Easy Southwest Chicken Wrap: Ditch SAD Lunch

Lunchtime! Ugh, the eternal question, right? I swear, some days I’d rather just skip it. But then I get hangry. That’s when the magic of the Easy Southwest Chicken Wrap comes in. Seriously, it’s my go-to lifesaver for those days when I need something fast, flavorful, and, dare I say, kinda healthy-ish? I mean, it’s got veggies! Plus, you can totally customize it to your liking. And the best part? It preps like a DREAM. I remember one crazy Tuesday, running between meetings, totally forgot to pack lunch. This Easy Southwest Chicken Wrap recipe saved me from a vending machine disaster.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Southwest Chicken Wrap Recipe

Okay, so you’re probably thinking, “Another wrap recipe? Yawn.” But TRUST me, this Easy Southwest Chicken Wrap is different. It’s got that certain *something*. Wanna know why I’m obsessed? Here’s the lowdown:

• Super Speedy! 10 minutes? Seriously!
• Flavor Explosion: Southwest spices + all your faves? Yes, please!
• Customize, Customize, Customize: Seriously, throw in whatever you’ve got!
• Meal Prep Rockstar: Make ’em ahead – grab and GO!

Ingredients for Your Easy Southwest Chicken Wrap

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! This Easy Southwest Chicken Wrap is super forgiving, but here’s what I usually throw in. You’ll want:

• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken? YES!)
• 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained (nobody likes mushy beans!)
• 1/2 cup corn, canned or frozen (I usually use frozen—it’s sweeter, I think!)
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced (adds a nice little bite!)
• 1/4 cup bell pepper, diced (any color works!)
• 1/4 cup salsa (whatever heat level you’re feeling today!)
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Monterey Jack is also fab!)
• 2 large tortillas (burrito-sized, please!)

How to Make an Easy Southwest Chicken Wrap: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, ready to get wrapping? This Easy Southwest Chicken Wrap is SO simple, it’s almost embarrassing. But hey, sometimes the easiest things are the tastiest, right?

1. First, grab a bowl. Any bowl will do! Throw in your cooked chicken, black beans (make sure they’re rinsed!), corn, red onion, bell pepper, salsa, and cheddar cheese.
2. Next – the mixing! Get in there with a spoon (or even your hands if you’re feeling adventurous!). You want everything to be nicely combined, so the flavors can get to know each other.
3. Now, lay out your tortillas. If they’re feeling a little stiff, you can warm them up for a few seconds in the microwave. Just don’t overdo it, or they’ll get all rubbery!
4. Divide that yummy chicken mixture evenly between the two tortillas. Don’t overstuff them, or you’ll have a HUGE mess on your hands (trust me, I’ve been there!).
5. And finally, the wrap! Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then tightly roll it up from the bottom. Think burrito-style!
6. Serve it up immediately! Or, if you’re prepping for later, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and stash them in the fridge. Easy peasy!

Tips for the Best Easy Southwest Chicken Wrap

Wanna take your Easy Southwest Chicken Wrap from good to AMAZING? Of course, you do! Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned along the way:

• Don’t Overstuff! I know it’s tempting to cram everything in, but you’ll end up with a messy, falling-apart wrap. Less is more, my friend!
• Warm Tortillas are Your Friend: A quick nuke in the microwave makes them more pliable and less likely to crack when you roll ’em.
• Drain the Excess: Make sure your black beans and corn are well-drained. Soggy wraps are no fun!
• Spice it Up! A dash of hot sauce or a pinch of chili powder in the chicken mixture can take this wrap to the next level.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Southwest Chicken Wrap

Okay, so maybe you’re staring at the ingredient list and thinking, “Hmm, I don’t have *that*…” No worries! That’s the beauty of this Easy Southwest Chicken Wrap – it’s super flexible! Let’s talk swaps:

• Black Beans: Pinto beans work great too! Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try chickpeas! For a completely vegan version, you could even use seasoned lentils.
• Corn: No corn on hand? No problem! Just leave it out. Diced zucchini is also a tasty addition.
• Cheese: Wanna go dairy-free? Use your favorite vegan shredded cheese.
• Chicken: Out of chicken? Canned tuna or even leftover pulled pork would be yummy. For a plant-based option, seasoned and crumbled tofu or tempeh will do the trick!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Easy Southwest Chicken Wraps

These Easy Southwest Chicken Wraps are seriously perfect for meal prepping! To make ahead, just assemble the wraps as directed. Then, wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Want to prevent sogginess? Wrap a paper towel around the filling inside the tortilla to absorb extra moisture. When you’re ready to eat, you can enjoy them cold or warm them up in a skillet or microwave—easy peasy!

Serving Suggestions for Your Easy Southwest Chicken Wrap

Okay, so you’ve got your amazing Easy Southwest Chicken Wrap… but what do you serve with it? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! A simple side salad is always a win. Or how about some crunchy tortilla chips and salsa for dipping? If it’s a chilly day, a warm cup of soup hits the spot perfectly!

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Southwest Chicken Wraps

Got questions? I got answers! Here are some of the most common things people ask me about these Easy Southwest Chicken Wraps. Don’t be shy – ask away if you’ve got more!

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! In fact—that’s my *favorite* way to make these! It’s so easy and adds tons of flavor. Just shred it up and you’re good to go! It saves SO much time, which is always a win in my book.

Can I freeze these wraps?

You know, I don’t usually recommend freezing them *after* they’re assembled. The tortillas can get a little weird and the veggies can get soggy. But! You *can* totally freeze the chicken and veggie mixture by itself. Then, just thaw it out and assemble your wraps whenever you’re ready. Brilliant, right?

What other vegetables can I add?

Oh, the possibilities are endless! Diced avocado is always a delicious addition to these southwest chicken wraps (but add it right before serving, so it doesn’t get brown). You could also throw in some chopped spinach, kale, or even some grilled veggies for a smoky flavor boost. Just remember—don’t overstuff!

Can I make these ahead of time for a party?

Yep! Make ahead Easy Southwest Chicken Wraps are a party-pleaser! Assemble them and cut them in half or into smaller pinwheels. Serve them cold with your favorite dipping sauce.

Estimated Nutritional Information for the Southwest Chicken Wrap

Just so you know, those Easy Southwest Chicken Wrap nutritional numbers you sometimes see (Calories, Fat, Protein, Carbs, the usual suspects!)? They’re just estimates, okay? It all depends on what *you* throw in there!

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