Golden Crunch Chicken Wraps

Crispy Chicken Wraps are an absolute delight, featuring tender, smoky shredded chicken, rich and creamy refried beans, and perfectly melted cheese, all encased in a crunchy, golden tortilla. This recipe promises a satisfying and incredibly flavorful meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a perfect choice for any weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing lunch.

Irresistible Crispy Chicken Wraps: Your New Favorite Meal

Prepare to fall in love with these utterly irresistible Crispy Chicken Wraps! They are bursting with flavor and remarkably easy to assemble, making them a fantastic addition to your recipe repertoire. Each wrap is generously filled with protein-packed ingredients, offering a substantial and deeply satisfying meal that’s ideal for a busy weeknight or a hearty weekend lunch.

The journey to these incredible wraps begins with succulent, shredded chicken, expertly seasoned with a mild taco blend. This flavorful chicken is then combined with a tangy and smoky mild enchilada sauce and a generous amount of freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese. The result is a filling that is both profoundly savory and wonderfully comforting, creating a foundation of taste that truly stands out.

To add another layer of luxurious texture and depth of flavor, this vibrant chicken and cheese mixture is perfectly complemented by smooth, creamy refried beans. This harmonious blend is then meticulously wrapped in a soft, large flour tortilla. Before serving, each wrap is lightly misted with olive oil cooking spray and then pan-fried until it achieves a gorgeous golden hue and an irresistible crunch that’s music to your ears.

One of the many beauties of these Crispy Chicken Wraps lies in their versatility when it comes to garnishing. Whether you prefer a minimalist approach or an abundance of fresh toppings, these wraps are wonderfully adaptable. Essentially, any of your favorite additions for tacos or burritos will elevate these wraps to new heights, allowing you to customize each bite to your preference!

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Crispy Chicken Wraps

Crafting the perfect Crispy Chicken Wraps starts with selecting quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that sought-after balance of flavor and texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some helpful tips for each:

• Cooked and Shredded Chicken: The star of our wraps! For ultimate convenience and flavor, a hot-and-ready rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store is an excellent choice. These chickens are typically well-seasoned and provide ample meat for several wraps. If you’re short on time, look for pre-pulled and shredded rotisserie chicken meat, often found in the deli section. Alternatively, any leftover cooked or grilled chicken, seasoned simply with salt and pepper, works wonderfully. There’s no need to pre-heat it; the chicken will warm through as the wraps cook. For a homemade touch, you can poach chicken breasts, bake them, or even use an Instant Pot to quickly shred chicken.
• Mild Taco Seasoning: This blend infuses the chicken with authentic Tex-Mex flavors. Opt for a mild variety to ensure the wraps remain family-friendly, catering to all palates. Feel free to adjust the quantity to suit your desired intensity of flavor. You can also create your own blend from scratch using chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper for a customizable spice profile.
• Mild Enchilada Sauce: This ingredient adds a crucial layer of tangy, smoky moisture to the filling. Be aware that the flavor and heat levels of enchilada sauces can vary significantly between brands. I highly recommend Old El Paso® mild red enchilada sauce for its balanced flavor. If you choose another brand, it’s a good idea to taste it first to ensure it’s not too spicy and that you enjoy its profile. For an extra special touch, consider making a homemade enchilada sauce to fully control the flavor.
• Freshly Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The secret to an exceptionally creamy and smooth cheese pull! Grating your own cheese from a block guarantees a superior melt and texture compared to pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that hinder smooth melting. Sharp or extra-sharp cheddar will provide a more pronounced and robust cheese flavor, elevating the overall taste of the wrap. Other great melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack can also be used for a different twist.
• Large Flour Tortillas: The vessel for our delicious filling! Select large, burrito-sized flour tortillas that are sturdy enough to hold a generous amount of filling without tearing or breaking during assembly and cooking. Flour tortillas are preferred over corn tortillas for wraps because they are more pliable and less prone to cracking.
• Refried Beans: Essential for adding a wonderful creaminess and another layer of savory depth to the wraps. The beans help bind the filling together and provide a comforting, earthy counterpoint to the seasoned chicken. If you enjoy making beans from scratch, a batch of homemade pinto beans or black beans would be an incredible addition to this recipe.
• Olive Oil Cooking Spray: Your best friend for achieving that coveted golden-brown, crispy exterior! Evenly spraying all sides of the wraps before pan-frying ensures a beautiful, uniformly crisp crust. You can also use other cooking sprays like avocado oil or canola oil.

