Description
Sizzling Chicken Wraps with Grilled Avocado Delight is a flavorful and vibrant recipe featuring marinated chicken strips cooked to juicy perfection and complemented by charred avocado, fresh crisp vegetables, and a zesty creamy lime sauce. Wrapped in warm tortillas, these wraps offer a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors for a satisfying meal ideal for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the chicken:
- 1 ½ lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into thin strips
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ¾ tsp salt
For the grilled avocado:
- 2 ripe but firm avocados, halved and pitted
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp lime juice
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the wrap assembly:
- 6–8 large flour tortillas or whole-wheat wraps (8–10 inch)
- 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce or mixed greens
- 1 cup thinly sliced red cabbage (optional for crunch and color)
- 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
- Lime wedges, for serving
For the creamy lime sauce:
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 ½ tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp lime zest (optional but recommended)
- 1 small clove garlic, very finely minced or grated
- ¼ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1–2 tsp hot sauce or sriracha (optional, to taste)
Optional extras:
- 1 small tomato, diced, or ½ cup pico de gallo
- Pickled jalapeños, to taste
- Corn kernels, fresh or grilled, about ½ cup
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, black pepper, and salt. Add the chicken strips and toss until all pieces are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20–30 minutes, or up to 6 hours for deeper flavor.
- Prepare the creamy lime sauce: In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt (or sour cream), mayonnaise, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and hot sauce if using. Mix until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to assemble the wraps.
- Prep the vegetables and toppings: Shred the lettuce or greens and thinly slice the red cabbage. Slice the red bell pepper and red onion into thin strips. Grate or shred the cheese. Roughly chop the cilantro. If using tomato, dice it or prepare your pico de gallo. Set all toppings aside in small bowls for easy assembly.
- Grill or sear the chicken: Heat a large cast-iron skillet, grill pan, or outdoor grill over medium-high heat until very hot. Lightly oil the surface if using skillet or grill pan. Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Cook chicken in a single layer (in batches if necessary) for about 4–6 minutes total, turning once, until nicely browned and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Transfer to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and let rest 3–5 minutes.
- Grill the avocados: While chicken rests, preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Brush cut sides of avocado halves with olive oil and drizzle with lime juice. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Place avocados cut side down on hot grill and grill 2–3 minutes until grill marks appear and surface is lightly charred but avocado holds shape. Remove from heat and let cool slightly, then scoop out flesh in large chunks or slices.
- Warm the tortillas: Heat a clean dry skillet over medium heat. Warm each tortilla about 20–30 seconds per side until pliable and lightly toasted, stacking on plate and covering with towel to keep warm. Alternatively, wrap tortillas in foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–10 minutes.
- Slice the chicken: If chicken pieces are larger, slice into bite-size strips after resting, keeping the browned edges. Taste and add pinch of salt or squeeze of lime if desired.
- Assemble the sizzling wraps: Lay a warm tortilla flat. Spread 1–2 tbsp creamy lime sauce down center. Add shredded lettuce and cabbage. Top with hot chicken strips. Add grilled avocado slices. Scatter bell pepper, red onion, tomato or pico de gallo, corn or pickled jalapeños if desired. Finish with shredded cheese and chopped cilantro. Drizzle more creamy lime sauce and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Wrap and serve: Fold tortilla sides toward center, then roll from bottom up tightly to enclose filling. For a toasty finish, place wraps seam-side down on hot dry skillet for 1–2 minutes per side to crisp and seal. Slice each wrap in half diagonally and serve immediately with extra sauce and lime wedges.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to 6 hours) intensifies the flavors.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
- Adjust chili powder and hot sauce amounts to your preferred spiciness level.
- Grill avocado carefully to prevent it from becoming mushy; firm avocados work best.
- Warming tortillas makes them more pliable and easier to roll.
- To crisp the wraps, grill the finished wraps lightly on a dry skillet for a delicious texture contrast.
