Healthy Pesto Chicken Wrap Recipe
This healthy pesto chicken wrap is such an easy recipe which makes it perfect for a weeknight meal and one the whole family can enjoy. Filled with delicious pesto chicken, creamy salad mix and wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla. If you love wraps you may also love this Buffalo wild wings chicken wrap recipe or this Healthy Asian Chicken lettuce wraps.
If you love easy chicken wraps, check out my full guide to healthy chicken wraps for simple lunch ideas.
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One of my favorite ways to enjoy juicy chicken is by marinating in pesto sauce and grilling it. It is such a great way to enjoy grilled chicken and it can be enjoyed in a variety of healthy recipes throughout the week.
WHY LOVE HEALTHY CHICKEN PESTO WRAP RECIPE
- Flavorful Combination: Pesto adds a burst of flavor to the chicken, creating a delicious and savory taste.
- Balanced Meal: Pesto chicken wraps often offer a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables, making them a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
- Convenience: Wraps are convenient to eat on the go, and the assembly of ingredients into a wrap makes for a quick and easy meal.
- Customization: You can customize the ingredients to suit your preferences.
INGREDIENTS AND SUBSTITUTIONS NEEDED FOR PESTO CHICKEN WRAP
Ingredients for this delicious pesto chicken wrap are pretty simple and you can use some shortcut substitutions as well to make these go even quicker. Here is what you will need:
- Chicken breasts or tenderloins – Lean chicken breast or tenderloins works best in this recipe. I used chicken tenderloins however if you are using chicken breasts thinly slice them into strips prior to using. You can also substitute any leftover chicken you have or shred a rotisserie chicken as well.
- Pesto Sauce – One of my favorite store bought pesto sauces is from Barilla which is what I used for this recipe. You can make a homemade pesto however using this shortcut helps reduce prep time.
- Spices – I used some standard spices to season the chicken like paprika, black pepper
- Whole wheat tortilla wrap – My favorite tortilla wrap are these from Xtreme Wellness as it is a low carb wrap.
- Caesar Salad mix – Here is where I used a shortcut and purchased a salad mix from my local grocery store. It came complete with shredded lettuce, caesar dressing, croutons, parmesan cheese and a spice blend. For this recipe I only used the lettuce, parmesan cheese and caesar dressing.
- Tomato slices – Any type of tomato will do however I chose sweet grape tomatoes to add some additional sweetness to the pesto chicken salad wraps.
- Bacon slices – Provide extra layer of flavors
- Avocado – adds some creaminess to the wrap
HOW TO MAKE PESTO CHICKEN
Pre heat a griddle or grill to 375 degrees.
In a bowl place your chicken tenderloins or chicken breast strips and season with spices along with pesto. Set aside and allow to marinate while you make the chicken Caesar salad mix.
In another bowl, mix together the shredded lettuce, tomatoes, chopped bacon, parmesan cheese and Caesar salad dressing and stir to combine. Set aside.
Spray your griddle or grill pan with a high cooking spray like avocado oil and place the chicken strips on the grill. Allow to cook 5-6 minutes per side before flipping. You will know they are ready to flip when they pull away easily from the pan. Cook all chicken until golden brown (in batches if needed) and set aside on a plate once done.
After the chicken has rested for a few minutes, shred or chop the chicken into smaller pieces. Heat a medium skillet to medium heat and lightly toast the tortilla wraps on each side for 1-2 minutes.
BUILDING EASY PESTO CHICKEN WRAPS
On a large cutting board or plate, place the tortilla wrap down. Next layer the salad mixture onto the tortilla.
Place the sliced avocado on top of the salad mixture.
Add the shredded chicken on top of the avocado.
Wrap the tortilla tightly and enjoy!
WHAT TO SERVE WITH CHICKEN WRAPS
Here are some ideas for what to serve with pesto chicken wraps:
- Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with a mix of fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the wraps.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Baked sweet potato fries can add a touch of sweetness and a different texture to the meal.
- Hummus and Veggie Platter: A platter of assorted fresh vegetables with hummus for dipping can be a tasty and healthy side.
- Mashed Avocado or Guacamole: Creamy mashed avocado or guacamole can enhance the richness of the wraps.
- Soup: A light soup, such as a tomato basil or roasted red pepper, can be served as a warm and comforting side dish.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Variations can include adding different vegetables, using different types of pesto (such as sun-dried tomato pesto), or incorporating additional ingredients like feta cheese or hummus.
Yes, you can substitute chicken with other proteins like grilled shrimp, turkey, or tofu for a different flavor.
Yes, chicken pesto wraps can be suitable for meal prep. Store the components separately in an airtight container and assemble them when ready to eat to maintain freshness.
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Healthy Pesto Chicken Wrap Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Griddle pan
- 1 Medium bowl
- 1 Small bowl
Ingredients
Pesto Chicken
- 1 pkg Chicken tenderloins
- 1/4 cup Pesto
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- 1/4 tsp Paprika
Pesto Wrap
- 1 Wrap
- 1/2 cup Lettuce shredded
- 1/4 cup Grape tomato chopped
- 1/2 Avocado sliced
- 3 slices Bacon
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp Ceasar dressing
Instructions
- Pre heat a griddle or grill to 375 degrees.
- In a bowl place your chicken tenderloins or chicken breast strips and season with spices along with pesto. Set aside and allow to marinate while you make the chicken Caesar salad mix.
- In another bowl, mix together the shredded lettuce, tomatoes, chopped bacon, parmesan cheese and Caesar salad dressing and stir to combine. Set aside.
- Spray your griddle or grill pan with a high cooking spray like avocado oil and place the chicken strips on the grill. Allow to cook 5-6 minutes per side before flipping. You will know they are ready to flip when they pull away easily from the pan. Cook all chicken until golden brown (in batches if needed) and set aside on a plate once done. After the chicken has rested for a few minutes, shred or chop the chicken into smaller pieces.
- Heat a medium skillet to medium heat and lightly toast the tortilla wraps on each side for 1-2 minutes.
Building Pesto Chicken Wraps
- On a large cutting board or plate, place the tortilla wrap down
- Next layer the salad mixture onto the tortilla
- Place the sliced avocado on top of the salad mixture
- Add the shredded chicken on top of the avocado
- Wrap the tortilla tightly
Amazing but I had to half the portions on the pesto, cheese, avocado, bacon and Caesar dressing to stay in my calorie budget.
John I’m so happy you liked it and were able to make it your own to fit within your own caloric needs!