🌮 Smokey Southwest Chicken Wrap Recipe – Bold Flavor Meets Backyard Simplicity

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If you’re craving something smoky, spicy, and satisfying, this Smokey Southwest Chicken Wrap is the ultimate backyard meal. We’re talking smoked chicken on the Rec Tec pellet grill, marinated to perfection, then wrapped up with crisp veggies, creamy avocado, and a burst of Southwest flavor in every bite.

And here’s the best part — it doubles as a meal prep powerhouse. You can make a batch, vacuum seal it, and have flavorful wraps ready to grab throughout the week. This one checks all the boxes: easy, healthy, and absolutely packed with flavor.

The Story Behind the Recipe

This one started as a spur-of-the-moment cookout idea that turned into a full-blown favorite. I had a few chicken breasts left in the fridge, some tortillas, and that signature McCormick Chipotle Pepper Marinade sitting on the shelf.

So, I fired up the Rec Tec, gave the chicken a good smoke bath, and wrapped it all up with fresh veggies and a smoky-sweet sauce. After one bite, I knew it was a keeper. It’s the perfect weekday prep meal that doesn’t taste like leftovers — because honestly, it tastes even better the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️

🔥 Smoky Flavor: The pellet smoker infuses deep, rich flavor into every bite.
🌯 Meal Prep Magic: Stays fresh all week when vacuum sealed.
🌶 Bold Southwest Taste: Chipotle, garlic, lime, and cilantro bring the heat.
🥗 Healthy & Satisfying: High protein, fresh veggies, and customizable to your taste.

Smokey Southwest Chicken Wrap Recipe

🕒 Prep Time: 45 min 🔥 Cook Time: 30 min ⏳ Total Time: 1 hr 15 min 🍽 Serves: 4

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 2 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts

  • 2 Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs

  • 1 package (1.13 oz) McCormick Grill Mates Chipotle Pepper Marinade

  • ¼ cup Water

  • ¼ cup Olive Oil

  • McCormick Grill Mates Roasted Garlic & Herb Spice

For the Wrap:

  • 1 Medium Red Onion (diced)

  • 1 Package Cherry Tomatoes (halved)

  • 2 Bell Peppers (diced)

  • 1 Large Romaine Lettuce Head (chopped)

  • 1 Ear Corn (cut off the cob)

  • 1 Avocado (diced)

  • 1 cup Fresh Cilantro (chopped)

  • 4 Large Flour Tortillas

Instructions

1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken
Whisk together the Chipotle Pepper Marinade, water, and olive oil. Place chicken in vacuum dam bags or zip-top bags, pour in the marinade, and seal using a vacuum sealer (or submerge in water to remove air). Refrigerate for at least 12 hours, ideally overnight.

2️⃣ Prep the Grill
Set your Rec Tec Pellet Grill (or any wood-fired smoker) to 300°F (149°C).

3️⃣ Smoke the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade, pat dry, and season heavily with Roasted Garlic & Herb Spice. Place on the smoker and cook until internal temps hit 160°F (71°C) for breasts and 180°F (82°C) for thighs.

4️⃣ Rest and Slice
Remove from heat and rest for 15 minutes to lock in juices. Slice the chicken thin against the grain.

5️⃣ Prep the Veggies
While the chicken rests, dice your onion, tomatoes, and bell peppers. Cut corn off the cob, chop cilantro, and cube the avocado.

6️⃣ Build the Wraps
Layer each tortilla with lettuce, smoked chicken, veggies, cilantro, and avocado. Add corn for sweetness and texture.

7️⃣ Wrap and Serve
Roll tightly, slice in half, and serve immediately — or vacuum seal for the week ahead!

Pro Tips for Smokey Southwest Chicken Wraps 💡

🔥 Get That Smoke Right: Use fruitwood pellets like apple or cherry for a mild, sweet flavor that won’t overpower the chicken.
🌽 Add Crunch: Grilled corn adds an incredible pop of sweetness and texture.
🥑 Avocado Upgrade: Mix diced avocado with lime juice and salt to keep it from browning.
🧄 Flavor Boost: Add a drizzle of chipotle mayo or southwest ranch for an extra kick.
🥙 Meal Prep Tip: Vacuum seal your wraps using liquid dam bags — they keep the sauce from leaking and extend freshness.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe combines everything you love about Southwest flavors — smoke, spice, crunch, and freshness — into one perfectly balanced wrap. The marinade infuses deep chipotle notes, the smoker adds that distinct backyard BBQ aroma, and the fresh veggies bring it all to life.

It’s a true backyard classic, whether you’re cooking for the family or prepping meals for the week. Each bite hits with flavor, and it’s as easy to make as it is to love.

FAQ

Q: Can I use different proteins?
A: Absolutely! This wrap works just as well with shrimp, steak, or even grilled tofu.

Q: How long will these last in the fridge?
A: Up to 3 days when stored in airtight containers — or 5 days vacuum sealed.

Q: Can I make it spicier?
A: Add sliced jalapeños or mix some chipotle hot sauce into your marinade for more heat.

Q: What tortillas work best?
A: Flour tortillas hold up well, but whole wheat or spinach wraps are great healthy options.

Q: Can I grill instead of smoke?
A: Yes! Grill over medium-high heat, flipping every few minutes until cooked through for a slightly quicker version.

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