This quick and easy Southwest Chicken Wrap recipe makes the perfect grab-and-go lunch or easy dinner. Each wrap is filled with crispy breaded chicken and flavorful southwestern-inspired ingredients along with a tangy Southwest ranch dressing.
While I like to use store bought chicken tenders to make these Southwest wraps, you can also make your own chicken tenders or feel free to substitute any type of chicken that you have on hand. Rotisserie chicken is a great option, as is leftover grilled chicken.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Assemble: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple, easy-to-find ingredients.
- Big Flavor: Combines easy-to-make chicken tenders or nuggies with your other favorites, such as beans, veggies, and creamy sauce for a zesty and hearty dinner.
- Customizable. Switch up proteins, wraps, or add your favorite veggies and toppings.
Southwest Chicken Wrap Recipe
For those days when you need an easy meal solution that everyone loves, these Southwest chicken wraps take the cake. They are loaded with crunchy texture, plenty of flavor, and only take about 20 minutes to throw together. Most of the ingredients can be prepared ahead of time and assembled as needed.
Many of these ingredients can be swapped out for what you have on hand, making these Southwest wraps about as customizable as it gets. If you like a good crispy chicken wrap, you can also give these Chicken and Bacon Wraps or Buffalo Chicken Wraps a try.
Key Ingredients
- Chicken Tenders – using frozen chicken tenders or chicken nuggets is a shortcut. If you’re feeling up for it, these Homemade Chicken Tenders are also quick, easy, and delicious. Otherwise you can use rotisserie chicken or any other kind of leftover cooked chicken that you have on hand.
- Flour Tortillas – you’ll want to use large flour tortillas for these wraps so that you have plenty of room to add all of the fillings. If you want you could use the green spinach tortillas, or another flavored variety.
- Black Beans – this recipe calls for canned black beans that have been drained and well-rinsed. Pinto beans would work, too.
- Corn – you can use frozen corn that has been thawed, canned corn that has been drained and rinsed, or fresh corn if it’s in season.
- Shredded Cheese – I like using shredded cheddar, fiesta mix, pepper jack, or taco mix.
- Romaine Lettuce – this adds loads of crunchy and freshness. Any kind of lettuce or fresh greens would work great.
- Diced Tomato – you can dice fresh tomatoes or even use canned diced tomatoes. Diced red peppers would taste great, too.
- Southwest Ranch Dressing – this easy dressing uses regular store bought ranch dressing mixed with an equal amount of your favorite salsa. If you like a little zest, you could also make this other version of Southwest Ranch Dressing. In a small bowl whisk together mayo, buttermilk, salsa, canned green chilis, and fresh cilantro.
How to Make Southwest Chicken Wraps
- Cook the chicken. Bake or air fry Chicken Tenders according to package instructions (or reheat 1½ pounds of rotisserie or leftover chicken). Cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Southwest Ranch Dressing. In a small bowl, mix the ranch dressing and salsa and set aside.
- Heat up the tortillas. Warm the flour tortillas in the microwave or on a hot skillet then place on a flat work surface.
- Assemble the wraps. In the center of each tortilla add the chicken, black beans, corn, shredded cheese, romaine lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of southwest ranch dressing.
- Serve. Fold in the sides, then roll the tortilla like a burrito. Serve warm or cold and enjoy!
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapenos, chipoltle mayo, or drizzle with hot sauce.
- Vegetarian: Skip chicken and use grilled veggies, extra beans or tofu strips.
- Low Carb: Swap out the tortillas for large ice berg leaf lettuce or even some low carb wraps.
- Grilled Wraps: Toast the filled wrap in a hot skillet with a little butter or put it on a panini press for a warm, crispy finish.
- Guacamole: Spread a layer of guac inside before rolling for extra flavor and creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
This Southwest wrap recipe is great because you can use just about any other kind of chicken you can think of. Chicken nuggets are a great substitute, as is store bought rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken breasts, or any leftover shredded chicken.
To prevent soggy wraps, I don’t suggest actually assembling these ahead of time. You can, however, prep most of the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge overnight. Once you are ready to serve, just warm up the chicken and tortillas and assemble as directed.
Whether you serve these Southwest Chicken Wraps hot or cold is completely up to you. They taste great as hot or cold chicken wraps. You will still want to warm the tortillas so that they roll up easily.
Tips For the Best Chicken Wraps
- Use Warm Tortillas: Heat tortillas briefly for easier rolling and less cracking.
- Cut Chicken Small: Slice or dice chicken for even distribution and easier eating.
- Drain Beans and Corn: Pat beans and corn dry to prevent soggy wraps.
- Layer Carefully: Place heavier fillings first and creamy dressing last to hold everything together.
- Wrap Tightly: Fold Sides in, then roll from the bottom for a surtdy compact wrap.
- Serve with Fresh Sides: Pair with fruit, chips, or a simple salad for a balalnced meal.
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigerator: if possible, store each ingredient separately in airtight containers or wrapped in plastic wrap. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- To reheat chicken, either use a microwave or place it in a preheated 350-degree oven until warmed through.
More Easy Dinner Recipes You’ll Love
Southwest Chicken Wrap Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 medium frozen chicken tenders, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup corn
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 large tomato, diced
Southwest Dressing
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup salsa
Instructions
- Cook the chicken tenders according to package instructions (or reheat 1½ pounds of rotisserie or leftover chicken) and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Warm the flour tortillas in the microwave or on a hot skillet then place on a flat work surface. In the center of each tortilla add the cooked chicken tenders, about 2 tablespoons of black beans, 2 tablespoons of corn, 2 tablespoons of cheese, 1/4 cup lettuce, and 2 tablespoons tomatoes.
- In a small bowl, mix the ranch dressing and salsa, then drizzle the dressing over the ingredients in the tortilla.
- Fold in the sides and then roll the tortilla like a burrito. Serve warm or room temperature. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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More Easy and Delicious Chicken Recipes
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Baked Buffalo Chicken Bites
- Chicken Tikka Masala
- Alice Springs Chicken
- Southwest Baked Chicken (or Grilled)
- BBQ Chicken Salad
- Lemon Pepper Rotisserie Chicken
- Thai Chicken Salad
- Easy Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
- Oven-Baked Chicken Breast
- Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
- Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
- Oven-Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings
- Slow Cooker Tangy Chicken Sliders
- More Meal Prep Recipes
- More Easy Weeknight Meals
These Southwestern Crispy Chicken Wraps are quick and easy and full of zesty flavor. They’re the perfect grab-and-go solution for lunches or busy weeknights.
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Categories:
30-Minute Meals, Chicken, Easy Weeknight Meals, Healthy, Main Dish, Meal Prep, Nut-Free, Tex Mex,
