Spicy Southwest Chicken Wrap Recipe

Craving something flavorful, speedy, and fun? Look no further than the Crunchy Southwestern Chicken Wrap! This recipe is a delightful twist on a classic tortilla wrap, featuring a mouthwatering mix of shredded chicken, fresh veggies, and the irresistible crunch of Fritos corn chips. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, these wraps are a treat for your taste buds.

I first fell in love with this wrap at a potluck and it quickly became a family favorite in my household. The creamy avocado, tangy sauce, and crunchy Fritos create a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Whether it’s a busy sports night or a casual get-together, these wraps are a surefire way to impress your guests and satisfy your hunger.

For a fun twist, try customizing your Crunchy Southwestern Chicken Wrap with grilled corn in the summer, roasted sweet potatoes in the winter, or spicy jalapeños for an extra kick. Whether you’re hosting a party, packing a picnic, or simply looking for a quick meal, these wraps are a versatile and delicious option that are sure to please everyone at the table.

Quick Benefits

  • Combines fresh vegetables, Tex-Mex flavors, and Fritos chips for a unique and delicious twist on a classic wrap
  • Easy to customize with alternative ingredients like black beans or vegan substitutions for a versatile dish
  • Perfect for meal prep, picnics, lunchboxes, parties, and tailgates due to its portability and make-ahead options
  • Offers a balance of creamy avocado, tangy sauce, and crunchy textures for a satisfying and flavorful meal

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Southwest Chicken Wrap Recipe Recipe

  • This recipe is quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
  • The combination of fresh veggies, creamy avocado, tangy sauce, and crunchy Fritos chips creates a delicious flavor and texture experience.
  • It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized with different proteins like grilled shrimp or black beans, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
  • The wrap is great for parties or gatherings as it can be prepared ahead of time and assembled just before serving for maximum crunch.
  • The addition of Fritos corn chips adds a unique twist and classic flavor to the wrap, making it a fun and satisfying meal option.
  • With seasonal variations suggested in the recipe, you can enjoy this wrap year-round by incorporating different ingredients like grilled corn in summer or roasted sweet potatoes in winter.
  • This recipe has received rave reviews from readers and is loved by both picky eaters and adventurous foodies alike, making it a crowd-pleasing dish that brings people together.

Ingredients for Spicy Southwest Chicken Wrap Recipe

Wrap Fillings

  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or grilled)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup crushed Fritos corn chips
  • 1 cup diced tomato (Roma or cherry)

Sauce & Wrap Base

  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup salsa (medium or chunky preferred)
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning

Pro Tips for Spicy Southwest Chicken Wrap Recipe

Pro Tip 1: To keep the Fritos corn chips crunchy, store them separately from the assembled wraps until just before serving. This ensures the perfect texture and flavor combination when enjoying your Southwestern chicken wraps.

Pro Tip 2: Experiment with different variations of this recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Try using grilled shrimp or black beans instead of chicken, and consider dairy-free options like vegan sour cream and cheese. Feel free to swap out ingredients like lettuce for spinach or cabbage for a unique twist.

Pro Tip 3: For optimal freshness and texture, assemble these wraps just before serving. While you can prep ingredients in advance, layer the lettuce between the sauce and tortillas, and add the Fritos right before eating to maintain the perfect crunch in every bite.

How to Make Spicy Southwest Chicken Wrap Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Southwest Sauce

Combine sour cream, salsa, and taco seasoning in a medium bowl, whisk until smooth and well mixed.

Step 2: Assemble the Wraps

Lay a flour tortilla on a clean surface. Spread a generous tablespoon of prepared sauce on the bottom half, leaving a 1-inch border.

Step 3: Layer Filling Ingredients

Spread shredded lettuce, diced tomato, avocado, cheddar cheese, and shredded chicken evenly on top of the sauced tortilla.

Step 4: Add Crunch and Extra Sauce

Sprinkle a handful of crushed Fritos corn chips over the fillings, then drizzle with more sauce.

Step 5: Fold and Roll Wraps

Fold the sides of the tortilla in, then roll tightly from the bottom to enclose the fillings.

Step 6: Repeat and Serve

Repeat layering tortillas and fillings with the remaining ingredients. Cut each wrap in half diagonally and serve promptly.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Crunchy Southwestern Chicken Wraps for later consumption, it is recommended to keep the sauce and chips separate until just before serving to maintain the crunchiness of the chips. Store the wrapped wraps in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, but be aware that the avocado may darken slightly over time. When preparing these wraps for a party, it’s best to prep all the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the wraps right before serving to ensure the chips stay crunchy and fresh.

