Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps With Sun Dried Tomato Basil Cheese Spread

These Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps are a delightful combination of savory, creamy, and fresh flavors, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. The star of the show is the homemade Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Cheese Spread – it’s unbelievably good! This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a satisfying lunch, or even a fun weekend meal. Get ready to experience a wrap that’s anything but ordinary!

What You’ll Need

• 300g (10oz) Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: We’re using chicken breasts for their lean protein and mild flavor, which pairs beautifully with the other ingredients. Slicing them into strips ensures even cooking and makes them easy to wrap.
• 3 Cloves Garlic, Minced: Freshly minced garlic is essential for that classic garlic flavor. Don’t skimp – garlic adds a wonderful aroma and depth to the chicken marinade.
• 1 tsp (5g / 0.2oz) Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika brings a subtle smoky sweetness that elevates the chicken. It’s a key ingredient for adding complexity to the flavor profile.
• 1 tbsp (15ml / 1 fl oz) Olive Oil: Olive oil is used both for marinating the chicken and for pan-frying. Choose a good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
• ½ cup (120g / 4oz) Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella provides a classic, melty cheese pull. Its mild flavor complements the other ingredients without overpowering them.
• ¼ cup (60g / 2oz) Grated Cheddar Cheese (Halal-Certified): Cheddar adds a sharper, more robust cheese flavor. Using a halal-certified cheddar ensures the recipe is accessible to a wider audience.
• ½ cup (115g / 4oz) Cream Cheese, Softened (Halal-Certified): Softened cream cheese is the base of our delicious spread, providing a creamy texture and tangy flavor. Again, we’re opting for a halal-certified option.
• ¼ cup (30g / 1oz) Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Finely Chopped: Sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated burst of sweet and tangy flavor. Finely chopping them ensures they distribute evenly throughout the cheese spread.
• 2 tbsp (8g / 0.3oz) Fresh Basil Leaves, Minced: Fresh basil brings a bright, herbaceous note to the cheese spread. Its aroma and flavor are simply irresistible.
• 1 tbsp (15ml / 1 fl oz) Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the cheese spread and balances the richness of the cream cheese.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to Taste: Seasoning is crucial! Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking to enhance all the flavors.
• 4 Large Flour Tortillas (≈25cm / 10in diameter): Large flour tortillas provide the perfect wrap for all the delicious fillings. Choose good quality tortillas that are pliable and won’t tear easily.
• Garnish: Torn Fresh Basil Leaves and a Sprinkle of Chopped Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These garnishes add a final touch of freshness and visual appeal.

Substitutions & Variations

Don’t have an ingredient on hand? No problem! Here are a few easy substitutions:

• Chicken: You can substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or even use leftover cooked chicken.
• Mozzarella & Cheddar: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, provolone, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use roasted red peppers for a similar sweet and tangy flavor.
• Basil: Fresh parsley or oregano can be used in place of basil, although the flavor will be slightly different.

Let’s Build Those Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Cheese Spread: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated cheddar, finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, minced fresh basil, and lemon juice. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined and you achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. This spread is the heart of our wraps, providing a burst of flavor and creamy texture. Set aside.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken strips in a separate bowl. Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken to ensure it’s evenly coated with the marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken strips in a single layer (you may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan). Cook for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and keep it warm.
4. Warm the Tortillas: Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel. Place one tortilla at a time in the warm skillet. Heat for about 30 seconds per side, or until pliable and slightly softened. As each tortilla is warmed, immediately wrap it in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out and becoming brittle. This step is crucial for easy rolling and prevents cracking.
5. Assemble the Wraps: Lay a warmed tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a generous tablespoon of the Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Cheese Spread evenly over the tortilla, leaving a 2 cm (approximately ¾ inch) border around the edges. This border will help seal the wrap. Top the cheese spread with a portion of the cooked chicken strips. Sprinkle with a few extra mozzarella shreds if desired, and add a few fresh basil leaves for added freshness.
6. Roll and Crisp the Wraps: Fold the sides of the tortilla inwards towards the center. Then, starting from the bottom edge closest to you, tightly roll the tortilla upwards, encasing the filling. Place the rolled wrap seam-side down back into the skillet. Press down lightly with a spatula and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the exterior is crisp and golden brown and the cheese spread is melty and bubbly.
7. Serve and Garnish: Transfer the cooked wraps to a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice each wrap diagonally in half. Arrange the wrap halves on a plate. Drizzle any remaining Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Cheese Spread in a decorative swirl over the wraps. Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves and a pinch of chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Wrap Roll

Rolling a wrap tightly can be tricky! Here are a few tips to ensure a neat and secure roll. First, don’t overfill the tortilla – too much filling will make it difficult to roll and prone to bursting. Second, tuck in the sides firmly as you begin to roll. Finally, apply gentle but consistent pressure as you roll upwards to create a tight seal. A well-rolled wrap will hold its shape and prevent the filling from spilling out.

Variations and Customizations

Feel free to get creative with these wraps! You can substitute the chicken with grilled shrimp, seasoned ground turkey, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Add other vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or onions to the filling for extra nutrients and flavor. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese spread or marinade. Experiment with different types of cheese – provolone, pepper jack, or feta would all be delicious additions.

The Science Behind the Flavor: Why This Combination Works

The magic of these Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps lies in the harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The savory garlic and smoked paprika in the chicken marinade complement the bright, tangy sun-dried tomato basil cheese spread. The creamy cheese provides a rich base, while the fresh basil adds a refreshing herbal note. The warm tortilla offers a soft, comforting exterior, and the slight crispness from the skillet adds a satisfying textural contrast. This combination hits all the right notes – savory, tangy, creamy, and fresh – making it a truly irresistible meal.

Make-Ahead Tips for Busy Weeknights

These wraps are great for meal prepping! You can prepare the Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Cheese Spread and marinate the chicken up to a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Cook the chicken and warm the tortillas just before assembling the wraps. You can even assemble the wraps ahead of time, but they are best enjoyed fresh to maintain the crispness of the tortilla.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Yes, you can! Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works perfectly.
• What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes? You can substitute with roasted red peppers, although the flavor will be slightly different.
• Can I bake these wraps instead of pan-frying? Yes, you can! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

These Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps with Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Cheese Spread are a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful meal that the whole family will love. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later!

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