Ever find yourself staring into the fridge after a long day, wondering what on earth you can pull together that’s both satisfying and speedy? That’s where these wraps come in. It’s a simple concept: tender, shredded chicken tossed in a tangy-sweet honey mustard sauce, wrapped up with fresh, crunchy veggies in a soft tortilla, and then griddled until the outside is perfectly golden and crisp. It’s the ultimate hand-held dinner that feels like a treat but comes together with minimal fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, this recipe is a lifesaver on those chaotic weeknights. It hits all the right notes: it’s quick, it’s packed with flavor, and it’s endlessly adaptable to what you have in your pantry. You get that fantastic contrast of the warm, crispy tortilla against the cool, crisp lettuce. And the best part? It uses simple ingredients you probably already have. No strange, hard-to-find items here. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table happy without keeping you tied to the stove for hours. So good.
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Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: The star of the show. Using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is my favorite time-saver.
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base for the sauce.
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard: Provides a sharp, tangy flavor foundation.
- 3 tablespoons honey: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness to balance the mustard.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: A little acidity to brighten up the whole sauce.
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch): The vessel for all that goodness.
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, shredded: For a necessary fresh, crunchy element.
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a nice bite and a pop of color.
- 1 cup shredded colby jack or cheddar cheese: Because everything is better with melty cheese.
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil: For getting that tortilla beautifully golden and crispy.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: To enhance all the other flavors.
Step by Step Method
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and apple cider vinegar until it’s smooth and well-combined.
- Add your shredded chicken to the bowl with the honey mustard sauce. Use a spoon or your hands to toss everything together until the chicken is evenly and thoroughly coated. Give it a taste and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Lay a tortilla flat on a clean work surface. Sprinkle about a quarter of the cheese in the center of the tortilla. This acts as a barrier to keep the wrap from getting soggy.
- Top the cheese with a generous quarter of the chicken mixture. Then, layer on some shredded lettuce and a few slices of red onion.
- Fold in the left and right sides of the tortilla over the filling. Then, tightly roll the tortilla up from the bottom, creating a secure burrito-like shape.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a half tablespoon of butter or oil and swirl it around to coat the pan. Place the wrap seam-side down. Cook for 2-4 minutes per side, pressing down gently with your spatula, until each side is gorgeously golden brown and crispy. Repeat with the remaining wraps.
- Let them rest for a minute before slicing them in half diagonally. This helps everything set so they don’t fall apart when you bite in.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
These wraps are a complete meal all on their own, but I love serving them with a light side to round things out. A simple, classic potato salad or a tangy coleslaw is a fantastic pairing, especially if you’re channeling those backyard barbecue vibes. For something lighter, a handful of baby carrots with ranch dip or a fresh fruit salad works beautifully. And if you’re really in a pinch, a bag of your favorite kettle chips never hurts. It’s all about keeping it easy and enjoyable.
Flavor Twists
The beauty of this recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Not a fan of red onion? Thinly sliced apples add a wonderful sweetness and crunch. Want a little heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the honey mustard sauce. For a smokier flavor, try using a smoked turkey breast instead of chicken. You can even swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a protein boost and a tangier kick. Don’t be afraid to play around with different cheeses, either—pepper jack or Swiss would be delicious.
Oven Temperatures
If you’re feeding a crowd and want to make several of these Crispy Honey Mustard Chicken Wraps at once, the oven is your friend. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Instead of pan-frying, place your assembled wraps seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly brush the outside of each wrap with melted butter or olive oil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, carefully flipping them halfway through, until they’re golden and crisp. They won’t be *quite* as crispy as the pan-fried version, but it’s a great hands-off method.
Leftovers & Reheating
These wraps are absolutely best eaten right away, but you can store any leftover filling separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend assembling the wraps ahead of time, as the tortilla will get soggy. To reheat any pre-cooked wraps, the air fryer is your best bet for reviving that crispness. Reheat at 370°F for 3-4 minutes. You can also use a skillet over medium heat again for a few minutes per side. Avoid the microwave, as it will make the tortilla very soft.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl: For whipping together that simple sauce and coating the chicken.
- Skillet or Griddle: A good non-stick or cast-iron skillet is essential for getting that perfect golden, crispy sear.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: For getting the sauce flavor just right.
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For prepping your veggies and slicing those wraps.
FAQs
- Can I use raw chicken breast instead of pre-cooked? Absolutely! For these quick dinner recipes, using pre-cooked chicken is a huge time-saver, but you can definitely start from scratch. Just dice one pound of raw chicken breast, season it, and cook it in a skillet with a little oil until no longer pink. Let it cool slightly before shredding and mixing with the sauce.
- What’s the best way to shred chicken? For easy shredded chicken recipes, my go-to method is using a stand mixer. Just pop warm, cooked chicken into the bowl and use the paddle attachment on low speed for about 30 seconds. It shreds it perfectly! Two forks work just fine, too.
- Can I make these wraps ahead of time for meal prep? You can mix the chicken and sauce up to 3 days in advance and keep it stored in the fridge. But wait to assemble and cook the wraps until you’re ready to eat. This is one of those healthy dinner ideas that’s best fresh to maintain that fantastic crispy texture.
- Are there any other simple chicken recipes that use this same method?You can use this same crispy wrapping technique with so many different fillings. Try swapping the honey mustard for barbecue sauce and adding some corn and black beans. It’s a great way to build your repertoire of easy meals the whole family will love.