Save These Mango Avocado Chicken Wraps are my go-to any time I crave something colorful and fresh that still feels like a real meal. They pack tender grilled chicken, creamy avocado, juicy mango, and a tangy sauce inside a soft tortilla making every bite a burst of sunshine on your plate, perfect for quick lunches or easy picnic food.
My kids gobble these up even more when we picnic in the backyard and the first time I brought them to a potluck everyone wanted the recipe right away.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: These cook up juicy and soak up spices well Choose firm and fresh
- Olive oil: Helps the chicken brown and keeps it moist Pick extra virgin for best flavor
- Ground cumin and smoked paprika: Bring warmth and just a hint of smokiness Look for fresh spices for brightest flavor
- Ripe avocado: Diced for extra creaminess A ripe avocado yields slightly to pressure and the skin darkens
- Ripe mango: Adds natural sweetness Pick a mango that smells fragrant and feels a little soft when pressed
- Small red onion: Thinly sliced for a bold crunch Choose one that feels heavy with no mushy spots
- Baby spinach: Tender mild greens that add color Look for crisp unwilted leaves
- Fresh cilantro: Offers bright herbal notes Use only vibrant green leaves for best taste
- Large flour tortillas: Soft and flexible which makes for easier rolling Pick high quality for best texture
- Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt: The creamy base for the sauce Choose full fat for richer taste or Greek yogurt for extra protein
- Lime juice: Adds tang to the sauce Fresh squeezed if you can for the brightest flavor
- Honey: Natural sweetness that balances the lime Choose runny honey for easier mixing
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings Check that your salt is clean and not caked
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Rub the chicken breasts all over with olive oil then sprinkle on the cumin smoked paprika salt and black pepper Use your hands to coat evenly so every bite is flavorful
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium high Add the chicken and cook 4 to 5 minutes per side Press gently to ensure good contact with the pan Cook until no longer pink inside and juices run clear Transfer to a plate and rest for at least 5 minutes to keep the juices in
- Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl whisk together the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with lime juice honey salt and pepper Mix until smooth Taste and adjust seasoning as needed
- Assemble the Wraps:
- Lay each tortilla flat on a clean surface Spread about a tablespoon of sauce evenly over the center of each tortilla This forms the creamy barrier to keep things from getting soggy
- Fill Them Up:
- Arrange a layer of spinach leaves down the center Then top with sliced cooked chicken evenly distribute mango avocado red onion and cilantro down the line Try not to overstuff so you can roll them tight
- Wrap and Serve:
- Gently fold the sides of each tortilla toward the center then roll from the bottom up pressing as you go to keep things compact Slice each wrap in half using a sharp knife Serve immediately or wrap tightly for later
Save The mango always reminds me of beach picnics growing up Whenever I taste that sweet tang with chicken it feels like summer vacation for my taste buds and my kids love helping pick the best mangoes at the store
Storage Tips
Wrap leftovers tightly in foil or plastic and store in the fridge for up to one day For best texture store filling separately and assemble fresh If preparing in advance keep avocado and mango pieces tossed with a splash of lime juice to help prevent browning Do not freeze assembled wraps as the produce gets mushy but the cooked chicken itself can be frozen for future quick wraps
Ingredient Substitutions
For a vegetarian wrap swap in pan seared tofu cubes or canned chickpeas For a pescatarian twist grilled shrimp works beautifully If flour tortillas are not your thing use whole wheat or a large collard green leaf for a lower carb option Swap cilantro for flat leaf parsley and add arugula instead of spinach for a peppery bite
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crunchy tortilla chips or a light coleslaw Add hot sauce or sliced jalapenos if you like spice On really warm days a cold sparkling lemonade pairs perfectly with the wraps Cut into pinwheels and secure with toothpicks for a colorful lunch tray or appetizers
Cultural and Historical Context
This fusion wrap draws inspiration from global flavors you find in tropical street food There is a whisper of Latin and Caribbean with mango and cilantro yet simple enough for a weekday lunch Mangoes and avocados are celebrated in so many cultures for their versatility and freshness If you love classic chicken salad but want something lighter and zestier this wrap is the perfect evolution
Seasonal Adaptations
Try replacing mango with ripe peaches or pineapple in summer Use roasted butternut squash when mango is out of season for a cozy autumn twist Substitute baby kale or shredded cabbage for spinach in cooler months
Save These wraps are requested year round at my house They always disappear at community potlucks or picnics Even my picky eaters forget all about greens and onions because the mango and avocado make it feel like a treat
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute chicken in these wraps?
Yes, you can replace chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or other protein of your choice for a pescatarian or vegetarian option.
- → What type of tortilla works best?
Large flour tortillas work well, but whole wheat or certified gluten-free tortillas are great alternatives for dietary needs.
- → How can I add extra heat?
Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to increase spiciness and enhance flavor.
- → Is there a dairy-free sauce option?
Use mayonnaise instead of Greek yogurt in the sauce to keep these wraps dairy-free, or select plant-based alternatives.
- → How can I make these allergen-friendly?
For gluten-free wraps, choose certified gluten-free tortillas. If egg-free is needed, select egg-free mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
- → What sides pair well with these wraps?
These wraps are great with a light salad or crispy tortilla chips to round out your meal.