Easy and Nutritious Chicken Pesto Wraps You Can Enjoy Hot or Cold

Chicken Pesto Wraps: A Delicious and Versatile Meal for Any Time

Preparation:

1. Lettuce Chiffonade:
   • Use about 1 to 1 and 1/2 baby Romaine or baby Cos lettuces.
   • Stack the leaves and shred them into thin strips using the chiffonade technique.
   • Give the chopped lettuce a thorough rinse as dirt can cling to the layered leaves.
2. Tomato Slicing:
   • You’ll need 200 grams of cherry, baby Roma, or grape tomatoes.
   • Slice them in half lengthways, or quarter them if you prefer smaller pieces.
3. Garlic Paste:
   • Take one clove of garlic and use a microplane to grate it into a paste.
   • Consider using pre-made garlic paste for convenience, ensuring smooth integration into your sauce.
4. Chop Capers:
   • Roughly chop one teaspoon of capers. No need to rinse them, as the brine adds flavor.
5. Butterfly Chicken:
   • Use 1 kilo (2.2 pounds) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
   • Butterfly each breast by slicing horizontally to create two even-sized fillets.

Making the Pesto:

1. Blender Ingredients:
   • Add 5 grams (0.2 ounces) of pine nuts and Parmesan Reggiano each.
   • Include two cloves of garlic, and about two cups of fresh basil leaves (one bunch).
   • Squeeze in the juice of one-quarter of a lemon, ensuring no seeds slip in.
   • Pour in three tablespoons (60 mL) of extra virgin olive oil.
   • Season with salt and cracked black pepper (10 cracks worth).
2. Blending:
   • Blend on high speed until smooth but thick and pourable.
   • Scrape down the sides as needed and adjust with more olive oil for consistency.
   • You can use a mortar and pestle if you lack a blender for a traditional touch.

Creating the Sauce:

1. Mix Ingredients:
   • Combine three-quarters of a cup of mayonnaise in a mixing bowl.
   • Add the grated garlic, 20 grams of grated Parmesan cheese, and the chopped capers.
   • Include one teaspoon each of Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce.
   • Squeeze in another quarter of a lemon’s juice, season with salt, and cracked black pepper (10 cracks worth).
2. Combine:
   • Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.

Seasoning the Chicken:

1. Add Spices:
   • To a bowl with the chicken, add one teaspoon each of onion powder and garlic powder.
   • Incorporate a big teaspoon of dried Italian herbs and a little chili (optional).
   • Pour in two teaspoons of olive oil, add a generous amount of salt and 20 cracks of black pepper.
2. Mixing:
   • Use clean hands to mix until the chicken is evenly coated and separated.

Cooking the Chicken:

1. Pan-Seared:
   • Heat a large pan over high heat, adding two teaspoons of olive oil.
   • Cook the chicken in batches without overcrowding, searing for 3.5 to 4 minutes on each side until cooked through.
   • Let the chicken rest once cooked.

Assemble the Wraps:

1. Lettuce and Tomato Mix:
   • Once the lettuce is dry, combine it with the cherry tomatoes in a bowl.
   • Add two-thirds of the prepared sauce, mixing thoroughly with clean hands.
2. Pesto Chicken:
   • After resting for five minutes to redistribute juices, slice or dice the chicken, then toss it with all the basil pesto.
3. Wrap Construction:
   • Spread the remaining sauce on five burrito-sized tortillas.
   • Distribute the pesto chicken evenly (about 220 grams per wrap), then add the lettuce and tomato mix.
   • Fold the tortillas over, tuck in the ends, and wrap tightly.

Storage and Serving:

• Wrap Storage:
  • Wraps can be stored in food-safe paper, airtight bags, or meal prep containers.
  • Keep them refrigerated for up to four days.
• Freezing Tip:
  • Avoid freezing assembled wraps as the lettuce can become soggy.
  • Instead, freeze the pesto chicken mix for up to three months, assembling fresh wraps as needed.
• Serving Options:
  • Enjoy these wraps hot or cold. Toast them for a warm, crispy texture.
  • Slice them in half on a diagonal to serve and impress.

With macros calculated for each recipe component, you can enjoy these nutritious wraps while keeping track of your dietary goals. This recipe offers a delightful mix of fresh flavors and textures, perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even a ready-to-go meal prep option. Enjoy the delicious and versatile Chicken Pesto Wraps!