Ooey-Gooey Cheesy Garlic Chicken

This ooey-gooey cheesy garlic chicken wrap recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal that disappears from plates in minutes. The combination of melted cheeses and garlic-infused chicken wrapped in a crispy buttery tortilla creates an irresistible comfort food experience that both kids and adults will love.

I first made these wraps when my brother unexpectedly brought friends over after soccer practice. The wraps disappeared so quickly that I barely had time to grab one for myself. Now they're my go to solution whenever I need to feed hungry people fast.

Ingredients

• Chicken breast cooked and diced: The foundation of our wrap provides lean protein and takes on the garlic flavor beautifully.
• Garlic minced: The aromatic heart of this recipe that infuses the entire dish with its distinctive flavor.
• Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin for the best flavor when sautéing the garlic.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides that signature stretch and mild creamy flavor that melts perfectly.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp tangy flavor that complements the mozzarella beautifully.
• Flour tortillas medium sized: Look for fresh pliable ones that won't crack when folded.
• Butter: Creates that gorgeous golden crispy exterior that makes these wraps irresistible.
• Parsley chopped optional: Adds a fresh pop of color and subtle herbaceous note.
• Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

If not already cooked season chicken breasts with salt and pepper then bake at 375°F for 25 minutes grill until juices run clear or sauté until no longer pink. Allow to cool slightly before dicing into small bite sized pieces about half an inch each. Properly cooked chicken should be juicy not dry.

Create the Garlic Infusion:

Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Add three cloves of minced garlic and sauté just until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden around 30 to 60 seconds. Watch carefully as garlic burns quickly and becomes bitter. The kitchen will fill with an incredible aroma at this stage.

Combine Chicken and Garlic:

Add the diced chicken to the garlic oil mixture and toss thoroughly to coat each piece. Allow the chicken to warm in the fragrant oil for about two minutes stirring occasionally. This step infuses the chicken with garlic flavor throughout rather than just on the surface.

Add the Cheese:

Remove the pan from heat and immediately add one cup each of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Stir quickly to incorporate the cheeses while the residual heat begins to melt them. The mixture should be creamy and slightly stringy but not completely melted as it will continue to melt inside the wrap.

Assemble the Wraps:

Lay a medium flour tortilla on a flat surface and spoon approximately half cup of the chicken cheese mixture slightly off center. Leave about an inch of space from the edges to prevent overflow during cooking. Fold the bottom edge up over the filling then fold in the sides and roll tightly from bottom to top sealing the wrap.

Crisp to Perfection:

Melt two tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat until bubbling but not browning. Place wraps seam side down and press gently with a spatula to seal. Cook for two to three minutes until golden and crispy then carefully flip and cook the other side. The exterior should be crispy while the interior remains molten and gooey.

The garlic is truly the secret ingredient in this recipe. I learned from my grandmother to gently crush the garlic cloves before mincing to release more of their essential oils. This small step makes a noticeable difference in how the flavor permeates the entire dish creating layers of complexity rather than just a surface note.

Storage Solutions

These wraps keep surprisingly well for quick meals throughout the week. After cooking allow them to cool completely then wrap individually in parchment paper followed by aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat remove the foil but keep the parchment and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving as this will make the tortilla soggy instead of crispy.

Customize Your Wraps

The basic recipe serves as an excellent template for endless variations. Try adding spinach roasted red peppers caramelized onions or sun dried tomatoes to the filling. For a spicy kick incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the chicken mixture. Herb lovers can enhance the flavor profile with fresh basil cilantro or thyme mixed into the cheese. For a Mediterranean twist substitute feta for cheddar and add olives.

Serving Suggestions

These wraps shine when paired with complementary sides. Serve alongside a simple green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness or offer a small bowl of tomato soup for dipping. For a complete meal include some sweet potato fries or a light coleslaw. If serving at a gathering cut each wrap into pinwheels and provide a creamy ranch or chipotle dipping sauce to take them to the next level.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken for these wraps?

Absolutely! Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves preparation time. Simply remove the skin, shred or dice the meat, and proceed with adding it to the garlic oil. This is a great shortcut that maintains all the flavor while making this an even quicker meal option.

→ What other cheeses work well in these chicken wraps?

While mozzarella and cheddar create the perfect stretch and flavor, you can substitute with monterey jack, pepper jack (for a spicy kick), provolone, or gouda. Avoid very soft cheeses like brie or very hard cheeses that don't melt smoothly. The key is using cheeses that melt well and complement the garlic chicken flavor.

→ How do I prevent the wraps from falling apart while cooking?

To keep the wraps intact, ensure you don't overfill them, fold in the sides first before rolling, place them seam-side down in the pan immediately, and allow them to cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes before attempting to flip. The heat will help seal the tortilla. Using toothpicks to secure them temporarily can also help, just remember to remove before serving.

→ Can I make these wraps ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken-cheese filling up to two days ahead and store it refrigerated. For best results, assemble and cook the wraps just before serving. If needed, you can assemble the wraps a few hours ahead, wrap individually in foil, and refrigerate, then cook when ready to serve. This maintains the crispy exterior and melty interior that makes these wraps special.

→ What can I serve with these cheesy chicken wraps?

These wraps pair beautifully with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, sweet potato fries, or a light soup. For dipping, consider offering marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy sriracha mayo. To create a more substantial meal, serve with Spanish rice, a corn and black bean salad, or classic potato chips with a side of pickles.

→ How can I make these wraps spicier?

To add heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar, add a few dashes of hot sauce when mixing the filling, or serve with a spicy dipping sauce. Cayenne pepper or chili powder can be added to the chicken seasoning for a more subtle heat throughout.