Easy and Delicious Chicken Wraps: Your New Go-To Meal!
Discover how to create incredibly simple yet profoundly delicious Chicken Wraps, perfect for any meal of the day. Whether you need a lightning-fast lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a hearty snack, these wraps deliver. Bursting with savory shredded chicken, melted gooey cheese, crisp sweetcorn, and a rich, tangy BBQ sauce, they are incredibly versatile. Enjoy them fresh and cold, or toast them to a beautiful golden crisp for an extra layer of texture and warmth.
There’s something truly magical about a soft tortilla wrap. They’re not just a vessel for your favorite fillings; they’re a pantry staple, always ready to be transformed into a quick and satisfying meal. My kitchen always has a stack of them, waiting for inspiration to strike, or for those busy days when time is of the essence.
After perfecting my Easy Beef Burritos, I was inspired to develop another wrap recipe that could be served warm but with even less fuss. The goal was a meal that comes together quickly, offers incredible flavor, and is genuinely fun to eat. The answer? These fantastic Chicken Wraps!
Imagine tender, seasoned chicken mixed with crunchy sweetcorn and finely diced red onion, all bound together by a luscious cream cheese and a zesty barbecue sauce. Then, add a generous amount of melting cheese, and encase it all in a warm, toasted tortilla. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes – creamy, crunchy, savory, and just a little bit smoky – designed to be savored with your hands.
These wraps aren’t just a meal; they’re a solution for busy schedules, picky eaters, and anyone who appreciates a deliciously easy recipe. They prove that quick cooking doesn’t mean compromising on taste or satisfaction. Get ready to add these to your weekly rotation!
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Chicken Wraps Recipe
These chicken wraps aren’t just another meal; they’re a delightful culinary experience packed with convenience and flavor. Here’s why this recipe is destined to become a household favorite:
- Effortlessly Quick: From start to finish, these wraps can be on your table in just about 15 minutes. They are the ultimate solution for those hectic weeknights or when hunger strikes unexpectedly.
- Remarkably Versatile: Whether you’re planning a delightful family picnic, packing a convenient takeaway lunch for work or school, or simply seeking a comforting meal at home, these wraps fit every occasion perfectly.
- Nutritious & Incredibly Delicious: Packed with lean protein from the chicken, essential fiber from the sweetcorn, and the rich goodness of cheese, these wraps offer a balanced and satisfying meal without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. They’re a clever way to enjoy a wholesome, hand-held meal.
- Customizable to Your Liking: The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Easily adjust ingredients to suit dietary preferences or what you have on hand, making it a truly flexible dish.
- Family-Friendly Appeal: With their appealing flavors and fun, hand-held format, these chicken wraps are a guaranteed hit with both adults and children, simplifying mealtime for everyone.
The Story Behind This Flavorful Wrap
My passion for wraps runs deep, stemming from their incredible versatility in countless meals. From my satisfying Giant Chicken Quesadilla to my vibrant Cauliflower Tacos, wraps consistently deliver on convenience and flavor. When I set out to create these Chicken Wraps, I wanted to craft a flavor profile that would truly stand out.
The journey to this recipe involved a bit of experimentation. Initially, I explored a tomato-based sauce, but it just didn’t quite capture the rich, comforting essence I envisioned. It lacked a certain depth and creaminess. Then came the breakthrough: incorporating cream cheese. This simple addition transformed the filling, imparting a luscious, velvety texture that bound all the ingredients together beautifully. It added a delightful richness without being overly heavy.
Next, I introduced barbecue sauce, and that’s when the magic truly happened. The smoky, sweet, and tangy notes of the BBQ sauce complemented the chicken and cream cheese perfectly, elevating the entire flavor profile to an exceptional level. It provided the vibrant punch that was missing, creating a truly irresistible filling.
