Delicious & Easy Chicken Pesto Wraps: Your Go-To Quick Meal Solution

If you’re searching for a meal that’s both incredibly quick to prepare and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors, look no further than these amazing Chicken Pesto Wraps. They are the epitome of an easy dinner or a perfect grab-and-go lunch, offering a delightful combination of savory chicken, aromatic pesto, creamy cheese, and crisp vegetables, all nestled within a soft tortilla. The best part? You can easily make them ahead of time, making your busy week a little bit smoother.

Wraps have earned their place as a beloved staple in kitchens around the world for good reason. They’re endlessly versatile, customizable to any palate, and incredibly portable. Whether you need a speedy lunch to pack for work or school, or a light yet satisfying dinner, wraps consistently deliver. While classics like Southwestern Chicken Wraps, Buffalo Chicken Wraps, Chicken Caesar Wraps, and Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps are always popular, this Chicken Pesto Wrap recipe introduces a fresh, herbaceous twist that is sure to become a new favorite. The combination of tender chicken with rich, fragrant pesto and creamy mozzarella creates a Mediterranean-inspired symphony of tastes that’s hard to resist.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Pesto Wraps

The beauty of these wraps lies in their simplicity and the quality of their core ingredients. You won’t need a lengthy shopping list to bring these to life. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to create these flavorful wraps:

Large Tortillas or Wraps: Opt for large flour tortillas that are flexible enough to hold all your delicious fillings without tearing. Whole wheat or low-carb options are also fantastic choices depending on your dietary preferences.
Cooked Chicken: The star of the show! Pre-cooked chicken makes this recipe incredibly fast.
Pesto: The defining flavor of these wraps. Whether store-bought or homemade, ensure it’s fresh and vibrant.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella adds a creamy, mild, and delightful texture.
Avocado: Sliced avocado provides a wonderful creaminess and healthy fats.
Spinach: Fresh spinach offers a pleasant crunch and a boost of nutrients.

Choosing the Best Chicken for Your Wraps

One of the key reasons these Chicken Pesto Wraps are so incredibly easy is the flexibility in your choice of chicken. The aim is to use *cooked* chicken, which drastically cuts down on preparation time. Here are some excellent options:

Rotisserie Chicken: This is my personal go-to for convenience. A store-bought rotisserie chicken is already seasoned and perfectly cooked, meaning you literally don’t have to cook a thing! Just shred or chop it, and you’re good to go.
Leftover Cooked Chicken: Don’t let those chicken breasts or thighs from last night’s dinner go to waste. Simply chop them up, and they’re ready for your wraps.
Pre-Cooked Chicken Strips: Many grocery stores offer pre-cooked, grilled chicken breast strips in the refrigerated or frozen section. These are a fantastic shortcut.
Homemade Cooked Chicken: If you prefer to cook your own, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs can be quickly baked, grilled, or pan-fried, then shredded or diced. A simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and perhaps a touch of garlic powder is all you need. You could even poach chicken for a super tender, neutral base.
Leftover Turkey: Around the holidays, if you have leftover turkey, it works wonderfully as a substitute for chicken in this recipe, offering a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile.

Regardless of your choice, ensuring the chicken is tender and easy to shred or chop will make for the best wrap experience.

mixing chicken, pesto and cheese in a bowl

Selecting Your Perfect Pesto

Pesto is the soul of these wraps, infusing them with its distinctive, vibrant flavor. While making pesto from scratch can be a rewarding culinary adventure, there’s absolutely no shame in reaching for a high-quality store-bought version. In fact, that’s often my choice for maximum convenience!

You’ll typically find two main types of store-bought pesto:

Fresh Pesto: Usually located in the refrigerated section of your grocery store, often near fresh pasta or specialty cheeses. These tend to have a brighter, more herbaceous flavor, closer to homemade.
Shelf-Stable Pesto: Found in the dried pasta aisle, these jars are convenient to keep on hand in your pantry. They can be a great backup for when fresh isn’t available, though their flavor might be slightly less intense.