Elevate Your Wraps: Delicious Topping Ideas

While Crispy Chicken Wraps are fantastic on their own, a selection of fresh and flavorful toppings can truly transform them into an extraordinary culinary experience. Here are some of our favorite ideas to take your wraps to the next level, adding bursts of flavor, varied textures, and vibrant colors:

• Diced Tomatoes: For a refreshing burst of acidity and color, sprinkle freshly diced ripe tomatoes over your wraps. Alternatively, a spoonful of vibrant salsa or chunky pico de gallo will add a zesty, fresh element.
• Sliced Avocado or Guacamole: Creamy, ripe avocado slices or a generous dollop of homemade guacamole introduce a rich, buttery texture and a mild, earthy flavor that beautifully complements the spiced chicken.
• Sour Cream or Crema: A dollop of cool, tangy sour cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm, spicy filling. For an easy homemade crema, mix two parts sour cream with one part fresh lime juice. Even fat-free or light sour cream will lend a pleasant creaminess and richness.
• Jalapeños: If you crave an extra kick of heat, finely diced fresh or pickled jalapeño peppers will add a bold, spicy punch to your wraps. Adjust the amount according to your heat preference.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving brightens all the flavors and adds a zesty, aromatic finish that cuts through the richness of the cheese and beans.
• Chopped Onions: Finely chopped red or white onions offer a delightful crunch and a pungent, savory flavor that enhances the overall profile of the wraps. Pickled red onions are also a fantastic option, providing a tangy sweetness.
• Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro adds a fragrant, herbaceous note that is quintessential to Mexican-inspired dishes.
• Hot Sauce: For the spice enthusiasts, a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce can personalize the heat level and add an extra layer of flavor.

Mastering Crispy Chicken Wraps: Expert Tips for Success

Creating perfectly crispy and flavorful chicken wraps is an achievable culinary goal with a few key techniques. Follow these expert tips to ensure your wraps turn out incredibly delicious and beautifully golden every time:

• Always Use Freshly Grated Cheese: This is a game-changer! Freshly grated cheese, particularly sharp cheddar, melts much more smoothly and produces a creamier, more luxurious texture compared to pre-shredded varieties. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make them melt unevenly and create a slightly grainy texture.
• Invest in Quality Tortillas: The foundation of your wrap matters. High-quality large flour tortillas are not only more flavorful but are also more pliable and resilient, making them less likely to tear during the folding process or become soggy while cooking. Choose a brand known for its softness and flexibility.
• Utilize a Non-Stick Pan: When it comes to browning your wraps, a good quality non-stick skillet is indispensable. It ensures that the wraps achieve a beautifully crisp exterior without sticking to the pan, making flipping effortless and cleanup a breeze.
• Avoid Overfilling the Wraps: While it might be tempting to pile in as much delicious filling as possible, resist the urge to overfill. Overstuffing can make the wraps difficult to fold neatly, leading to tearing or the filling spilling out during cooking. Aim for a generous but manageable amount.
• Start Cooking Seam-Side Down: This is a crucial trick for keeping your wraps intact! Always place the wraps seam-side down in the hot skillet first. The heat will help to seal the folded edges, preventing the filling from escaping and ensuring a tidy, self-contained packet.
• Master Heat Control: Achieving the perfect crispiness requires balanced heat. Cook your wraps over medium-high heat. If the heat is too high, the tortilla will burn before the interior filling has a chance to warm through and the cheese to melt properly. If the heat is too low, the tortilla may become greasy or soggy rather than crisping up.
• Cook in Batches: To ensure even browning and crispiness, avoid overcrowding your skillet. Depending on the size of your pan, it’s best to cook the wraps in small batches, usually two or three at a time. This allows each wrap enough space to crisp up properly without steaming.

