If you’ve ever needed a lunch that’s both bold in flavor and simple to make, let me introduce you to my go-to chicken pesto wraps. These wraps check every box—juicy grilled chicken, creamy basil pesto, crisp greens, and a little melty mozzarella all tucked inside a warm tortilla. Whether I’m packing these up for a hike, laying them out for a casual weeknight dinner, or slicing them up for a quick party platter, they never miss.
The first time I made these chicken pesto wraps, it was out of sheer fridge desperation—some leftover grilled chicken and a jar of homemade pesto I couldn’t let go to waste. A few tortillas later, I had one of the best wraps I’ve ever eaten. Since then, I’ve tweaked the layers and learned a few tricks to take them from good to gourmet.
There’s something incredibly satisfying about how the herby pesto mingles with the juicy chicken and buttery mozzarella. It’s like a deli sandwich met a summer picnic. These wraps are warm, melty, and vibrant with fresh flavor, but they’re also incredibly adaptable. You can serve them hot off the skillet or cold from the fridge—they’ll still deliver. Perfect for meal prep, school lunches, quick weeknight dinners, or even Sunday brunch with a salad on the side.
You’re about to get a wrap that’s crisp, creamy, herbaceous, and totally satisfying. Let’s roll.
Chicken Pesto Wraps: Fresh, Flavorful & Ready to Roll
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts grilled or pan-seared, sliced thin
- ⅓ cup pesto sauce homemade or high-quality store-bought
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 large tortilla wraps any kind
- 1 cup baby spinach or arugula
- 1 small tomato thinly sliced (optional)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking (if needed)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-cook over medium heat until cooked through (165°F internal temp), about 6–7 minutes per side. Let rest and slice thin.
- Step 2: Warm the Tortillas: Warm each tortilla for 10–15 seconds on a dry skillet to make them more pliable.
- Step 3: Build the Wraps: Spread a generous spoonful of pesto onto the center of each wrap. Layer with spinach, sliced chicken, shredded mozzarella, and tomato if using. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Step 4: Fold & Roll: Fold the sides of the wrap inward, then roll tightly from the bottom up.
- Step 5: Toast (Optional): For extra crunch, lightly toast each wrap in a skillet for 1–2 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
Notes
Chef Derek’s Secret Tips for Chicken Pesto Wraps
- Sear, then slice – Grill or pan-sear your chicken breasts whole, then let them rest before slicing. This locks in the juices and keeps every bite tender and flavorful.
- Homemade pesto? Use lemon zest. – Add a pinch of lemon zest to your basil pesto to brighten the flavor and cut through the richness of the cheese and chicken.
- Toasted wrap = restaurant vibes. – After wrapping, toast the outside in a skillet for 1–2 minutes per side. It creates a crispy outer shell that gives your wrap that café-style finish.
- Double-layer your cheese. – Place cheese on both the bottom and top of the chicken. When it melts, it helps glue the wrap together and amps up the cheesy goodness.
- Don’t skip the greens. – Spinach or arugula adds texture and freshness, balancing the creamy pesto. Want a peppery bite? Arugula’s your secret weapon.
- Wrap it tight, slice on a bias. – A snug roll prevents mess, and a diagonal slice makes your wrap look gourmet—even if you’re just eating it solo at the kitchen counter.
What’s on the Plate?
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Course: Lunch, Dinner, Meal Prep
- Cuisine: American-Mediterranean
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (if grilling chicken)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Snapshot (Per Wrap)
- Calories: ~490
- Protein: 36g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
Budget Breakdown
- Chicken breast (2 large): ~$4.50
- Pesto sauce (1/3 cup): ~$2.00
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup shredded): ~$2.00
- Tortilla wraps (4): ~$2.00
- Spinach or arugula: ~$1.50 Total Cost: ~$12.00
Cost Per Wrap: ~$3.00
Why This Wrap Works
Chicken pesto wraps are the perfect fusion of fresh ingredients and comfort food vibes. They’re light enough for lunch but filling enough to keep you going, and they’ve got that earthy, garlicky basil flavor that makes every bite pop. Great for meal prep, picnics, and no-fuss dinners.
Plus, these wraps give you flexibility. Use grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie, or even leftover baked chicken. Want to go vegetarian? Swap in grilled zucchini or roasted chickpeas.
