Best Southwest Chicken Wrap

The idea for this best southwest chicken wrap came to me during a spontaneous picnic with my family when we had leftovers from taco night. I tossed together grilled chicken, some corn and beans from the fridge, and wrapped it all in a tortilla with a bit of creamy sauce and fresh lettuce. What started as a quick fix became an instant favorite, especially when we realized how satisfying and flavorful each bite was.

Ever since then, I’ve made this wrap for everything from busy weekday lunches to casual get-togethers with friends. It’s colorful, hearty, and packed with bold flavor combinations that never get old. Plus, it’s so easy to prepare and customize that I always find myself coming back to it when I want something quick, delicious, and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

• Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
• Grilled chicken – Tender and savory, it adds protein and heartiness to the wrap.
• Tortillas – The soft, flexible base that holds everything together.
• Black beans – Earthy and filling, they add fiber and texture.
• Corn – Sweet and juicy, offering a little crunch in every bite.
• Romaine lettuce – Crisp greens that add freshness and structure.
• Diced tomatoes – Juicy and colorful, they brighten up the flavor.
• Southwest dressing or ranch – Creamy and zesty, this ties all the ingredients together.
• Cilantro – Optional, but adds a lovely burst of herbiness.

Tools You’ll Need

• Cutting board and knife – To chop chicken, lettuce, and tomatoes.
• Mixing bowl – Great for tossing beans, corn, and other fillings before assembling.
• Tongs or spatula – Helpful for flipping or warming tortillas on the skillet.
• Large skillet or grill pan – Optional for warming the wraps or grilling the chicken.
• Spoon or squeeze bottle – For drizzling your favorite dressing evenly.

Instructions

Step 1:

I start by prepping the chicken. If I’m using leftovers, I warm it slightly and slice it into strips. Otherwise, I grill or pan-sear some seasoned chicken breasts until juicy and done, then set them aside to rest.

Step 2:

Next, I drain and rinse the black beans and corn, then I dice up fresh tomatoes and chop the romaine lettuce.

Step 3:

I like to mix the beans, corn, and a few spoonfuls of dressing together in a bowl. This adds flavor to every bite and keeps things moist inside the wrap.

Step 4:

I lay out a tortilla on a flat surface, then layer with lettuce, sliced chicken, the bean-corn mix, diced tomatoes, and a bit more dressing on top. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro goes great here too.

Step 5:

I fold the sides inward, then roll the wrap tightly from the bottom up. If the tortillas are a little stiff, I warm them in the skillet first to make rolling easier.

Step 6:

I like to sear the wraps in a hot dry skillet for 1–2 minutes per side until they get those beautiful golden spots. It helps seal everything in and adds a bit of crispness.

Step 7:

I slice each wrap in half and serve them warm or chilled with extra dressing on the side.

Tips

If you want to make it extra hearty, I sometimes add cooked rice or sliced avocado for more substance. I’ve also swapped out the chicken for grilled shrimp or roasted veggies for a meatless version. And don’t forget—you can make these ahead of time, just keep the dressing separate until serving so they don’t get soggy.

Ways to Serve

Serve with a side of tortilla chips and guacamole for a full southwest-inspired meal.

Wrap in foil for an easy, mess-free lunch to take to work or school.

Cut into smaller pinwheels and serve as a colorful party appetizer.

Pair with a light soup or salad for a balanced dinner option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Best Southwest Chicken Wraps in advance?

Yes, but I recommend storing the dressing separately and adding it just before eating to keep the wrap from getting soggy.

What type of tortilla works best for Best Southwest Chicken Wraps?

I usually go with large flour tortillas because they’re soft and easy to roll, but whole wheat or gluten-free options work well too.

Can I use rotisserie chicken in this Best Southwest Chicken Wrap recipe?

Absolutely! It’s a great shortcut and makes this wrap even quicker to assemble.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this best southwest chicken wrap a go! It’s the kind of recipe that feels fresh, filling, and flavorful every single time, and I’d love to know how you make it your own. Don’t forget to save or share it so you can always come back when the craving hits.

Happy Cooking!

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