If you are looking for a meal that comes together quickly without skimping on flavor, the 15-Minute Chicken Wraps Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These wraps are bursting with a delightful blend of tender shredded chicken, sweetcorn, creamy cheese, and a tangy barbecue kick, all wrapped snugly in a warm tortilla. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a satisfying picnic lunch, this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create something truly special in no time. Once you try these wraps, you’ll see why they’ve earned a top spot in my go-to quick meals!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet essential, the ingredients in this recipe come together beautifully to deliver a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Each component plays a critical role, from the juicy chicken to the creamy cheese and the subtle crunch of red onion.
- Chicken breasts (4, about 1.5 lb / 600g): The star protein, shredded for tender bites throughout your wrap.
- Sweetcorn (1 tin, 325 g / 11 oz, drained): Adds a lovely sweetness and a pop of color that brightens every mouthful.
- Red onion (1/2, finely chopped): Provides a gentle sharpness that balances the creamy elements perfectly.
- Cream cheese (100 g / 3.5 oz): Adds luscious creaminess and helps bind everything together.
- Barbecue sauce (2 tbsp): Delivers tangy, smoky flavor that takes these wraps to the next level.
- Grated mozzarella or cheddar (125 g / 4.5 oz): Melts beautifully inside the wrap for a gooey, cheesy finish.
- Large wraps (4): The soft, pliable vessel that holds all your delicious fillings with ease.
- Sunflower oil (1 tbsp, optional): For pan-frying the wraps to a golden crisp outer layer.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance every bite.
How to Make 15-Minute Chicken Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by shredding your cooked chicken breasts. Use two forks or a mixer to pull them apart into tender shreds, which ensures each wrap is filled with chicken in every bite. This step is quick and makes the texture much more enjoyable than chunks.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with drained sweetcorn, finely chopped red onion, cream cheese, barbecue sauce, and grated mozzarella. Sprinkle in salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir everything well until each ingredient is evenly distributed and coated—the creamy texture of the cheese combined with the smoky barbecue sauce builds that memorable flavor base.
Step 3: Assemble the Wraps
Lay out your large wraps and divide the chicken mixture evenly, dolloping it in the center of each tortilla. Then fold in the sides over the filling and roll tightly from one end to the other. This technique keeps your delicious filling neatly packed inside and prevents it from spilling out while eating.
Step 4: Optional Pan Frying for Extra Crispness
If you love a warm, golden crust, heat sunflower oil over medium-low heat in a sauté pan. Fry the rolled wraps for about 4-5 minutes on each side, turning carefully to achieve an evenly crisp exterior without burning. The low heat ensures the cheese inside melts beautifully while the outside turns a perfect golden brown. This step adds an irresistible contrast between soft filling and crunchy wrap.
How to Serve 15-Minute Chicken Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, or even a little extra grated cheese on top when serving. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce also complements the creamy, tangy filling brilliantly and adds an extra pop of flavor and freshness.
Side Dishes
Pair these wraps with crispy sweet potato fries, a light garden salad, or crunchy coleslaw for a complete meal. The wraps’ heartiness means you can keep your sides simple and fresh, making the whole dining experience balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress at a casual gathering? Slice the wraps into bite-sized pinwheels for a fun appetizer or party platter. Alternatively, wrap them tightly in foil or parchment paper to make them easy, mess-free lunch boxes perfect for work or school.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your wraps, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keeping the wraps tightly wrapped helps preserve their texture and flavor, ready for a quick reheat or a chilled snack.
Freezing
While the 15-Minute Chicken Wraps Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze uncooked, rolled wraps by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frying or serving.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat to revive the crispy outer layer while warming the filling fully. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the wraps soggy. A few minutes on each side in the pan will bring back that fresh-from-the-kitchen texture.
FAQs
Can I use leftover cooked chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly here and is a wonderful way to repurpose food, saving prep time while keeping the flavor delightful.
What can I substitute for barbecue sauce?
If you prefer a different flavor, try swapping barbecue sauce with ranch dressing, a zesty salsa, or even a honey mustard to tailor the wraps to your taste.
Can these wraps be made vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the chicken with your favorite plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu, and follow the same method for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
Is pan-frying necessary or can I eat them cold?
Pan-frying is optional but highly recommended for a warm, crispy finish. However, these wraps are delicious cold too and make a fantastic grab-and-go meal.
How do I prevent the wraps from falling apart while rolling?
Folding the sides inwards before rolling keeps the filling secure. Be sure not to overfill and roll tightly for the best results.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the 15-Minute Chicken Wraps Recipe—it’s one of those quick, flavorful meals that feels like a real treat every time. Whether you’re whipping it up for a busy weeknight or packing lunches for a fun day out, these wraps deliver on taste, texture, and convenience. I hope you love making and sharing this recipe as much as I do!
Print
15-Minute Chicken Wraps Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 wraps
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These quick and flavorful Chicken Wraps are perfect for a satisfying dinner or a hearty picnic lunch. Ready in just 15 minutes, they combine shredded cooked chicken with sweetcorn, creamy cheese, and barbecue sauce, wrapped in a soft tortilla. You can enjoy them fresh or pan-fried for a golden, melty finish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 (1.5 lb) Chicken breasts, cooked (about 600g)
- 325 g (11 oz) Sweetcorn (1 tin), drained
- 1/2 Red onion, finely chopped
- 100 g (3.5 oz) Cream cheese
- 2 tbsp Barbecue sauce
- 125 g (4.5 oz) Grated mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 4 Large wraps
- 1 tbsp Sunflower oil (optional, for frying)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Shred the chicken: If using whole cooked chicken breasts, shred them finely using two forks or a mixer, as demonstrated in the recipe video, to achieve a pulled chicken texture.
- Mix filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, drained sweetcorn, finely chopped red onion, cream cheese, barbecue sauce, grated cheese, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well mixed.
- Assemble wraps: Divide the chicken mixture evenly among the four large wraps, placing the filling in the center of each one.
- Roll wraps: Fold the sides of each wrap inward and then roll it up as tightly as possible to encase the filling completely.
- Serve or fry (optional): You can serve the wraps immediately for a quick meal or pack them for later. Alternatively, heat sunflower oil in a sauté pan over medium-low heat, add the wraps, and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy, ensuring the cheese melts inside without burning the tortilla.
Notes
- For best results, use cooked chicken breasts that are freshly shredded; leftover roast chicken works well too.
- Choose mozzarella for a milder taste or cheddar for a stronger cheese flavor.
- If pan-frying, keep the heat low to allow the cheese to melt properly without burning the wrap.
- These wraps can be served warm or cold, making them versatile for different occasions.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially the salt and pepper, to balance the flavors.