Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps
Introduction
The moment you warm a tortilla and breathe in the garlicky steam rising from melted cheddar and tender shredded chicken, something small and quietly celebratory happens. The garlic aioli offers a creamy, aromatic lift; the cheddar pulls into satisfying strings; the chicken adds savory, juicy heft; and the tortillas give everything a soft, comforting hug. Each bite gives you contrast — crisped edges if you grill the wrap, a creamy center, a faint tang from the aioli and the warm, nutty flavor of the cheese. It’s the kind of food that feels like a cozy dinner and a festive snack at the same time.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something fast and impressive, for casual gatherings and game-day spreads, or for packing as a hearty office lunch. It’s versatile enough to be elevated for guests or simplified for a solo, satisfying meal.
Dish Snapshot
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–10 minutes (to warm and melt)
- Total Time: 18–20 minutes
- Servings: 4 wraps
- Difficulty Level: Easy — great for cooks of any skill level
Nutrition Highlights
Nutrition per serving (estimated; yields 4 servings)
Values below are estimates based on typical product nutrition and USDA FoodData Central entries for cooked chicken, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise-style aioli, and large flour tortillas. For individualized dietary guidance or if you have health conditions, consult a registered dietitian or resources such as the USDA or Mayo Clinic.
- Calories: ~617 kcal
- Protein: ~34 g
- Carbohydrates: ~30 g
- Fat: ~35 g
- Saturated fat: ~10 g
- Dietary Fiber: ~2 g
- Sodium: variable (estimate 700–900 mg depending on product brands)
Notes:
- These figures are approximate and will vary with the brands you use (especially tortillas and aioli). Estimates were derived using USDA FoodData Central values and typical product labels; for precision, check package nutrition facts.
- If you’re watching sodium or saturated fat, choose reduced-sodium tortillas, low-fat or yogurt-based aioli alternatives, or reduced-fat cheddar.
Why You’ll Love It
This wrap delivers on scent and comfort: the garlicky aroma draws people in, the warm melted cheddar creates irresistible texture, and shredded chicken provides filling protein. It’s a dish that sparks connection — perfect for sharing at casual get-togethers or wrapping up for a picnic. It’s also fast and forgiving: with cooked chicken on hand, assembly and warming takes minutes, making it a go-to for busy evenings. Finally, it’s flexible — swap in seasonal produce or adjust heat levels to suit the occasion.
Method & Process
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 280 g)
- 1/2 cup garlic aioli (about 120 ml)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (about 113 g)
- 4 large flour tortillas
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional ingredients and substitutions
- Add-ins: 1 cup baby spinach or shredded lettuce, 1 small tomato (sliced), 1/4 cup sliced red onion, or pickled jalapeños.
- Substitutions: use Greek yogurt mixed with minced garlic for a lighter aioli; use pepper jack or mozzarella in place of cheddar; use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded turkey, or canned jackfruit (for vegan).
- For gluten-free: swap in certified gluten-free tortillas or collard green wraps.
- For lower fat: use reduced-fat mayonnaise or light aioli and reduced-fat cheese.
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: shred the cooked chicken and season lightly with salt and pepper. Shred the cheddar if not pre-shredded. If using fresh additions (spinach, tomato), slice or prep them now.
- Combine filling: in a bowl, gently fold the shredded chicken with the garlic aioli until evenly coated. Avoid overmixing — you want defined pieces of chicken surrounded by creamy aioli.
- Assemble wraps: lay a tortilla flat and place one-quarter of the chicken mixture down the center. Top with 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar and any optional add-ins (spinach, tomato, onion).
- Fold: fold the bottom of the tortilla over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll tightly to form a wrap. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
- Warm and melt: heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat with a thin brush of oil or a nonstick spray. Place the wraps seam-side down and cook 2–3 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until golden and the cheese is melted. For crisper tortillas, cook an extra minute per side.
- Rest and slice: remove from heat and let rest 1 minute to set. Slice in half on the diagonal and serve warm.
Practical tips:
- If you’re short on time, heat wraps in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 6–8 minutes until cheese melts.
- To prevent sogginess, toast tortillas lightly before assembling or place wet ingredients (tomato, salsa) away from the tortilla edge.
- Check doneness by ensuring cheese is visibly melted and center feels warm to the touch.
Serve It Up
- Classic: Serve warm halves on a plate with a simple green salad and kettle-cooked chips.
- Brunch-style: Pair with scrambled eggs and a hot cup of coffee or tea for a savory morning treat.