What You’ll Need
- 2 large chicken breasts, grilled or pan-seared, sliced thin
- 1/3 cup pesto sauce, homemade or high-quality store-bought
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 large tortilla wraps, any kind
- 1 cup baby spinach or arugula
- 1 small tomato, thinly sliced (optional)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking (if needed)
Want to learn about the health benefits of basil? Check out this research-based guide on basil from WebMD.
Step-by-Step: Let’s Wrap
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-cook over medium heat until cooked through (165°F internal temp), about 6–7 minutes per side. Let rest and slice thin.
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
Warm each tortilla for 10–15 seconds on a dry skillet to make them more pliable.
Step 3: Build the Wraps
Spread a generous spoonful of pesto onto the center of each wrap. Layer with spinach, sliced chicken, shredded mozzarella, and tomato if using. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 4: Fold & Roll
Fold the sides of the wrap inward, then roll tightly from the bottom up.
Step 5: Toast (Optional)
For extra crunch, lightly toast each wrap in a skillet for 1–2 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
Derek’s Kitchen Notes
- Homemade pesto makes a difference: Try blending fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and parmesan.
- Cheese swap: Goat cheese or provolone works great if you’re out of mozzarella.
- Wrap it tight: A tighter roll means less mess and a better bite.
Curious how cheese like mozzarella affects your macros? Here’s a good read on The healthiest types of cheese from Healthline.
Easy Twists & Custom Wraps
- Low-carb version: Use low-carb or lettuce wraps.
- Spicy pesto chicken wrap: Add a few red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Mediterranean mix: Add kalamata olives and crumbled feta.
- Vegan: Use grilled tofu, vegan pesto, and dairy-free cheese.
Keep It Fresh
- Meal prep: Assemble and wrap in foil or parchment, then refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Don’t pre-toast: If you’re saving them for later, toast right before eating for best texture.
- Freezing not recommended: Wraps tend to get soggy when thawed.
Quick Pairings: What Goes With It?
Pair these chicken pesto wraps with:
- Sweet potato fries
- Lemon couscous salad
- Roasted veggie medley
- Chilled cucumber soup
- Sparkling water with lemon and mint
Frequently Asked Questions
What are chicken pesto wraps made of?
Chicken pesto wraps typically include grilled chicken, basil pesto, cheese (like mozzarella), and greens like spinach or arugula, all wrapped in a tortilla.
Can I make chicken pesto wraps ahead of time?
Yes, they’re perfect for meal prep. Just keep them wrapped in parchment or foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
What is the best pesto for chicken wraps?
A fresh basil pesto with garlic, olive oil, and parmesan works best. Store-bought is fine too, but check the ingredients for quality.
How do you make a low-carb chicken pesto wrap?
Use low-carb tortillas or wrap the filling in romaine or butter lettuce.
Can I use leftover chicken in pesto wraps?
Absolutely. Shredded rotisserie chicken or last night’s grilled chicken works great.
Can I freeze chicken pesto wraps?
Not recommended—freezing affects the texture of the wrap and pesto.
Is this chicken pesto wrap healthy?
Yes! It’s high in protein and can be customized to fit your dietary needs. Use whole wheat wraps and light cheese for a healthier version.
What kind of cheese goes well with chicken pesto wraps?
Mozzarella is classic, but provolone, goat cheese, or parmesan also pair well.
Want to learn more about healthy packed lunches? Here’s a solid guide from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Final Wrap-Up
These chicken pesto wraps are proof that fast and flavorful can live on the same plate. Whether you’re craving something light but satisfying or need a quick meal you can prep in advance, these wraps deliver.
They’re bursting with herby pesto, juicy chicken, and creamy cheese—all rolled into a tidy little bundle of comfort. Best part? You don’t need to be a pro chef or have hours in the kitchen. These wraps are simple, crave-worthy, and adaptable to whatever you’ve got on hand.
Serve them warm with a crisp bite or cold as a refreshing lunch—you can’t go wrong. They’re one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again, because let’s be honest—when comfort food meets fresh ingredients in a 25-minute recipe, everybody wins.
For more meal ideas that are bold, balanced, and big on flavor, check out our other cozy classics like the Crispy Bacon & Ranch Chicken Melt or Sausage French Toast Roll-Ups.
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Grilled chicken, melty cheese, and zesty pesto rolled into a fresh wrap—this is comfort food wrapped in greens and flavor.
