Pin it These Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps combine tender seasoned chicken breast with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese, all wrapped in warm flour tortillas. The quick garlic-mayo sauce adds creamy richness while fresh lettuce, tomato, and red onion provide crunch and brightness. Ready in just 30 minutes, these wraps are perfect for busy weeknights or satisfying lunches.
The garlic hit me first that Tuesday evening when I walked through the door after work, my stomach already rumbling. I'd been craving something warm and cheesy but didn't want to spend hours at the stove. These wraps ended up being the perfect solution, coming together in less time than it takes to watch a sitcom episode.
My roommate kept wandering into the kitchen asking what smelled so good. By the time I finally plated them, we were both practically hovering over the counter, hungry and impatient. Now she requests these whenever we need a quick dinner that actually feels like a treat.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: Cutting them into strips helps them cook evenly and quickly
- Olive oil: A little goes a long way for preventing sticking
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor and beautiful color
- Salt and pepper: Essential for building that savory base
- Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic creates those aromatic pockets of flavor
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and stretches when you bite in
- Cheddar cheese: Brings a sharp tang that balances the mild mozzarella
- Flour tortillas: Large ones fold easier without tearing
- Lettuce: Adds a satisfying crunch against the warm filling
- Tomato: Fresh brightness cuts through the rich cheese
- Red onion: Thin slices provide just enough bite
- Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base for the sauce
- Lemon juice: Brightens up the entire wrap
- Garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor in the sauce
Instructions
- Prep the chicken:
- Slice the chicken breasts into thin, even strips so they cook at the same rate.
- Sauté the aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Cook the chicken:
- Add chicken strips with paprika, salt, and pepper, cooking 6 to 8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Whisk the sauce:
- Stir together mayonnaise, lemon juice, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Warm the tortillas:
- Heat each tortilla in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
- Build the base:
- Spread sauce down the center of each tortilla.
- Layer the fresh toppings:
- Add lettuce, tomato, and red onion over the sauce.
- Add the warm filling:
- Top with hot chicken and sprinkle both cheeses so they melt slightly.
- Roll them up:
- Fold in the sides and roll tightly from bottom to top.
- Optional grill step:
- Place wraps seam side down in a hot pan for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
Pin it My sister called me mid bite, asking what I was eating because I sounded so enthusiastic. Now she makes them for her kids every Wednesday night, and they actually help with the prep.
Make Ahead Magic
You can cook the chicken and whisk the sauce up to two days ahead. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then warm the chicken gently before assembling.
Customization Ideas
Sometimes I swap in pepper jack cheese for extra kick or add sliced avocado when I want something creamier. A handful of fresh cilantro or basil transforms these into something completely different.
Serving Suggestions
These wraps stand alone perfectly, but a simple side of tortilla chips or fruit makes it feel more like a meal. Serve them immediately while the cheese is still melty.
- Cut them on a diagonal for restaurant style presentation
- Wrap the bottom half in parchment paper to contain the mess
- Store assembled wraps in the fridge for up to one day
Pin it Theres something deeply satisfying about food you can hold in your hands, warm and fragrant, that doesnt require anything more than a napkin and an appetite.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make these wraps ahead of time?
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Yes, you can prepare the seasoned chicken and sauce up to 2 days in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Warm the chicken before assembling and add cold vegetables just before rolling to prevent sogginess.
- → What's the best way to melt the cheese?
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Sprinkle the cheese over the hot chicken immediately after cooking. The residual heat will melt the cheese slightly. For extra melting, grill the assembled wraps in a pan for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and the cheese is fully melted.
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken?
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Absolutely. Using store-bought rotisserie chicken shreds easily and works wonderfully in these wraps. Simply skip steps 1-3 and use about 2-3 cups of shredded chicken, warming it slightly before assembling.
- → How do I prevent the tortillas from tearing?
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Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for 30 seconds before filling. This makes them pliable and less likely to crack when rolling. Don't overfill the center, and fold the sides in before rolling from bottom to top.
- → What can I substitute for the mayonnaise?
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Greek yogurt or sour cream makes excellent lighter alternatives to mayonnaise in the garlic sauce. For a dairy-free option, try mashed avocado blended with lemon juice and garlic powder. The texture and flavor will still be creamy and delicious.
- → Are these wraps freezer-friendly?
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You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 3 months. However, it's best to assemble the wraps fresh since the vegetables and tortillas don't freeze well. Thaw components overnight in the refrigerator before assembling.
