Picture this: a wrap so good, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for a boring sandwich. My Chicken Cranberry Pecan Wraps are what I call a “lunchtime upgrade.” They’re quick to make, packed with flavor, and honestly feel a little fancy without the effort. The sweet cranberries, tangy dressing, savory chicken, and crunch of pecans—it’s a combination that just works.
This recipe was born out of my search for something exciting to bring to work that didn’t involve sad desk salads or plain leftovers. I wanted something satisfying but not heavy, and something that felt a little special. After some trial and error, this wrap became my go-to. Now it’s your turn to try it!
Whether you’re packing lunch for work, school, or just craving a fresh, wholesome meal, these wraps have you covered. Bonus points for being totally customizable—swap the greens, play around with the cheese, or throw in your favorite seasonal extras. Let’s get wrapping!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re anything like me, lunch can feel like a bit of a blah moment in the day. But not with these Chicken Cranberry Pecan Wraps. Here’s why these are about to become your new favorite:
- Quick to Make: You can prep these in 10 minutes flat. Perfect for busy mornings or when you just want to eat already!
- Balanced Flavors: Sweet, savory, tangy, crunchy—all the textures and tastes you love, wrapped up in one bite.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch of filling ahead of time, and you’ve got an easy grab-and-go lunch for the week.
- Customizable: No pecans? Use walnuts. Not a fan of cranberries? Try dried cherries or raisins. The wrap is your canvas.
Honestly, these wraps make me look forward to lunch. They’re satisfying without being heavy, and they’re perfect for eating on the go (no fork required!).
What Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is simple, but every ingredient plays a part in making these wraps irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cooked Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or even leftover roasted chicken. Chop it into bite-sized pieces or shred it—whatever you prefer.
- Dried Cranberries: These add a pop of sweetness and a chewy texture. I like to use the slightly sweetened ones, but feel free to use unsweetened if you prefer.
- Pecans: Toasted pecans are the secret to added crunch and depth of flavor. You can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3 minutes—just don’t walk away, they burn fast!
- Greens: Spinach, arugula, or even a spring mix work beautifully here. The greens add freshness and a bit of color.
- Crumbled Feta or Goat Cheese: Pick your favorite! The creamy, tangy flavor ties everything together. I lean toward feta for its saltiness, but goat cheese is equally dreamy.
- Wraps/Tortillas: I love whole wheat wraps for a little extra fiber, but regular flour tortillas or spinach wraps work well too.
- Dressing: A tangy balsamic vinaigrette is my go-to for this recipe. You can use store-bought or whip up your own with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Quick tip: If you’re making these for meal prep, store the filling ingredients separately from the wraps to avoid sogginess. Assemble right before eating!
Equipment Needed
You don’t need much to pull this recipe off—just a few basics that you probably already have in your kitchen:
- Cutting board: For chopping your chicken and veggies.
- Sharp knife: Essential for clean cuts, especially when slicing the chicken and pecans.
- Small skillet: For toasting the pecans (optional but highly recommended—it makes a big difference!).
- Mixing bowl: To toss your filling ingredients together.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: For mixing everything evenly without bruising the greens.
- Wraps or parchment paper: To roll up your wraps easily and keep them together.
That’s it! No fancy gadgets needed—just good food and a little hands-on love.
How to Make It: Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s get rolling. Follow these simple steps to make your Chicken Cranberry Pecan Wraps:
- Prep Your Ingredients (5 minutes): Chop or shred your cooked chicken into small pieces. Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to avoid burning.
- Make the Filling (5 minutes): In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, cranberries, toasted pecans, and crumbled feta or goat cheese. Add a handful of greens and drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette. Toss gently until everything is well coated.
- Assemble the Wraps (2 minutes per wrap): Lay out your tortilla or wrap on a flat surface. Spoon a generous amount of filling into the center, leaving about an inch of space around the edges. Fold in the sides, then roll tightly from the bottom up. If your wrap doesn’t stay closed, secure it with a toothpick or wrap it in parchment paper.
- Serve or Store: Slice the wraps in half for easier handling and serve immediately, or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap for later. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
That’s it—easy, right? You’ll have a lunch that tastes gourmet but doesn’t take all morning to prepare.
My Best Tips & Techniques
Here’s what I’ve learned from making these wraps more times than I can count:
- Use room temperature chicken: Cold chicken can make the wrap feel less cozy. Let it come to room temp for 15 minutes before assembling.
- Don’t overfill the wraps: Trust me, it’s tempting to pile on the filling, but too much makes it impossible to roll neatly. Less is more!
- Toast the pecans: This step is optional, but it makes a huge difference in flavor. Toasting brings out their natural nuttiness and adds a deeper crunch.
- Warm the wraps: Microwaving your tortillas for 10 seconds before assembling makes them more pliable and less likely to tear.
- Make it ahead: Prep the filling up to 3 days ahead and store it in an airtight container. Assemble the wraps fresh each day for the best texture.
