Chicken Enchilada Salad Wraps

It’s getting to be that time of the year when you need to make dinner, but you want to beat the heat. Today’s recipe for chicken enchilada salad wraps is one that I created with that in mind. Your kitchen won’t heat up more just because you are fixin’ dinner, and this recipe would work great for a picnic in the park, too. 

This recipe all begins with a can of Swanson’s chunk chicken. With no need to cook the chicken, you not only get the benefits of a cool house, but it also makes this a cinch to whip together.

The recipe is a fusion of chicken salad and chicken enchiladas. You get those flavors you find in a chicken enchilada with the convenience of a chilled chicken salad. I incorporated a can of black beans into these. Today’s recipe for chicken enchilada salad wraps is one that I created with that in mind.  Your kitchen won’t heat up more just because you are fixin’ dinner. But if you prefer, you can always use another can of chicken instead.

Ingredients for Chicken Enchilada Salad Wraps

• LIGHT CREAM CHEESE – Light cream cheese creates a creamy base for the filling and helps hold everything together. It adds rich flavor without making the wraps too heavy.
• LIGHT SOUR CREAM – Light sour cream adds extra creaminess along with a little tang. It helps give the filling that classic enchilada-style flavor while keeping it smooth and easy to spread.
• CHILI POWDER – Chili powder adds warm, smoky flavor and gives the filling that enchilada-inspired taste. It brings a mild kick without making the wraps overly spicy.
• CUMIN – Cumin adds earthy, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the chili powder. It helps give the filling a deeper Tex-Mex flavor.
• GARLIC – Garlic adds bold savory flavor and helps round out the filling. It gives the wraps even more delicious flavor with very little effort.
• CANNED CHICKEN OR COOKED CHICKEN – Canned chicken makes this recipe quick and convenient to prepare, but you can also use an equal amount of cooked chicken if you prefer. Either option provides the protein for the wraps and works well mixed with the creamy enchilada-style filling. Using cooked shredded chicken is a great way to use up leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken.
• CHEDDAR CHEESE – Cheddar cheese adds a classic cheesy flavor that goes perfectly with the enchilada-inspired filling. It also adds a little richness and texture.
• RO*TEL – RO*TEL adds tomatoes, green chiles, and extra flavor all in one ingredient. It brings a little zest and just the right amount of kick to the filling.
• GREEN ONION – Green onion adds a mild onion flavor and a little freshness. It also adds some color and crunch to the filling.
• FRESH CILANTRO – Fresh cilantro adds bright, fresh flavor that balances the creamy filling. It helps make the wraps taste lighter and more flavorful.
• LETTUCE – Lettuce adds a cool, crisp layer to the wraps. It gives them fresh texture and helps balance the creamy chicken mixture.
• BURRITO-SIZED FLOUR TORTILLAS – Burrito-sized flour tortillas are large enough to hold plenty of filling and roll up easily. They make these wraps simple to assemble and perfect for serving as a hearty lunch or easy dinner.

Instructions for Chicken Enchilada Salad Wraps

Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder until smooth and creamy.

Add the Ingredients: Fold in the shredded cheese, cooked shredded chicken, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro into the cream cheese mixture. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.

Assemble the Wraps: Divide the chicken mixture evenly between the tortillas. Top each with a generous amount of shredded lettuce leaves.

Roll and Serve: Roll up the tortillas burrito-style, tucking in the sides as you go. Serve the wraps immediately, or refrigerate until ready to eat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these wraps ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble the wraps just before serving to ensure they stay fresh, and the tortillas don’t become soggy.

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe. Simply shred 1 1/2 cups of the cooked chicken and mix it with the other ingredients. You can also cook your own chicken breast if you prefer.

How should I store leftover wraps?
Store any leftover wraps in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days. If possible, store the filling and tortillas separately to prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy.

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use any type of shredded cheese you prefer, such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend. Choose your favorite cheese to customize the flavor.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, to make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free tortillas and ensure that all other ingredients (such as seasonings) are gluten-free.

Can I add other vegetables to the wraps?
Of course! Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, avocado, or corn to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream. It will give the filling a similar creamy texture and add a tangy flavor.

How do I prevent the tortillas from tearing when rolling them up?
To prevent tortillas from tearing, make sure they are at room temperature before assembling the wraps. You can also warm them slightly in the microwave or on a skillet to make them more pliable.

Tips and Tricks

Soften the cream cheese first. Softened cream cheese blends much more smoothly with the sour cream and seasonings. This helps create a creamy filling without lumps.

Drain the RO*TEL well. Too much liquid can make the filling runny and harder to wrap. Draining it well keeps the mixture thick and creamy.

Use canned chicken or cooked shredded chicken. Canned chicken makes this recipe extra quick, but cooked shredded chicken works great too. Rotisserie chicken is an easy option if you want a little more flavor.

Don’t overfill the tortillas. Adding too much filling can make the wraps hard to roll and more likely to fall apart. Using a moderate amount makes them easier to assemble and eat.

Add the lettuce just before serving. This keeps the lettuce crisp and fresh. If added too early, it can soften and lose that nice crunch.

For more recipes like this, try:

• Ham and Egg Breakfast Wraps
• Chicken Salad Wraps with Strawberries
• Crunchy Southwest Chicken Wraps
• BBQ Chicken Wraps

Recipe inspired by My Fabulous Recipes.

Disclosure: I was provided with product and compensation for creating this recipe and post.