You know that feeling when you’re starved for a quick meal but want something that tantalizes your taste buds, too? That was me one day, desperately scanning the fridge for inspiration when I came across leftover chicken and some vibrant basil pesto. In a flash of creativity, I envisioned a new favorite: Fresh Pesto Chicken Wraps with Bacon. The perfect blend of savory chicken, crispy bacon, and peppery greens all wrapped up in a soft tortilla—this wasn’t just a meal, it was a celebration of flavors!
What I love about these wraps is how simple they are to prepare yet satisfying enough to impress. Each bite bursts with freshness, from the zesty pesto to the sweet cherry tomatoes. Whether you’re hosting a casual lunch, looking for a quick weeknight dinner, or even packing a picnic, these wraps are the ultimate solution to beat the fast-food blues. Ready to dive into deliciousness? Let’s roll!
Why You'll Love This Fresh Pesto Chicken Wraps with Bacon
- These Fresh Pesto Chicken Wraps with Bacon are incredibly easy to make, taking only about 10 minutes from start to finish.
- The flavor combination of savory chicken, crispy bacon, and zesty pesto will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
- Their versatility makes them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner, a picnic in the park, or a casual lunch with friends.
- Plus, the vibrant colors of the ingredients make these wraps as visually appealing as they are delicious, ensuring they catch everyone’s eye at the table.
Fresh Pesto Chicken Wraps Ingredients
For the Wrap
- Large flour tortillas – perfect for holding all the delicious fillings without falling apart.
- Cooked chicken – shredded or sliced, this adds protein and keeps the wraps hearty.
- Cooked bacon – crumbled for that irresistible crispy texture and smoky flavor.
For the Spread
- Basil pesto – a vibrant, flavorful base that brings all the ingredients together, essential for these Fresh Pesto Chicken Wraps with Bacon.
For the Filling
- Mixed greens – a crunchy, fresh layer to enhance the wrap’s health factor and flavor profile.
- Cherry tomatoes – halved for a sweet juiciness that balances out the savory elements.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese – optional, but it adds a delicious creaminess that melts beautifully.
For Seasoning
- Salt and pepper – to taste, essential for enhancing the overall flavor of your wraps.
For Serving
- Lemon wedges – optional, but a squeeze of lemon elevates the flavors and adds a refreshing zing!
How to Make Fresh Pesto Chicken Wraps with Bacon
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Cook the Bacon: Cook your bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels and crumble lovingly into pieces.
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Prepare the Chicken: If you have leftover chicken, enjoy the ease of shredding or slicing it into bite-sized pieces, making it ready for your delicious wraps.
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Spread the Pesto: Lay the tortillas flat on a clean, lovely surface. Generously spread that vibrant basil pesto over each tortilla, covering it well for delightful flavor in every bite.
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Layer the Fillings: On the pesto, add your tender shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, a handful of mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, and optional shredded mozzarella cheese. Remember to season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste!
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Roll the Wraps: Starting from one end, carefully roll the tortilla around all those scrumptious fillings. Tuck in the sides as you go, ensuring everything stays secure and tasty.
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Slice for Convenience: Cut each wrap in half diagonally, beautifully presenting your wraps for easier handling and enjoying.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve the wraps immediately, and for an extra zing, you might consider adding lemon wedges on the side for a refreshing twist!
Optional: A sprinkle of fresh herbs enhances the freshness beautifully!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Fresh Pesto Chicken Wraps with Bacon
Fridge: Keep your Fresh Pesto Chicken Wraps tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This helps maintain freshness and prevents sogginess.
Freezer: If you’re making a batch, these wraps can be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Reheating: To enjoy them later, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through, ensuring the tortilla stays soft and the fillings are piping hot.
Serving: If serving cold, simply cut the wraps in half and enjoy straight from the fridge for a refreshing taste!
Fresh Pesto Variations
Feel free to play with this recipe and make it your own; the possibilities are deliciously endless!
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Gluten-Free: Swap out flour tortillas for gluten-free wraps or lettuce leaves for a lighter option.
Try butter lettuce for a crisp, refreshing twist. -
Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha to your wraps for an extra layer of heat.
This will elevate the flavor profile and keep things exciting! -
Vegetarian: Replace chicken and bacon with grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a colorful veggie wrap.
You still get that hearty satisfaction without the meat! -
Creamy Avocado: Slice or mash fresh avocado and spread it on the tortillas before layering for a rich, creamy texture.
It’s a delightful way to enhance the wrap’s flavor and add healthy fats. -
Herb Infusion: Mix in some fresh herbs like cilantro or dill with the mixed greens for a bold, fresh flavor boost.
This can really transform the wraps into a herbaceous delight! -
Cheese Lovers: Include a variety of cheeses such as feta or goat cheese for a more complex flavor.
