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Let me share my favorite lunch recipe that saved my busy mom life. These creamy chicken tortilla wraps are pure magic when you need something tasty and quick. I started making these when my kids got tired of basic sandwiches and now they're our go-to lunch. The best part? You can make them ahead and they taste even better the next day.
Why You'll Love These Wraps
Think of the creamiest most flavorful chicken salad wrapped in a soft tortilla. I mix shredded chicken with cream cheese sour cream and lots of yummy add-ins like peppers and corn. My secret? A sprinkle of cumin that gives it that special something. These wraps work for everything from lunch boxes to party platters and trust me everyone asks for the recipe.
Your Shopping List
- Chicken: I grab a rotisserie chicken from the store when I'm short on time. Such a lifesaver.
- Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: These make everything creamy and rich. Let them soften on the counter first.
- Cheddar Cheese: Get the good stuff and grate it yourself. It melts into the mix so much better.
- Fresh Veggies: Colorful bell peppers green onions and sweet corn make everything pop.
- Seasonings: Just garlic powder onion powder and my secret weapon cumin.
- Flour Tortillas: The big ones work best. I keep them at room temp so they're easy to roll.
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Make It Your Way
I love how flexible this recipe is. Sometimes I toss in shredded carrots when I want extra crunch or swap in pepper jack cheese when I'm craving something spicy. My vegetarian friend makes these with black beans instead of chicken and they're amazing. Play around with different tortillas too I love using spinach ones for Christmas parties.
Starting With The Good Stuff
First things first get your cream cheese nice and soft then mix it with sour cream until it's super smooth. This is where the magic starts. I sprinkle in my seasonings garlic powder onion powder cumin and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Keep mixing until everything looks perfectly blended together.
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Mixing In The Goodies
Now comes the fun part. Toss in your shredded chicken cheese all those colorful veggies and give everything a good mix. Don't go crazy with the stirring you want everything to stay chunky. Sometimes I add jalapeños when I'm making these for my spice loving friends.
Rolling Time
Grab your tortilla and spread a nice thick layer of filling right up to about an inch from the edges. Then roll it up nice and tight. This part's important you want it snug so everything stays put. Wrap each roll in plastic and pop them in the fridge for a couple hours. Trust me this makes them so much easier to slice.
The Final Touch
Once they're chilled grab your sharpest knife and slice them into pretty pinwheels. I usually make them about an inch thick. Arrange them on your favorite platter and sprinkle some green onions on top. They look so fancy nobody will believe how easy they were to make.
Serving Ideas
These wraps are perfect on their own but I love setting out little bowls of salsa and guacamole too. If you're serving them for lunch add some crunchy veggies on the side. They're my go to for parties because people can just grab and go no forks needed.
Keeping Them Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you. Line a container with paper towels pop your wraps inside and they'll stay good in the fridge for a few days. Just keep them cold these aren't the kind of wraps you want to heat up. They're perfect for grabbing straight from the fridge.
A Lighter Version
When I'm trying to eat lighter I use reduced fat cream cheese and swap in some Greek yogurt. Whole wheat tortillas add extra fiber and I load up on extra veggies. Still tastes amazing but with a healthier twist. My kids don't even notice the difference.
Fun Twists To Try
Sometimes I shake things up with different tortilla flavors. Sun dried tomato is gorgeous. Or I'll toss in some BBQ chicken instead of plain. In summer I add fresh garden tomatoes and basil. The possibilities are endless just have fun with it and make it your own.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these wraps ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the fridge until ready to serve.
- → What's the best way to shred chicken for this recipe?
You can use two forks to pull apart cooled, cooked chicken breast. Rotisserie chicken also works great and saves time in preparation.
- → How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?
Make sure your filling isn't too wet and spread it evenly leaving the edges clear. Wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap helps maintain their shape.
- → Can I use different vegetables in the filling?
Yes, you can swap in your favorite vegetables. Just make sure they're finely diced and not too watery to maintain the right texture.
- → How long do these pinwheels last in the fridge?
These pinwheels will stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The texture is best within the first 24 hours.