Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch size; whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas work well too)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced or mashed
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or baby spinach
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (for squeezing over the wraps)
- Optional: 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños for extra zing
If you’re short on fresh cilantro, parsley makes a nice substitute. For a dairy-free alternative, swap the cheese and sour cream for vegan versions or leave them out altogether and add a splash of salsa or guacamole for creaminess.
Instructions
- Start by prepping your chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then cut each into thin strips for quick, even cooking.
- In a bowl, combine the smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, cayenne (if using), garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken strips in the spice mix until evenly coated.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the chicken strips in a single layer. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and nicely browned. You’ll know it’s done when the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- While the chicken cooks, warm your tortillas briefly in a dry skillet or microwave. This softens them and makes wrapping easier—plus, it’s a little trick I picked up from my grandmother’s kitchen to keep things cozy.
- Once the chicken is ready, assemble your wraps. Lay a tortilla flat and sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheese down the center. Top with cooked chicken, avocado slices or mash, diced tomato, lettuce or spinach, and fresh cilantro leaves.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, then squeeze a wedge of lime over everything for a bright, tangy kick.
- Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll it up tightly from the bottom. If you like, you can give the wrap a quick press in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese and add a bit of crunch—my family especially loves this step.
- Serve immediately with extra lime wedges and pickled jalapeños on the side for anyone who wants to turn up the heat.
One of my favorite memories is teaching my kids how to assemble their own wraps, letting them pick what goes inside. It’s a small act of connection that makes the meal feel special, and honestly, it’s a fun way to get them excited about eating their veggies!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International