Southwest Chicken Wrap


 Cuisine: American  Type: Sandwich/Wrap

Southwest Chicken Wrap : Sandwich/Wrap in American cuisine - Recipe, Calorie Info, Healthy alternatives & more on EatM3
 Representative image. Recipe yield may differ

 Amounts


 Ingredient
 Amount (g)
Chicken Breast
2 pieces (400)
Flour Tortillas
4 pieces (320)
Black Beans
1 cup (240)
Corn Kernels
1 cup (160)
Red Bell Pepper
1 piece (150)
Avocado
1 piece (150)
Cheddar Cheese
1 cup (120)
Lettuce
2 cups (60)
Tomato
1 piece (120)
Sour Cream
2 tablespoons (30)
Lime Juice
1 tablespoon (15)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5)
Ground Cumin
1 teaspoon (5)
Chili Powder
1 teaspoon (5)
Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon (5)
Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (5)
 Totals
63 oz (1,790 g)

 Calories 


 Ingredient
 Calories (kcal)
Chicken Breast
165
Tortilla Wrap
150
Black Beans
120
Corn
60
Avocado
234
Tomato
25
Lettuce
5
Cheddar Cheese
110
Sour Cream
52
Salsa
15
Lime Juice
8
Salt
0
Pepper
0
 Totals
944 kcal

 Steps 


1. Start by marinating the chicken breasts with a mixture of southwest spices, such as chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.

2. Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, cook the marinated chicken breasts for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Ensure the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.

3. Remove the cooked chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice the chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.

4. Take a large tortilla or wrap of your choice and lay it flat on a clean surface. Place a generous amount of your favorite southwest-inspired sauce or dressing, such as chipotle mayo or ranch, onto the center of the tortilla.

5. Layer the sliced chicken pieces on top of the sauce, followed by a variety of fresh vegetables and toppings. Some popular choices include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, diced red onions, and chopped cilantro. Feel free to add any additional ingredients you prefer.

6. To add an extra kick, sprinkle some shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, over the vegetable layer.

7. Carefully fold the sides of the tortilla towards the center, then roll it up tightly from one end to create a wrap. If desired, you can secure the wrap with toothpicks or wrap it in parchment paper to hold its shape.

8. Repeat the process for any additional wraps you want to make. Once ready, slice the wraps diagonally into halves or into smaller pinwheel-like bites for easier serving.

9. Serve the Southwest Chicken Wraps immediately as a delicious and satisfying meal. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a side of crispy tortilla chips, salsa, or a fresh salad.

Enjoy your homemade Southwest Chicken Wraps!

 Substitutions 


Substitutions/Alterations for Southwest Chicken Wrap:

1. Chicken breast:
- Substitute with cooked and shredded turkey breast or canned chicken.
- Adjust cooking time if using raw chicken to ensure it is fully cooked.

2. Southwest seasoning:
- Make your own by combining 1 teaspoon each of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Adjust the quantities according to your taste preferences.

3. Black beans:
- Replace with kidney beans, pinto beans, or cannellini beans.
- Rinse and drain canned beans before using.

4. Corn:
- Use frozen corn kernels or canned corn.
- If using canned corn, drain before adding to the recipe.

5. Red bell pepper:
- Substitute with green bell pepper or poblano pepper for a milder flavor.
- Adjust the amount according to personal preference.

6. Avocado:
- Replace with guacamole or mashed ripe banana for a creamy texture.
- Adjust the quantity based on your preference.

7. Lime juice:
- Lemon juice can be used as a substitute for lime juice in equal quantities.

8. Sour cream:
- Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier substitute for sour cream.
- Adjust the quantity according to your taste.

9. Tortilla wrap:
- Use lettuce leaves or collard green leaves as a low-carb alternative.
- If using lettuce leaves, wrap the filling tightly to prevent it from falling out.

10. Monterey Jack cheese:
- Substitute with cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, or any other melting cheese of your choice.
- Adjust the quantity based on your preference.

Remember to adjust the seasoning, cooking time, and quantities of substitutes according to your taste preferences and dietary needs.