If you plan to freeze the wraps for future consumption, assemble them without the chips and sauce, and wrap them individually in foil before freezing. Add the sauce and chips after thawing and just before serving to maintain the best texture and taste. While these wraps are best enjoyed fresh, freezing them can be a convenient option for quick and easy meals later on.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are looking to make a vegetarian version of these Crunchy Southwestern Chicken Wraps, you can easily swap the shredded chicken for canned black beans or spicy grilled shrimp. Both options will provide a satisfying protein element to the wrap. For a dairy-free version, consider using vegan sour cream and shredded cheese instead of the cheddar. This substitution will make the wraps suitable for those with dairy restrictions without compromising on flavor.

To cater to different taste preferences or dietary needs, feel free to experiment with the ingredients in these wraps. If you want to add an extra kick to the wraps, consider swapping the cheddar cheese for pepper jack cheese. The spicy kick from the pepper jack will complement the Southwestern flavors in the wrap. Additionally, if you prefer a different type of lettuce, like spinach or cabbage, go ahead and use that instead of shredded lettuce. These substitutions allow you to customize the wraps to your liking while still enjoying the delicious combination of flavors and textures.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try setting up a DIY Crunchy Southwestern Chicken Wrap station at your next gathering. Lay out bowls of shredded chicken, lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, cheddar cheese, crushed Fritos chips, sour cream, salsa, and taco seasoning. Let your guests customize their wraps with their favorite ingredients for a fun and interactive meal experience.

Another idea is to turn this Crunchy Southwestern Chicken Wrap into a salad bowl. Start with a base of shredded lettuce, then top it with the shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, avocado, cheddar cheese, and crushed Fritos chips. Drizzle with sour cream and salsa, sprinkle with taco seasoning, and toss everything together for a delicious and satisfying salad with all the flavors of the wrap in a lighter form.

FAQs for Spicy Southwest Chicken Wrap Recipe

Can I make these wraps ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients in advance and store the wraps in the fridge for up to 24 hours. However, for the best texture and crunch, assemble the wraps just before serving by adding the sauce and chips right before wrapping.

Can I use a different type of corn chips instead of Fritos?

Yes, you can use any crunchy corn chips for texture, but Fritos are recommended for their classic flavor and crispness that complements the other ingredients in the wrap.

How should I layer the ingredients in the wrap to maintain the crunch?

To keep the crunch of the Fritos chips, layer the lettuce between the sauce and the tortillas. Add the crushed Fritos just before serving to ensure they retain their crispiness.

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein for a vegetarian option?

Yes, you can swap the chicken for black beans or roasted vegetables to create a satisfying vegetarian version of the wrap while still enjoying the flavorful Tex-Mex combination.

Conclusion

I hope you give these Crunchy Southwestern Chicken Wraps a try soon! They are not only delicious but also versatile, making them a great option for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing party dish, these wraps are sure to impress.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with the recipe and make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients or making substitutions to suit your taste preferences. The beauty of these wraps lies in their simplicity and the delightful combination of flavors and textures. So, gather your loved ones, whip up a batch of these Crunchy Southwestern Chicken Wraps, and enjoy a memorable meal together.

Spicy Southwest Chicken Wrap Recipe

Spicy Southwest Chicken Wrap Recipe

“Crunchy Southwestern Chicken Wrap: A speedy, flavorful Tex-Mex delight with shredded chicken, crunchy Fritos, fresh veggies, and creamy avocado – a crowd-pleaser every time!”
Prep Time15 min
Cook Time~ undefined
Total Time15 min
CuisineSouthwestern American
Skill LevelEasy
Servings4 Servings (4 large wraps)

Ingredients

Wrap Fillings

  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or grilled)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup crushed Fritos corn chips
  • 1 cup diced tomato (Roma or cherry)

Sauce & Wrap Base

  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup salsa (medium or chunky preferred)
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Creamy Southwest Sauce: Combine sour cream, salsa, and taco seasoning in a medium bowl, whisk until smooth and well mixed.
  2. Assemble the Wraps: Lay a flour tortilla on a clean surface. Spread a generous tablespoon of prepared sauce on the bottom half, leaving a 1-inch border.
  3. Layer Filling Ingredients: Spread shredded lettuce, diced tomato, avocado, cheddar cheese, and shredded chicken evenly on top of the sauced tortilla.
  4. Add Crunch and Extra Sauce: Sprinkle a handful of crushed Fritos corn chips over the fillings, then drizzle with more sauce.
  5. Fold and Roll Wraps: Fold the sides of the tortilla in, then roll tightly from the bottom to enclose the fillings.
  6. Repeat and Serve: Repeat layering tortillas and fillings with the remaining ingredients. Cut each wrap in half diagonally and serve promptly.