Introduction

These Chicken Pesto Wraps are a quick, flavorful, and nutritious meal option featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a zesty homemade pesto, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep, these wraps are versatile and satisfying. They are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a healthy yet delicious wrap packed with fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors.

Why You’ll Love This

• Quick to Make: These wraps can be prepared in less than 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights or a speedy lunch.
• Bursting with Flavor: The fresh basil pesto adds a bright and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with seasoned chicken and crunchy vegetables.
• Nutritious and Balanced: Loaded with lean protein, healthy fats, and fresh veggies, these wraps are both wholesome and satisfying.
• Highly Customizable: You can swap ingredients, add different veggies, or use an alternative protein to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: These wraps can be prepared ahead of time and stored for convenient meals throughout the week.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Wraps:

• 2 cups of cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 4 large flour tortillas or whole wheat wraps
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1/2 cup fresh baby spinach leaves
• 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, sliced (optional)

For the Homemade Pesto Sauce:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Juice of half a lemon

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken:

1. • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the cooked chicken, then season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is well-seasoned and heated through. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Pesto Sauce:

1. • In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic cloves. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped. Slowly pour in the olive oil while blending until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. Add salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice to taste.

3. Assemble the Wraps:

1. • Lay each tortilla flat on a clean work surface. Spread a generous layer of pesto sauce over each tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
   • Evenly distribute the chicken over the tortillas. Top with cherry tomatoes, shredded mozzarella, red onion, spinach leaves, and roasted red peppers if you like.

4. Roll Up the Wraps:

1. • Fold in the sides of each tortilla, then roll them up tightly from the bottom to form a wrap. Cut each wrap in half if desired for easier handling.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

1. • These wraps can be enjoyed immediately or wrapped in foil or parchment paper for an easy meal on the go. Serve them fresh or chilled for a delicious, refreshing meal!

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving Suggestions: These wraps are delicious paired with a side of fresh fruit, a crisp salad, or a bowl of soup.
• Storage Tips: Store leftover wraps tightly wrapped in plastic or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Meal Prep Tips: Prepare the chicken and pesto ahead of time and store them separately. Assemble the wraps just before eating to keep them fresh and prevent them from becoming soggy.

Nutritional Information & Health Benefits

These wraps offer a perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables, making them a nutritious meal choice:

• Lean Protein: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle maintenance and repair.
• Healthy Fats: Olive oil and nuts in the pesto provide healthy monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
• Packed with Vitamins and Antioxidants: Fresh basil, spinach, and tomatoes contribute vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different protein for these wraps?
   Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the chicken with grilled shrimp, turkey slices, tofu, or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
2. Is store-bought pesto okay to use?
   Yes, store-bought pesto is a great time-saver, but homemade pesto adds a fresher and more vibrant flavor.
3. Can these wraps be made gluten-free?
   Certainly! Just use gluten-free tortillas to make the recipe gluten-free.
4. How do I keep the wraps from getting soggy?
   To prevent sogginess, store the pesto separately and spread it just before eating. Alternatively, use a layer of cheese as a barrier between the pesto and the tortilla.
5. What other veggies can I add?
   You can add cucumbers, bell peppers, shredded carrots, avocado, or any of your favorite fresh vegetables.
6. How do I add more flavor to the chicken?
   Marinate the chicken with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Italian herbs for a deeper, more complex flavor.
7. Can these wraps be frozen?
   It’s best to enjoy these wraps fresh, but you can freeze them without the fresh vegetables. Add them after thawing for best results.
8. What can I use instead of pine nuts in the pesto?
   Walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds can be substituted for pine nuts.
9. How should I reheat the wraps?
   Reheat them in a skillet on medium heat for a few minutes on each side or microwave for 30-60 seconds until warmed through.
10. Can I swap out the mozzarella cheese?
    Yes, you can use feta, cheddar, or goat cheese for a different taste.

These Chicken Pesto Wraps are perfect for a quick, delicious meal full of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. Ejoy them anytime for a satisfying and healthy bite!