Save to Pinterest These hearty wraps feature seasoned chicken breast cooked with garlic and paprika, then paired with a zesty garlic mayo sauce. Melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese add richness, while fresh lettuce, tomato, and red onion provide crunch.
Ready in just 30 minutes, these wraps are perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunches. The tortillas can be warmed for easy rolling, and an optional pan-grilling step creates golden, crispy edges with extra-melty cheese.
The smell of garlic hitting hot oil still pulls me into the kitchen faster than anything else. I started making these wraps on busy weeknights when I wanted something comforting but didn't have hours to spend cooking. Now they've become my go-to when friends drop by unexpectedly.
Last summer my sister was visiting and we were both too tired from hiking to attempt anything complicated. I threw these together with whatever we had in the fridge, and she immediately asked for the recipe. Something about warm tortillas with melting cheese makes people feel at home.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: Slice them against the grain into thin strips so they cook evenly and stay tender
- Olive oil: Helps the spices adhere to the chicken and prevents sticking in the pan
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor and beautiful color to the chicken
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic creates aromatic depth that powder alone cannot achieve
- Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully and provides that classic cheese pull
- Cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and complements the milder mozzarella perfectly
- Flour tortillas: Large tortillas fold neatly around all the fillings without tearing
- Lettuce: Adds necessary crunch to balance the warm, soft components
- Tomato: Fresh diced tomato brings brightness and moisture to each bite
- Red onion: Thinly sliced onion provides a sharp contrast to the rich cheese
- Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base for the homemade garlic sauce
- Lemon juice: Cuts through the richness and adds brightness to the sauce
Instructions
- Prep the chicken:
- Slice the chicken breasts into thin, even strips so they cook quickly and uniformly
- Cook the aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds
- Sear the chicken:
- Add chicken strips with paprika, salt, and pepper, cooking for 6 to 8 minutes until lightly browned
- Whisk the sauce:
- Combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, and garlic powder in a small bowl until smooth
- Warm the tortillas:
- Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for 30 seconds until pliable
- Build the base:
- Spread sauce down the center of each tortilla, then layer with lettuce, tomato, and onion
- Add the chicken:
- Top vegetables with warm chicken and sprinkle both cheeses so they melt slightly
- Roll them up:
- Fold in the sides and roll tightly from bottom to top
- Optional grill:
- For extra crispiness, grill wraps 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden
- Serve:
- Slice each wrap in half diagonally and serve while still warm
Save to Pinterest My daughter now requests these for her birthday dinner every year. There's something about assembling your own wrap at the table that turns dinner into an interactive experience everyone enjoys.
Make Ahead Magic
Cook the chicken and prepare the sauce up to two days in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator, then reheat the chicken gently while you chop the fresh vegetables.
Cheese Wisdom
Grate your own cheese from blocks instead of buying pre-shredded bags. The anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese prevent it from melting as smoothly as freshly grated cheese.
Perfect Pairings
These wraps work beautifully alongside simple sides that don't compete with the bold flavors. A light soup or fresh fruit makes the meal feel complete without being heavy.
- Creamy tomato soup for dipping
- Fresh fruit salad with citrus
- Crispy sweet potato fries
Save to Pinterest These cheesy wraps have saved countless busy weeknights in my house. I hope they become a reliable favorite in yours too.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
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Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Simply shred the meat and season it with paprika, salt, pepper, and a dash of garlic powder for the same flavor.
- → How do I store leftover wraps?
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Wrap each individually in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat to crisp the tortilla and melt the cheese again.
- → Can I make these gluten-free?
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Use gluten-free tortillas and ensure all seasonings and condiments are certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
- → What other fillings can I add?
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Sliced avocado, roasted peppers, jalapeños, bacon bits, or fresh cilantro all complement the flavors. You can also swap the lettuce for spinach or arugula.
- → Do I have to grill the wraps after rolling?
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No, grilling is optional. It creates crispy edges and ensures the cheese melts completely, but the wraps are delicious served immediately after rolling with the warm chicken.