 Pairings 


- Corn on the cob
- Sweet potato fries
- Black bean salad
- Guacamole and tortilla chips
- Coleslaw
- Grilled vegetables
- Spicy salsa
- Jalapeno poppers
- Mexican rice
- BBQ baked beans
- Cheddar cheese soup
- Mango salsa
- Cilantro lime rice
- Avocado ranch dressing
- Cucumber and tomato salad
- Chipotle mayo
- Mexican street corn
- Limeade or lemonade
- Iced tea with a hint of lime
- Agua fresca (fruit-infused water)
- Mexican beer (e.g., Corona, Dos Equis)
- Margarita (traditional or flavored)

 Upgrades 


1. Improve presentation:
- Use a variety of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, and red onions to add vibrant pops of color to the wrap.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a visually appealing touch.
- Roll the wrap tightly and slice it into bite-sized pinwheels for an elegant and appetizing presentation.

2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Marinate the chicken in a flavorful Southwest spice blend or a citrusy marinade to enhance its taste.
- Add a crunchy element by including crispy tortilla strips or toasted pumpkin seeds.
- Incorporate a creamy element like avocado slices or a tangy chipotle mayo to balance the flavors and add richness.

3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Upgrade the chicken to a premium cut like grilled chicken breast or even smoked chicken for a more indulgent experience.
- Swap regular tortillas with gourmet options like spinach or sun-dried tomato wraps.
- Consider adding premium ingredients like grilled shrimp or sliced steak for a surf-and-turf twist.

Remember, these suggestions are meant to enhance your Southwest Chicken Wrap and make it more visually appealing, flavorful, and luxurious. Enjoy creating your next-level dining experience!

 Diet Restrictions 


- Use whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
- Replace the high-fat sour cream with Greek yogurt or a low-fat alternative to reduce saturated fat content.
- Choose lean chicken breast instead of dark meat or processed chicken to lower the overall fat content.
- Increase the amount of vegetables, such as lettuce, tomatoes, and bell peppers, to add more fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Swap out regular cheese for a reduced-fat or dairy-free alternative for those with lactose intolerance or a preference for lower-fat options.
- Consider using a homemade or low-sodium store-bought southwest seasoning mix to reduce sodium intake.
- Add a variety of herbs and spices, like cilantro, cumin, and chili powder, to enhance the flavor without relying on excessive salt or high-calorie sauces.
- Opt for grilled or baked chicken instead of frying it to reduce the amount of added oil and overall calorie content.
- Include a source of healthy fats, such as avocado slices or a drizzle of olive oil, to provide essential nutrients and promote satiety.
- For individuals with diabetes, monitor the amount of carbohydrates in the tortilla and adjust portion sizes accordingly to manage blood sugar levels.

 Healthy Choices 


- Use whole wheat or whole grain tortillas instead of white flour tortillas for added fiber.
- Opt for grilled or baked chicken breast instead of fried chicken for a leaner protein source.
- Increase the vegetable content by adding a variety of colorful veggies like sliced bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes.
- Swap regular mayonnaise for a lighter alternative like Greek yogurt or avocado for a healthier spread.
- Use reduced-fat cheese or try a sprinkle of feta cheese for a tangy flavor with less saturated fat.
- Add a handful of fresh spinach or arugula to boost the nutrient content.
- Skip the high-calorie dressings or sauces and instead, use a homemade salsa or a light vinaigrette for added flavor.
- Consider adding a small amount of black beans or corn for added fiber and a southwestern flair.
- Instead of serving with high-fat sides like fries, pair the wrap with a side of fresh fruit or a side salad for a complete and balanced meal.

 Shortcuts 


1. Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time on cooking the chicken from scratch.
2. Substitute canned black beans for dried beans to skip the soaking and cooking process.
3. Opt for store-bought salsa or a pre-made chipotle sauce instead of making your own sauce from scratch.
4. Use pre-washed and pre-cut lettuce and vegetables to eliminate the need for washing and chopping.
5. Replace fresh corn with frozen or canned corn kernels to save time on shucking and cooking.
6. Consider using flour tortillas instead of homemade ones to save time and effort.
7. Prepare a larger batch of Southwest seasoning and store it for future use to save time on measuring and mixing spices each time.
8. Utilize a grill pan or grill press to cook the chicken quickly and evenly, instead of using an outdoor grill.
9. Buy ingredients in bulk or look for sales to save money on individual items.
10. Repurpose leftover vegetables or proteins from other meals to reduce waste and save money.