Got leftover chicken and need a quick lunch? This southwest chicken wrap changed my meal prep game forever. First time I made these southwest chicken wraps, my kids actually finished lunch without complaints (miracle, right?). They’re packed with protein, veggies and that addictive southwest flavor combo everyone loves. The crunchy texture and creamy sauce make these cold chicken wraps perfect for lunch boxes or quick dinners. Keep reading to discover how to make the best southwest chicken wrap that beats anything from Sonic or Chick-fil-a.
Why You’ll Love This Southwest Chicken Wrap Recipe
Sick of boring sandwiches? Been there. These southwest wraps solve the “what’s for lunch” problem I used to face every day. Last summer when I was swamped with work, I made a batch of these on Sunday and had lunch sorted for days. No more staring at the fridge wondering what to eat!
What makes this southwest chicken wrap recipe special is how adaptable it is. No time to cook chicken? Use rotisserie. Following a diet? Switch to low-carb tortillas. The southwest flavor profile works with so many variations, and you’ll never get bored.
Plus, these cold chicken wraps travel well – perfect for picnics, road trips or packed lunches that won’t get soggy. By the time you finish reading, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making these all along.
Ingredients for Perfect Southwest Chicken Wraps
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound) – provides the protein base; substitute rotisserie chicken to save time
- 2 tablespoons southwest seasoning – creates that authentic flavor; use taco seasoning in a pinch
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – helps spices stick to chicken; avocado oil works too
- Salt and pepper to taste – enhances all other flavors
For the Wrap
- 4 large flour tortillas – holds everything together; try spinach or tomato tortillas for color
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained – adds protein and texture; pinto beans work too
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen or canned) – provides sweetness and crunch
- 1 red bell pepper, diced – adds color and vitamin C; any color bell pepper works
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced – gives that bite that balances the creamy elements
- 1 avocado, sliced – adds creaminess; substitute guacamole if preferred
- 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce – provides necessary crunch; iceberg works too
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese – adds richness; pepper jack gives more heat
For the Southwest Sauce
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt – healthier than mayo but still creamy; sour cream works too
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise – creates richness; light mayo is fine
- 1 tablespoon lime juice – adds brightness; lemon juice can substitute
- 1 teaspoon southwest seasoning – ties the flavor profile together
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – adds depth without raw garlic bite
- Hot sauce to taste – customize the heat level
This ingredient list might look long, but most are pantry staples. For those with dietary restrictions, these crunchy southwestern chicken wraps can easily be made gluten-free with corn tortillas or dairy-free by omitting the cheese and using vegan mayo in the sauce.
How to Make Southwest Chicken Wrap
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season chicken breasts with southwest seasoning, salt and pepper
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat
- Cook chicken 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F
- The chicken should have nice browning and release easily from the pan
- Let rest 5 minutes before slicing into strips
- TIP: For meal prep, cook extra chicken to use in salads or other meals
Step 2: Make the Southwest Sauce
- Combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl
- Whisk until smooth and fully incorporated
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed
- Sauce should be thick enough to spread but not runny
- Can be made 3 days ahead and stored in refrigerator
Step 3: Prepare Fresh Ingredients
- Rinse and drain black beans
- Dice bell pepper into 1/4-inch pieces
- Thinly slice red onion
- Shred lettuce if not pre-shredded
- Slice avocado just before assembly to prevent browning
Step 4: Assemble Your Southwest Chicken Wrap
- Warm tortillas slightly to make them more pliable (10 seconds in microwave)
- Spread 2 tablespoons of southwest sauce on each tortilla
- Layer ingredients in this order: lettuce, chicken, black beans, corn, bell pepper, onion, avocado, and cheese
- TIP: Place ingredients in the lower third of tortilla for easier rolling
- Fold in the sides, then roll from bottom up, tucking in the sides as you go
- Cut in half diagonally for easier eating
Step 5: Serving Options
- Serve immediately or wrap tightly in parchment paper
- For a warm southwest chicken wrap, heat a clean skillet and place the wrapped tortilla seam-side down for 1-2 minutes
- Press gently with a spatula for even heating
- TIP: For extra crunch, toast the assembled wrap in a panini press
Total prep and cook time is approximately 15 minutes if using pre-cooked chicken, or 25 minutes when cooking chicken from raw. These southwest chicken wraps keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days when properly wrapped.
Delicious Variations of Southwest Chicken Wrap
Breakfast Southwest Wrap
Swap the lettuce for scrambled eggs and add some breakfast sausage alongside the chicken for a morning twist on this recipe.
Spicy Southwest Chicken Wrap
Add sliced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar, and double the hot sauce in your southwest sauce for heat lovers.
Vegetarian Southwest Wrap
Replace chicken with extra black beans and corn, or add roasted sweet potatoes for a satisfying meat-free option that still packs protein.
Keto Southwest Chicken Lettuce Wrap
Use large romaine or iceberg lettuce leaves instead of tortillas, focus on the protein and vegetables, and use a full-fat southwest sauce.
