Tired of boring chicken? This guide to the best way to make juicy chicken for easy grilled chicken wraps is a great way to elevate your easy meals and make the perfect wrap. Whether you need a quick lunch using boneless chicken breast (or chicken thighs), this is the next level in flavor and simplicity.
The secret to a truly great wrap isn't just the fillings; it is the protein. Our easy grilled chicken ensures you end up with unbelievably juicy chicken that stays moist from the first bite to the last, banishing boring chicken forever.
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Ingredients
To Make a Juicy Grilled Chicken, Here's What You'll Need
- Chicken Breast - the perfect lean canvas for absorbing bold flavors.
- Garlic Powder - A must-have for big flavor with very little effort
- Paprika - Adds a gentle smoky warmth with a pop of color
- Italian Dressing - Your all-in-one flavor superhero! This is an instant chicken marinade, infusing every chicken piece with zesty goodness in record time.
- Salt and Pepper - Brings everything together and make the flavors shine.
- Oregano - The Mediterranean touch! It delivers a depth that complements the Italian Dressing and makes you think of sunny days.
See recipe card for quantities.
The Italian Dressing Secret
For years running our catering business, clients wanted perfectly juicy chicken every single time. The pressure was on to deliver massive flavor with less time and minimal prep, without serving boring chicken.
It saved me extra work in the kitchen while guaranteeing that every chicken piece was packed with flavor! My secret was a bottle of Italian Dressing to take boring chicken to the next level of flavor.
- The Acid - the vinegar acts as the perfect tenderizer
- The Fat, the little olive oil, keeps the skinless chicken breasts moist on the hot skillet or grill pan.
- The Seasonings - it is loaded with garlic powder, oregano, and fresh herbs already.
Step-by-Step Instructions
How to Grill the Perfect Chicken for Wraps and Salads
Whether it's your first time on the grill or you're a grill master, following these simple steps with easy-to-find ingredients is ALL you need to know!
Marinating the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry with a paper towel. In a container, pour Italian dressing over chicken breast, cover it and place it in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
- Remove chicken from the marinade. Mix together seasonings: Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika and Oregano. Season chicken with the seasoning.
Pro Tip: For maximum flavor, marinate your chicken for the full 24 hours, covered in an airtight container in the fridge.
Grilling Chicken
- If using a grill, preheat it to 400°F. If using a stove top, preheat an oiled skillet on medium-high heat. Once hot, sear both sides of the chicken for 2 minutes on each side.
- Move the chicken to the top rack of the grill (indirect heat) or turn down the heat on your skillet to a medium-low heat. Cook until the internal temperature of the chicken breasts reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5-7 minutes before slicing.
Building the Wrap
- The Perfect Wrap starts with Warm Tortillas
- I lightly toasted each side of a regular flour tortilla on the grill, which adds a little texture and flavor without drying it out.
- You can use whole wheat tortillas, regular flour tortillas or even a vegetable wrap. Any option works as long as it's warmed properly.
- To warm tortillas, you can
- Lightly toast each side as I did on the grill,
- Wrap in a damp paper towel and heat briefly in the microwave
- Warm quickly on a hot skillet using medium heat
ProTip: A soft tortilla is key, so the outside of the wraps doesn't crack.
- Classic and Fresh Fillings
- These fillings keep the wrap light, fresh, and balanced.
- Romain Lettuce, Red bell peppers, green onion, avocado slices, and a sprinkle of Fresh Herbs.
- Cheesy & Comfort-style Fillings
- If you like richer wraps, add one or two cheeses: Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack, Feta cheese, blue cheese, or your cheese of choice.
- Cheese will melt slightly in warm tortillas, helping everything stick together without needing extra sauce.
- Sauce-Based Wrap Ideas
- BBQ sauce for a smoky BBQ chicken wrap
- Buffalo Sauce paired with blue cheese for bold flavor
- Greek Yogurt mixed with lemon juice and garlic powder for a lighter option
- Our own Caesar salad dressing for classic chicken Caesar wraps
ProTip: Use just a little bit of sauce. Too much makes wraps messy and harder to roll.
No Grill? No Problem
You can still make grill chicken-style wraps by using these methods. All three methods deliver flavorful, tender chicken that works beautifully for wraps.