Step-by-Step Guide: Assembling and Browning Your Crispy Chicken Wraps

Creating these delightful Crispy Chicken Wraps involves two main stages: carefully assembling the wraps and then browning them to golden, crispy perfection. Follow these detailed steps for the best results:

Assembling the Perfect Wrap:

1. Prepare Your Tortilla: Lay a large flour tortilla flat on a clean, stable work surface. This provides ample space for filling and folding.
2. Add Refried Beans: Spoon a generous portion of refried beans into the center of the tortilla. Spread them slightly, leaving a substantial border (about 1 to 1.5 inches) along all the edges. This border is essential for a secure fold.
3. Pile on the Chicken Filling: Next, heap your prepared chicken, cheese, and enchilada sauce mixture directly on top of the refried beans, also in the center. Again, be mindful not to extend the filling too close to the edges.
4. Fold the Sides: Take the left and right sides of the tortilla and fold them inward towards the middle. These folded sides should partially overlap the filling, creating a tighter package.
5. Fold from the Bottom: Now, take the edge of the tortilla that is closest to you (the bottom edge). Fold this edge tightly over the filling and the previously folded-in sides. Press down gently to secure.
6. Complete the Roll: Finally, grasp the farthest edge of the tortilla (the top edge). While keeping the wrap taut, pull this edge down and over to the other side, rolling it tightly until the filling is fully enclosed in a neat, compact packet. The goal is a snug wrap that holds its shape.

Browning the Wraps in a Skillet:

1. Preheat Your Skillet: Place a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Allow it to heat thoroughly for a few minutes until it’s hot but not smoking.
2. Prepare for Browning: While the skillet heats, generously spray all sides of your assembled Crispy Chicken Wraps with olive oil cooking spray. Ensure even coverage for uniform crispness.
3. Initial Cook (Seam-Side Down): Carefully place the sprayed wraps into the hot skillet with the seam side facing down. This crucial step helps to seal the wrap, preventing it from unraveling during cooking.
4. Brown the First Side: Allow the wrap to cook undisturbed for about 1-2 minutes, or until the bottom turns a beautiful golden brown and develops a crispy texture. Keep an eye on the heat to prevent burning.
5. Flip and Continue Browning: Using tongs, cautiously flip the wrap over to cook the other side. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes until it also becomes golden brown and crispy.
6. Crisp the Edges: Don’t forget the sides! Use your tongs to gently stand the wrap on its edges and cook them for 30-60 seconds each, rotating until all sides are golden and firm. This ensures a fully crispy exterior.
7. Cook in Batches: To prevent overcrowding and ensure optimal crisping, cook the remaining wraps in batches. Depending on your skillet’s size, aim for no more than two or three wraps at a time.
8. Serve Immediately: Serve your Crispy Chicken Wraps hot, directly from the skillet, with your favorite toppings. A quick crema made from sour cream and lime juice is a fantastic, cooling addition!

Explore More Quick & Delicious Wrap Recipes:

If you loved these Crispy Chicken Wraps, you’re in for a treat! Here are a few more fantastic wrap recipes that are perfect for quick meals, lunches, or light dinners, offering a variety of flavors and ingredients:

• Chicken Bacon Avocado Wraps: Indulge in creamy, savory goodness with these wraps featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, fresh avocado, and a delectable creamy dressing.
• Cashew Chicken Wraps: Packed with vibrant veggies and a delightful cashew chicken filling, these wraps offer an exciting blend of textures and Asian-inspired flavors.
• Buffalo Chicken Wraps: Get a spicy kick with these zesty buffalo chicken wraps, balanced perfectly with cool, creamy avocado.
• Sriracha Tuna Salad Wraps: A quick and easy option, these wraps combine classic tuna salad with a fiery sriracha twist for a flavorful lunch.
• Turkey Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter, low-carb alternative, these fresh and crisp lettuce boats are filled with a savory turkey mixture.

Crispy Chicken Wraps

By
Chelsea Lords

These Crispy Chicken Wraps are packed with smoky, spiced shredded chicken, creamy refried beans, and melty Cheddar, all wrapped in a golden, crispy tortilla. Quick, easy, and seriously delicious!

These wraps have a bit of heat, but I find them well balanced with sour cream or avocado.

