Cilantro Lime Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps

Looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful dinner? These Cilantro Lime Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps are about to become a staple in your kitchen! Tender, garlicky chicken paired with a vibrant cilantro-lime cream and melty cheese, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla – what’s not to love? This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or anytime you’re craving something satisfying and delicious. The combination of zesty lime, fresh cilantro, and savory garlic creates a truly unforgettable flavor experience. Plus, they’re customizable to your liking – feel free to adjust the spice level or add your favorite toppings!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 300g (10.5oz) Chicken Breast, thinly sliced: We’re using chicken breast for a lean protein source. Thinly slicing it ensures quick and even cooking, and makes it easier to roll up in the tortillas. About 2 small to medium-sized chicken breasts will yield this amount.
• 2 tbsp (30ml) Olive Oil: Olive oil provides a healthy fat for cooking the chicken and adds a subtle fruity flavor. You can use extra virgin olive oil for a more robust taste, or a lighter olive oil for a more neutral flavor.
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced: Garlic is the foundation of so much flavor! Minced garlic releases its aromatic compounds when cooked, infusing the chicken with a delicious savory note. Freshly minced garlic is always best for maximum flavor.
• 1 tsp (5g) Salt: Salt enhances all the other flavors in the recipe. We’re using a standard teaspoon measure, but feel free to adjust to your preference.
• ½ tsp (2g) Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor. Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best aroma and taste.
• 150g (5.3oz) Shredded Cheddar Cheese (halal-certified): Cheddar cheese provides a classic, sharp, and slightly tangy flavor. Using pre-shredded cheese saves time, but freshly grated cheddar will melt even more smoothly. Ensuring it’s halal-certified caters to dietary needs.
• 100g (3.5oz) Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (halal-certified): Mozzarella cheese adds a creamy, mild flavor and excellent stretchiness. It complements the cheddar beautifully and creates a wonderfully gooey texture. Again, halal-certified ensures inclusivity.
• 4 large Flour Tortillas (≈25cm / 10in. diameter): Flour tortillas provide the perfect wrap for all the delicious fillings. Look for tortillas that are soft and pliable, so they don’t crack when rolled.
• 100g (3.5oz) Plain Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt forms the base of our creamy cilantro-lime sauce. It’s thicker and tangier than regular yogurt, providing a lovely contrast to the other flavors. Full-fat or low-fat Greek yogurt can be used.
• ½ cup (12g) Fresh Cilantro Leaves and Stems: Cilantro is the star of the show! Its bright, citrusy flavor is essential to this recipe. Don’t be afraid to use both the leaves and stems – the stems actually contain a lot of flavor.
• 2 tbsp (30ml) Fresh Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a zesty acidity that balances the richness of the cheese and yogurt. Bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch, but fresh is always best.
• 1 tsp (5g) Honey (optional): A touch of honey adds a subtle sweetness that complements the lime and cilantro. It’s optional, so feel free to omit it if you prefer a more savory flavor.
• ¼ cup (30g) Toasted Pumpkin Seeds: Toasted pumpkin seeds add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Toasting them enhances their flavor and texture.
• Extra Cilantro Leaves for Garnish: A few extra cilantro leaves add a pop of color and freshness to the finished wraps.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t have everything on hand? No problem! Here are a few easy substitutions you can make:

• Chicken Breast: You can substitute chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or even leftover rotisserie chicken for a super quick meal.
• Cheddar & Mozzarella: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Colby Jack.
• Greek Yogurt: Sour cream can be used as a substitute for Greek yogurt, but it will result in a less tangy sauce.
• Cilantro: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can try using parsley, although the flavor will be different.

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

1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the thinly sliced chicken breast with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade. This initial step is crucial for infusing flavor into the chicken, making it tender and delicious.
2. Cook the Chicken to Perfection: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the marinated chicken. Cook for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing or shredding. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender chicken.
3. Craft the Vibrant Cilantro-Lime Cream: While the chicken is resting, prepare the cilantro-lime cream. In a food processor, combine the plain Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro leaves and stems, lime juice, a pinch of salt, and honey (if using). Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The cilantro-lime cream is the star of the show, providing a bright, zesty counterpoint to the savory chicken and cheese.
4. Create the Cheesy Dream: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and 2 tablespoons of the prepared cilantro-lime cream. Gently stir to combine, creating a beautiful swirl of green throughout the cheese mixture. This marbled effect adds visual appeal to the wraps.
5. Assemble the Wraps: Lay a large flour tortilla on a clean work surface. Spread an even layer of the cheese-cream mixture over the center of the tortilla, leaving a 2-cm (approximately 1-inch) border around the edges. This border will help ensure a tight seal when rolling.
6. Add the Chicken and Roll: Arrange a generous handful of the sliced or shredded chicken on top of the cheese mixture. Carefully roll the tortilla tightly, starting from one edge and working your way across. Ensure the roll is snug to prevent the filling from spilling out.
7. Grill to Golden Perfection: Heat a clean skillet over medium heat. Lightly brush the assembled wraps with a little olive oil. Grill each side for 2-3 minutes, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. The grilling process adds a delightful crispness to the tortilla and enhances the flavors.
8. Slice and Serve: Transfer the grilled wraps to a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice each wrap diagonally into two halves. Arrange the sliced wraps on a serving plate.
9. Garnish and Enjoy: Drizzle the remaining cilantro-lime cream in a zig-zag pattern over the sliced wraps. Sprinkle with toasted pumpkin seeds and a few fresh cilantro leaves for added texture and visual appeal. Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors!

Tips for the Perfect Tortilla Grill

Achieving that perfect golden-brown, slightly crispy tortilla can make or break your wrap. Here are a few tips: Don’t overcrowd the skillet – work in batches if necessary. Use medium heat to prevent burning. A light brushing of oil is all you need; too much oil will make the tortilla soggy. Press down gently on the wraps with a spatula while grilling to ensure even contact with the skillet.

Why Cilantro and Lime are a Match Made in Heaven

The combination of cilantro and lime is a cornerstone of many Latin American and Southeast Asian cuisines, and for good reason! Cilantro’s bright, herbaceous flavor pairs beautifully with the zesty acidity of lime. This dynamic duo not only brightens up dishes but also aids digestion. In this recipe, the cilantro-lime cream cuts through the richness of the cheese and chicken, creating a balanced and refreshing flavor profile.

Cheese Choices and Substitutions

While cheddar and mozzarella provide a classic cheesy base, feel free to experiment with other cheeses! Monterey Jack, pepper jack (for a little heat), or even a Mexican cheese blend would work wonderfully. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, consider using reduced-fat cheese or a smaller amount of cheese overall. For a vegan option, use your favorite plant-based cheese alternatives.

Make-Ahead Options for Busy Weeknights

This recipe is relatively quick to prepare, but you can save even more time by doing some prep work in advance. The chicken can be marinated and cooked up to 2 days ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. The cilantro-lime cream can also be made ahead and stored in an airtight container. Simply assemble and grill the wraps when you’re ready to eat!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Yes, absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works great.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? Unfortunately, the flour tortillas contain gluten. You can substitute with gluten-free tortillas.
• Can I adjust the spice level? Yes! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cilantro-lime cream for a spicier kick.

These Cilantro Lime Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! They’re packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or snack. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later inspiration!

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