Some recipes just feel like a win the moment they hit the plate, Southwest grilled chicken wraps are exactly that kind of meal. I still remember the first time I made one for a rushed Tuesday night dinner. I had leftover grilled chicken, a half-empty bottle of Southwest dressing, and zero patience. I tossed everything into a flour tortilla, wrapped it tight, and took one bite. Game changer. Since then, these Southwest grilled chicken wraps have become a weekly staple.
What I love most about these wraps is their bold, creamy flavor packed into every bite. The Southwest grilled chicken wrap brings smoky chicken, crisp veggies, and tangy dressing into perfect harmony. Whether you’re grilling fresh chicken or using leftovers, you’ll end up with a delicious, mess-free dinner in under 20 minutes. That’s why they’ve earned a top spot on my go-to meal list.
Plus, they’re a great match for summer favorites like this chilled watermelon salsa or a creamy classic potato salad. These wraps check all the boxes: flavorful, satisfying, and flexible. If you’re anything like me, once you try a Southwest grilled chicken wrap, it’ll be hard not to crave one again by the weekend.
Table of contents :
How to Make Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps
Ingredients
- 2 large flour tortillas
- 1 chicken breast, grilled and sliced
- ½ cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup diced cucumbers
- ¼ cup sweet corn kernels
- 2 tbsp finely chopped red onion
- 2 tbsp creamy Southwest dressing (or your favorite dressing)
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season the Chicken: If you’re grilling fresh, season chicken breast with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Grill until cooked through, then slice thin.
- Lay Out Your Tortillas: Warm tortillas slightly to make them easier to fold.
- Layer the Fillings: Start with a handful of shredded lettuce on each tortilla, then add tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, red onion, and grilled chicken slices.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle 1 tbsp of Southwest dressing over each wrap.
- Wrap It Up: Fold the bottom up, sides in, and roll tightly like a burrito.
- Slice & Serve: Cut diagonally for presentation or serve whole for easy grabbing.
Want variety? Try it next to easy chicken Caesar wraps or serve it with blackstone garlic parmesan chicken at your next casual dinner night.
How to Serve Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps
Southwest grilled chicken wraps are incredibly versatile and make the perfect fit for almost any mealtime occasion. Whether you’re planning a casual lunch, a festive brunch, or prepping meals for the week, these Southwest grilled chicken wraps bring bold flavor and convenience to the table. I love serving Southwest grilled chicken wraps with a cold iced tea and fresh fruit for a balanced, refreshing lunch.
They shine at brunch too, paired with a blueberry breakfast quesadilla or crispy hash browns, they create a satisfying, crowd-pleasing spread. If you want to elevate the experience, serve them with tortilla chips and honey butter cornbread poppers for a Southwestern-style board that always impresses guests.
You can even slice your Southwest grilled chicken wraps into pinwheels for party appetizers or picnic snacks. And when you’re in need of a protein-packed meal prep idea, these wraps pair beautifully with a mediterranean lemon dill chicken bowl, making them just as practical as they are delicious.
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
When I prep Southwest grilled chicken wraps ahead of time, especially for Sunday brunches or busy weekday lunches, I always make sure to keep the fillings and tortillas stored separately. It’s the best way to maintain freshness and keep every bite of these Southwest grilled chicken wraps from getting soggy. I slice the grilled chicken, dice the vegetables, and store each component in airtight containers in the fridge.
Then, I simply assemble the Southwest grilled chicken wraps in the morning, which gives them the ideal texture and keeps everything crisp. If you’re short on time, you can also make the wraps entirely in advance. I like to wrap the fully prepared Southwest grilled chicken wraps in parchment paper and seal them inside a zip-top bag, this helps them stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to two days.
For longer storage, each wrap can be tightly wrapped in foil and placed in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the wrap in a skillet or oven to bring back that satisfying warmth and flavor. While Southwest grilled chicken wraps are best when served fresh, they’re incredibly forgiving and still taste amazing even after being stored or frozen, which makes them an ideal solution for meal prepping ahead of a busy week.
You can also fully prepare Southwest grilled chicken wraps and store them wrapped in parchment inside a zip-top bag. They stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days. For freezing, wrap each tightly in foil and seal in freezer bags. Reheat in a skillet or oven for best results.
Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps – Easy Dinner Recipe
- Total Time: 18 mins
- Yield: 2 wraps
Description
These Southwest grilled chicken wraps are a fast, flavorful dinner with bold flavor, tender grilled chicken, and crisp veggies.
Ingredients
2 large flour tortillas
1 grilled chicken breast, sliced
1/2 cup shredded lettuce
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/2 cup diced cucumbers
1/4 cup sweet corn kernels
2 tbsp red onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp Southwest dressing
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper
Instructions
1. Grill chicken with spices until cooked and slice thin.
2. Warm tortillas slightly for folding.
3. Layer lettuce, tomato, cucumber, corn, onion, and chicken.
4. Drizzle with Southwest dressing.
5. Wrap tightly and slice diagonally.
6. Serve immediately or store for later.
Notes
Store wrapped in fridge for up to 2 days.
Make ahead tip: Keep fillings separate until ready to roll.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 8 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Southwest American
Conclusion
If you’re searching for a fast, satisfying, and flavor-packed meal, Southwest grilled chicken wraps are the answer. These wraps combine tender grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy Southwest dressing for a bite that’s smoky, tangy, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re prepping lunch, planning a quick dinner, or making a crowd-pleaser for game night, Southwest grilled chicken wraps never disappoint. You can make them fresh, use leftover rotisserie chicken, or even freeze a few for later. Once you taste the bold flavors and feel the ease of this recipe, you’ll want Southwest grilled chicken wraps in your regular rotation. They’re more than just a meal, they’re your new weeknight MVP.
FAQ: Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for Southwest grilled chicken wraps. Just shred or slice the meat, season lightly with smoked paprika and garlic powder if desired, and build your wraps as usual. It’s ideal for saving time without compromising flavor.
Typically, yes. Most Southwest grilled chicken wraps use regular flour tortillas, which contain gluten. To make them gluten-free, simply swap in certified gluten-free tortillas and double-check that your dressing is gluten-free as well.
You can freeze Southwest grilled chicken wraps, but for best texture, wrap them tightly in foil and store in freezer bags. Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven to preserve crispness. Keep in mind that lettuce and tomatoes may soften, so consider adding those fresh after thawing.
If you don’t have Southwest dressing, try mixing ranch with a bit of taco seasoning, hot sauce, or chipotle powder. You can also use avocado lime dressing, chipotle mayo, or a creamy salsa for a delicious spin on your Southwest grilled chicken wraps.
