Southwest Chicken Wrap

This Southwest Chicken Wrap has become our family's solution to hectic weeknights when everyone wants something filling yet fresh. The combination of crispy chicken tenders, vibrant vegetables, and zesty southwest dressing creates a meal that's both satisfying and simple to prepare, all ready in about 25 minutes from start to finish.

I first started making these wraps when my kids were going through that "I only like chicken nuggets" phase. By wrapping their favorite crispy chicken in a tortilla with some veggies hidden underneath a delicious dressing, I created something they actually requested again and again.

Ingredients

• Crispy chicken tenders: 6 to 7 from the freezer section. I prefer the ones without added preservatives for a cleaner taste
• Flour tortillas: 6 large burrito size works best as they hold more filling without tearing
• Romaine lettuce leaves: 6 for that essential fresh crunch factor
• Tomatoes: 2 medium, sliced thinly for juiciness without making the wrap soggy
• Frozen corn: 1 package, thawed. The sweet kernels add wonderful texture contrast
• Oil: 1 tablespoon, a neutral oil like canola works perfectly here
• Black beans: 1 can, drained and rinsed thoroughly to remove excess sodium
• Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 cup, use a quality sharp cheddar for the best flavor punch

For Southwest Dressing

• Mayonnaise: 1½ cups, real mayo makes a difference in the creaminess
• Salsa: ½ cup, use your favorite variety mild to spicy based on preference
• Milk: ½ cup, adds the perfect consistency to create a drizzable dressing
• Taco seasoning: 3 tablespoons, store bought saves time but homemade works great too
• Cumin: 1 tablespoon, this warm spice really brings the southwest flavor profile together

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the chicken:

Follow the package directions to preheat your oven then bake the chicken tenders until they reach that perfect golden crispiness. This usually takes about 15 minutes depending on your oven. The chicken should register 165°F on an instant read thermometer to ensure it's properly cooked through.

Mix the southwest dressing:

In a medium mixing bowl combine the mayonnaise milk salsa taco seasoning and cumin. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are completely incorporated with no streaks remaining. The consistency should be somewhat thick but pourable. Set aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the other components.

Prepare the corn:

Heat the tablespoon of oil in a small skillet over medium high heat. Add the thawed corn kernels to the hot oil and cook without stirring too frequently. You want to allow the corn to develop brown caramelized spots which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This step really enhances the natural sweetness and adds a delightful smoky flavor element to your wraps.

Prepare the chicken for assembly:

Once your chicken tenders are baked to crispy perfection remove them from the oven and allow to cool slightly for easier handling. Using a sharp knife cut each tender into bite sized strips. This makes the wraps easier to eat without having to bite through a whole chicken piece.

Assemble your wraps:

Lay each tortilla flat on a clean work surface. Spread a couple tablespoons of the southwest dressing on the lower half of each tortilla creating a flavor base. Layer on a romaine lettuce leaf some sliced tomatoes black beans charred corn chicken strips and a generous sprinkle of cheddar cheese. Drizzle additional dressing over the fillings to enhance the flavor.

Roll and serve:

Starting from the bottom edge roll the tortilla tightly tucking in the sides as you go to prevent filling from escaping. Cut each wrap diagonally in half and serve immediately with extra southwest dressing on the side for dipping. The diagonal cut makes for a more attractive presentation and easier eating.

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The charred corn is possibly my favorite element in this wrap. I discovered this technique by accident when I forgot about corn cooking on the stove and it became slightly browned. My daughter actually exclaimed "This corn tastes like the fair!" Now we never skip this step which adds such a wonderful dimension to an otherwise simple ingredient.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What kind of chicken works best for this wrap?

Crispy chicken tenders are recommended for this wrap, but grilled or rotisserie chicken can also be used for variation.

→ Can I make this wrap ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients in advance. Assemble the wraps right before serving to avoid soggy tortillas.

→ What can I use instead of mayonnaise in the dressing?

Greek yogurt or sour cream can be used as healthier alternatives to mayonnaise in the dressing.

→ How can I make this wrap vegetarian?

Replace the chicken with extra black beans or grilled tofu for a vegetarian option.

→ What side dishes go well with this wrap?

Pair the wrap with tortilla chips, a fresh green salad, or a side of guacamole for a complete meal.