- Oven
- Bake marinated chicken at 425°F until it reaches a safe internal temperature.
- Air Fryer
- Cook at 375-400°F for fast, evenly cooked chicken
- Perfect for minimal prep and fast, easy lunches
- Pan/Skillet
- Use a hot skillet with a little butter or a little olive oil
- Cook over medium-high heat until golden and Juicy
Made this recipe? Let me know!
Equipment and Supplies
This recipe is easy to make with just the right tools! Here are some items I use and trust.
- Silicone Spatula - gentle on your pan and perfect for scraping every bit of that flavorful chicken marinade
- Knives - a sharp knife gives a perfect, clean slice, and I love these knives.
- Glass Bowl - Great for mixing and marinating the chicken
- Tongs - keep your hands clean and make flipping chicken on the grill quick and easy
- Meat Thermometer - lets you know when your chicken is done with no question.
Serving Ideas for Grilled Chicken
How to Serve Grilled Chicken for Wraps and Salads
Should we talk about how to slice it here? in long strips or cubes?
- Classic Serving
- Italian Chopped Salad - a simple, crisp salad featuring romaine lettuce, red onion, bell peppers, olives, and a light vinaigrette perfectly echoes the flavors in the marinade.
- Grilled Vegetables - throw some red bell peppers and zucchini right on the grill alongside the chicken.
- Garlic Bread or Bruschetta - Use some crusty bread to soak up any remaining juices. Try this Bruschetta Chicken for a fun dinner recipe.
- Simple Pasta Salad - A light pasta salad tossed with a little olive oil, feta cheese, and cherry tomatoes is a refreshing and filling accompaniment.
- Crisp Potato Sides - Serve with oven-baked sweet potato wedges, a classic creamy potato salad, or even just high-quality potato chips for a satisfying crunch.
- Fun and Creative Serving Ideas
- Grilled Chicken Wraps - You can use our homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing as a complement to the chicken.
- Lettuce wraps - instead of a whole wheat tortilla, use a large, crisp lettuce leaf, adding in other raw vegetables, and a Greek yogurt sauce.
- Chicken Skewers (Kabobs) - cut the chicken into cubes before marinating and thread onto skewers, alternating with red bell peppers, red onion, and even pineapple chunks, then grill until you have perfect grill marks and serve with a dipping sauce.
Pro Tip: Slice the chicken thin so it layers evenly and doesn't tear the wrap
Storing Leftovers
Storing in the fridge
Let the chicken alfredo pasta bake cool completely, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a great option for meal prep and busy week nights.
Freezing instructions
You can freeze this dish, but the cream-based sauces are best fresh. If you do freeze it, wrap the dish well in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating for best results
- Oven - cover with foil and reheat at 250°F until warmed through. Add a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to a smooth sauce.
- Microwave - reheat in short intervals, stirring in between, with a little milk or cream to keep it creamy.
ProTip: Reheating gently prevents the sauce from separating and keeps that pure comfort intact. Low and slow reheating is key.
Video of Recipe
More Chicken Recipes
Recipe
Grilled Chicken for Wraps and Salads
Equipment
- Grill
- Marinade Container
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs Chicken Breasts
- 1½ Cups Italian Dressing
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry with a paper towel. In a container, pour Italian dressing over chicken breast, cover it and place it in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
- Remove chicken from the marinade. Mix together seasonings: Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika and Oregano. Season chicken with the seasoning.
- If using a grill, preheat it to 400°F. If using a stove top, preheat an oiled skillet on medium-high heat. Once hot, sear both sides of the chicken for 2 minutes on each side.
- Move the chicken to the top rack of the grill (indirect heat) or turn down the heat on your skillet to a medium-low heat. Cook until the internal temperature of the chicken breasts reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5-7 minutes before slicing.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Both skinless chicken breasts and chicken thighs work well. Breasts are lean and slices clean, while thighs stay extra juicy. Choose what you prefer; either makes a great wrap.
The safest and most accurate way is to use a meat thermometer. Once the chicken reaches the recommended internal temperature, it's ready to rest and slice.
Yes. Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. If assembling ahead of time, wrap tightly in plastic wrap so the tortillas stay soft. These wraps are perfect for meal prep and easy lunches.
Chef Tim Clowers says
This is an easy way to create very flavorful grilled chicken for wrap and meal prep.