Introduction
Indulging in delicious and healthy wraps is a great way to enjoy a flavorful meal without too much fuss. This recipe features juicy marinated chicken paired with a creamy cilantro sauce, fresh vegetables, and warm tortillas. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a satisfying snack. Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to create these delectable chicken wraps.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Chicken:
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Juice of 1 lime
Juice of 1 orange
1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Creamy Cilantro Sauce:
½ cup Greek yogurt
¼ cup salsa verde
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Juice of 1 lime
1 clove garlic, minced
For Assembly:
4 large flour tortillas
1 cup romaine lettuce, shredded
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1 avocado, sliced
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
½ cup black bean and corn salsa
Prep Time
30 minutes (plus additional time for marinating)
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes (including marinating time)
Yield: 4 large wraps
These chicken wraps are not only simple to prepare but also bursting with flavor, making them a fantastic choice for a quick meal. Follow the step-by-step instructions to create a satisfying dish that everyone will love!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine lime juice, orange juice, chopped jalapeño, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Place the chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
Cook the Chicken:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and sear each side for 2-3 minutes until browned. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
Prepare the Creamy Cilantro Sauce:
In a blender or food processor, combine Greek yogurt, salsa verde, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and minced garlic. Blend until smooth.
Assemble the Wraps:
Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable. Spread a generous amount of the creamy cilantro sauce over each tortilla. Layer with shredded romaine lettuce, halved grape tomatoes, sliced avocado, black bean and corn salsa, and crumbled feta cheese. Add sliced chicken on top of the fillings. Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll tightly to form a wrap.
Serve:
Slice each wrap in half, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
Marination Time:
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but no longer than 2 hours to avoid altering the texture.
Cilantro Sauce Variations:
Feel free to adjust the quantity of cilantro or add extra lime juice to suit your taste.
Tortilla Alternatives:
You can use whole wheat or corn tortillas if you prefer a different wrap option.
Storage:
Leftover wraps can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; however, the wraps may become soggy.
Cook techniques
Marinating
Marinating enhances the flavor and tenderness of the chicken. Combine acidic ingredients like lime and orange juice with spices and herbs to create a flavorful mix. Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours will infuse it with flavor and moisture.
Searing
Searing the chicken in olive oil over medium-high heat creates a caramelized crust, locking in juices and enhancing the overall flavor. This step is essential before transferring to the oven for even cooking.
Baking
Baking the seared chicken in an oven-safe skillet ensures it cooks evenly throughout. The recommended temperature of 375°F (190°C) will help achieve juicy, fully cooked chicken with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Blending
When preparing the creamy cilantro sauce, blending the ingredients until smooth ensures a uniform consistency and distribution of flavor. This technique makes it easy to incorporate all elements into the sauce seamlessly.
Assembling
Assembling the wraps involves layering ingredients in a specific order to achieve the best flavor and texture. Starting with the sauce, adding vegetables, and topping with sliced chicken ensures every bite is balanced.
FAQ
How long should I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours. The longer, the better for flavor and tenderness.
What should I do if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can sear the chicken in a regular skillet and then transfer it to a baking dish before placing it in the oven.
Can I use a different type of yogurt for the sauce?
Yes, you can use any plain yogurt, such as regular or non-fat yogurt, but Greek yogurt offers a thicker consistency and creamier texture.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you don’t have feta cheese, you can substitute it with crumbled goat cheese, queso fresco, or omit it for a dairy-free option.
How can I make this wrap gluten-free?
To make the wraps gluten-free, simply use gluten-free tortillas instead of regular flour tortillas.
Conclusion
The combination of marinated chicken with a zesty creamy cilantro sauce wrapped in soft tortillas creates a delightful and satisfying meal. Each bite is packed with flavors that complement one another, from the tangy citrus to the spicy jalapeño and the refreshing cilantro. This recipe not only offers a delicious way to enjoy chicken but also provides versatility in its serving style, making it perfect for gatherings or a casual weeknight dinner.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken Fajitas
Sauté marinated chicken strips with bell peppers and onions, then serve in tortillas with avocado and sour cream.
Taco Salad
Layer chopped romaine lettuce, diced grilled chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, avocado, and a drizzle of creamy cilantro sauce for a fresh salad option.
Stuffed Peppers
Combine cooked rice, black beans, diced marinated chicken, and salsa, then stuff into bell peppers and bake until tender.
Chicken Quesadillas
Fill tortillas with shredded chicken, cheese, and jalapeños, then grill until crispy and serve with salsa verde and sour cream.
Grilled Chicken Bowls
Serve sliced marinated chicken over quinoa or rice, topped with black bean corn salsa, diced avocado, and a dollop of creamy cilantro sauce.
Chicken Tacos
Fill small corn tortillas with shredded chicken, chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a classic taco night.
Cilantro Lime Rice
Cook rice and mix in lime juice and chopped cilantro for a perfect side to go along with your chicken dish.