BBQ Southwest Chicken Wrap
Add a tablespoon of your favorite BBQ sauce to the southwest sauce and use grilled chicken for a smoky summer flavor profile.
Mediterranean-Southwest Fusion Wrap
Add feta cheese, olives, and cucumber to the standard ingredients for an interesting flavor mashup that works surprisingly well.
Southwest Chicken Wrap
Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 2 tablespoons southwest seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Wrap:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels fresh, frozen, or canned
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
- 1 avocado sliced
- 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Southwest Sauce:
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon southwest seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Hot sauce to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season chicken breasts with southwest seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
Make the Southwest Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, southwest seasoning, garlic powder, and hot sauce.
- Whisk until smooth and set aside.
- Prepare Fresh Ingredients:
- Rinse and drain black beans.
- Dice bell pepper and thinly slice red onion.
- Shred lettuce and slice avocado just before assembly.
Assemble the Wrap:
- Warm tortillas slightly for better flexibility.
- Spread 2 tablespoons of southwest sauce on each tortilla.
- Layer lettuce, chicken, black beans, corn, bell pepper, onion, avocado, and cheese.
- Fold in the sides, then roll from the bottom up, tucking in the sides.
- Cut in half diagonally for easier eating.
Serving Options:
- Serve immediately or wrap tightly in parchment paper.
- For a warm wrap, heat in a skillet for 1-2 minutes.
Notes
Nutrition
Southwest Chicken Wrap FAQ
What is a Southwest chicken wrap?
A southwest chicken wrap is a portable meal featuring seasoned chicken, black beans, corn, peppers, and other vegetables with southwest-inspired spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic, all wrapped in a tortilla. The defining characteristic is the combination of southwest flavors and textures that create a satisfying meal with the convenience of handheld eating.
Are Southwest Chicken Wraps healthy?
Yes, southwest chicken wraps can be very healthy when made with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and moderate amounts of cheese and sauce. A typical homemade southwest chicken wrap contains approximately 400-500 calories, offers quality protein from the chicken, fiber from beans and vegetables, and healthy fats from avocado. To make them even healthier, use whole wheat tortillas, Greek yogurt-based sauce, and control portion sizes of higher-calorie ingredients like cheese and avocado.
What to serve with Southwest Chicken Wraps?
Southwest chicken wraps pair perfectly with:
- Fresh green salad with cilantro lime dressing
- Tortilla chips and homemade salsa
- Mexican street corn salad
- Southwestern black bean soup
- Simple roasted sweet potatoes
- Grilled vegetables with southwest seasoning For a lighter meal, a simple side of fresh fruit offers a refreshing contrast to the savory wrap.
What is in the Costco Southwest chicken wrap?
The Costco southwest chicken wrap typically contains grilled chicken breast, black beans, corn, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, a blend of cheddar and jack cheeses, and chipotle mayo wrapped in a tomato tortilla. My homemade version offers fresher ingredients, customizable heat levels, and significantly lower sodium than the store-bought version which contains approximately 830 calories per wrap.
Is Costco recalling Southwest chicken wraps?
As of my latest information, there’s no current recall on Costco southwest chicken wraps. However, food recalls can happen at any time for various reasons including potential contamination or labeling issues. Always check the most current information from official sources like the FDA or Costco’s website for the most up-to-date recall information. Making these wraps at home gives you complete control over ingredient freshness and food safety.
How long do homemade Southwest chicken wraps last?
When properly wrapped in parchment paper and stored in an airtight container, homemade southwest chicken wraps can last 1-2 days in the refrigerator. For best results, I recommend assembling the wraps the morning you plan to eat them. If you need to prep further ahead, store the components separately: keep the cooked chicken, sauce, and chopped vegetables in separate containers, then assemble when ready to eat to prevent the tortilla from getting soggy.
Can I freeze Southwest chicken wraps?
Yes, you can freeze southwest chicken wraps, but with some modifications. Omit ingredients that don’t freeze well like fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado. Wrap the partially-assembled wraps (containing chicken, beans, corn, cheese and sauce) tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then add the fresh ingredients just before eating. This makes for convenient grab-and-go meals that just need final assembly.
Make These Southwest Chicken Wraps Your Own
First time I served these southwest chicken wraps at a family gathering, my brother-in-law (who claims to hate “health food”) asked for the recipe. That’s when I knew this one was special. There’s something about that perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and crunchy that makes people come back for more.
What I love most is watching people customize these to their taste – my husband piles on extra hot sauce, the kids pick out the onions, and friends add their own special touches. Food brings us together, and simple recipes like this southwest chicken wrap create those everyday moments that matter.
Whether you’re making these for a quick lunch, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, I hope they become a staple in your kitchen too. Don’t forget to check out my Chicken Avocado Wrap, Cottage Cheese Wrap Recipe, or Spicy Shrimp Tacos for more easy meal ideas!