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you’ll be making perfect wraps in no time.
Ways to Mix It Up
This recipe is super versatile, so feel free to experiment! Here are some ideas to get you inspired:
- Apple Walnut Wrap: Swap cranberries for thinly sliced apples and use walnuts instead of pecans for a fresh, crunchy twist.
- Turkey Twist: Replace chicken with cooked turkey—perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers!
- Vegan Version: Skip the chicken and cheese. Use roasted chickpeas for protein and avocado for creamy richness. Trust me, it’s still delicious.
- Savory-Sweet Delight: Add a drizzle of honey mustard dressing instead of balsamic for a sweeter flavor profile.
- Extra Veggie Power: Toss in shredded carrots or thinly sliced cucumbers for added crunch and freshness.
Feel free to get creative—there’s no wrong way to make these wraps!
Serving Ideas & Storage
These wraps are best enjoyed fresh, but they’re also perfect for packing up and taking on the go. Here’s how to serve and store them:
Serving Suggestions
- Lunch: Pair with a side of veggie sticks or a cup of soup for a complete meal.
- Snack: Cut into smaller pieces and serve with a dipping sauce like ranch or honey mustard.
- Party Platter: Slice the wraps into bite-sized pinwheels for an impressive appetizer or finger food.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and get better overnight!
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the filling in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and assemble your wraps fresh.
- Reheating: If you want a warm wrap, microwave it for 15-20 seconds. Just don’t overdo it or your wrap might get soggy.
Pro tip: If you have leftovers, toss them into a salad for a quick and easy dinner!
Nutritional Info & Health Benefits
Here’s a quick look at why these wraps are not only delicious but also a smart lunch choice:
| Per Serving (1 wrap) | Nutritional Info |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~320 |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbs | 28g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 3g |
Health Highlights:
- High in Protein: Thanks to the chicken and pecans, this wrap will keep you full for hours.
- Healthy Fats: Pecans and olive oil from the dressing provide heart-healthy fats.
- Rich in Nutrients: Cranberries add antioxidants, and those greens? Packed with vitamins!
It’s balanced, flavorful, and way better than a greasy drive-thru lunch.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it—my favorite Chicken Cranberry Pecan Wraps recipe. This is one of those meals that checks all the boxes: quick, healthy, and delicious. Plus, it’s versatile enough to suit whatever you’re craving or have on hand.
These wraps have saved me from so many boring lunches, and I hope they do the same for you. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or just want to enjoy something fresh and tasty, this recipe is a winner.
If you make these, I’d love to hear how they turn out! Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram @yourhandle—I always get excited seeing your creations.
Happy wrapping—your taste buds will thank you!
FAQs
Q: Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
A: Absolutely! Turkey works beautifully in this recipe, especially if you have leftovers from a holiday meal. Chop or shred it just like you would the chicken.
Q: Can I use a different type of nut?
A: Yes! Walnuts or almonds are great substitutes for pecans. Toast them to bring out their flavor for the best result.
Q: What kind of wrap works best?
A: I love whole wheat wraps for the extra fiber, but you can use flour tortillas, spinach wraps, or even flatbreads. Just make sure they’re large enough to roll up neatly.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes, but I recommend storing the filling separately and assembling the wraps right before eating to avoid sogginess.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Sure! Swap the chicken for roasted chickpeas or even cooked quinoa for a protein boost. It’s just as delicious and satisfying!
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Chicken Cranberry Pecan Wraps Recipe – Easy & Delicious Lunch
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 4 wraps
Description
A quick and flavorful wrap featuring sweet cranberries, tangy dressing, savory chicken, and crunchy pecans. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or meal prep.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken (chopped or shredded)
- Dried cranberries
- Toasted pecans
- Greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
- Crumbled feta or goat cheese
- Wraps or tortillas (whole wheat, flour, or spinach)
- Balsamic vinaigrette dressing
Instructions
- Chop or shred the cooked chicken into small pieces.
- Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, cranberries, toasted pecans, crumbled feta or goat cheese, greens, and balsamic vinaigrette. Toss gently until well coated.
- Lay out a tortilla or wrap on a flat surface. Spoon a generous amount of filling into the center, leaving about an inch of space around the edges.
- Fold in the sides of the wrap, then roll tightly from the bottom up. Secure with a toothpick or wrap in parchment paper if needed.
- Slice the wraps in half and serve immediately, or wrap tightly in plastic wrap for later. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Notes
[‘Use room temperature chicken for better flavor.’, ‘Don’t overfill the wraps to ensure neat rolling.’, ‘Toast the pecans for enhanced flavor and crunch.’, ‘Warm the wraps slightly for easier rolling.’, ‘Store filling separately from wraps for meal prep to avoid sogginess.’]
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wrap
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 18
Keywords: Chicken wraps, Cranberry pecan wraps, Easy lunch recipe, Healthy wraps, Meal prep wraps


