Southwest Chicken Wrap

why make this recipe

This wrap is fast to make and full of bright flavors. It uses simple ingredients you can find in most stores. It is good for lunch, dinner, or a quick meal on the go. Kids and adults both like it.

introduction

This Southwest Chicken Wrap is a simple meal with lime, spice, rice, and beans. If you want a different fresh wrap idea, try an avocado chicken salad lettuce wraps recipe for a cool change. The wrap blends warm cooked chicken and rice with fresh peppers and cheese.

how to make Southwest Chicken Wrap

1. Dice the chicken and put it in a bowl. Add lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. While the chicken rests, cook the rice by the package instructions. Keep it warm.
3. Heat a skillet and sauté the marinated chicken until it is fully cooked through.
4. In the same skillet, cook the sliced red bell pepper and sliced jalapeño (and onions if you like) until tender. Add minced garlic near the end so it does not burn.
5. Warm the tortillas briefly in a dry pan or microwave.
6. On each tortilla, layer rice first, then chicken, then the cooked veggies, black beans, and cotija cheese. Add sour cream or sauce on top.
7. Fold the sides in and roll tightly. Serve with extra sauce or lime wedges.

Ingredients :

• 0.75 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ¼ cup lime juice
• ½ tsp chili powder
• 4 large tortillas
• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 1 small red bell pepper
• 1 jalapeño
• 1 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
• ¼ cup cotija cheese
• ⅓ cup sour cream
• olive oil, salt, and pepper (to taste)

Directions :

• Dice the chicken and marinate it in lime juice, olive oil, and spices for at least 15 minutes.
• While marinating, cook rice according to package instructions.
• Sauté the marinated chicken in a skillet until fully cooked.
• Cook sliced peppers and onions in the same skillet until tender; add garlic.
• Warm tortillas briefly before layering with rice, chicken, veggies, beans, cheese, and sauce.
• Fold tightly and serve with additional sauce if desired.

how to serve Southwest Chicken Wrap

Serve the wrap warm. Cut it in half on the diagonal for easy eating. Offer lime wedges, extra sour cream, or salsa on the side. Serve with chips, a simple salad, or fresh fruit.

how to store Southwest Chicken Wrap

If you made the wraps already filled, wrap them in foil or plastic and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best texture, store chicken and rice separate from tortillas and veggies. Reheat chicken and rice before assembling if you stored them separately. Do not freeze filled wraps; freezing can make the tortillas soggy.

tips to make Southwest Chicken Wrap

• Marinate the chicken at least 15 minutes for more flavor.
• Cook rice a little firm so it does not make the wrap soggy.
• Slice peppers thin so they warm quickly.
• Warm tortillas to make folding easier.
• Adjust jalapeño amount to control heat.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream if you want a lighter sauce.

variation (if any)

• Use grilled or rotisserie chicken instead of pan-cooked.
• Add corn, avocado slices, or shredded lettuce for more texture.
• Swap cotija for cheddar or pepper jack.
• Make it vegetarian: swap chicken for tofu or roasted cauliflower and keep the beans.

FAQs

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Yes. Use shredded or sliced pre-cooked chicken. Warm it before assembling.

Q: Is this wrap good for meal prep?
A: Yes. Keep components separate (chicken, rice, veggies) and assemble before eating to keep tortillas fresh.

Q: Can I make it spicy?
A: Yes. Add more jalapeño, use hot sauce, or add cayenne to the chicken marinade.

Q: How long does the chicken need to marinate?
A: At least 15 minutes. Up to a few hours in the fridge will add more flavor.

Q: Can I use whole wheat or low-carb tortillas?
A: Yes. Use any large tortilla you like. Adjust fillings so the wrap closes easily.

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