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Southwest Chicken Wrap

Southwest Chicken Wraps Recipe: Easy and Delicious


  • Author: Elyna
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 wraps 1x

Description

A vibrant and flavorful Southwest Chicken Wrap recipe featuring zesty marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, hearty black beans, and creamy homemade southwest crema. This wrap is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, offering a wholesome, customizable, and satisfying meal option for the whole family.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 0.75 lb chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, diced into bite-sized pieces.
  • ¼ cup lime juice: About one lime, for a tangy kick.
  • ½ tsp chili powder: Adds a hint of heat.
  • ½ tsp onion powder: For depth of flavor.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder: Essential for a robust taste.
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika: Infuses a smoky essence.
  • ¼ tsp salt: More as needed for seasoning.
  • 3 tbsp olive oil: Helps coat the chicken and locks in moisture.
  • 1 tbsp chipotle pepper in adobo: Provides a spicy, smoky flavor (adjust to taste).

For the Wrap

  • 4 large tortillas: Soft and sturdy enough to hold all the fillings.
  • 1 cup uncooked rice: Cook according to package instructions.
  • 1 small red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and crunch.
  • 1 jalapeño: Optional for an extra spicy kick.
  • ½ red onion: Thinly sliced.
  • 3 garlic cloves: Minced.
  • 1 tsp olive oil: For sautéing the veggies.
  • ¾ cup corn kernels: Fresh or thawed frozen corn.
  • 1 cup black beans: Drained and rinsed.
  • ¼ cup cotija cheese: Crumbled for a salty, tangy finish.

For the Southwest Crema

  • ⅓ cup sour cream: Greek yogurt can be substituted for a lighter option.
  • 1½ tbsp honey: Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness.
  • ½1 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo: Adjust based on spice preference.
  • 1 tbsp lime juice: For brightness.
  • 3 tbsp fresh cilantro: Chopped for freshness.
  • 12 tbsp water: To thin the crema as needed.
  • ¼ tsp salt: To enhance the flavors.

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel and place them in a large bowl.
  2. Add lime juice, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, olive oil, and chipotle pepper in adobo.
  3. Mix thoroughly to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Cover and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice and Crema

  1. Cook the rice according to the package instructions. Set aside to cool slightly.
  2. In a blender or food processor, combine sour cream, honey, chipotle peppers, lime juice, cilantro, water, and salt. Blend until smooth. Adjust the thickness by adding more water if needed.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
  2. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

  1. Wipe the skillet clean and add 1 tsp olive oil. Heat over medium heat.
  2. Add the red bell pepper, jalapeño, red onion, and garlic. Sauté for 8 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in the corn and black beans. Cook for 2 additional minutes.
  4. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix with the veggies. Warm everything through on low heat.

Step 5: Assemble the Wraps

  1. Warm the tortillas on a dry skillet or in the microwave.
  2. Layer each tortilla with rice, chicken and vegetable mixture, cotija cheese, and a generous drizzle of southwest crema.
  3. Fold the tortillas tightly like a burrito, ensuring the fillings are secured inside.
  4. For a toasted wrap, place the stuffed wraps back in the skillet over medium heat and toast each side for 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Slice each wrap in half for easy handling. Serve with extra southwest crema on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • Chicken Substitutes: Chicken thighs work well and cook faster. Adjust cooking time to 8-14 minutes.
  • Heat Levels: Use mild or medium chipotle peppers if you prefer less spice.
  • Crema Substitutes: Replace sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative.
  • Avoid Overstuffing: Prevent tortilla tears by not overloading the wrap.
  • Freezing: Wraps can be frozen for up to 2 months in an airtight container.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Cuisine: Southwest American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 wrap
  • Calories: 656 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 738 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 82 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 31 g
  • Cholesterol: 74 mg