Craving a meal that’s quick to prepare yet packed with vibrant, satisfying flavors? These Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps combine tender chicken infused with fragrant garlic and paprika, melted cheese, and fresh garden veggies all folded into warm, soft tortillas. Perfect for a busy lunch, a casual dinner, or even meal prepping for the week.
This recipe brings together comforting textures and zesty notes, making each bite a delicious experience. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving something wholesome and tasty, these wraps hit the spot every time.
- Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days or last-minute meals.
- Simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
- Versatile and easy to customize with your favorite cheese or veggies.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (450g / ≈ 1 lb): Thin strips ensure quick cooking and tender bites packed with flavor.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps garlic and chicken cook evenly with a subtle fruity taste.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Infuses the chicken with a fragrant, robust flavor that’s essential to this wrap.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Provides a smoky warmth and vibrant color enhancing the chicken strips.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Seasonings that bring balance and highlight the natural chicken and garlic flavors.
- Large flour tortillas (4): Soft and flexible wraps that hold all the fillings securely for easy eating.
- Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts perfectly, adding creamy and savory goodness to each wrap.
- Lettuce or mixed greens (1 cup): Adds a refreshing crunch and brightens the overall flavor.
- Medium tomato (1, sliced): Juicy and slightly sweet slices that complement the savory chicken nicely.
- Sliced red onion (½ cup, optional): Provides a mild bite and extra texture, optional for those who enjoy added zest.
- Mayonnaise or garlic sauce (½ cup, optional): Creates a creamy layer that enhances moisture and taste with a subtle garlic kick.
Instructions
- Heat the Olive Oil and Sauté Garlic
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Warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned, releasing its aromatic oils that will flavor the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken Strips
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Add the thin chicken strips to the skillet with the garlic, sprinkle with paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly golden for optimal texture and flavor development.
- Warm the Tortillas
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Gently warm each tortilla in a dry skillet or microwave for 20-30 seconds. This softens them, making them pliable and less likely to tear when wrapping.
- Assemble the Wrap Ingredients
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Lay out a tortilla flat and spread your choice of mayonnaise or garlic sauce evenly over it for added moisture and creaminess. Layer fresh lettuce, tomato slices, and optional red onions for color and crunch.
- Add the Chicken and Cheese
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Top the veggies with the hot, garlic-seasoned chicken strips and sprinkle shredded cheese over them. The warmth from the chicken will begin melting the cheese, creating a delicious meld of flavors.
- Fold and Roll the Wrap
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Fold the sides of the tortilla inward and roll tightly from one end to the other, securing the fillings inside for easy handling. Serve immediately while warm, or individually wrap in foil to keep for meal prep.
- You can swap out the cheese for pepper jack or a blend to introduce more spice and creaminess.
- Adding sliced bell peppers, cucumbers, or avocado can provide delightful fresh crunch and nutrition.
- For a spicier kick, mix in sriracha or your favorite hot sauce with the chicken while cooking.
Storage Tips
Store cooked chicken separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble the wraps just before eating to keep the tortillas from becoming soggy and maintain freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these wraps with a side of crispy sweet potato fries or a fresh garden salad. A cooling cucumber yogurt dip also pairs perfectly if you want to add a refreshing element.
- Cut chicken into even strips to ensure uniform cooking and prevent overcooking smaller pieces.
- Use warm chicken straight from the pan to melt cheese perfectly without extra heating.
- Toast tortillas lightly before assembling for extra flavor and sturdiness.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
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Yes, chicken thighs add extra moisture and flavor but may need slightly longer cooking time.
- How can I make this wrap vegetarian?
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Replace chicken with grilled mushrooms, chickpeas, or plant-based chicken alternatives and keep the same seasoning.
- Can I prepare these wraps ahead of time?
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Prepare and store the cooked chicken separately; assemble wraps just before eating to prevent sogginess.
- What type of cheese melts best in this wrap?
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Cheddar and mozzarella both melt well; pepper jack adds spice if preferred.
- Are these wraps freezer-friendly?
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It’s best to freeze cooked chicken separately. Tortillas and fresh veggies don’t freeze well once assembled.
Easy Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps
Equipment
- 1 skillet for cooking chicken and warming tortillas
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup lettuce or mixed greens
- 1 medium tomato sliced
- ½ cup sliced red onion optional
- ½ cup mayonnaise or garlic sauce optional
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chicken strips, paprika, salt, and pepper; cook for 5-7 minutes until cooked through and golden.
- Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for 20-30 seconds until soft and pliable.
- Lay a tortilla flat and spread mayonnaise or garlic sauce if using.
- Layer lettuce, tomato slices, and red onion on the tortilla.
- Top with cooked chicken strips and sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Fold sides of the tortilla inward and roll tightly to form a wrap.
- Serve immediately while warm or wrap in foil for meal prep.
Notes
- Use pepper jack or mozzarella cheese for varied flavors.
- Add bell peppers, cucumbers, or avocado for crunch.
- Include sriracha in chicken for a spicy twist.
- Cook chicken in advance and refrigerate; assemble wraps when ready to eat.
