Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps With Chipotle Lime Cream

Craving a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful meal? Look no further than these Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps! Packed with juicy grilled chicken, vibrant veggies, and a creamy, smoky Chipotle Lime Cream, these wraps are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re perfect for a weeknight dinner, a weekend lunch, or even a fun picnic. Get ready to experience a fiesta of flavors in every bite!

What You’ll Need

• 400 g (14 oz) chicken breasts (2 large), sliced into strips: We’re using chicken breasts as the star protein. Slicing them into strips ensures even cooking and makes them easy to wrap. Opt for boneless, skinless breasts for convenience.
• 30 ml (2 Tbsp) olive oil: A good quality olive oil is essential for both marinating the chicken and preventing it from sticking to the grill. It also adds a subtle fruity flavor.
• 5 g (1 tsp) chili powder: This provides the foundational warmth and mild heat characteristic of Southwest cuisine.
• 5 g (1 tsp) smoked paprika: Smoked paprika is key to achieving that authentic smoky flavor, mimicking the taste of a wood-fired grill.
• 2 g (1/2 tsp) ground cumin: Cumin adds an earthy, slightly bitter note that complements the chili powder and paprika beautifully.
• 2 g (1/2 tsp) garlic powder: Garlic powder provides a convenient and consistent garlic flavor throughout the chicken.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors. Don’t be shy with the pepper!
• 240 g (8 oz) large flour tortillas (10‑inch): Large flour tortillas provide the perfect pliable base for our wraps. Look for ones that are soft and easy to roll.
• 50 g (1.8 oz) shredded lettuce: Adds a refreshing crunch and a cool contrast to the warm chicken and spicy cream. Iceberg or romaine lettuce work well.
• 75 g (2.6 oz) red bell pepper, diced: Red bell peppers contribute a vibrant color, a subtle sweetness, and a satisfying crunch.
• 40 g (1.4 oz) red onion, diced: Red onion provides a sharp, pungent bite that balances the sweetness of the bell pepper and corn.
• 15 g (0.5 oz) fresh cilantro leaves, chopped: Cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous finish that is quintessential to Southwest flavors.
• 80 g (2.8 oz) corn kernels, toasted: Toasted corn kernels offer a delightful sweet crunch and a beautiful visual pop.
• 120 g (4 oz) plain Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt forms the creamy base of our Chipotle Lime Cream. It’s thicker and tangier than regular yogurt, providing a lovely texture.
• 30 ml (2 Tbsp) vegetable‑oil mayonnaise: Mayonnaise adds richness and helps bind the cream together. Vegetable oil mayo has a neutral flavor that won’t overpower the other ingredients.
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo, minced (or 5 g / 1 tsp chipotle powder): Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce deliver a smoky heat that is the signature flavor of this cream. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
• Zest of 1 lime: Lime zest provides a bright, aromatic citrus note that elevates the entire cream.
• 30 ml (2 Tbsp) lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a tangy balance to the richness of the yogurt and mayonnaise.
• 5 ml (1 tsp) honey (optional): A touch of honey can subtly balance the spice and acidity, but it’s entirely optional.
• Salt, to taste: Seasoning to enhance the flavors of the cream.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps

1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This spice blend is the heart of the Southwest flavor, so don’t be shy with the seasonings! Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the spice mix and stir well to create a paste.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken strips to the bowl with the spice paste. Toss thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated. This step is crucial for infusing the chicken with maximum flavor. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for a more intense taste.
3. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat (around 200°C / 390°F). A hot grill is essential for achieving those beautiful grill marks and a slightly charred, smoky flavor. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
4. Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken strips on the preheated grill. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
5. Toast the Corn: While the chicken is resting, toast the corn kernels in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently for 3-4 minutes, until they are golden brown and fragrant. This adds a delightful sweetness and crunch to the wraps.
6. Make the Chipotle Lime Cream: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced chipotle pepper (or chipotle powder), lime zest, lime juice, and honey (if using). Add a pinch of salt to taste. The chipotle pepper provides a smoky heat, while the lime juice adds a refreshing tang. Refrigerate the cream until ready to use.
7. Warm the Tortillas: Warm each flour tortilla in a clean skillet over medium heat for about 20 seconds per side, just until pliable. This makes them easier to roll without tearing. Keep the warmed tortillas wrapped in a clean kitchen towel to maintain their warmth and flexibility.
8. Assemble the Wraps: Lay a warmed tortilla on a flat surface. Spread 2 tablespoons of the chipotle lime cream down the center. Layer with shredded lettuce, grilled chicken strips, diced red bell pepper, red onion, toasted corn, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. Drizzle an additional teaspoon of cream over the filling.
9. Roll the Wraps: Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll tightly from the bottom edge up, sealing the wrap. A tightly rolled wrap will hold its shape better and prevent the filling from spilling out.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the wrap diagonally if desired. Place seam-side down on a plate, drizzle with remaining cream, and garnish with corn and cilantro. Serve immediately!

