Introduction
Creamy Chicken Tortilla Wraps are the ultimate comfort food, blending tender seasoned chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a rich cheese sauce, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. This dish is perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. The best part is that it’s customizable—you can add your favorite toppings like avocado, salsa, or sour cream to make it uniquely yours. In just a few steps, you can enjoy these delicious and satisfying wraps that bring together the rich flavors of cumin, chili, garlic, and melted cheese. Let’s dive into how to prepare this mouthwatering meal.
Ingredients
To create these creamy chicken wraps, you’ll need the following:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
This lean protein is perfect for absorbing all the rich and spicy flavors. - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
Adds a warm, earthy note to the chicken. - 1 teaspoon chili powder
Gives a slight kick and enhances the overall flavor profile. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Essential for that savory taste that permeates the chicken. - 1/2 teaspoon salt
Enhances all the other flavors and ensures the chicken is well-seasoned. - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Adds just the right amount of spice. - 1 tablespoon olive oil
For cooking the chicken and sautéing the vegetables. - 1 small onion, chopped
Onions add sweetness and texture to the dish. - 1 red bell pepper, chopped
Adds vibrant color and a slightly sweet taste. - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Cheddar is the perfect melting cheese for a creamy, savory sauce. - 1/2 cup heavy cream
Makes the sauce rich, creamy, and indulgent. - 6 small flour tortillas
The wraps that hold everything together.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the tortillas will bake to perfection once assembled.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure the spices evenly coat the chicken for maximum flavor. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the pan, cooking until the chicken is browned on both sides and cooked through. This should take about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the chicken. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté them in the leftover chicken juices and olive oil until the vegetables become soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. The onion should turn translucent, and the bell pepper will become slightly charred, enhancing the flavors.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
Once the vegetables are ready, lower the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This sauce will coat the chicken and make the tortillas rich and flavorful. Remove the skillet from heat once the sauce is ready.
Step 5: Assemble the Wraps
Now it’s time to assemble the wraps. Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips and set aside. Lay out the flour tortillas and spoon a small amount of the cheese sauce into the center of each tortilla. Add a few strips of chicken on top of the sauce. Roll up the tortillas, ensuring the filling stays inside, and place them seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
Step 6: Top with Cheese Sauce
Pour the remaining cheese sauce over the rolled tortillas, covering them completely. This will allow the flavors to soak into the wraps and create that gooey, cheesy top layer.
Step 7: Bake the Wraps
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the tortillas are heated through. The tops should be golden, with the cheese slightly crispy around the edges.
Serving & Storage
Serving Suggestions
Once out of the oven, garnish the creamy chicken tortilla wraps with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or even a dollop of sour cream. These toppings add freshness and contrast to the creamy texture of the wraps. Serve with a side of salsa or guacamole for dipping, and you’ve got a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Storage Tips
If you have any leftovers, you can easily store them. Wrap each leftover tortilla in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave them until warmed through. The sauce will remain creamy, and the chicken will still be tender.
Variations
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to change things up:
- Add Heat
For a spicier version, sprinkle some cayenne pepper or jalapeños into the cheese sauce. - Use Different Cheese
While cheddar is classic, you could substitute with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a different flavor profile. The extra heat from Pepper Jack cheese can bring even more depth to the dish. - Vegetarian Option
To make this dish vegetarian, swap out the chicken for black beans or grilled vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms. These substitutes will still hold up well with the creamy cheese sauce and add great texture. - Make It Lighter
For a lighter version, use low-fat cheese and substitute Greek yogurt for heavy cream in the sauce. You can also use whole wheat tortillas for added fiber and a slightly nutty taste.
FAQ
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! If you have leftover rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken breasts, feel free to use them in this recipe. Just shred the chicken and follow the same instructions for assembling the wraps.
Can I make these wraps ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the wraps, cover them with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, just pop them in the oven and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I freeze these tortilla wraps?
Yes, you can! To freeze, wrap each prepared tortilla individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw them in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Tortilla Wraps are a fantastic, comforting dish that brings together the richness of cheese, tender chicken, and soft tortillas. Whether you’re making this for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, these wraps are sure to please everyone. With customizable toppings and simple ingredients, this recipe is both flexible and foolproof. Enjoy this dish warm and gooey, and savor the satisfying flavors with each bite!
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Creamy Chicken Tortilla Wraps
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
These cheesy chicken tortilla wraps are filled with tender chicken, sautéed veggies, and a rich, creamy sauce. An easy and comforting dinner the whole family will love!
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
6 small flour tortillas
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook until they are browned on both sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest.
- In the same skillet, add chopped onion and red bell pepper. Saute until they are soft and fragrant.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Remove from heat.
- Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips.
- Place a spoonful of the cheese sauce in the center of each tortilla. Top with a few strips of chicken.
- Roll up the tortillas and place them seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Pour the remaining cheese sauce over the rolled tortillas.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the tortillas are heated through.
- Serve the tender chicken wrapped in tortillas hot, garnished with chopped cilantro or diced tomatoes if desired.
Notes
This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner with friends and family. You can customize it by adding your favorite toppings like avocado slices, salsa, or sour cream.
Enjoy the rich and creamy cheese sauce that adds a delicious touch to these tender chicken-filled tortillas.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Are you leaving the sauteed vegetables in the skillet when you make the cheese sauce or removing them first?
Hi Mary,
You can leave the sautéed vegetables in the skillet when making the cheese sauce. This enhances the flavor by allowing the vegetables to meld with the cheese and cream.