- Snack/Party platter: Slice into bite-sized pinwheels and serve with dipping sauces such as salsa, ranch, or extra aioli.
- Comfort bowl: Deconstruct and serve the filling over rice or a bed of greens for a bowl version.
- Simple side pairings: coleslaw, pickles, roasted sweet potato wedges, or a crisp cucumber salad.
Storing Leftovers
- Room temperature: Do not leave assembled wraps with mayonnaise-style aioli and cooked chicken at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F) for food safety; follow USDA guidelines for perishables.
- Refrigeration: Store assembled wraps in an airtight container or tightly wrapped for up to 3–4 days. To reduce sogginess, store chicken filling separately from tortillas; assemble and warm before serving.
- Freezer: Cooked chicken can be frozen for 2–3 months in a sealed freezer bag. Assembled wraps freeze poorly (texture changes), but if necessary, wrap tightly in plastic and foil and freeze for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly.
Chef’s Advice
- Use warm, freshly shredded chicken for the best texture and flavor; cold, dense chicken won’t meld as well with the aioli.
- Grate your own cheddar: pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can inhibit melting. Freshly grated cheddar gives a creamier melt and better stretch.
- Toast tortillas first if you want to avoid sogginess — a quick dry toast seals them and improves flavor.
- Balance salt carefully: aioli and cheese bring sodium; taste the chicken mixture before adding extra salt.
- For an even quicker melt, assemble wraps open-faced on a baking sheet and broil 1–2 minutes until cheese bubbles, then fold and serve.
Fun Flavor Ideas
- Spicy Southwest: Mix 1–2 tbsp of sriracha or chipotle in adobo into the aioli, add corn and black beans, and use pepper jack cheese.
- Mediterranean twist: Swap aioli for tzatziki, add sliced cucumber, kalamata olives, and feta in place of cheddar.
- Vegan version: Use pulled jackfruit or seasoned chickpeas, vegan garlic mayo, and a plant-based shredded cheese, served in a gluten-free or whole-grain wrap.
- Herb & citrus: Add chopped fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika to brighten the filling.
Recipe Q&A
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes — rotisserie chicken is convenient and adds great flavor. Shred the meat and discard skin if you prefer less fat.
Q: How do I keep the tortilla from getting soggy?
A: Toast tortillas briefly before assembling, or assemble at serving time. Put wetter ingredients (tomato, salsa) in the center, away from edges.
Q: Is there a healthier swap for aioli?
A: Mix plain Greek yogurt with minced garlic, lemon juice, and a touch of olive oil for a lower-fat, protein-rich alternative.
Q: Can I make these ahead for a party?
A: Prepare the chicken mixture up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. Assemble and warm wraps just before serving for best texture.
Q: How should I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through and cheese remelts, or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 6–10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep tortillas crisp.
Conclusion
I hope these Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps become a trusted favorite — they’re quick to make, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly adaptable. If you’d like another take on this exact idea, see this classic version at Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps, or for a slightly different recipe and serving suggestions, check out Recipe: Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps. Try the recipe, tweak a variation, and share your photos and tips — I’d love to hear what you make!
Print
Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 wraps 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Warm tortillas filled with tender shredded chicken, garlicky aioli, and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for a quick meal or snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 280 g)
- 1/2 cup garlic aioli (about 120 ml)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (about 113 g)
- 4 large flour tortillas
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 cup baby spinach, 1 small tomato (sliced), 1/4 cup sliced red onion, or pickled jalapeños
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: shred the cooked chicken and season lightly with salt and pepper. Shred the cheddar if not pre-shredded.
- Combine filling: in a bowl, gently fold the shredded chicken with the garlic aioli until evenly coated.
- Assemble wraps: lay a tortilla flat and place one-quarter of the chicken mixture down the center. Top with 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar and any optional add-ins.
- Fold: fold the bottom of the tortilla over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll tightly to form a wrap.
- Warm and melt: heat a skillet over medium heat, place the wraps seam-side down and cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden and the cheese is melted.
- Rest and slice: remove from heat and let rest for 1 minute to set. Slice in half on the diagonal and serve warm.
Notes
For crisper tortillas, cook an extra minute per side. Serve with a simple salad or as bite-sized pinwheels for a party.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wrap
- Calories: 617
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Printable Recipe Card
Want just the essential recipe details without scrolling through the article? Get our printable recipe card with just the ingredients and instructions.




