Chicken Pesto Wraps: A Fresh Take on a Classic Favorite
Samantha
These easy chicken pesto wraps are packed with juicy grilled chicken, fresh basil pesto, melty mozzarella, and baby spinach—all wrapped in a soft tortilla. Ready in minutes and perfect for lunch, meal prep, or a healthy weeknight dinner!
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Lunch
Cuisine American, Mediterranean-Inspired
Servings 4 wraps
Calories 370 kcal
- 2 cups cooked grilled chicken breast sliced or shredded
- 4 large whole wheat or spinach tortillas
- ⅓ cup basil pesto store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach or arugula
- Optional: sun-dried tomatoes sliced avocado, red onion slivers
Prep Chicken: If using leftovers, warm slightly or leave cold if serving fresh. Shred or slice thin.
Assemble Wraps: Lay tortillas flat. Spread 1–2 tablespoons of pesto down the center of each.
Layer In: Top pesto with chicken, spinach, and mozzarella. Add extras like sun-dried tomatoes or avocado if desired.
Wrap It Up: Fold the sides in and roll tightly like a burrito.
Serve or Grill: Eat cold, or place seam-side down in a skillet or panini press and grill 2–3 minutes per side until golden and melty.
Secret Tips for Perfect Chicken Pesto Wraps
1. Use Warm Tortillas for Better Rolling: Slightly warm your tortillas in the microwave or a skillet before assembling. This makes them more pliable and less likely to crack or tear when rolling.
2. Let Grilled Chicken Rest Before Slicing: Allow the chicken to rest for 5–10 minutes after grilling so the juices redistribute. This keeps your wrap juicy, not dry.
3. Layer Strategically to Avoid Sogginess: Spread pesto directly on the wrap, then layer greens between the pesto and chicken. This keeps the moisture from the pesto from making the tortilla soggy.
4. Grill Seam-Side Down First: If toasting or grilling your wrap, always start seam-side down. It helps seal the wrap and gives you a crisp, golden finish.
5. Add a Dab of Mayo or Greek Yogurt for Creaminess: Mix a spoonful of mayo or plain Greek yogurt with pesto for an extra creamy and spreadable texture that holds the wrap ingredients together beautifully.
6. Boost Protein with Extra Cheese or Eggs: Make it heartier by adding a scrambled egg or more shredded cheese for a post-workout wrap with extra staying power.
7. Use a Dry Pan for Grilling: Skip the oil and use a dry non-stick pan or grill pan to toast the wraps—this prevents them from becoming greasy while still delivering crispness.
8. Make a Wrap Station for the Week: Prep all the components—grilled chicken, pesto, cheese, and greens—and keep them in airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble wraps fresh in under 2 minutes each day.
9. Freeze for Later: Assemble, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze. To serve, thaw overnight and heat in a toaster oven or microwave. They taste just as fresh!
10. Try a Homemade Pesto Variation: For a unique flavor, swap basil pesto for sun-dried tomato pesto, arugula walnut pesto, or spinach avocado pesto. Each adds its own twist and nutrient boost.Keyword basil pesto tortilla wraps, chicken pesto wraps, cold chicken pesto lunch wrap, easy chicken wraps, grilled chicken pesto wrap, healthy lunch wraps, low carb pesto wrap, pesto mozzarella chicken wrap
