Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps
Close your eyes and imagine a warm tortilla folding around tender, shredded chicken kissed by garlic and olive oil, strings of gooey melted cheese stretching with every bite. The aroma is savory and comforting — roasted chicken notes, roasted garlic sweetness, and a buttery hint from the cheese — while the texture is a perfect balance of creamy, slightly crisp (if you toast the wrap), and satisfyingly chewy. One bite brings a cozy, nostalgic comfort that makes this simple meal feel like a small celebration.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick and comforting, for casual gatherings where everyone can grab their own wrap, or as a hearty lunch that travels well. If you enjoy variations, check out a related approach to cheesy garlic wraps in this detailed twist on cheesy garlic chicken wraps to inspire more ideas.
Dish Snapshot
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5–8 minutes (to warm the chicken and melt the cheese)
- Total Time: ~18 minutes
- Servings: 4 wraps
- Difficulty Level: Easy — great for beginners and busy cooks
Nutrition Highlights
Below is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (one wrap). These estimates are based on ingredient-standard values from USDA FoodData Central and general dietary guidance from trusted sources such as the Mayo Clinic; exact values will vary by brands and specific tortillas/cheese used.
Estimated nutrition per serving
- Calories: ~330 kcal
- Protein: ~35 g
- Total fat: ~19 g
- Saturated fat: ~8 g
- Total carbohydrates: ~9 g
- Dietary fiber: ~2 g
- Sugars: ~1 g
- Sodium: ~425 mg
Notes on these estimates:
- Calculations used typical values for cooked skinless chicken breast, one cup shredded cheddar cheese, low-carb tortillas (4 total), and 1 tablespoon olive oil divided across 4 servings. Individual product labels (tortilla brands and cheese varieties) can shift totals noticeably.
- For context on healthy daily targets, see general recommendations from the Mayo Clinic and U.S. dietary guidance; for exact food composition consult USDA FoodData Central.
Why You’ll Love It
- Irresistible aroma and texture: Garlic and warm melted cheese create immediate appeal — a sensory win.
- Speed and simplicity: With mostly pre-cooked chicken and a quick skillet step, this comes together in under 20 minutes.
- Family-friendly and social: Wraps are portable and customizable, delighting picky eaters and hosting-friendly crowds alike.
- Balanced satisfaction: High protein and moderate carbs make for a filling meal that keeps you going without excess fuss.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 280 g)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella, about 113 g)
- 4 low-carb tortillas
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional ingredients and substitutions: - Optional: Lettuce, sliced tomatoes, sliced avocado, pickled jalapeños, or a smear of mayo or Greek yogurt for creaminess
- Substitutions: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken; swap cheddar for pepper jack or a plant-based cheese for a dairy-free version; use gluten-free tortillas if needed
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant (do not let it burn).
- Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Heat until warmed through, stirring for 2–3 minutes.
- Lay a tortilla on a flat surface and place approximately one-quarter of the chicken mixture in the center. Top with about 1/4 cup of shredded cheese and any optional toppings you like.
- Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling and then roll it up tightly.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas. For a crisper exterior, return each wrapped tortilla to the skillet seam-side down and toast 1–2 minutes per side until golden and the cheese inside has melted.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Practical tips
- Use pre-cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftovers) to cut active time down dramatically.
- Keep the pan at medium heat when reheating chicken to avoid drying it out. If the chicken feels dry, add a splash of chicken broth or a teaspoon of olive oil.
- If using mozzarella, shred it yourself for better melting. Pre-shredded cheeses often include anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
- To prevent soggy wraps when packing for later, keep wet toppings (tomato, salsa) separate and assemble just before eating.
Best Pairings
- Classic sides: Serve with a crisp side salad, carrot sticks, or a bowl of tomato soup for a cozy pairing.
- Dips & spreads: Offer sour cream, guacamole, or a smoky chipotle mayo for dipping.
- Beverage pairings: A cold iced tea or sparkling water with lemon brightens the palate; for an evening meal, a light lager or a chilled Sauvignon Blanc pairs nicely.
- Snack-style: Cut each wrap into halves or thirds and serve as party finger food with toothpicks and assorted dips.
Keeping it Fresh
Room temperature: Safer to avoid leaving wraps at room temperature for more than 2 hours (per general food safety guidance).
Refrigeration: Store fully assembled wraps in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap for up to 3 days. If they include fresh tomato or avocado, aim for within 1–2 days for best texture.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet or oven.
Chef’s Advice
- Choose the right tortilla: For best texture, use tortillas that are pliable and not overly dry; warming them briefly before assembly prevents cracking.
- Cheese choice matters: Cheddar gives a savory bite, mozzarella offers milder, stringy melt, and pepper jack adds spice. Mix cheeses for complexity.
- Don’t overheat the garlic: Garlic burns quickly and turns bitter; watch it closely and pull the pan off the heat briefly if it starts to brown.
- Toast for texture: Pan-toasting the finished wrap seam-side down seals it and adds a satisfying crunch while ensuring the cheese is fully melted.
Creative Twists
- Southwestern BBQ: Mix shredded chicken with 2 tbsp BBQ sauce, use pepper jack cheese, and add black beans and corn for a smoky-sweet version.
- Mediterranean: Swap cheddar for crumbled feta, add sliced olives, roasted red peppers, and a teaspoon of tzatziki or hummus.
- Vegetarian (chicken-free): Replace chicken with seasoned, pan-fried tempeh or shredded jackfruit, use vegan cheese, and add a drizzle of vegan garlic aioli.
- Breakfast wrap: Add scrambled eggs and sautéed spinach to transform it into a satisfying morning meal.
Recipe Q&A
Q: Can I use raw chicken?
A: This version assumes cooked chicken. If starting from raw chicken, either poach, grill, or roast it first until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), then shred.
Q: My wrap got soggy—how can I fix that?
A: Avoid wet fillings (like salsa) directly against the tortilla until serving. Toasting the assembled wrap seam-side down helps seal it and keeps moisture from soaking in.
Q: How can I make this lower in fat?
A: Use reduced-fat cheese, lean chicken breast, and limit olive oil to a light spray; choose low-fat Greek yogurt instead of mayo.
Q: Can I meal prep these?
A: Yes — store components separately (chicken and toppings) and assemble/toast just before eating for best texture.
Q: Any gluten-free options?
A: Use certified gluten-free tortillas (corn or alternative grain) or large lettuce leaves for a low-carb wrap.
Conclusion
I hope you feel inspired to try these Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps — they’re fast, comforting, and endlessly adaptable. If you want additional inspiration or variant recipes to compare textures and flavor profiles, see this Cheesy Chicken Wraps | Spicedblog and this helpful recipe roundup for another take on warm, garlicky chicken wraps at Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps – Cooked & Loved. Share your photos, swaps, and favorite pairings — I’d love to hear how you make this recipe your own.




