These Southwest Chicken Wraps are both simple and flavorful, making them a great choice for a quick lunch or dinner. They feature tender marinated chicken paired with sautéed bell peppers and onions. Each wrap is filled with cooked rice, black beans, corn, and cotija cheese, then topped with a tangy homemade Southwest crema made from sour cream, honey, chipotle peppers, lime juice, and cilantro. The wraps can be easily customized to suit various tastes and dietary needs, and any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Perfect for a speedy meal, Southwest Chicken Wraps are a delicious combination of marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, black beans, corn, and a zesty Southwest crema. The mix of flavors and textures creates a satisfying meal that’s both quick to prepare and versatile. Whether serving your family or hosting a gathering, these wraps are sure to impress.
INGREDIENTS
FOR THE CHICKEN
- 0.75 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup lime juice (about 1 lime)
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo
FOR THE SOUTHWEST WRAP
- 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 (for sautéing vegetables)
- ¾ cup corn kernels (thawed if frozen)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup cotija cheese
FOR THE SOUTHWEST CREMA
- 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 (to thin the crema, if needed)
- ¼ tsp salt
INSTRUCTIONS
PREPARE THE CHICKEN
- Pat the chicken dry and cut it into small, bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, mix the chicken with lime juice, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, olive oil, and chipotle pepper until the chicken is well-coated.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 24 hours.
PREPARE THE RICE AND VEGGIES
- Cook the rice according to the package instructions.
- Slice the red bell pepper, jalapeño, and red onion, and mince the garlic.
MAKE THE SOUTHWEST CREMA
- In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine sour cream, honey, chipotle peppers in adobo, lime juice, cilantro, water, and salt. Blend until smooth, adjusting the thickness with additional water if needed.
COOK THE CHICKEN
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 12-15 minutes, or until fully cooked. Set aside.
SAUTÉ THE VEGGIES
- In the same skillet, add 1 tsp of olive oil and sauté the chopped bell peppers and onions for about 8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and heat through, being careful not to overcook.
ASSEMBLE THE WRAPS
- Warm the tortillas. Start by layering rice on each tortilla, followed by the chicken and veggie mixture, black beans, corn, and cotija cheese.
- Drizzle generously with Southwest Crema.
- Wrap tightly like a burrito, adding more crema if desired.
SERVING AND STORAGE TIPS
SERVING TIPS
These Southwest Chicken Wraps are best enjoyed immediately while they’re fresh and warm. Complement them with a side of tortilla chips and salsa, or a light salad for a complete meal. For an extra burst of flavor, serve with additional Southwest Crema on the side.
STORAGE TIPS
To store leftovers, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat by unwrapping and microwaving for 1-2 minutes, or place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
HELPFUL NOTES
For a quicker preparation, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of marinating and cooking your own. Increase the heat by adding extra chipotle peppers in adobo to the marinade and Southwest Crema.To make the wraps vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add more beans or a meat substitute.
Quotes from Well-Known Chefs:
“The key to a great wrap is balancing flavors and textures. The creamy crema with the crispy chicken and fresh veggies makes this wrap absolutely delicious.” – Ina Garten
“Don’t be afraid to play with the spice levels. The chipotle peppers add a nice kick that complements the other ingredients perfectly.” – Bobby Flay
CONCLUSION
The Southwest Chicken Wrap is a delightful and satisfying meal that perfectly blends the flavors of the southwest with the convenience of a wrap. The combination of tender grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, and a tangy avocado-lime dressing creates a harmonious and flavorful experience. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy lunch or a satisfying dinner, this recipe is sure to please. Enjoy this delicious and versatile wrap!
