Name: Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 boneless (skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup roasted corn (fresh or frozen); 1 cup canned black beans (rinsed and drained); 1 cup diced bell peppers (red, yellow, green mix); 1 cup shredded lettuce (romaine or iceberg); 4 large flour or whole wheat tortillas; 1/2 cup chipotle sauce (see below); Optional toppings: diced avocado (shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, lime wedges); 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt; 1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo (finely chopped); 1 teaspoon lime juice; 1/2 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional); Salt to taste

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What Makes Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps So Special?

The magic of these wraps lies in the balance of smoky, spicy, and fresh flavors. The grilled chicken is marinated with a blend of Southwest-inspired spices — think cumin, paprika, chili powder, and garlic — which gives it a wonderful smoky warmth. Complementing this is a colorful mix of roasted corn, black beans, diced bell peppers, and crisp lettuce, which add layers of texture and freshness.

The creamy chipotle sauce adds a subtle smoky heat and richness, making every bite satisfying and flavorful without overwhelming the palate. Wrapped in a warm tortilla, this meal is portable, making it ideal for quick lunches, picnics, or casual dinners.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a simple list of ingredients to prepare these wraps:

Chicken breasts or thighs: Boneless and skinless, for easy grilling.
Southwest spice blend: Cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Roasted corn: Fresh or frozen, adds a sweet crunch.
Black beans: Rinsed and drained, for protein and fiber.
Bell peppers: A mix of red, yellow, and green for color and sweetness.
Shredded lettuce: Romaine or iceberg for crispness.
Chipotle sauce: A creamy dressing made with chipotle peppers in adobo, mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, lime juice, and a touch of honey or sugar.
Large tortillas: Flour or whole wheat, lightly grilled for extra flavor.
Optional add-ons: Diced avocado, shredded cheese, cilantro, and lime wedges.

How to Make Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by mixing your Southwest spice blend and rubbing it all over the chicken. For the best flavor, let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. You can also marinate overnight if you want deeper flavor.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and slightly charred. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

While the chicken cooks, roast or sauté the corn and bell peppers. Drain and rinse the black beans, shred the lettuce, and prepare any optional toppings.

Step 4: Make the Chipotle Sauce

In a bowl, combine chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, lime juice, and a bit of honey. Adjust seasoning to taste for a creamy, smoky dressing.

Step 5: Assemble the Wraps

Warm your tortillas on the grill or in a pan. Lay them flat and spread a generous amount of chipotle sauce. Add sliced grilled chicken, roasted corn, black beans, bell peppers, shredded lettuce, and any other toppings you like. Fold or roll tightly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra zest.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nutritious and balanced: Protein-packed grilled chicken, fiber-rich beans, and fresh veggies make it a well-rounded meal.
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or spice level.

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Quick and easy: Great for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Vibrant and colorful: Perfect for food blogs, social media, and eye-catching presentations.
Kid-friendly: Mild flavors with optional spice make it great for all ages.

Tips for the Best Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best taste.
Don’t skip marinating the chicken; it makes a big flavor difference.
Lightly grill the tortilla for added texture and warmth.
Prepare extra chipotle sauce for dipping.
For a healthier twist, swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt in the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving on the grill, making them a great option.
What can I use instead of chipotle sauce?
You can substitute with ranch dressing mixed with a bit of hot sauce or plain Greek yogurt with lime juice and smoked paprika.
Are these wraps freezer-friendly?
You can prepare the chicken and veggies in advance and freeze them separately, but it’s best to assemble the wraps fresh to avoid sogginess.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute grilled chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms, tofu, or tempeh.
What type of tortillas work best?
Flour tortillas are traditional and soft but whole wheat or spinach tortillas add extra nutrition and flavor.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level is moderate due to the chipotle sauce but can be adjusted by adding more or less chipotle peppers.
Can I use canned corn instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes, just make sure to drain it well before using.
How long does the grilled chicken stay good in the fridge?
Cooked chicken can be stored safely in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I prepare these wraps for a party?
Yes, they’re perfect for parties. Prepare ingredients in bowls and let guests assemble their own wraps.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be if you use gluten-free tortillas and ensure all seasoning blends are gluten-free.
Can I add cheese to the wrap?
Yes! Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend cheese complements the flavors nicely.
What sides pair well with these wraps?
Try tortilla chips with salsa, guacamole, or a fresh green salad.
Can I grill the wraps after assembling?
Yes, grilling the assembled wraps briefly can help melt cheese and crisp the tortilla.
What’s the best way to store leftover wraps?
Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. Reheat gently to avoid drying out.
How can I make the recipe healthier?
Use whole wheat tortillas, Greek yogurt instead of mayo, and increase the veggies while reducing cheese and sauce.

Final Thoughts

The Southwest Grilled Chicken Wrap is a colorful, flavorful, and satisfying meal perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy yet indulgent dish. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, entertaining guests, or just craving something delicious, this recipe ticks all the boxes. Try it out, experiment with your favorite ingredients, and share it with your loved ones — it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps Recipe

Discover the vibrant and mouthwatering flavors of these Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps — tender grilled chicken seasoned with smoky spices, combined with sweet roasted corn, black beans, fresh bell peppers, and crisp lettuce, all drizzled with a creamy chipotle sauce and wrapped in a warm, lightly grilled tortilla. This colorful and healthy wrap is perfect for quick lunches, casual dinners, or meal prepping your week with a deliciously satisfying and nutritious meal. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleaser that balances smoky, spicy, fresh, and creamy flavors in every bite.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine American, Southwestern, Tex-Mex

Ingredients

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup roasted corn fresh or frozen
1 cup canned black beans rinsed and drained
1 cup diced bell peppers red, yellow, green mix
1 cup shredded lettuce romaine or iceberg
4 large flour or whole wheat tortillas
1/2 cup chipotle sauce see below
Optional toppings: diced avocado shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, lime wedges

For Chipotle Sauce:

2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo finely chopped
1 teaspoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon honey or sugar optional
Salt to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

In a small bowl, mix cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice blend all over the chicken breasts. Drizzle with olive oil and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Grill the Chicken:

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and grill marks appear. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.

Prepare the Vegetables:

Roast or sauté the corn and bell peppers until slightly charred and tender. Drain and rinse the black beans.

Make the Chipotle Sauce:

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, chopped chipotle peppers, lime juice, honey, and salt. Mix well and adjust seasoning as needed.

Warm the Tortillas:

Lightly grill or warm the tortillas on a pan until soft and pliable.

Assemble the Wraps:

Lay a tortilla flat. Spread about 2 tablespoons of chipotle sauce over the tortilla. Layer with sliced grilled chicken, roasted corn, black beans, diced bell peppers, and shredded lettuce. Add optional toppings if desired.