Zesty Chicken Wraps

Featured in: Snacks and Appetizers for Every Gathering

Zesty Chicken Wraps are a quick meal that's done in just 15 minutes! They’re loaded with juicy chicken, crispy lettuce, fresh tomatoes, shredded cheese, and crunchy tortilla strips. A homemade creamy sauce made with salsa, sour cream, and taco seasoning ties it all together. Roll everything inside a large tortilla, and you've got an easy meal for workdays, packed lunches, or an effortless dinner. This serves four and is super beginner-friendly requiring no special cooking skills.
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Updated on Sat, 10 May 2025 18:27:55 GMT
A plate showing a wrap with side corn. Pin it
A plate showing a wrap with side corn. | tastefullyrecipe.com

Exploding with southwestern tastes, these Tex-Mex Chicken Wraps take only 15 minutes to whip up for a filling meal. The mix of fresh veggies, flavorful chicken, and tangy sauce all bundled in a soft tortilla makes a great grab-and-go lunch that's perfect when you're racing against the clock but still want something hearty and fast.

I first threw these wraps together during an incredibly busy week when I couldn't spend much time on lunch prep. My family begged for them again the very next day. What makes these wraps so good is how they bring amazing flavors with hardly any work, leaving you totally satisfied.

Required Components

  • Flour tortillas: Big enough to fold around all fillings, at least 10 inches across.
  • Cooked chicken strips: Defrosted grilled chicken from the freezer, yesterday's grilled chicken, or pulled rotisserie meat.
  • Fresh romaine lettuce: Vibrant green bunches with snappy leaves.
  • Cherry tomatoes: Plump, fragrant ones for best taste.
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: Grate your own for better melting than store-bought bags.
  • Tortilla strips: Gives that must-have crunch, look for them near salad dressings.
  • Sour cream: Creates the sauce foundation, regular works better than light versions.
  • Salsa: Adds genuine southwestern kick, pick from gentle to spicy.
  • Taco seasoning: Brings everything together, try reduced-salt options if you want.

Making Wonderful Wraps

Sauce Mixing:
Stir sour cream, salsa, and taco seasoning in a little bowl until smooth and unified. Let it sit so flavors can blend.
Filling Prep:
Toss romaine lettuce, cheese shreds, chopped tomatoes, and tortilla strips into a big bowl. Drizzle about two tablespoons of sauce on top. Mix gently.
Getting Tortillas Ready:
Put one tortilla down flat, add a quarter of the lettuce mix at the lower middle, then put chicken strips over that, making sure they're spread out evenly.
Rolling Method:
Tuck in the right and left sides first, then roll upward from the bottom, making sure everything stays inside.
How To Serve:
Cut through the middle at an angle and serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping.
A chicken burrito with lettuce and tomatoes. Pin it
A chicken burrito with lettuce and tomatoes. | tastefullyrecipe.com

Those tortilla strips really make these wraps stand out for me. I stumbled on them by chance while hunting for something crunchy besides the usual bell peppers. My grandma always told me texture is what sets okay food apart from food you can't forget. When I brought these wraps to a family get-together, even my fussy nephew asked for more, specifically pointing out how much he liked the crunchy parts.

Tasty Companion Dishes

Fresh fruit goes great alongside these. Go for watermelon chunks in hot weather or cinnamon-dusted apple slices when it's cooler. Baked sweet potato fries match the southwestern flavors wonderfully. Regular tortilla chips with guacamole also keep the Mexican theme going strong.

Different Ways To Make Them

For meatless options, swap out chicken for black beans and roasted corn. Wrap everything in romaine lettuce leaves instead of tortillas to cut carbs. Switch up the cheese to something like pepper jack for a different flavor punch.

Keeping Things Fresh

Enjoy wraps right away for best results. When packing for lunch, wrap them snugly in plastic and keep cool with ice packs. Store all parts separately until you're ready to put them together. Don't make them too far ahead as they change texture quickly.

A chicken wrap with lettuce and tomatoes. Pin it
A chicken wrap with lettuce and tomatoes. | tastefullyrecipe.com

After creating tons of wrap recipes, these Tex-Mex Chicken Wraps still show up regularly in my kitchen because they always hit the spot without any fancy work. The way the textures and flavors come together makes something better than what you'd expect from such simple ingredients. When friends try them and ask me how to make them, I know they've passed the real test of truly fantastic everyday food.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prep these Zesty Chicken Wraps ahead of time?
You can! Make them a few hours early, but keep the sauce on the side until you're ready to eat. This helps the tortillas stay nice and crisp. Wrap tightly in plastic and refrigerate.
→ What’s a good substitute for sour cream in the sauce?
Greek yogurt works just as well! It’s creamy with less fat and even packs in more protein.
→ How can I turn these wraps vegetarian?
Switch the chicken out for black beans, grilled veggies, or plant-based chicken. No other swaps are needed.
→ What’s the best way to store leftover wraps?
Pop any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for 2 days. Don’t slice them until you're eating and store the sauce separately.
→ Can I use rotisserie chicken for these wraps?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a fast, tasty option. Shred or dice it and swap it in for grilled chicken.

Zesty Chicken Wraps

Packed with juicy grilled chicken, crunchy veggies, and a punchy sauce, these zesty chicken wraps are ready in no time—just 15 mins!

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Patricia


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Sauce essentials

01 1 Tablespoon taco seasoning
02 ¼ cup salsa
03 ½ cup sour cream

→ Wrap basics

04 1 cup salad topped tortilla strips
05 1 pound grilled chicken, sliced
06 ½ cup diced tomatoes
07 4 burrito-sized tortillas
08 2 cups chopped lettuce
09 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Step 01

Combine the taco seasoning, salsa, and sour cream in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth, then set aside for later use.

Step 02

Toss the lettuce, cheddar, tortilla strips, and tomatoes together in a large bowl. Drizzle on 2 tablespoons of the sauce and gently stir it all together.

Step 03

Take one tortilla and spread ¼ of the lettuce mixture along the center. Add ¼ of the chicken slices on top.

Step 04

Fold the sides inward, then tightly roll it from the bottom up. Cut the wrap diagonally in half. Repeat with the rest and serve with any leftover sauce for dipping if you'd like.

Notes

  1. Bursting with taste, these Southwest Chicken Wraps take only 15 minutes to throw together—a great choice for a quick meal!
  2. This creation is from Brandie of The Country Cook.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Sharp knife
  • Chopping board

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy (cheese, sour cream)
  • Has gluten (from the tortillas)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 645
  • Total Fat: 32 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 38 g