Pin this The first time I made these wraps, my kitchen smelled like bacon and promises. My roommate walked in, took one breath, and asked what I was cooking for dinner. I told her lunch was ready, and she looked at me like I'd just invented happiness. We ate them standing up at the counter, too impatient to bother with plates, watching the steam rise from the crispy tortillas.
Last summer, I made these for a beach day with friends. We packed them still warm, wrapped in foil, and ate them sitting on the tailgate watching waves crash through the fog. Someone asked for the recipe right there, sand on their fingers, sauce on their chin. Now every time we plan a trip, someone sends a text that just says chicken wraps.
What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔
Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.
Free. No spam. Just easy meals.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless works best here, but pound them slightly even if they seem thin
- Kosher salt: The larger crystals adhere better to the meat than table salt
- Black pepper: Freshly cracked makes a noticeable difference in the final flavor
- Garlic powder: Use this instead of fresh garlic so it distributes evenly without burning
- Smoked paprika: This subtle smokiness bridges the gap between chicken and bacon beautifully
- Olive oil: Extra virgin adds a fruity note that complements the spices
- Bacon strips: Look for thick cut bacon that will hold up when cooked partially
- Flour tortillas: Room temperature tortillas fold without cracking
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar stands up to all the bold flavors
- Mayonnaise: Real mayo creates the creamy base for the sauce
- Sour cream: This adds tang and lightens the mayonnaise
- Lemon juice: Fresh squeezed brightens the entire sauce
- Dijon mustard: Just enough to give the sauce depth without overwhelming
- Shredded iceberg lettuce: The crunch is essential and holds up better than greens
- Tomato: Diced small so pieces distribute evenly through each bite
- Avocado: Sliced just before assembling so it does not brown
Tired of Takeout? 🥡
Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.
One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Instructions
- Season the chicken:
- Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels, then mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Rub this spice blend over both sides of each breast, pressing gently so it adheres.
- Cook the bacon:
- Start bacon in a cold skillet over medium heat, cooking until just browned but still flexible. Transfer to paper towels and keep that precious bacon fat in the pan.
- Sear the chicken:
- Add olive oil to the bacon fat and heat until shimmering, then sear chicken four minutes per side until golden. Reduce heat, cover, and cook until chicken reaches 165 degrees inside.
- Whisk the sauce:
- Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl until completely smooth. Taste and add a pinch of salt and pepper if needed.
- Warm the tortillas:
- Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and warm each tortilla fifteen to twenty seconds per side. Stack them in a clean kitchen towel while you assemble everything.
- Build your wrap:
- Spread sauce down the center of a tortilla, top with sliced chicken, bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and avocado. Do not overfill or rolling becomes impossible.
- Roll and crisp:
- Fold in the sides, then roll tightly from bottom to top. Return the wrap seam side down to the skillet and cook two minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Serve immediately:
- Let the wrap rest one minute before slicing diagonally. Extra sauce on the side makes everything better.
Pin this My daughter started requesting these for her birthday lunch instead of cake. Something about having her very own handheld restaurant meal makes her feel grown up. I set up all the ingredients in small bowls and let her assemble her own exactly how she likes it.
Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇
Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.
Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.
Make Ahead Strategy
Cook the bacon and chicken up to two days in advance, then store them separately in the refrigerator. The sauce actually tastes better after the flavors meld overnight in a sealed container. When you are ready to eat, just warm the chicken slightly and assemble everything fresh.
Customization Ideas
Swap the flour tortillas for spinach or sun dried tomato wraps to change the look entirely. Sometimes I add pickled red onions for a bright acidic kick that cuts through all the richness. A handful of fresh cilantro right before rolling adds a fresh herbal note.
Serving Suggestions
These wraps work beautifully alongside sweet potato fries or a simple green salad with vinaigrette. I have also served them cut into pinwheels for parties, where they disappear faster than I can slice them.
- Keep extra sauce handy because everyone reaches for more
- Wrap the finished product in foil if taking to go
- A toothpick holds everything together while slicing
Pin this Sometimes the simplest meals become the ones we remember most clearly, the ones that show up in our group chat months later as a simple reminder of good times.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → How can I make my chicken extra crispy for this wrap?
Ensure your chicken breasts are patted thoroughly dry before seasoning and searing. A hot skillet with a touch of olive oil or bacon fat will help achieve a golden, crisp exterior. Avoid overcrowding the pan to allow for proper searing.
- → What are some good substitutions for the tortillas?
You can easily swap large flour tortillas for whole-wheat or spinach varieties for different flavor profiles or added nutrition. For a lower-carb option, large lettuce leaves, such as butter lettuce or romaine, can be used as a wrap.
- → Can I prepare any components of this dish in advance?
Absolutely! The chicken can be cooked, rested, and sliced ahead of time, and the bacon can be crisped in advance. The mayonnaise-based sauce can also be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, making assembly quicker when you're ready to eat.
- → How do I prevent my wrap from getting soggy?
To prevent sogginess, ensure your ingredients like shredded lettuce and diced tomato are relatively dry before assembly. Also, crisping the assembled wrap in a skillet at the end helps seal it and maintains its structure and texture, enhancing the overall enjoyment.
- → What can I serve alongside these wraps?
These savory wraps pair wonderfully with a simple side salad, a bowl of sweet potato fries, or even a cup of tomato soup for a heartier meal. For a lighter accompaniment, fresh fruit slices or crunchy vegetable sticks would also be great.
- → Can I add more spice to this wrap?
For extra heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning, a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce inside the wrap, or sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) before rolling. You can also intensify the tang of the mayo sauce with an extra squeeze of lime or hot sauce.