To add both texture and nutritional value, sweetcorn was the ideal choice. It’s a fantastic no-cook vegetable, making preparation even quicker. Its natural sweetness and satisfying crunch pair wonderfully with the savory chicken and creamy sauce, while also contributing a good dose of dietary fiber. I genuinely believe this unique combination hits all the right notes, and I’m confident you’ll love it as much as I do!
Essential Chicken Wraps Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these incredible chicken wraps. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the ability to use readily available items. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:
- Cooked Chicken Breasts: The foundation of our wraps! You can save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken, leftover roast chicken, or pre-cooked chicken from your fridge. If you prefer to cook your own, simply bake, grill, or pan-fry boneless, skinless chicken breasts until fully cooked and easily shreddable. Approximately 600g (about 1.5 lbs) of cooked chicken is ideal for four generous wraps.
- Sweetcorn: This adds a lovely crunch and a burst of natural sweetness. Tinned sweetcorn, thoroughly drained, works perfectly for convenience. You can also use frozen sweetcorn, defrosted before mixing, or even fresh kernels if they are in season and you have a few extra minutes.
- Red Onion: Finely chopped red onion contributes a mild, slightly sharp flavor and a delicate crunch, enhancing the overall profile of the filling. If red onion isn’t available, a very finely diced spring onion or even a small amount of white onion can be used, though red onion offers the best color and flavor balance here.
- Cream Cheese: The secret to the incredibly creamy and luscious texture of the filling! Regular full-fat cream cheese provides a richer flavor, but reduced-fat cream cheese works just as well if you’re looking for a lighter option. It acts as a binder, ensuring all the ingredients stay together beautifully.
- BBQ Sauce: This is where much of the signature flavor comes from. Any good quality store-bought barbecue sauce will do. Choose one that you love – whether it’s sweet, smoky, or slightly spicy. Its tangy-sweet profile perfectly complements the chicken and cheese.
- Cheese: A generous amount of grated cheese is essential for that irresistible gooey factor when toasted. Mozzarella is excellent for its melty, stretchy consistency. Cheddar cheese offers a sharper, more robust flavor. Feel free to use a blend of both or any other good melting cheese like Monterey Jack.
- Large Wraps: Soft flour tortillas are the ideal choice for these wraps. Ensure they are large enough (typically 10-12 inches in diameter) to hold a substantial amount of filling and wrap securely. Wholemeal wraps can be used for added fiber, or gluten-free alternatives if needed.
- Sunflower Oil: Optional, but highly recommended if you plan to pan-fry your wraps. Just a tablespoon is enough to achieve that beautiful golden-brown, crispy exterior. Vegetable oil or light olive oil can be used as alternatives.
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Crucial for seasoning the filling to perfection. Adjust quantities to your taste, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
Crafting Your Perfect Chicken Wraps: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making these delicious chicken wraps is a straightforward process, designed for efficiency without compromising on taste. Follow these easy steps to assemble your next favorite meal:
1. Prepare the Chicken: If starting with whole cooked chicken breasts, shred them into bite-sized pieces. You can do this easily using two forks to pull the meat apart, or for an even quicker method, use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment on low speed – a fun and surprisingly useful hack!
2. Combine the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, drained sweetcorn, finely chopped red onion, cream cheese, barbecue sauce, grated cheese, and a generous seasoning of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the chicken is evenly coated in the creamy, flavorful sauce.
3. Portion and Fold: Lay a large tortilla wrap flat on a clean surface. Spoon a quarter of the chicken mixture into the middle of the wrap, forming a log shape. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make rolling difficult. Fold the left and right edges of the tortilla inwards, over the filling, creating two folded sides.
4. Roll Tightly: Starting from the bottom edge (the one closest to you), begin to roll the tortilla upwards, away from you. Roll as tightly as you can, ensuring the filling is snug and secure within the wrap. This technique creates a compact, parcel-like wrap that holds its shape beautifully.
