Hey y'all! If you love gooey cheese, golden tortillas, and juicy, garlicky chicken, this Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps recipe is about to be your new weeknight hero. It is quick, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for busy dinners, casual lunches, and game-day munching. Let's get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps recipe
- Bold garlic butter flavor, balanced with melty mozzarella and cheddar.
- Ready in 30 minutes with simple pantry spices and everyday ingredients.
- Ultra-versatile for meal prep, lunch boxes, or easy dinners.
- Kid-friendly, customizable, and craveably crispy on the outside.
- Great with pantry sides like chips, salad, or tomato soup.
Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 12 minutes | Total time: 27 minutes | Yield: 4 wraps
Ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps recipe
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tbsp)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded low-moisture mozzarella
- ½ cup (56 g) shredded sharp cheddar
- 2 oz (56 g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
- 4 large (10-inch) flour tortillas
- 1 teaspoon neutral oil (for toasting wraps)
Optional quick garlic sauce (for drizzle):
- ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoon mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
Directions: Make These Garlicky Chicken Wraps
Step 1: Season the chicken for garlicky wraps
In a bowl, toss sliced chicken with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and oregano until evenly coated. If making the quick garlic sauce, whisk yogurt, mayo, garlic powder, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl; set aside.
Step 2: Sear juicy chicken
Heat a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook 6 to 8 minutes, stirring once or twice, until golden and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove to a plate.
Step 3: Stir the cheesy garlic butter
Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet; when melted, stir in minced garlic and cook 30 to 45 seconds until fragrant (do not brown). Stir in lemon juice and parsley. Return chicken to the pan and toss to coat. Transfer 1 tablespoon of the garlicky butter to a separate bowl for the cheese mixture.
Step 4: Assemble your cheesy chicken wraps
In the small bowl with 1 tablespoon garlic butter, mix mozzarella, cheddar, and cream cheese until combined. Warm tortillas briefly in a dry pan or microwave so they are pliable. Divide the cheese mixture among tortillas, top with garlicky chicken, and drizzle a little quick garlic sauce if using. Fold the sides in and roll tightly burrito-style.
Step 5: Toast wraps until melty and crisp
Wipe the skillet clean. Add 1 teaspoon neutral oil and heat over medium. Place wraps seam-side down and cook 2 to 3 minutes per side until the tortillas are deeply golden and the cheese is melty. Slice in half and garnish with extra parsley.
Batch or alternative finishing: To crisp several at once, bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway. Air fryer option: 370°F (188°C) for 6 to 8 minutes, turning once.
Notes & Tips
- Use a quick-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for food safety; see the official chart here: FoodSafety.gov safe temperatures.
- Shred your own cheese for the best melt; pre-shredded can be coated with anti-caking agents. Learn more about meltability here: The Science of Melting Cheese.
- Warm tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking; several easy methods are outlined here: How to warm tortillas.
Variations of Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps
- Spicy chipotle: Add 1 to 2 teaspoon minced chipotle in adobo to the garlic butter and sprinkle in red pepper flakes.
- Herb and lemon: Swap oregano for 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and add extra lemon zest for a brighter, zippy finish.
- Veggie-packed: Add thin bell pepper strips and baby spinach during assembly; the greens wilt perfectly as the wrap toasts.
Required Equipment
- 12-inch skillet (nonstick or seasoned cast iron)
- Tongs or spatula
- Mixing bowls
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
- Instant-read thermometer
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage & Reheating for Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps
- Refrigerator: Cool completely, wrap individually, and store up to 3 to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil, then place in a freezer bag up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
- Reheat: Skillet over medium-low 5 to 6 minutes, turning to re-crisp; oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10 to 12 minutes; or air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 5 to 7 minutes.
Serving Pairings for Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps
- Fresh side salad with lemon vinaigrette or a crunchy slaw
- Tomato soup or roasted red pepper soup for dunking
- Oven fries, kettle chips, or a simple cucumber-tomato salad
- Pickles or pepperoncini to cut the richness
Pro Tips for the Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps recipe
- Slice chicken thinly and evenly so it cooks fast and stays juicy; do not overcrowd the pan.
- Reserve a spoonful of garlic butter for the cheese mixture; it infuses the filling and guarantees a fragrant, cohesive melt.
- Roll wraps tightly and start toasting seam-side down to seal; warm tortillas first for a snug, crack-free roll (warming methods).
FAQ
Can I use rotisserie chicken? Absolutely. Shred 3 cups cooked chicken, warm briefly in the garlic butter to soak up flavor, then assemble as directed.
What cheeses work best? A mix of low-moisture mozzarella for stretch and sharp cheddar for flavor is ideal; add a little cream cheese for creamy cohesion.
How do I make it lighter? Use light cream cheese, part-skim mozzarella, and swap the mayo for all Greek yogurt in the sauce; use whole-wheat or low-carb tortillas if desired.