Pesto Chicken Wraps

Pesto Chicken Wraps are a flavorful, vibrant dish that combines juicy, grilled chicken with the fresh, aromatic flavors of basil pesto, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. The pesto adds a bright, herbaceous kick to the chicken, while the wrap holds everything together in a convenient, handheld meal. You can also add fresh veggies like spinach, arugula, or tomatoes for extra crunch and flavor, making this a satisfying and quick meal option.

I first made Pesto Chicken Wraps when I was looking for a simple and light meal that still felt packed with flavor. The pesto brings such a wonderful freshness to the grilled chicken, and the wrap allows for easy customization with your favorite veggies. It’s a perfect dish for lunch, dinner, or even a meal prep option, as it can be made ahead and easily eaten on the go.

What I love most about these wraps is how versatile they are. You can swap the chicken for grilled tofu, turkey, or even roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version. Adding cheese, like mozzarella or feta, and a squeeze of lemon juice can take the flavor to the next level. These wraps are quick to prepare, easy to enjoy, and perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Perfect for:

• Quick weeknight dinners
• Picnic lunches
• Meal prepping
• Parties and gatherings
• Chicken and pesto lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why these Pesto Chicken Wraps will become your go-to meal:

• Flavorful and Fresh: The combination of basil pesto, grilled chicken, and fresh vegetables creates a deliciously balanced flavor.
• Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste, from adding cheese to switching up the veggies.
• Quick and Easy: These wraps come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy nights.
• Perfectly Grilled Chicken: The chicken is marinated in pesto, ensuring it’s tender and bursting with flavor.
• Versatile Wrap: Use any type of tortilla—flour, whole wheat, or gluten-free—depending on your preference.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats from the pesto.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These wraps are sure to impress at family meals, parties, or gatherings.
• Perfect for All Ages: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the vibrant flavors of these wraps.
• Great for Leftovers: Leftover wraps taste even better the next day, making them an excellent choice for meal planning.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

the Chicken Marinade:

• 2 large chicken breasts
• ¼ cup basil pesto
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Wraps:

• 4 large flour tortillas (or your preferred type)
• 1 cup mixed greens (e.g., spinach, arugula, or lettuce)
• ½ cup sliced tomatoes
• ½ cup cucumber, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)

For the Pesto Sauce:

• ½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

Ingredient Highlights

• Basil Pesto: Adds a burst of fresh, herbal flavor to both the chicken and the sauce.
• Fresh Vegetables: The tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions bring a crisp texture that complements the creamy pesto.
• Grilled Chicken: Marinating the chicken in pesto ensures it is juicy and full of flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Adds a creamy, melty element that enhances the texture and flavor of the wrap.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Marinate Chicken: In a small bowl, mix the pesto, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts with the marinade and let them sit for at least 10 minutes.
2. Grill Chicken: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

Assemble the Wraps:

3. Warm Tortillas: Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for about 10-15 seconds to make them more pliable.
4. Layer Ingredients: On each tortilla, layer a handful of mixed greens, sliced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and mozzarella cheese (if using).
5. Add Chicken: Place the sliced chicken on top of the vegetables and cheese.
6. Drizzle with Pesto Sauce: Spoon some additional pesto sauce over the chicken for extra flavor.

Wrap the Tortilla:

7. Fold and Roll: Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it tightly, enclosing the filling.
8. Slice and Serve: Cut the wraps in half and serve immediately, or wrap them in parchment paper for an easy, on-the-go meal.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Pesto Chicken Wraps:

• With a Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• For Lunch Boxes: Perfect for meal prep—wrap them up for an easy, on-the-go lunch.
• With Sweet Potato Fries: Serve alongside crispy sweet potato fries for a tasty, balanced meal.
• With Chips and Salsa: Pair with your favorite tortilla chips and salsa for a fun, casual meal.
• For Picnics: These wraps are easy to transport and make for a great picnic lunch.
• As a Party Appetizer: Cut the wraps into smaller pieces to serve as bite-sized appetizers for a party.
• With a Side of Guacamole: Add a scoop of creamy guacamole for a rich, flavorful dip.
• With Roasted Potatoes: Serve alongside crispy roasted potatoes for a hearty and satisfying dinner.
• For A Light Dinner: Enjoy as a lighter dinner option, paired with a light soup or salad.
• For Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.

Additional Tips

• Grill the Chicken: For extra flavor, grill the chicken over a wood or charcoal fire to infuse a smoky taste.
• Use Fresh Pesto: Homemade pesto can elevate the wraps, but store-bought pesto is a great time-saver.
• Wrap Tight: Be sure to wrap the tortillas tightly to keep everything inside.
• Add Extra Flavor: Spice up the wraps with a dash of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice.
• Store Properly: Keep wraps in an airtight container if making ahead, and store in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Recipe Variations

• Veggie Pesto Wraps: Skip the chicken and add more vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, for a vegetarian version.
• Grilled Shrimp Pesto Wraps: Replace the chicken with grilled shrimp for a seafood twist.
• Spicy Pesto Chicken Wraps: Add a little chili paste or sriracha to the pesto sauce for some extra heat.
• Gluten-Free Wraps: Use gluten-free tortillas for a gluten-free version of these wraps.
• Avocado Pesto Wraps: Add slices of ripe avocado for a creamy texture.
• Caesar Pesto Chicken Wraps: Swap the pesto for Caesar dressing for a fun variation on the classic.
• Lemon Pesto Chicken Wraps: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the pesto sauce for a citrusy kick.
• Beef Bacon Pesto Chicken Wraps: Add crispy beef bacon for a savory crunch.
• Greek Pesto Chicken Wraps: Use tzatziki sauce instead of pesto for a Greek-inspired twist.

Special Equipment

• Grill or Skillet: For grilling or pan-frying the chicken.
• Tongs: To handle the chicken while grilling.
• Sharp Knife: For slicing the chicken into thin strips.
• Mixing Bowl: For marinating the chicken.
• Spoon or Drizzler: To add pesto sauce on top of the chicken.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use store-bought pesto?
   Yes, store-bought pesto is a great time-saver and works just as well.
2. Can I make these wraps ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble them up to a day ahead of time and refrigerate them.
3. How do I store leftover wraps?
   Wrap leftovers in parchment paper or plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days.
4. Can I freeze these wraps?
   It’s best to freeze the chicken and pesto separately. The tortillas may become soggy once frozen and thawed.
5. Can I use other meats for these wraps?
   Yes, turkey or roast beef can be used as alternatives to chicken.
6. Can I skip the cheese?
   Yes, these wraps are just as tasty without cheese.
7. Can I add more vegetables?
   Absolutely! Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini.
8. How can I make the wraps spicier?
   Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
9. What kind of tortillas are best?
   Use large flour tortillas for the best wrap, but you can also use whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas.
10. Can I add more sauce?
    Yes, drizzle extra pesto or add a bit of ranch or Caesar dressing for variety.

Conclusion

These Pesto Chicken Wraps are a fresh, flavorful meal that brings together tender grilled chicken, vibrant pesto, and crisp vegetables, all wrapped in a soft tortilla. The earthy basil pesto adds a zesty kick to the grilled chicken, while fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese round out the wrap for a satisfying, light meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a quick snack.

The magic of this recipe lies in the herbaceous, garlicky pesto that elevates the chicken, while the crunchy veggies add texture and freshness. A sprinkle of Parmesan or mozzarella cheese complements the wrap’s creamy, savory notes. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and delicious!

I’d love to see your Pesto Chicken Wraps creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see your fresh, vibrant wraps. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share any fun twists or toppings that made your wraps uniquely yours!