5. Complete the Roll: Continue rolling until you reach the top edge, forming a neat, cylindrical parcel. At this point, your chicken wrap is ready to eat as is – perfect for a cold lunch or snack! OR, if you prefer a warm, crispy wrap with melted cheese, proceed to the next optional step.
6. Optional Frying for Perfection: Heat a tablespoon of sunflower oil (or your preferred cooking oil) in a large non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Once hot, carefully place the rolled wraps seam-side down in the pan. Fry for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside is wonderfully melted and gooey. Be sure to keep the heat moderate to low, allowing the cheese ample time to melt without burning the tortilla. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, crispy goodness!
Creative Substitutions and Variations for Your Wraps
One of the best aspects of this chicken wrap recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to experiment with these substitutions and variations to tailor the wraps to your taste preferences or dietary needs:
- Wrap Alternatives:
- Wholemeal Wraps: For an added boost of fiber and a nuttier flavor, swap regular flour tortillas for wholemeal (whole wheat) wraps.
- Gluten-Free Options: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, readily available gluten-free tortillas are an excellent choice. Ensure all other ingredients are also certified gluten-free.
- Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb alternative, skip the tortilla entirely and serve the filling in large, crisp lettuce cups (like romaine or iceberg) for a refreshing and light meal.
- Vegetarian & Vegan Adaptations:
- Vegetarian Swap: Easily transform this into a vegetarian meal by replacing the shredded chicken with plant-based alternatives. Cooked and shredded jackfruit offers a texture similar to pulled chicken, while seasoned chickpeas, black beans, or crumbled firm tofu can also make fantastic substitutes.
- Vegan Version: To make these wraps fully vegan, use a plant-based shredded chicken substitute, vegan cream cheese, and a dairy-free grated cheese alternative. Ensure your BBQ sauce is also vegan-friendly.
- Protein Diversity:
- Instead of chicken, consider using cooked and shredded turkey, especially after holidays when you might have leftovers. Pulled pork is another delicious option that pairs wonderfully with BBQ sauce.
- Vegetable Boosters:
- Enhance the nutritional value and flavor by adding finely diced bell peppers (any color), a handful of fresh spinach, or a spoonful of diced tomatoes to the filling mixture. Just ensure any added vegetables are well-drained to prevent a watery filling.
- Sauce & Spice Kicks:
- Experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors – a spicier variety, a honey BBQ, or a bourbon-infused sauce.
- For a touch of heat, a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of chili flakes can be mixed into the filling.
- Instead of BBQ sauce, try a creamy ranch dressing, a honey mustard, or a sweet chili sauce for a different flavor profile.
Storing and Reheating Your Delicious Wraps
Proper storage ensures your chicken wraps remain fresh and tasty, whether you’re planning ahead or dealing with leftovers. Here’s how to best handle them:
In the Fridge:
These chicken wraps can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out, wrap each individual wrap tightly in baking paper or parchment paper, then place them in an airtight container or a resealable bag. If you intend to pan-fry them later, follow the recipe up to step 4 (the rolling stage) and then store them. When you’re ready to eat, simply take them out of the fridge and pan-fry as instructed in step 6.
In the Freezer:
While convenient, I generally wouldn’t recommend freezing these chicken wraps. The tortillas can become soggy and develop an unpleasant texture once defrosted. The creamy filling, too, might separate and lose its ideal consistency upon thawing and reheating. For the best taste and texture, it’s always better to enjoy them fresh or within a few days from the refrigerator.
However, if you have leftover filling, that’s a different story! The filling itself freezes quite well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and then you can use it to make fresh wraps, stuff a baked potato, or mix it into a salad.
Top Tips for Unforgettable Chicken Wraps
Elevate your chicken wrap game with these expert tips, ensuring every bite is as perfect as possible:
Final Cooking Options for Ultimate Flavor and Texture
Once you’ve expertly rolled your wraps into neat parcels, you have a delicious choice to make. You can certainly enjoy them immediately, fresh and cool – they’re fantastic this way for a quick bite! OR, for an experience that truly takes these wraps to the next level, I wholeheartedly recommend the optional frying step. This extra effort melts the cheese into a gooey dream and adds an irresistible crispy, golden-brown texture to the exterior of the tortilla, introducing a wonderful depth of flavor.