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
6 minutes

Total Time:
21 minutes

Servings:
6 wraps

Equipment

• Large non-stick skillet

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (see note 1)
• 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning (about 2 tablespoons; see note 2)
• 3/4 cup mild enchilada sauce (see note 3)
• 2 cups freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (see note 4)
• 6 large flour tortillas (burrito-sized)
• 1 (16-ounce) can refried beans
• Cooking spray (olive oil recommended)
• Optional toppings (see note 5)

Instructions

1. Add the cooked chicken, taco seasoning, enchilada sauce, and shredded cheddar cheese to a large bowl. Stir them gently with a wooden spoon until well combined. Taste the mixture and season with salt and pepper if needed, considering the saltiness of your taco seasoning.
2. Arrange the tortillas on a clean, flat surface. Divide the refried beans evenly among the 6 tortillas, spreading about a heaping 1/4 cup in the center of each. Next, evenly distribute the chicken mixture, placing about 1/2 cup in the center of each tortilla, on top of the beans. Fold each tortilla like a packet (see note 6 for detailed folding instructions). Microwave each assembled wrap (one at a time) for 20-30 seconds to warm the filling and start melting the cheese.
3. After microwaving, generously spray each wrap on all sides with cooking spray. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the wraps into the skillet, seam side down, cooking 2 or 3 at a time to avoid crowding the pan. Use tongs to rotate the wraps every 1-2 minutes, or until each side turns a beautiful golden brown and becomes delightfully crispy. Continue this process until all wraps are crisped to your liking.
4. Serve the crispy chicken wraps hot, straight from the skillet, with your favorite toppings. I love mixing 2 tablespoons of sour cream with 1 tablespoon of lime juice for a quick, cooling crema. A ripe avocado or guacamole and a scoop of pico de gallo also make fantastic additions!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: For quick and flavorful meat, grab a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store, or save even more time with pre-shredded rotisserie chicken from the deli section. Leftover cooked or grilled chicken also works perfectly; no need to reheat beforehand, as it will warm up inside the wrap during cooking.

Note 2: Use a high-quality, store-bought taco seasoning that you enjoy and that has a spice level suitable for your family. If you prefer to make your own blend, combine the following: 1 tablespoon ground chili powder, 1 teaspoon each of ground cumin, paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon each of onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, fine sea salt, and black pepper.

Note 3: Enchilada sauce can vary greatly in both flavor and heat from one brand to another. I highly recommend Old El Paso® mild red enchilada sauce for its consistent quality. If you cannot find this specific brand, it’s advisable to taste any alternative enchilada sauce first to ensure you enjoy its flavor and that it isn’t too spicy.

Note 4: Sharp or extra-sharp Cheddar cheese offers significantly more flavor than mild varieties. For the smoothest, creamiest texture and superior melt, always shred your own cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that hinder proper melting.

Note 5: Elevate your wraps with favorite toppings such as cool sour cream, fresh lime juice, creamy guacamole or sliced avocado, and vibrant salsa or pico de gallo.

Note 6: How to fold a packet wrap:

• Lay your tortilla flat on a clean work surface. Spoon the filling (refried beans and chicken mixture) onto the center, ensuring you leave a generous border around all edges.
• Fold both the left and right sides of the tortilla into the center, so they partially cover the filling.
• Next, take the edge of the tortilla that is closest to you and fold it tightly over the filling and the previously folded-in sides.
• Finally, grasp the remaining edge of the tortilla (furthest from you). While keeping it tight, pull it down and over to the other side until your filling is completely enclosed in a neat, compact packet.

Storage: If you plan to store any leftover wraps for later, it’s best to avoid crisping them until you’re ready to eat. After assembling and briefly microwaving, allow the wraps to cool thoroughly. Then, wrap each individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for 3–4 days, or in a freezer-safe bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat as per the instructions in the storage section above, crisping them in a skillet just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving
| Calories: 344 kcal
| Carbohydrates: 21 g
| Protein: 23 g
| Fat: 18 g
| Saturated Fat: 9 g
| Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g
| Monounsaturated Fat: 4 g
| Cholesterol: 73 mg
| Sodium: 1144 mg
| Potassium: 173 mg
| Fiber: 2 g
| Sugar: 4 g
| Vitamin A: 1040 IU
| Vitamin C: 3 mg
| Calcium: 316 mg
| Iron: 2 mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

We hope you love these Crispy Chicken Wraps as much as we do! Their perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and crunchy textures, combined with rich, satisfying flavors, makes them an instant family favorite. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different toppings and make them your own. Happy cooking!