Grilled Pesto Chicken Wraps: 5 Ultimate Tips for Perfect Results

Grilled pesto chicken wraps might just be the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers. You know that moment when you’re staring into your fridge at 6 PM, wondering how to transform basic ingredients into something your family will actually get excited about? I’ve been there countless times, and that’s exactly how this recipe was born.

I’m Emeli, and if you’ve been following my culinary journey at FoodFansy, you know I believe that great food doesn’t need to be complicated—it just needs to come from the heart. This grilled pesto chicken wrap recipe perfectly embodies that philosophy. During my travels through the Mediterranean coast, I fell in love with the simple yet vibrant combination of basil, chicken, and fresh vegetables. When I returned home, I knew I had to recreate those flavors in a way that would work for busy home cooks.

What makes these wraps special isn’t just their incredible flavor—it’s their versatility. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, need a quick lunch solution, or want to impress guests with minimal effort, these wraps deliver every time. We’ll cover everything from selecting the perfect chicken to mastering the grilling technique that gives these wraps their signature crispy exterior and melted, gooey interior.

Why This Grilled Pesto Chicken Wrap Recipe Works

From my years in professional kitchens to countless experiments in my home kitchen, I’ve learned that the best recipes combine convenience with incredible flavor—and these grilled pesto chicken wraps hit that sweet spot perfectly.

Here’s what makes this recipe a game-changer:

• Uses affordable, accessible ingredients – Everything you need can be found at your local grocery store, and most ingredients keep well, making this perfect for meal planning • Ready in under 20 minutes – From assembly to golden-brown perfection, you’ll have dinner on the table faster than most delivery options • Perfect for meal prep and leftovers – These wraps actually taste better the next day, making them ideal for lunch boxes and busy schedules • Endlessly customizable – The base recipe is just the beginning; you can adapt it for different dietary needs and flavor preferences

The magic happens when you grill these wraps. The tortilla becomes golden and crispy while the cheese melts into the pesto, creating a creamy sauce that binds all the ingredients together. It’s comfort food with a fresh, Mediterranean twist.

Choosing the Right Chicken for Grilled Pesto Chicken Wraps

The foundation of any great chicken wrap is, obviously, the chicken itself. After years of testing different approaches, I’ve found that the key to exceptional grilled pesto chicken wraps lies in smart chicken selection and preparation.

Best Chicken Options for This Recipe

Rotisserie chicken is my top choice for these wraps, and here’s why: it’s already seasoned, incredibly tender, and saves you valuable cooking time. The slightly smoky flavor from the rotisserie process pairs beautifully with the basil pesto. When shopping, look for birds that feel heavy for their size and have golden, crispy skin—these indicators suggest the chicken was properly cooked and will be juicy.

Leftover grilled or roasted chicken works wonderfully too. If you’re meal prepping or have leftovers from Sunday dinner, this recipe breathes new life into cooked chicken. The key is ensuring the chicken is properly stored and still moist.

Buying and Storage Tips

When selecting rotisserie chicken, choose birds from stores with high turnover—the fresher, the better. The chicken should smell pleasant and the skin should look appealing. If you’re not using it immediately, remove the meat from the bones and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Substitution Options

While chicken is traditional, these wraps are incredibly adaptable. Turkey works beautifully, as does leftover pork or even grilled shrimp. For vegetarian versions, consider using grilled portobello mushrooms or seasoned chickpeas for protein.

Ingredients & Prep for Grilled Pesto Chicken Wraps

Success with these wrilled pesto chicken wraps starts with proper ingredient selection and preparation. Having spent years perfecting this recipe, I’ve learned that a little prep work upfront makes the assembly process seamless.

Essential Ingredients Breakdown

For the chicken: 1 cup of shredded rotisserie or leftover chicken forms the protein base. Remove any skin or cartilage, and shred into bite-sized pieces that will distribute evenly throughout the wrap.

Pesto perfection: 1/3 cup of basil pesto is your flavor powerhouse. Whether you use store-bought or homemade, choose a pesto with vibrant green color and visible basil leaves. Store-bought works beautifully for convenience, but if you have fresh basil, making your own takes these wraps to the next level.

Cheese component: 1/2 cup of grated mozzarella creates that coveted melty interior. Fresh mozzarella works too, but pre-shredded melts more evenly when grilled.