To achieve this perfection, simply fry the folded wraps in a small amount of oil for about 4-5 minutes on each side. The trick here is to use a medium-low heat. This allows the cheese inside plenty of time to melt into a creamy, luscious state before the outside of the tortilla becomes too browned or even burns. The result is a warm, slightly crispy shell encasing a molten, flavorful interior – absolutely SO GOOD and worth the extra few minutes!
Chicken Preparation Made Easy
The beauty of this recipe starts with the chicken. You have several convenient options:
- Pre-cooked Perfection: For the ultimate time-saver, purchase pre-cooked shredded chicken, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken, or simply utilize any leftover cooked chicken you have from a previous meal.
- Leftover Roast: If you have leftover roast chicken, this recipe is a brilliant way to give it a delicious second life.
- Cooking from Scratch: If you prefer to cook your chicken fresh and have a little extra time, you can quickly roast, grill, or pan-fry boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs until they are tender and cooked through. Once cooled slightly, shred them using two forks or a stand mixer for ease.
Choosing the Right Cheese for Melted Bliss
The type of cheese you choose can significantly impact the final experience of your wraps, especially if you opt to fry them:
- For Pan-Frying (Gooey Factor): If you plan on pan-frying your wraps to melt the cheese, I highly recommend using mozzarella. Its excellent melting properties create that wonderfully gooey, stretchy texture that makes a fried wrap so satisfying.
- For Cold Wraps (Flavor Focus): If you prefer to eat these wraps cold and unmelted, then a flavorful cheese like cheddar is a superb choice. It offers a more pronounced, savory taste that shines without being melted.
- Versatility: Ultimately, almost any good melting cheese will work just fine. Feel free to use a blend of your favorites, such as Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend, to customize the flavor and melt.
Don’t Overfill!
It’s tempting to pack your wraps with as much delicious filling as possible, but resist the urge to overfill. Too much filling can make the wraps difficult to roll tightly and prone to breaking or spilling when eaten. A good rule of thumb is to leave about an inch of space from the edges before folding.
Master the Rolling Technique
A tightly rolled wrap stays together better and is easier to eat. After folding in the sides, ensure you roll from the bottom edge as snugly as possible, maintaining consistent pressure to create a firm, well-formed parcel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Wraps
These chicken wraps are quite substantial and filling on their own, making them a complete meal. However, if you’d like to make them part of a larger spread or add some complementary textures and flavors, here are some fantastic suggestions:
- Simple Green Salad: A crisp, refreshing cucumber salad or mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a nice counterpoint to the richness of the wraps.
- Homemade Chips/Fries: For a classic comfort food pairing, serve them alongside homemade oven chips or crispy sweet potato fries.
- Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery slice of garlic bread is always a welcome addition and a family favorite.
- Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw adds a cool, crunchy element that pairs wonderfully with the BBQ flavor.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: For a lighter, healthier option, a vibrant fruit salad offers a refreshing sweetness.
It’s a common and welcome occurrence to have some leftover filling, especially depending on the size of your wraps and how generously you fill them. Don’t let that delicious mixture go to waste! Here are some creative and tasty ways to repurpose it:
- Jacket Potato Topping: Spoon the cold or reheated filling over a warm, fluffy baked or jacket potato for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Quick Salad Topper: Use the filling as a delicious and protein-packed topping for a fresh green salad, similar to a No-Cook Burrito Bowl. Add some extra veggies and a drizzle of dressing.
- Pasta Mix-in: Stir the leftover filling into cooked pasta for a quick and easy pasta salad or warm pasta dish. A little extra cream cheese or a splash of milk can help loosen it up.
