black beans, corn kernels, cotija cheese, and the prepared sauce on each tortilla.
7. Step 7: Roll each tortilla tightly like a burrito and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder flavor, reduce the chipotle peppers in adobo or omit them from the marinade and sauce.
• Feel free to add avocado slices or shredded lettuce for extra freshness and texture.
• Use brown rice or cauliflower rice as a healthier alternative to white rice.
• To make it vegetarian, replace chicken with grilled vegetables or tofu and omit the cotija cheese or use a plant-based cheese.

Storage

Store any leftover wraps tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or foil in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, unwrap and warm in a skillet or microwave until heated through. For best texture, assemble fresh wraps before serving rather than storing fully assembled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?

Yes, using rotisserie chicken saves time. Simply shred it and toss with the sautéed peppers, onions, garlic, and chipotle sauce before assembling the wraps.

How spicy is this wrap?

The wrap has a moderate level of heat thanks to chipotle peppers and jalapeño, but you can adjust the spice by reducing the amount of chipotle or omitting jalapeño if you prefer milder flavors.

Southwest Chicken Wrap Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 113 reviews

This Southwest Chicken Wrap is a vibrant and flavorful meal combining marinated, sautéed chicken with fresh veggies, rice, black beans, and a creamy chipotle-lime sauce all wrapped in a soft tortilla. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, it offers a satisfying blend of smoky, spicy, and tangy elements with a Tex-Mex twist.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 wraps 1x
• Category: Wraps
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southwestern

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Marinade

• 0.75 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• ¼ cup lime juice
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp salt
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 Tbsp chipotle pepper in adobo

Wrap Filling

• 4 large tortillas
• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 1 small red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, chopped
• ½ red onion, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp olive oil
• ¾ cup corn kernels
• 1 cup black beans
• ¼ cup cotija cheese

Sauce

• ⅓ cup sour cream
• 1½ Tbsp honey
• ½–1 Tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo (adjust to taste)
• 1 Tbsp lime juice
• 3 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1–2 Tbsp water
• ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

1. Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine diced chicken with lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and chipotle pepper in adobo. Toss well to coat and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Cook Rice: Prepare the rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, set aside and keep warm.
3. Sauté Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and slightly browned.
4. Sauté Vegetables and Combine: In the same skillet, add 1 tsp olive oil if needed, then sauté the chopped red bell pepper, jalapeño, and sliced red onion until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to warm everything through.
5. Prepare Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, stir together sour cream, honey, chipotle peppers in adobo, lime juice, chopped cilantro, water, and salt until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency with water as needed.
6. Assemble Wraps: Lay out each tortilla and layer with a portion of cooked rice, the chicken and vegetable mixture, black beans, corn kernels, cotija cheese, and drizzle with the prepared sauce.
7. Roll and Serve: Carefully roll each tortilla tightly like a burrito, folding in the edges as you go. Serve immediately for best freshness and flavor.

Notes

• Adjust chipotle peppers in adobo in the marinade and sauce to control spiciness.
• Rice can be substituted with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
• For extra crunch, add chopped lettuce or fresh avocado slices to the wrap.
• To make ahead, prepare each component and assemble just before serving.
• This recipe can easily be doubled for more servings.

Keywords: Southwest Chicken Wrap, Chicken Wrap, Tex-Mex Wrap, Easy Dinner, Chicken Burrito, Healthy Wrap