Grilled Pesto Chicken Wrap Recipe

Prep and marinate

Pat the chicken breasts dry. If breasts are thick, slice each horizontally to make two thinner cutlets or pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness. In a bowl, combine 4 tbs pesto, 1 tbs olive oil, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Add chicken and coat both sides. Let marinate 15–30 minutes at room temperature (or up to 2 hours refrigerated).

Grill or pan-sear

Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high (about 400°F / 200°C) or heat a skillet over medium-high heat and brush with 1 tsp olive oil. Cook the chicken 4–6 minutes per side, until an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) and exterior is nicely charred. Remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain into strips suitable for wrapping.

While the chicken rests, core and slice the tomato into 1/4-inch slices. Thinly slice the cucumber (or cut into half-moons). Tear or chop lettuce leaves into pieces that will fit on the tortilla. If using red onion, thinly slice. Place vegetables in a bowl and season lightly with salt and pepper to taste.

Grate or measure 1/4 cup Parmesan and set aside for assembly.

Warm the tortillas for easier folding: place them 10–15 seconds per side in a dry skillet over medium heat or wrap stack in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes.

Assemble each wrap: lay one warm tortilla flat. Spread about 1/2 tbs extra pesto (if using) across the center of the tortilla. Place a quarter of the lettuce (about 1/2 cup), a few tomato slices, several cucumber slices, a sprinkle of red onion (if using), and a quarter of the sliced pesto chicken. Top with about 1 tbs grated Parmesan (adjust to taste). Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.

Fold the sides of the tortilla in, then roll tightly from the bottom to form a wrap. If desired, place the assembled wrap seam-side down on a hot grill pan or skillet and press lightly for 1–2 minutes per side to seal and create light grill marks.

Slice each wrap in half on the diagonal and serve immediately. Serve with extra pesto or a lemon wedge on the side if desired.