Prep Work Essentials

Tortilla selection: Large flour tortillas are non-negotiable for these grilled pesto chicken wraps. They need to be pliable enough to roll without cracking and large enough to contain all the fillings generously.

Vegetable prep: Chop your artichoke hearts into bite-sized pieces—they add a tangy, briny element that balances the richness. Slice your avocado just before assembly to prevent browning.

Seasoning blend: The Italian seasoning ties all the Mediterranean flavors together. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, combine dried basil, oregano, and garlic powder.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Grilled Pesto Chicken Wraps

After making these grilled pesto chicken wraps hundreds of times, I’ve refined the technique to ensure perfect results every time. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll achieve that ideal combination of crispy exterior and melted, flavorful interior.

Pre-Cooking Prep for Grilled Pesto Chicken Wraps

Start by laying your tortillas flat on a clean work surface. This is your canvas, and proper assembly makes all the difference. Spread the pesto evenly across the center of each tortilla, leaving about 2 inches of border on all sides—this prevents spillage during rolling.

Layer the ingredients in order: mozzarella first (it helps bind everything), then the shredded chicken, followed by chopped artichoke hearts and avocado slices. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and add a handful of arugula or fresh basil if using. The key is not overfilling—less is more when it comes to successful wrapping.

Assembly Method for Grilled Pesto Chicken Wraps

Fold the sides of the tortilla inward first, then roll from the bottom up, keeping the filling tightly packed. The roll should be snug but not so tight that it tears the tortilla. Brush both sides generously with oil—this creates that golden, crispy exterior we’re after.

Cooking Technique for Grilled Pesto Chicken Wraps

Preheat your grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. This temperature is crucial—too hot and the exterior burns before the cheese melts; too low and you won’t get that coveted crispy texture.

Place the wraps seam-side down first. This helps seal the wrap and prevents unwrapping during cooking. Grill for 4-6 minutes until golden brown, then carefully flip and repeat. You’ll know they’re ready when the exterior is crispy and golden, and you can see the cheese beginning to melt and ooze slightly.

Final Touch for Perfect Grilled Pesto Chicken Wraps

Let the wraps rest for 2-3 minutes before slicing—this allows the melted cheese to set slightly, preventing a messy slice. Cut diagonally with a sharp knife for the most attractive presentation.

Pro Tips for Perfect Grilled Pesto Chicken Wraps

Through years of perfecting these grilled pesto chicken wraps, I’ve discovered several techniques that separate good wraps from absolutely incredible ones.

Avoiding Common Mistakes with Grilled Pesto Chicken Wraps

Don’t overstuff: The biggest mistake I see home cooks make is adding too much filling. Remember, less is more—you want to be able to bite through the wrap comfortably without ingredients spilling out.

Control the moisture: Pat your chicken dry before shredding, and drain artichoke hearts thoroughly. Excess moisture creates soggy wraps that won’t crisp properly.

Oil application: Brush oil on both sides, but don’t go overboard. Too much oil creates greasy wraps; too little prevents proper browning.

Essential Tool Recommendations for Grilled Pesto Chicken Wraps

A good grill pan or cast-iron skillet makes all the difference. The ridged surface of a grill pan creates attractive marks and helps excess oil drain away. If using a regular skillet, cast iron holds heat beautifully and creates even browning.

A pastry brush for oil application ensures even coverage without oversaturating the tortilla.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Grilled Pesto Chicken Wraps

These wraps are excellent meal prep candidates. Wrap individually in foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, unwrap and place in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes, or use a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side.

Flavor Variations for Grilled Pesto Chicken Wraps

One of the things I love most about these grilled pesto chicken wraps is their adaptability. During my travels and culinary experiments, I’ve discovered countless ways to customize this base recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

Mediterranean Twist for Grilled Pesto Chicken Wraps

Add sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese for an authentic Greek-inspired version. The brininess of the olives and the tang of the feta create a beautiful contrast to the creamy pesto.

Spicy Version of Grilled Pesto Chicken Wraps

For heat lovers, add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto. You can also use a spicy pesto or add a drizzle of hot sauce before grilling. The heat balances beautifully with the cooling avocado.

Dietary Adaptations for Grilled Pesto Chicken Wraps

Keto-friendly: Use low-carb tortillas or large lettuce leaves as wraps. The filling is naturally keto-compliant, making this an easy adaptation.

Dairy-free: Substitute the mozzarella with dairy-free cheese alternatives, and ensure your pesto is made without parmesan cheese.

