Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps

This cheesy garlic chicken wrap recipe transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying meal that's become my go-to dinner option on busy weeknights. The combination of seasoned chicken and two types of melted cheese wrapped in a warm tortilla creates the ultimate comfort food that's both quick and impressive.

I first created these wraps when I needed a quick dinner solution after a long workday. What started as a simple experiment has become one of our family's most requested meals, especially when we're craving something satisfying without a lot of fuss.

Ingredients

• 2 large chicken breasts diced. These provide the protein foundation. Look for plump pieces with even coloring.
• 1 tbsp olive oil. Helps seasonings adhere to chicken and prevents sticking during cooking. Extra virgin adds more flavor.
• 2 tsp garlic powder. Creates the signature garlic flavor throughout. Use fresh powder for best potency.
• 1 tsp onion powder. Adds depth and savory notes. Choose a quality brand for better flavor.
• 1 tsp paprika. Provides subtle smoky flavor and beautiful color. Regular or smoked both work wonderfully.
• Salt and pepper to taste. Essential for bringing all flavors together. Freshly ground pepper makes a difference.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Offers sharp flavor and excellent melting. Grate your own for best results.
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Creates that irresistible cheese pull. Low moisture variety melts best.
• 4 large flour tortillas. The vessel for all these delicious ingredients. Look for pliable ones without tears.
• 1/2 cup creamy garlic sauce. Ties everything together with rich creaminess. Store bought or homemade both work.
• Fresh parsley for garnish optional. Adds brightness and color contrast if desired.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season The Chicken

In a large bowl combine the diced chicken with olive oil garlic powder onion powder paprika salt and pepper. Make sure each piece gets evenly coated with the seasonings. This step is crucial for flavor development so take your time mixing everything thoroughly.

Cook The Chicken

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add the seasoned chicken. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes stirring occasionally until the chicken is completely cooked through with no pink remaining. The outside should develop a slight golden color. Be careful not to overcook as the chicken can become dry.

Prepare The Tortillas

Lay out your flour tortillas on a clean work surface and spread about 2 tablespoons of creamy garlic sauce on each one covering about three quarters of the surface. This sauce acts as both a flavor enhancer and adhesive for the fillings.

Add Fillings And Cheese

Divide the cooked chicken evenly among the four tortillas placing it in the center. Sprinkle generously with both cheddar and mozzarella cheeses making sure to combine them for the perfect balance of flavor and meltability. The combination of two cheeses creates an amazing texture.

Fold And Cook The Wraps

Fold the sides of each tortilla inward then roll from bottom to top creating a tight wrap. Return the skillet to medium heat and place the wraps seam side down. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy with fully melted cheese inside. The heat seals the wraps and creates a wonderful textural contrast.

Serve

Transfer the hot wraps to a cutting board and slice each one diagonally in half. Arrange on plates and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately while the cheese is still deliciously melted and the outside is crispy.

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The garlic powder is truly the star ingredient in this recipe. I discovered its importance when I ran out once and tried to substitute with fresh garlic. While still delicious the flavor wasn't as evenly distributed throughout the chicken. The powder coats each piece perfectly creating that signature garlicky flavor in every bite.

Make Ahead Options

These wraps can be prepped in advance to make weeknight dinners even faster. Prepare the seasoned chicken up to two days ahead and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve simply reheat the chicken in a skillet add to tortillas with cheese and complete the recipe as written. You can also fully assemble the wraps without cooking them store in the refrigerator wrapped in foil for up to 24 hours then cook when needed. This makes them perfect for meal prep or busy families.

Flavor Variations

The basic recipe is delicious as is but you can customize these wraps based on your preferences or what you have available. Try adding sautéed bell peppers and onions for a fajita style wrap. Incorporate bacon bits for a smoky addition that pairs wonderfully with the garlic and cheese. Replace the creamy garlic sauce with ranch buffalo sauce or even pesto for completely different flavor profiles. For a spicy kick add jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the chicken during cooking. The versatility of this recipe makes it a perfect foundation for endless variations.

Serving Suggestions

These cheesy garlic chicken wraps stand perfectly well on their own but can be paired with simple sides to create a more substantial meal. A light green salad with vinaigrette dressing provides a fresh contrast to the rich wraps. Sweet potato fries or regular french fries make excellent companions especially for casual dinners. For a lighter option serve alongside roasted vegetables tossed with olive oil salt and pepper. If serving for lunch consider offering small cups of tomato soup for dipping which complements the cheesy garlic flavors beautifully. For entertaining cut the wraps into smaller pieces secured with toothpicks for easy handheld appetizers.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare these chicken wraps ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the seasoned chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply warm the chicken, assemble the wraps with cheese and sauce, then finish cooking them in the skillet until golden and the cheese melts.

→ What can I use instead of creamy garlic sauce?

Great alternatives include ranch dressing, Caesar dressing, tzatziki, or a simple mixture of mayonnaise with minced garlic and herbs. You could also use hummus or Greek yogurt mixed with garlic powder for a lighter option.

→ How do I make these wraps dairy-free?

To make dairy-free wraps, substitute the cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives now widely available in most supermarkets. For the creamy garlic sauce, use a dairy-free mayo or yogurt base with minced garlic and seasonings.

→ What sides pair well with these chicken wraps?

These wraps pair wonderfully with a simple green salad, potato wedges, sweet potato fries, corn on the cob, or a light coleslaw. For a lighter meal, serve with a cup of tomato soup or vegetable soup.

→ Can I add vegetables to these wraps?

Absolutely! Consider adding sautéed bell peppers and onions, spinach, avocado slices, diced tomatoes, or corn. Just be careful not to overfill the wraps as this might make them difficult to fold and cook properly.