This Easy Chipotle Chicken Wrap is a flavorful and satisfying meal that packs a punch with smoky, spicy chicken and a cool, creamy yogurt sauce. Loaded with fresh crunchy vegetables and juicy marinated thighs, it is a healthy option that feels indulgent.
With a perfect balance of heat from the chipotle peppers and zest from the lime, this wrap is a vibrant lunch or dinner that is ready in under 30 minutes.
Recipe Details
- Flavor Profile: The chicken is savory, smoky, and spicy, while the yogurt sauce adds a tangy coolness. Fresh veggies provide a crisp contrast.
- Texture: Tender, juicy chicken thighs are wrapped up with crunchy lettuce, crisp peppers, and onions in a soft tortilla.
- Time: 15 minutes prep/marinate, 10 minutes cook time.
- Difficulty: Easy. Simple marinating and quick skillet cooking make this very accessible.
What You’ll Need
To make this recipe, you will need a large bowl for marinating the chicken and a large skillet for searing it. You will also need a small bowl to whisk together the creamy chipotle lime sauce. The ingredients rely on boneless chicken thighs for moisture, canned chipotle peppers for that signature smoke, and fresh produce to fill out the wrap.
Ingredient Notes
- Boneless Chicken Thighs – Thighs remain juicy and flavorful even after high-heat cooking. Cut them into uniform cubes for even cooking.
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo – These canned peppers provide the smoky heat. You will use the chopped peppers for the chicken marinade and the reserved sauce for the yogurt dressing.
- Greek Yogurt – This forms the base of the sauce, offering a creamy texture and protein without the heaviness of using only mayonnaise.
- Adobo Sauce – This is the sauce inside the can of chipotle peppers. It is concentrated flavor, so a little goes a long way.
- Lime Juice – Used in both the marinade and the sauce to tenderize the meat and brighten the overall flavor.
- Romaine Lettuce – Shredded romaine adds a satisfying crunch that holds up well against the warm chicken.
- Monterey Jack Cheese – A mild, creamy cheese that melts slightly when placed near the hot chicken but doesn’t overpower the spices.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Protein Swap – You can easily use chicken breasts if you prefer white meat, though you should be careful not to overcook them.
- Vegetables – Sliced avocado or corn kernels would be delicious additions to the filling.
- Wrap Options – Whole wheat tortillas or large spinach wraps work great if you want to vary the nutrition profile.
How to Make Easy Chipotle Chicken Wrap
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin powder, onion powder, lime juice, and salt. Adjust the heat by adding the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (chopped or pureed, depending on your preference). Drizzle in the olive oil and mix until the chicken is well coated. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic powder, reserved adobo sauce, salt, pepper, and chopped cilantro. Adjust seasoning as desired.
- Assemble: Lay each tortilla flat. Top with shredded romaine lettuce, cooked chicken pieces, sliced red onion, chopped bell peppers, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
- Drizzle and Roll: Finally, drizzle with plenty of the chipotle yogurt sauce. Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling and roll tightly to close the wrap.
- Serve: Serve immediately or wrap tightly in foil for an on-the-go meal.
Pro Tip: Warming your tortillas for just 10-15 seconds in the microwave or a dry pan before assembling makes them much more pliable. This prevents them from tearing when you try to roll them tightly.
Recipe Tips
- Adjusting Heat: The chipotle peppers are spicy. Start with fewer peppers if you are sensitive to heat, and remember that the adobo sauce in the dressing also adds spice.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, if your skillet is crowded, the chicken will steam instead of brown. Cook in two batches if necessary to get a nice sear.
- Drain Excess Liquid: After cooking the chicken, leave any excess juices in the pan so the wrap doesn’t get soggy.
FAQs
- Can I grill the chicken? Yes, you can thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers and grill them for a smoky char that complements the chipotle flavor perfectly.
- How long does the sauce last? The yogurt sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It makes a great dip for veggies too.
- Is this gluten-free? The filling is naturally gluten-free. If you use gluten-free tortillas, the entire meal will be safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Serving Suggestions
- Chips: Serve with tortilla chips and salsa or guacamole.
- Rice: A side of cilantro lime rice makes this a very filling dinner.
- Fruit: Fresh watermelon or pineapple helps cool down the palate after the spicy chicken.
Make This Recipe in Advance
- Prep Components: You can cook the chicken and mix the sauce up to 3 days in advance. Store them in separate containers in the fridge.
- Assembly: It is best to assemble the wraps right before eating to keep the lettuce crisp and the tortilla dry. If packing for lunch, keep the sauce in a small container on the side.
Easy Chipotle Chicken Wrap
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 Wraps 1x
Description
This Easy Chipotle Chicken Wrap is a flavor-packed meal featuring smoky, spicy chicken thighs and a cooling lime yogurt sauce. Loaded with fresh crunchy vegetables and melted cheese, it offers a healthy yet indulgent lunch or dinner option that is ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chipotle Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs, cut into uniform cubes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 to 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped (adjust for heat)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 to 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
Chipotle Lime Yogurt Sauce
- 6 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon reserved adobo sauce (from the chipotle can)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Assembly
- 6 large tortilla wraps
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, shredded
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 small red onion, sliced or chopped
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken thighs, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder, lime juice, and salt. Add the chopped chipotle peppers. Drizzle with olive oil and toss until the chicken is thoroughly coated. Let it marinate for 10 to 15 minutes.
Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken (in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding) and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove from heat.
Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic powder, reserved adobo sauce, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning or spice level if needed.
Assemble the Wraps
Lay the tortillas flat. Layer each one with shredded romaine lettuce, the warm cooked chicken, sliced red onion, chopped bell peppers, and shredded cheese.
Drizzle and Roll
Drizzle a generous amount of the chipotle lime yogurt sauce over the filling. Fold the sides of the tortilla in and roll tightly to secure the filling. Serve immediately.
Notes
Warm the Tortillas: For easier rolling, warm your tortillas in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or briefly in a dry skillet. This makes them pliable and prevents tearing.
Heat Control: Chipotle peppers pack a punch. If you are sensitive to spice, start with just one chopped pepper in the marinade and use less adobo sauce in the dressing.
Make Ahead: You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce up to 3 days in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the wraps fresh to prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch/Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Wrap
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: chipotle chicken wrap, spicy chicken sandwich, healthy lunch ideas, easy chicken dinner, greek yogurt sauce, smoky chicken recipe, meal prep wraps