Both options work perfectly well for these wraps; it truly comes down to personal preference and what’s accessible. However, if you’re keen to try a homemade touch, here are two fantastic variations:

Arugula Pesto: For those who enjoy a little kick! The peppery notes of arugula, combined with traditional basil, create a unique and exciting flavor profile. It’s not quite the same as classic basil pesto, but it’s incredibly delicious and adds a gourmet touch.
Spinach Pesto: If you’re looking for a milder alternative to an all-basil pesto, or want to sneak in some extra greens, this blend of spinach and basil is a fantastic choice. It offers a slightly sweeter, less pungent taste while still retaining that essential pesto essence.

Whichever pesto you choose, ensure it’s well-mixed with the chicken and cheese to distribute that wonderful flavor evenly throughout your wraps.

How To Assemble Your Delicious Chicken Pesto Wraps

Making these wraps is incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal effort and no actual cooking once your chicken is ready. The entire process takes mere minutes, making it ideal for a last-minute meal. Follow these simple steps for perfectly constructed wraps:

Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, combine your chopped or shredded cooked chicken, pesto, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly until all the chicken is evenly coated with the pesto and the cheese is well integrated. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
Layer the Tortillas: Lay your large tortillas flat on a clean surface. For each wrap, place a generous handful of fresh spinach in the center. The spinach acts as a protective layer, preventing the tortilla from getting soggy, and adds a refreshing crunch.
Add the Creamy Goodness: Arrange slices of fresh avocado over the bed of spinach on each tortilla. The avocado contributes a rich, creamy texture and healthy fats, complementing the pesto beautifully.
Fill with Chicken Pesto: Evenly divide the chicken, pesto, and cheese mixture among the tortillas, placing it directly over the avocado and spinach. Don’t overfill, as this will make wrapping difficult.
Fold and Wrap: This is where technique matters for a tidy wrap. First, fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, bringing them slightly towards the center. Then, starting from the bottom (the edge closest to you), tightly roll the tortilla upwards, enclosing all the ingredients. Aim for a snug roll to keep everything contained.
Serve: Once wrapped, cut each wrap in half, either straight across or diagonally, for easier handling and serving. Enjoy immediately for the best fresh flavor and texture!

Endless Customization: More Filling Ideas

While the basic Chicken Pesto Wrap is fantastic on its own, it also serves as a perfect canvas for culinary creativity. These wraps are incredibly versatile, allowing you to personalize them with a variety of extra fillings to suit your taste and whatever you have on hand. Here are some fantastic ideas to elevate your pesto wraps:

Add Sliced Tomatoes: Fresh, juicy tomato slices or halved cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and acidity that brightens the overall flavor profile.
Incorporate Sliced Red Onion: For a sharp, slightly spicy kick and a satisfying crunch, thinly sliced red onion is a wonderful addition. If you find raw onion too potent, a quick soak in cold water can mellow its flavor.
Mix Up the Cheese: Don’t limit yourself to mozzarella!
- Cheddar: Adds a sharper, more robust flavor.
- Smoked Gouda: Offers a unique, smoky depth that pairs beautifully with pesto.
- Feta: Crumbled feta introduces a salty, tangy, and slightly crumbly texture, giving the wrap a Mediterranean flair.
- Provolone or Swiss: Mild and melty, these can add a different kind of creaminess.
Crispy Bacon: The saltiness and crunch of cooked bacon pieces are a surprisingly delightful addition, providing a fantastic textural contrast and an extra layer of savory flavor.
Experiment with Greens: While spinach is excellent, feel free to use any type of fresh greens you enjoy.
- Romaine Lettuce: Provides a great crispness.
- Iceberg Lettuce: Offers a classic, refreshing crunch.
- Mixed Greens: A medley of different greens can add complexity in flavor and texture.
- Arugula: For an extra peppery bite that complements the pesto.
Roasted Red Peppers: Jarred roasted red peppers, drained and sliced, add a sweet and smoky flavor.
Olives: Sliced black or Kalamata olives can bring a salty, briny depth.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For an intensified tomato flavor, sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped) work wonderfully.
Cucumber: Thinly sliced cucumber can add a cool, refreshing element.
Drizzle of Balsamic Glaze: A light drizzle can add a sweet and tangy counterpoint.

Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your signature Chicken Pesto Wrap!

Chicken Pesto Wraps - super easy chicken wraps that you can make ahead or serve for a quick and easy dinner! Filled with chicken, cheese, pesto, tomatoes and more!

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

Can I Make Chicken Pesto Wraps Ahead?

Absolutely! These chicken pesto wraps are fantastic for meal prepping. You can prepare the chicken pesto mixture (chicken, pesto, and cheese) up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply assemble the wraps with fresh spinach and avocado. If you want to assemble the entire wrap ahead of time, it’s best to do so no more than 12-24 hours in advance to prevent the tortilla from getting soggy, especially if you include juicy ingredients like tomatoes. For best results, wrap each assembled wrap tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper before storing in the fridge.

Can You Make This Low Carb?

Yes, these Chicken Pesto Wraps can easily be adapted for a low-carb diet. The primary source of carbohydrates in this recipe is the tortilla. Simply swap out regular flour tortillas for low-carb tortillas, which are widely available in most grocery stores. All the other ingredients – chicken, pesto, mozzarella, avocado, and spinach – are naturally low in carbohydrates, making this a great and flavorful option if you’re looking to cut down on carbs. You can also make a “lettuce wrap” version by using large, sturdy lettuce leaves (like romaine or butter lettuce) instead of tortillas for an even lower-carb option.

What To Serve With Your Chicken Pesto Wraps

While these chicken pesto wraps are quite satisfying on their own, pairing them with a fresh side can complete the meal beautifully. Here are some excellent choices that complement the flavors of pesto and chicken:

Tomato Mozzarella Salad: A caprese-style salad with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella balls, basil, and a balsamic glaze echoes the Mediterranean flavors of the wraps, adding freshness and lightness.
Fruit Skewers: A colorful assortment of fresh fruits on a skewer provides a sweet, refreshing contrast and a vibrant pop of color. Berries, melon, and grapes are excellent choices.
Lemon Herb Potato Salad: A lightened-up potato salad with bright lemon and fresh herbs (instead of a heavy mayo base) can be a delicious and satisfying accompaniment without being too heavy.
Greek Salad: The crisp vegetables, briny olives, and tangy feta in a Greek salad offer a refreshing and flavorful side that aligns well with the pesto’s herbaceous notes.
Simple Side Salad: A basic green salad with your favorite vinaigrette is always a good choice, adding fresh crunch and nutrients.
Vegetable Sticks with Hummus: For a quick and healthy option, offer carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips alongside a dollop of hummus.

close up wraps with chicken and pesto on a cutting board

More Easy Chicken Recipes for Your Meal Planning

Chicken is a staple in many households for its versatility and ease of preparation. If you love quick and delicious chicken dishes, be sure to explore more recipes from my collection. From slow-cooker wonders to quick skillet meals, there’s always something new to try!

Crockpot Fiesta Chicken
Chicken Tostadas
Chicken Pot Pie Noodles
Curry Chicken Salad
Buffalo Chicken Chili
Hawaiian Chicken
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Buffalo Chicken Sliders

cropped close up chicken wrap with pesto

★★★★★

5 from 1 vote

Chicken Pesto Wraps

By

Erin Sellin

Super easy chicken wraps that you can make ahead or serve for a quick and easy dinner! Filled with chicken, cheese, pesto, tomatoes and more!

Prep:

10

Total:

10

Servings:
2

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Ingredients

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2 large flour tortillas
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1 cup cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
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1/3 cup pesto
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1/3 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
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1 avocado, sliced
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handful spinach

Instructions

In a bowl mix together chicken, pesto and cheese until well combined.
Arrange tortillas on a surface in front of you. Place a small handful of spinach in the center of each. Place slices of avocado over the spinach. Divide the chicken mixture evenly between the tortillas.
Fold the sides over the chicken and tightly wrap to close.
Cut in half and serve.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:

Erin Sellin

Prep Time:

10

Total Time:

10

Course:
Dinner Recipes

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
2

Calories:
652

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