Gluten-free: Simply use gluten-free tortillas—the rest of the recipe remains unchanged.

Serving Suggestions for Grilled Pesto Chicken Wraps

These grilled pesto chicken wraps are versatile enough to work for lunch, dinner, or even a casual entertaining option. The key is choosing accompaniments that complement rather than compete with the Mediterranean flavors.

For sides, I love serving these with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette—the peppery greens echo the arugula in the wrap while the bright acidity cuts through the richness. Roasted red pepper soup makes an excellent pairing for cooler weather, and the colors are absolutely stunning together.

If you’re serving these for dinner, consider adding a side of crispy potatoes seasoned with herbs, or a quinoa tabbouleh for extra Mediterranean flair. For beverages, a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light beer such as a wheat beer complements the herbs beautifully without overwhelming the delicate flavors.

FAQs About Grilled Pesto Chicken Wraps

Can I make grilled pesto chicken wraps ahead of time? Absolutely! These wraps are perfect for meal prep. Assemble them up to 24 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, grill as directed. The flavors actually improve as they meld together.

What’s the best way to prevent my grilled pesto chicken wraps from falling apart? The key is proper rolling technique and not overfilling. Make sure to fold the sides in first, then roll tightly from the bottom. Also, starting with the seam-side down when grilling helps seal the wrap.

Can I use frozen chicken for my grilled pesto chicken wraps? While fresh or rotisserie chicken gives the best results, you can use properly thawed and cooked frozen chicken. Just ensure it’s completely thawed and heated through before assembling your wraps.

How do I store leftover grilled pesto chicken wraps? Wrap individual portions in foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They actually taste great cold, or you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.

Are grilled pesto chicken wraps healthy? These wraps offer a good balance of protein, healthy fats from the avocado, and vegetables. To make them even healthier, use whole wheat tortillas and add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.

Conclusion

There’s something magical about a recipe that brings together simple ingredients to create something truly special, and these grilled pesto chicken wraps do exactly that. From that first bite with its perfectly crispy exterior giving way to melted cheese and vibrant pesto flavors, to the satisfaction of creating a meal that works for busy weeknights and special occasions alike—this recipe embodies everything I love about home cooking.

What started as inspiration from my Mediterranean travels has become one of my most requested recipes, and I hope it becomes a staple in your kitchen too. The beauty lies not just in the incredible flavor, but in the recipe’s adaptability to your family’s preferences and dietary needs.

Ready to transform your weeknight dinners? Fire up that grill pan and make these tonight! I guarantee your family will be asking for them again and again. And when you make them, I’d love to see your creations—tag @foodfansy on social media and share how you’ve made this recipe your own.

Join the 10,000+ home cooks who’ve fallen in love with this recipe and discovered that incredible meals don’t require complicated techniques—just great ingredients and a little bit of heart.

Looking for more Mediterranean-inspired recipes? Try our [Mediterranean Quinoa Bowls] or our [Herb-Crusted Salmon with Lemon] next—they pair beautifully with the flavors you’ve just discovered in these wraps!

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends or save it for later!

I’d love to see your unique twist—feel free to post your photos on Pinterest!

Grilled Pesto Chicken Wraps: 5 Ultimate Tips for Perfect Results

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• Author: Emeli
• Total Time: 15mins

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Description

These grilled pesto chicken wraps are loaded with shredded chicken, basil pesto, avocado, italian seasoning and tender artichoke hearts. Grilled until warm and crispy, perfect for a quick, delicious lunch.

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Ingredients

• 1/2 cup grated mozzarella (dairy free if needed)

• 1/3 cup basil pesto, store-bought or homemade

• 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken (or leftover)

• 1/2 cup canned artichoke hearts, chopped

• 1 avocado, pitted and sliced

• 2 tsp Italian seasoning

• 2 large flour tortillas

• Arugula or fresh basil (optional)

• Oil for grilling

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Instructions

 

• In the center or each tortilla, layer mozarella, basil pesto, shredded chicken, artichoke hearts and sliced avocado. Sprinkle with italian seasoning and top with a handful of arugula or fresh basil.

• Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium high heat. Fold the sides of the tortilla inward and roll it up like a burrito. Brush both sides with oil.

• Grill the wraps for 4-6 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Serve warm.

• Prep Time: 5minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 456kcal
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 572mg
• Fat: 31g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Grilled Pesto Chicken Wraps