These Southwest Chicken Wraps are a delicious and nutritious option for any meal. Packed with protein and vibrant flavors, they are perfect for gatherings or as a quick lunch prep for the week. The combination of fresh ingredients and zesty seasoning makes them irresistible, ensuring you’ll want to make them repeatedly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With only 15 minutes of cook time, these wraps can be on your table in no time.
- Flavor Explosion: A blend of spices and fresh veggies creates a delightful taste that everyone will enjoy.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a party appetizer. Customize with your favorite toppings!
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and fresh vegetables, making it a guilt-free choice.
- Great Leftovers: Easy to store and reheat, ideal for meal prep enthusiasts.
Tools and Preparation
To create your Southwest Chicken Wraps, you need some essential tools to help streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Meat thermometer
- Mixing bowls
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good skillet ensures even cooking of chicken tenders, giving you juicy results.
- Meat thermometer: This tool helps you achieve perfectly cooked chicken by avoiding undercooking or overcooking.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for mixing spices and dressing ingredients efficiently.
Ingredients
These Southwest Chicken Wraps require the following ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
For the Wraps
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 cups each of thinly shredded red cabbage
- 2 cups each of thinly shredded green cabbage
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons SideDish Southwest Dressing (code RACHAEL15)
- 1 lime (squeezed)
- 4 burrito-sized tortillas (I like Siete Foods Cassava Flour Tortillas)
- 4 tablespoons SideDish Southwest Dressing
- 2 large avocados (sliced)
- 1 cup shredded goat cheddar cheese
- Tortilla chips (I like Siete Foods Tortilla Chips)
How to Make Southwest Chicken Wraps
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade
- In a bowl, combine salt, black pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, and cumin.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken tenders.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add marinated chicken tenders to the skillet.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 3: Prepare Veggies and Tortillas
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare your vegetables: shred cabbages, slice red onion, and chop cilantro.
- Warm tortillas in a separate pan or microwave for easier rolling.
Step 4: Assemble the Wraps
- Slice cooked chicken into strips.
- On each tortilla, layer shredded cabbage, red onion, cilantro, sliced avocados, and chicken strips.
- Drizzle with Southwest dressing before wrapping tightly.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Serve your Southwest Chicken Wraps with tortilla chips on the side for added crunch! Enjoy this delicious meal that’s sure to impress your family or guests!
How to Serve Southwest Chicken Wraps
Southwest Chicken Wraps are versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Whether for a casual lunch or a party, these wraps can impress everyone at the table.
For a Quick Lunch
- Fresh salsa: Add a side of fresh salsa for an extra burst of flavor.
- Greek yogurt: Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
As an Appetizer
- Mini wraps: Cut the wraps into bite-sized pieces for easy serving as appetizers.
- Skewers: Thread mini wraps onto skewers for a fun presentation.
At a Party
- Platter style: Arrange the wraps on a large platter with an array of dips and condiments.
- Toppings bar: Set up a toppings bar with additional veggies, dressings, and cheeses for guests to customize their own wraps.
With Tortilla Chips
- Crunchy side: Serve with tortilla chips for added crunch. Pair them with guacamole or salsa on the side.
How to Perfect Southwest Chicken Wraps
To make your Southwest Chicken Wraps even more delicious, follow these simple tips that enhance flavor and texture.
- Marinate chicken: Let chicken tenders soak in spices and oil for at least 30 minutes before cooking to deepen the flavors.
- Use fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh veggies like cabbage and cilantro to maximize crunch and taste.
- Warm tortillas: Lightly heat tortillas before assembling to prevent tearing and improve flexibility.
- Layer wisely: Start with greens, then add proteins, toppings, and dressing to ensure every bite is full of flavor.
- Experiment with dressings: Try different dressings or sauces beyond Southwest Dressing to mix things up.
Best Side Dishes for Southwest Chicken Wraps
Pairing your Southwest Chicken Wraps with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
- Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad brings sweetness and crunch, perfectly balancing the savory wraps.
- Black Bean Salsa: This hearty salsa adds protein and flavor while providing a colorful addition to your plate.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole enhances the flavors of the wraps and provides a rich texture contrast.
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy Mexican rice serves as a comforting base that pairs wonderfully with the spicy chicken wrap.
- Chips and Salsa: A classic combo that adds crunchiness; choose tortilla chips made from whole ingredients for added nutrition.
- Grilled Veggies: Seasoned grilled vegetables offer smoky flavors that complement the Southwest theme beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Southwest Chicken Wraps, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the seasoning – Failing to properly season the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Always use a good mix of spices for that Southwest kick.
- Overcooking the chicken – Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked just right.
- Choosing the wrong tortillas – Using flimsy tortillas can result in messy wraps. Opt for burrito-sized, sturdy tortillas that hold everything together.
- Not letting the chicken rest – Cutting into hot chicken immediately can cause juices to escape. Allow it to rest before slicing for juicy bites.
- Ignoring presentation – A beautiful wrap makes the meal more appealing. Take a moment to arrange ingredients nicely for an Instagram-worthy dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your wraps in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- They will stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Southwest Chicken Wraps
- Wrap each individual Southwest Chicken Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Southwest Chicken Wraps
- Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat the wraps for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave – Place a wrap on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes or until warm.
- Stovetop – Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm each wrap for about 2-3 minutes on each side until heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about preparing and enjoying Southwest Chicken Wraps.
Can I make these wraps ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and assemble them right before serving for maximum freshness.
What can I substitute for chicken?
For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with grilled vegetables or beans. This keeps the flavor while catering to different diets.
How do I add more spice?
To increase the heat, add diced jalapeños or use spicy Southwest dressing in your wraps.
Are Southwest Chicken Wraps healthy?
Absolutely! These wraps offer lean protein, fresh veggies, and healthy fats, making them a nutritious choice for lunch or dinner.
How can I customize my Southwest Chicken Wraps?
Feel free to add your favorite ingredients like corn, black beans, or different cheese varieties based on your taste preferences!
Final Thoughts
These Southwest Chicken Wraps are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with your favorite veggies or proteins. Whether you’re prepping meals for guests or enjoying them as leftovers, these wraps are sure to satisfy every craving!
Southwest Chicken Wraps
Southwest Chicken Wraps are a delicious and nutritious meal option that combines tender chicken with fresh vegetables and zesty seasoning. Perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, these wraps are packed with protein and vibrant flavors, making them ideal for meal prep or entertaining guests. With just 15 minutes of cooking time, you can enjoy a flavorful fusion of textures and tastes that will have everyone coming back for more!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 4 burrito-sized tortillas
- 2 large avocados, sliced
- 1 cup shredded goat cheddar cheese
- Southwest dressing
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix salt, black pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, and cumin. Rub the spice blend onto the chicken tenders and let marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
- While cooking, prepare veggies: shred cabbages, slice onion, and chop cilantro. Warm tortillas in another pan or microwave.
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips. On each tortilla, layer cabbage, onions, cilantro, avocados, and chicken strips. Drizzle with Southwest dressing and wrap tightly.
- Serve immediately with tortilla chips for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southwest
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 695mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: For added flavor, let the chicken marinate longer (up to 30 minutes). Experiment with different dressings or add ingredients like black beans or corn to customize your wraps.