Spicy Southwest Chicken Roll-Ups Recipe

Spicy Southwest Chicken Roll-Ups Recipe: A Flavor Fiesta

Sizzling flavors dance across these zesty southwest chicken roll-ups that promise to tantalize every taste bud.

Packed with vibrant spices and fresh ingredients, this recipe delivers a mouthwatering twist on traditional wraps.

Each bite bursts with bold southwestern-inspired seasonings that make ordinary meals extraordinary.

Tender chicken mingles with crisp vegetables and creamy cheese, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

The roll-ups come together quickly, making them ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Comfort meets excitement in this simple yet stunning dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Serve these irresistible roll-ups and watch as they disappear from the plate in record time.

Roll-Up Tools for Chicken and Spice Combo

  • Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
  • Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for precise dicing of tomatoes, avocados, and chicken.
  • Mixing Bowl: Medium-sized container for combining sauce ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise tools for accurate ingredient portioning.
  • Serving Plate: Clean surface for presenting and serving roll-ups.
  • Cheese Grater: Quick tool for shredding cheese and creating even texture.

Rolling and Baking These Tex-Inspired Wraps

  • Southwest Flavor Foundation

Create a zesty sauce by blending sour cream, salsa, and taco seasoning until smooth and well-integrated. This vibrant mixture will be the heart of your chicken roll-ups.

  • Tortilla Canvas

Lay a soft tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a generous layer of the prepared sauce across the bottom half, leaving a small border around the edges.

  • Ingredient Symphony

Layer shredded chicken, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and melty cheese onto the tortilla. Sprinkle crushed Fritos for an unexpected crunch and drizzle additional sauce for extra flavor.

  • Roll and Secure

Carefully fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll tightly from bottom to top. Ensure the filling is compact and sealed within the tortilla.

  • Presentation

Slice each roll-up diagonally and arrange on a serving plate. Enjoy immediately while the flavors are vibrant and textures are at their peak.

Adjusting Flavor in Your Southwest Chicken Roll-Ups

  • Flavor Boosters: Add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick that'll wake up your taste buds.
  • Protein Swap: Replace chicken with pulled pork, ground beef, or black beans for a delightful twist that keeps the meal exciting and versatile.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prep the ingredients earlier in the day and assemble roll-ups just before serving to maintain maximum crispness and prevent soggy tortillas.
  • Veggie Lover's Trick: Experiment with additional fresh vegetables like roasted corn, diced bell peppers, or fresh cilantro to amp up the nutritional value and create more vibrant flavors.
  • Leftover Lifesaver: Store roll-ups in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb moisture, keeping them fresh for a quick next-day lunch or snack.

Serving Ideas for a Tex-Mex Twist

  • Party Platter Paradise: Create a colorful southwestern-style platter with the roll-ups artfully arranged, garnished with extra crushed Fritos and fresh cilantro sprigs for visual appeal and extra crunch.
  • Dipping Delight: Prepare additional sauce on the side for guests to customize their dipping experience, using small ramekins filled with extra salsa, sour cream, or a zesty ranch dressing.
  • Fresh Side Companions: Pair the roll-ups with a light black bean and corn salad or crisp mixed green salad to balance the rich flavors and add nutritional variety to the meal.
  • Cool Beverage Match: Serve alongside ice-cold Mexican beer, fresh lime margaritas, or a refreshing citrus-infused sparkling water to complement the zesty southwestern profile of the dish.

Keep Roll-Ups Ready for Meals On-the-Go

  • Smart Prep Ahead: Chop vegetables and cook chicken up to two days before assembling roll-ups to streamline your cooking process and save precious time during busy weeknights.
  • Fridge-Friendly Packaging: Wrap individual roll-ups tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent ingredients from becoming soggy when stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
  • Quick Lunch Solution: Pack these roll-ups in airtight containers for a delicious work or school lunch that stays crisp and flavorful when kept cool until mealtime.
  • Freezer Caution: Avoid freezing assembled roll-ups, as the tortilla and fresh ingredients will lose texture and become mushy upon thawing – best enjoyed fresh or within a day of preparation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 405 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need for Zesty Southwest Chicken Roll-Ups

For The Sauce Base:
  • Sour Cream: Creamy foundation that adds richness and helps bind ingredients together, choose full-fat version for best texture.
  • Salsa: Provides zesty kick and moisture, select fresh or jarred salsa with vibrant chunky texture.
  • Taco Seasoning: Delivers bold southwestern flavor profile, opt for low-sodium blend for better control of saltiness.
For The Protein And Cheese:
  • Shredded Chicken: Lean protein that forms the main filling, use rotisserie or freshly cooked chicken for maximum tenderness.
  • Shredded Cheese: Melty component that adds creamy texture, select Mexican blend or cheddar for authentic southwestern taste.
For The Fresh Veggie And Crunch Elements:
  • Tortillas: Soft wrapper holding all ingredients, choose medium-sized flour tortillas for easy rolling.
  • Lettuce: Adds crisp freshness and light crunch, use romaine or iceberg for best structural integrity.
  • Tomatoes: Brings bright acidity and juiciness, select ripe roma or vine-ripened varieties.
  • Avocado: Provides creamy richness and healthy fats, pick firm but slightly yielding fruit.
  • Fritos: Delivers satisfying crunch and salty accent, crush chips just before assembling for maximum crispness.
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Spicy Southwest Chicken Roll-Ups Recipe

Spicy Southwest Chicken Roll-Ups Recipe


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4.8 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Southwest Chicken Roll-Ups showcase a flavor-packed meal blending Mexican-inspired ingredients. Crisp tortillas wrap tender chicken, sharp cheese, and zesty spices for a quick, satisfying dinner you’ll crave again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (473 ml) chicken, shredded
  • 4 large tortillas, wrap size
  • ½ cup (120 ml) cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) sour cream
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) salsa
  • 1 ½ tbsps (22.5 ml) taco seasoning
  • 1 whole avocado, diced
  • ½ cup (120 ml) tomato, diced
  • 1 ⅓ cups (315 ml) lettuce, shredded
  • 1 cup (240 ml) Fritos, crushed

Instructions

  1. Sauce Preparation: Whisk sour cream, salsa, and taco seasoning in a mixing bowl until smoothly blended, creating a zesty flavor base.
  2. Tortilla Layering: Place tortilla flat, spread sauce on bottom half, leaving a small edge border for clean rolling.
  3. Ingredient Assembly: Layer lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, cheese, and shredded chicken across the tortilla, ensuring even distribution.
  4. Crunch Enhancement: Sprinkle crushed Fritos over chicken, adding a crispy texture to the roll-up.
  5. Sauce Finishing: Drizzle additional sauce over ingredients to boost moisture and flavor profile.
  6. Rolling Technique: Fold tortilla sides inward, then roll tightly from bottom to top, encasing all ingredients securely.
  7. Presentation: Slice roll-ups diagonally, showcasing the colorful ingredient cross-section, and serve immediately to maintain optimal texture and temperature.

Notes

  • Sauce Consistency Check: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, even coating on tortillas.
  • Tortilla Technique: Spread sauce carefully, leaving a small border to prevent messy spillage when rolling.
  • Crunch Factor Preservation: Add Fritos just before rolling to maintain maximum crispness and prevent sogginess.
  • Temperature Timing: Serve immediately after preparation to keep tortillas soft and ingredients at peak freshness and flavor.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Southwestern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 405
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 570 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 21 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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