Easy Cheesy Chicken Wrap: Quick Lunch Recipe

Let’s face it, lunchtime can be a drag. You’re hungry and busy, and the last thing you want is to spend ages in the kitchen. That’s where this cheesy chicken wrap comes in! It’s a lifesaver, quick fix, and one of my go-to lunches. This cheesy chicken wrap recipe is so simple that I can whip one up in under 15 minutes, even on my busiest days. I discovered the magic of this recipe while trying to maximize my leftover chicken – and it’s been a staple ever since!

Recipe Story/Background

The humble wrap is a culinary chameleon, isn’t it? It’s adaptable to any cuisine and any flavor profile. This particular cheesy chicken wrap isn’t rooted in any ancient culinary tradition (as far as I know!), but it’s a modern marvel of convenience and deliciousness. I developed this recipe out of sheer necessity—a need for a quick and satisfying lunch that didn’t involve takeout or sad desk lunches. It’s a testament to making the most of simple ingredients.

The first time I made it, I was amazed by how easy it was and how much flavour you could pack into such a simple dish. Since then, it’s become a regular in my meal rotation, especially during those busy weekdays. It’s also incredibly adaptable, making it perfect for using leftover chicken or experimenting with different cheeses and fillings.

Ingredient Discussion

Let’s talk ingredients. The star of the show, of course, is the chicken. I prefer leftover rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken breast, but you can easily cook some beforehand. Look for chicken that’s moist and not overly dry. If you’re buying raw chicken, make sure it smells fresh and isn’t slimy. Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Next up: the cheese! Cheddar is my go-to, but you can experiment—Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a Mexican blend would be fantastic. Choose a cheese that melts well. Store cheese properly to prevent it from drying out. A good-quality cheese will make a noticeable difference in the final flavor.

The tortilla is crucial. I like large flour tortillas—soft and pliable, perfect for wrapping. However, whole wheat tortillas also work if you prefer a healthier option. Store tortillas in a zip-top bag or an airtight container to keep them fresh.

For the additions, I use simple lettuce and tomato – classic choices that complement the chicken and cheese perfectly. But feel free to get creative! Avocado, salsa, hot sauce – the possibilities are endless. Choose fresh, high-quality produce whenever possible.

Equipment Needed

You won’t need a fancy kitchen arsenal for this recipe. All you need is a cutting board, a knife (for chopping veggies if you’re using extra fillings), and a plate. If you’re feeling fancy, you could use a tortilla warmer to heat your tortillas, but honestly, a microwave or a dry skillet works perfectly fine.

I personally like to use a good-quality chef’s knife for chopping the vegetables, but any sharp knife will do. For heating the tortillas, I often just use a dry skillet on medium heat for about 30 seconds per side. This helps give them a slightly crispy texture.

Preparation Method

1. Prep the Chicken (5 minutes): If you’re using leftover chicken, shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. If you’re cooking chicken, cook it until fully cooked through (about 15-20 minutes).
2. Prep the Veggies (2 minutes): Wash and chop your lettuce and tomato. If using other fillings, prep those now, too.
3. Warm the Tortilla (1 minute): Heat your tortilla briefly in a microwave (about 15 seconds) or dry skillet (30 seconds per side) until warm and pliable. You want it pliable, not crispy!
4. Assemble the Wrap (2 minutes): Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard evenly over the tortilla. This adds a nice tangy flavor.
5. Layer the Ingredients (2 minutes): Add a layer of shredded chicken, followed by the shredded cheese, lettuce, and tomato slices. Feel free to add your other desired fillings here.
6. Wrap it Up (1 minute): Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it tightly from one end to the other. If the tortilla seems a bit dry, a light spritz of water can help it stick together better.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Don’t overcrowd your wrap! Too many fillings will make it difficult to roll and could lead to a messy, overflowing wrap. A little goes a long way. Start with a base of chicken and cheese and add other veggies according to your preference.

If your tortilla is tearing, lightly spritz it with water before assembling your wrap; this adds moisture and helps it become more pliable. Trust me, this is a lifesaver for preventing tortilla disasters.

For extra flavor, try adding a dash of your favourite hot sauce or a squeeze of lime juice to your chicken before assembling the wrap. You can also use different types of cheese or experiment with other herbs and spices.

Variations & Adaptations

Spicy Chicken Wrap: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of chili powder or a few dashes of your favourite hot sauce to the chicken.

Mediterranean Chicken Wrap: Swap the cheddar for feta cheese, add chopped cucumbers and olives, and use a tzatziki sauce instead of mayo and mustard.

Buffalo Chicken Wrap: Toss the chicken in buffalo wing sauce before adding it to the wrap. A creamy ranch dressing would be a delicious addition.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve your cheesy chicken wrap immediately for the best flavour and texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, microwave it for about 30 seconds or until warmed through.

For a complete meal, serve the wrap with a side of your favourite soup or salad. A refreshing beverage like iced tea or lemonade would be a perfect complement.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients.)

This wrap is a good source of protein from the chicken and calcium from the cheese. It also provides vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. However, it is important to be mindful of the sodium content, particularly if using processed cheeses or prepared sauces.

Conclusion

So there you have it – my go-to quick and easy cheesy chicken wrap! It’s a perfect lunch solution for busy days, a delicious way to use leftover chicken, and a blank canvas for culinary creativity. I encourage you to experiment with different fillings and sauces to find your perfect combination. Let me know in the comments what your favorite variations are!

FAQs

Easy Cheesy Chicken Wrap: Quick Lunch Recipe

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• Author: Mala Barad
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 wrap 1x

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Description

A quick, cheesy chicken wrap that’s perfect for busy days. Packed with tender chicken, melty cheese, and crisp veggies, it’s ready in under 15 minutes!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 large flour tortilla
• 1/2 cup shredded cooked chicken
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded lettuce
• 2–3 slices of tomato
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Optional fillings: avocado slices, salsa, hot sauce

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Instructions

1. Shred or dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Wash and chop the lettuce and tomato.
3. Warm the tortilla in a microwave for 15 seconds or a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side until pliable.
4. Spread mayonnaise and Dijon mustard evenly over the tortilla.
5. Layer the shredded chicken, cheese, lettuce, and tomato on top.
6. Add any additional desired fillings like avocado or salsa.
7. Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it tightly into a wrap.
8. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Notes

For extra flavor, try adding hot sauce or a squeeze of lime to the chicken before assembling.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch
• Method: No Cook
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 wrap
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: chicken wrap, cheesy wrap, quick lunch, easy chicken wrap