Why Chipotle Peppers Elevate the Flavor

The star of this recipe is undoubtedly the chipotle pepper. Chipotle peppers are simply jalapeños that have been smoked and dried. This process imparts a deep, smoky flavor that’s unlike anything else. The smokiness complements the grilled chicken beautifully, while the moderate heat adds a pleasant kick. Using chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (minced) provides an extra layer of complexity, as the adobo sauce itself is packed with flavor. If you prefer a milder heat, you can use chipotle powder instead, adjusting the amount to your liking.

Tips for Grilling Chicken Perfection

Grilling chicken can sometimes be tricky, but these tips will help you achieve perfectly cooked, juicy chicken every time. First, ensure your grill is clean and well-oiled. This prevents the chicken from sticking and ensures even cooking. Second, don’t overcrowd the grill. Leave enough space between the chicken strips for proper air circulation. Third, resist the urge to move the chicken around too much. Let it sear undisturbed for a few minutes on each side to develop those beautiful grill marks. Finally, always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).

Customizing Your Southwest Wraps

Feel free to get creative and customize these wraps to your liking! Some delicious additions include black beans, avocado slices, pico de gallo, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese. For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the chipotle lime cream. If you’re looking to reduce the fat content, you can use non-fat Greek yogurt and light mayonnaise. You can also swap the chicken for grilled steak or shrimp for a different protein option.

Make-Ahead Components

To save time, you can prepare some of the components ahead of time. The chipotle lime cream can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The chicken can also be marinated overnight. The corn can be toasted a few hours ahead and kept at room temperature. However, it’s best to assemble the wraps just before serving to prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of tortilla?

Yes, you can! While flour tortillas are traditional for Southwest wraps, you can also use whole wheat tortillas, corn tortillas (though they may be more prone to tearing), or even spinach tortillas for a different flavor and texture.

How spicy are these wraps?

The spice level depends on the amount of chipotle pepper you use. One minced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce provides a moderate level of heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount or use chipotle powder instead.

These Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps are a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a quick and easy weeknight meal. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later!

southwest grilled chicken wraps easy dinner recipe

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• Author: Jusmira Rayne
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: General

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Description

These Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps are a quick and easy meal packed with juicy grilled chicken, vibrant veggies, and a creamy Chipotle Lime Cream. They’re perfect for a flavorful and satisfying lunch or dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 400g (14oz) chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 30ml (2Tbsp) olive oil
• 5g (1tsp) chili powder
• 5g (1tsp) smoked paprika
• 2g (1/2tsp) ground cumin
• 2g (1/2tsp) garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 240g (8oz) large flour tortillas (10-inch)
• 50g (1.8oz) shredded lettuce
• 75g (2.6oz) red bell pepper, diced
• 40g (1.4oz) red onion, diced
• 15g (0.5oz) cilantro, chopped
• 80g (2.8oz) corn kernels, toasted
• 120g (4oz) Greek yogurt
• 30ml (2Tbsp) mayonnaise
• 1 chipotle pepper, minced (or 5g/1tsp chipotle powder)
• Zest of 1 lime
• 30ml (2Tbsp) lime juice
• 5ml (1tsp) honey (optional)

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Instructions

1. Marinate Chicken: Combine spices, oil, and chicken; marinate for 15-120 minutes.
2. Grill Chicken: Grill chicken strips for 4-5 minutes per side, until cooked through.
3. Toast Corn: Toast corn kernels in a dry skillet until golden brown.
4. Make Cream: Whisk together yogurt, mayonnaise, chipotle, lime zest, lime juice, and honey.
5. Warm Tortillas: Warm tortillas for 20 seconds per side.
6. Assemble Wraps: Spread cream, lettuce, chicken, peppers, onion, corn, and cilantro on tortillas.
7. Roll Wraps: Fold and roll tortillas tightly.

Notes

For best results, rest the grilled chicken for 5 minutes before slicing. Warming the tortillas makes them more pliable and prevents tearing.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Southwest

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 wrap
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: chicken,wraps,southwest,grilled,chipotle,easy,dinner,lunch,mexican