This will add a rich and tangy note that complements the pesto wonderfully. -
Breakfast Wrap: Swap out chicken and bacon for scrambled eggs and sautéed spinach and serve it as a breakfast option.
It’s simple, and you’ll love starting your day with a delicious wrap! -
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle in some toasted pine nuts or walnuts for an added crunch and nutty flavor.
This textural contrast can make every bite an adventure!
What to Serve with Fresh Pesto Chicken Wraps with Bacon?
Satisfy your craving for a complete meal by complementing these wraps with delightful sides and drinks that elevate the experience.
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Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: The sweet and savory flavor of these fries adds a satisfying crunch that balances the freshness of the wraps.
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Mixed Green Salad: A light and refreshing salad with a tangy vinaigrette enhances the wrap’s flavors while keeping the meal vibrant and wholesome.
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Zesty Coleslaw: The creamy, tangy undercurrents of coleslaw mesh well with the savory ingredients of the wraps, offering delightful contrast in every bite.
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Grilled Corn on the Cob: The natural sweetness and slight char of grilled corn bring a smoky touch to the meal, celebrating summer flavors with every bite.
Enjoy a beverage alongside your wraps; a well-paired drink makes a difference!
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Iced Lemonade: Crisp and revitalizing, a glass of iced lemonade complements the richness of bacon and pesto beautifully.
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Sparkling Water with Mint: Adding refreshing mint heightens the flavors, making this a delightful drink to cleanse the palate.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: If you’re craving something sweet, these classic cookies provide a comforting finish to your meal without overwhelming the taste buds.
Make Ahead Options
These Fresh Pesto Chicken Wraps with Bacon are ideal for meal prep, saving you time on busy weeknights! You can prepare the filling components—shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and chopped tomatoes—up to 3 days in advance. Simply store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can spread the basil pesto on the tortillas up to 24 hours before assembling. When you’re ready to enjoy the wraps, just layer the prepped fillings on the tortilla, roll them up tightly, and slice in half for easy handling. This way, you’ll have delicious, homemade wraps ready to go with minimal effort!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Fresh Pesto Chicken Wraps with Bacon, ensure your bacon is cooked until crispy to provide the best texture contrast.
- Avoid overloading your tortilla with too many fillings, as this can make it difficult to roll and eat neatly.
- To prevent your wrap from becoming soggy, consider placing the mixed greens and tomatoes in the center, keeping them away from the edges.
- After rolling, let the wraps sit for a minute before slicing, which helps everything hold together better during serving.
Fresh Pesto Chicken Wraps with Bacon Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken is best for these wraps?
Absolutely! For these Fresh Pesto Chicken Wraps with Bacon, cooked chicken is ideal. You can use rotisserie chicken for its convenience or any leftover grilled or baked chicken. Just make sure it’s shredded or sliced into small pieces so it distributes evenly throughout the wrap!
How long can I store the Fresh Pesto Chicken Wraps in the fridge?
Very! You can keep these wraps safely in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and prevent them from getting soggy.
Can I freeze these wraps for later use?
Yes, indeed! If you want to enjoy your Fresh Pesto Chicken Wraps with Bacon later, they can be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap each individual wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This protects them from freezer burn and keeps them delicious!
How do I reheat the wraps after freezing?
Sure thing! To reheat, first, thaw the wraps in the fridge overnight. The next day, heat a skillet over medium heat, then add the thawed wrap. Heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through, turning gently to avoid burning the tortilla. This way, you keep that lovely softness in the tortilla while ensuring the fillings are piping hot!
Can I use other greens besides mixed greens?
Absolutely! While mixed greens work wonderfully, you can totally swap them out for baby spinach, arugula, or even kale, depending on what you have on hand. Each option will bring a unique flavor profile to your Fresh Pesto Chicken Wraps with Bacon.
What should I do if my wraps are soggy?
Very good question! If you find your wraps soggy, consider layering your ingredients differently the next time. Place the mixed greens and tomatoes more towards the center of the tortilla, isolating them from the edges where the pesto might make things mushy. Let your wraps sit a minute after rolling to set before cutting, and that will help everything hold together beautifully!
Fresh Pesto Chicken Wraps with Bacon
Ingredients
- 2 large flour tortillas perfect for holding all the delicious fillings without falling apart.
- 1 cup cooked chicken shredded or sliced
- 4 slices cooked bacon crumbled for crispy texture
- 1/2 cup basil pesto essential for these wraps
- 2 cups mixed greens a fresh layer
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese optional
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 1 lemon wedge optional, but enhances flavors
Method
- Cook your bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels and crumble.
- Prepare the leftover chicken by shredding or slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
- Lay the tortillas flat and generously spread basil pesto over each tortilla.
- Layer on shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, and optional shredded mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Roll the tortilla around the fillings, tucking the sides in to secure the contents.
- Cut each wrap in half diagonally for easy handling.
- Serve the wraps immediately, optionally with lemon wedges on the side.
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