- Quesadilla Upgrade: Use it as a filling for mini quesadillas, pressed between two tortillas and grilled until crispy.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Spoon the mixture into halved bell peppers and bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through and bubbly.
- Dip: Serve it cold or warm as a chunky dip with tortilla chips or vegetable sticks.
Absolutely! These wraps are excellent for meal prepping. You can prepare the entire filling mixture up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply assemble the wraps and then decide if you want to enjoy them cold or pan-fry them for that extra crispiness and melted cheese goodness. If assembling ahead of time for a picnic, wrap them tightly to keep fresh.
It’s easy to tweak this recipe for a healthier spin without sacrificing flavor:
- Whole Wheat Wraps: Opt for whole wheat tortillas to increase fiber content.
- Leaner Chicken: Stick to boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the leanest protein source.
- Reduced-Fat Options: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and lower-fat grated cheese.
- More Veggies: Load up the filling with extra finely diced vegetables like bell peppers, grated carrots, or spinach.
- Lighter Sauce: Choose a BBQ sauce with lower sugar content, or consider making a homemade lighter version.
- Skip Frying: Enjoy the wraps cold or lightly toast them in a dry pan or air fryer without added oil.
I genuinely hope you love these easy and delicious chicken wraps! They’ve become a firm favorite in my home, and I’d love to hear what you think.
Please take a moment to rate the recipe using the stars below – your feedback is incredibly valuable and helps me create more recipes that you’ll adore.
Also, I’d LOVE to see your culinary creations! If you’d like to share your chicken wraps, feel free to tag me on Instagram (@tamingtwins) or use the hashtag #TamingTwins. Happy cooking!
Print Recipe
Chicken Wraps {15 Minute Meal}
Sarah Rossi
These delicious and satisfying Chicken Wraps are something a bit EXTRA… enjoy them for dinner or as a hearty picnic lunch. They take just 10 minutes to make and are packed with flavor.
5 minutes
10 minutes
15 minutes
4
Ingredients
- 4 (1.5 lb) Chicken breasts (cooked), About 600g, see notes
- 325 g (11 oz) Sweetcorn (1x tin), Drained
- 1/2 Red onion, Finely chopped
- 100 g (3.5 oz) Cream cheese
- 2 tbsp Barbecue sauce
- 125 g (4.5 oz) Grated mozzarella (or cheddar), See notes
- 4 Large wraps (soft flour tortillas)
- 1 tbsp Sunflower oil, Optional for frying
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- If using whole chicken breasts, shred the chicken using 2 forks or a mixer.
- Put the chicken into a large bowl and mix with the sweetcorn, onion, cream cheese, barbecue sauce, cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined.
- Divide the mixture between the wraps, dolloping it in the middle.
- Fold the sides of the wrap inwards, and roll up as tightly as you can.
OPTIONAL:
- Serve immediately, or wrap up for lunches/picnics later.
OR for a crispy, warm wrap:
- Heat the oil over a medium-low heat in a sauté pan. Add the wraps and pan fry for about 4-5 minutes until golden, flip over and cook for a further 4-5 minutes until golden all over. Serve immediately. (Ensure the heat is quite low so that the cheese has time to melt before the outside burns.)
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Notes
Chicken: You can buy pre-cooked chicken for this or use leftover roast chicken. Alternatively, if you prefer and have time, you can simply roast chicken breasts until tender.
Cheese: If I’m pan-frying these I like to use mozzarella so that they are nice and gooey. However, if I’m eating these unmelted, I prefer cheddar for flavor. Any cheese will work fine though.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 62g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
Monounsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0.03g
Cholesterol: 183mg
Sodium: 872mg
Potassium: 1219mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 11g
Vitamin A: 589IU
Vitamin C: 9mg
Calcium: 258mg
Iron: 3mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation. Nutritional values are per portion unless otherwise stated.
Additional Info
Lunch, Main Course
Family Food
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