Arizona's Southwest Chicken Wrap: A Burst of Flavor!

Photo byNaomi Madison

Discover Arizona's Southwest Chicken Wrap: A Burst of Flavor in Every Bite

Arizona is known for its bold, fiery flavors, blending Mexican, Native American, and ranching traditions into a culinary adventure. The Southwest Chicken Wrap is a perfect example of this fusion—a dish that combines tender, marinated chicken with hearty vegetables, flavorful rice, and a zesty, creamy sauce that delivers a true taste of the Southwest.

The beauty of the Southwest Chicken Wrap lies in its vibrant combination of ingredients. Whether you're enjoying this on a casual weeknight or preparing it for a group of friends, this wrap will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Arizona, where the desert's heat and the coolness of the mountains meet in every bite.

Bursting with Arizona-Inspired Flavors

At the heart of this recipe is juicy chicken marinated with lime, chipotle, and a mix of southwest seasonings, creating a smoky and tangy base. Paired with the crunch of fresh peppers, jalapeños, and corn, and balanced by creamy cotija cheese and black beans, the wrap is an explosion of textures and tastes. The true magic, however, comes from the homemade southwest crema—smooth, a little sweet, and with just the right kick of chipotle to bring everything together.

The process to make the Southwest Chicken Wrap may seem detailed, but it's straightforward. Marinate the chicken, cook it to perfection, prepare the vibrant veggie mix, and then wrap it all up in soft tortillas with a hearty serving of rice. The crema adds the final touch, pulling everything together with a refreshing burst of lime and cilantro.

Recipe: Arizona-Style Southwest Chicken Wrap

Ingredients:

For The Chicken:

• ¾ lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ¼ cup lime juice (about one lime)
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp salt (add more as needed)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp chipotle pepper in adobo

For The Southwest Wrap:

• 4 large tortillas
• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 1 small red bell pepper
• 1 jalapeño, diced
• ½ red onion, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp olive oil (to sauté the veggies)
• ¾ cup thawed or fresh corn kernels
• 1 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
• ¼ cup cotija cheese

For The Southwest Crema:

• ⅓ cup sour cream
• 1½ tbsp honey
• ½-1 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 3 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1-2 tbsp water (to thin the crema if needed)
• ¼ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:
2. • Pat the chicken dry and cut into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, mix the chicken with lime juice, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, olive oil, and chipotle pepper in adobo. Let the chicken marinate for 15 minutes or up to 24 hours.
3. Prepare the Wrap Ingredients:
4. • While the chicken marinates, cook the rice according to the package instructions. Slice the bell pepper, jalapeño, and red onion. Mince the garlic cloves.
5. Make the Southwest Crema:
6. • In a blender or food processor, combine the sour cream, honey, chipotle peppers, lime juice, cilantro, and salt. Blend until smooth, adding water if needed to thin the sauce.
7. Cook the Chicken:
8. • In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the marinated chicken for 12-15 minutes until fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
9. Cook the Veggies:
10. • Wipe the skillet clean and add olive oil. Sauté the bell pepper, jalapeño, and red onion for 8 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet to warm it up gently.
11. Assemble the Wraps:
12. • Warm up the tortillas. Begin assembling by layering rice, chicken, sautéed veggies, black beans, corn, cotija cheese, and a drizzle of the southwest crema in the center of each tortilla. Fold the tortillas like burritos, wrapping them tightly to hold all the fillings.
13. Serve and Enjoy:
14. • Slice the wraps in half and serve them with extra crema on the side for dipping.

A Flavorful Bite of Arizona

The Southwest Chicken Wrap is a go-to recipe for anyone looking to experience the vibrant flavors of Arizona cuisine. With its smoky, tangy chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy, spicy sauce, each bite is an ode to the bold and unique culinary traditions of the Southwest. Whether you're feeding a crowd or whipping up a quick dinner, this wrap delivers the perfect balance of taste and texture—spicy, creamy, crunchy, and refreshing, all wrapped up in one delicious meal.

Here are some relevant sources for the recipe:

1. Chipotle Chicken Southwest Wrap Recipe
2. Cooking Perfect Southwest Chicken
3. Southwest Chicken Crema Sauce Ideas
4. Tortilla Wrapping Techniques