Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps

Cheesy garlic chicken wraps served with fresh vegetables and dipping sauce

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

  1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant (do not let it burn).
  3. Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Heat until warmed through, stirring for 2–3 minutes.
  4. 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.
  5. Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling and then roll it up tightly.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

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