Pin This sweet and sour cherry chicken wrap recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that balances tangy cherries with savory chicken. The combination creates a delightful contrast that makes these wraps perfect for lunch or a light dinner any day of the week.
I created this recipe after finding myself with an abundance of summer cherries and looking for something beyond desserts. My family now requests these wraps regularly, especially during cherry season when the fruit is at its peak sweetness.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: provide a lean protein base that absorbs the cherry sauce beautifully
- Fresh or frozen cherries: bring natural sweetness and vibrant color. Choose dark sweet cherries for the best flavor
- Rice vinegar: adds tanginess without overwhelming acidity like other vinegars might
- Honey: balances the tartness with natural sweetness. Local honey works wonderfully here
- Fresh ginger and garlic: create aromatic depth. Always use fresh rather than powdered for the best flavor
- Flour tortillas: hold everything together. Look for the freshest ones possible or warm corn tortillas for a gluten free option
- Crisp vegetables: add texture and freshness to contrast the tender chicken and sauce
Instructions
- Prepare and Cook Chicken:
- Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Place chicken in the hot pan and cook undisturbed for 6 to 7 minutes until golden brown. Flip once and cook another 6 to 7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
- Create the Cherry Sauce:
- Combine chopped cherries, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, and water in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Allow the sauce to cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the cherries soften and begin to break down, releasing their juices. The sauce will develop a beautiful deep red color as it cooks.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- Mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water in a small bowl until completely smooth with no lumps. Pour this slurry into the simmering cherry sauce while stirring constantly. Continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency that will coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Tortillas:
- Warm each tortilla briefly in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 15 seconds per side or microwave for 20 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel. This makes them pliable and prevents cracking when rolling. Keep warmed tortillas covered with a clean kitchen towel to stay soft.
- Assemble the Wraps:
- Lay each warmed tortilla flat on a work surface. Arrange a layer of shredded lettuce down the center, leaving about an inch of space on all sides. Add julienned carrots and thinly sliced red onions on top of the lettuce. Arrange sliced chicken over the vegetables and drizzle generously with the sweet and sour cherry sauce. Sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves over everything.
- Roll and Serve:
- Fold in the sides of each tortilla toward the center, then roll from the bottom up, tucking in the filling as you go to create a tight wrap. If desired, cut each wrap in half diagonally for easier eating. Serve immediately while the tortillas are still warm and pliable.
Pin The cherry sauce is truly the star of this recipe. I discovered its versatility by accident when I had leftover sauce and started using it on everything from grilled pork to vanilla ice cream. The combination of sweet cherries with tangy vinegar creates this incredible depth that transforms simple ingredients into something special.
Make-Ahead Options
The cherry sauce can be prepared up to three days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This actually improves the flavor as the ingredients have time to meld together. Simply reheat gently before using. You can also cook and slice the chicken a day ahead, storing it separately. When ready to serve, warm the chicken slightly in the microwave or a skillet before assembling the wraps. The vegetables can be prepped the morning of for the freshest texture. With these components ready, assembly takes just minutes.
Seasonal Adaptations
Summer Version: Use fresh sweet cherries at their peak ripeness for the most vibrant flavor. Add sliced avocado for creaminess. Incorporate fresh basil instead of cilantro for a summery herb note. Winter Version: Frozen cherries work perfectly when fresh aren't available. Add roasted sweet potatoes for heartiness. Include sautéed kale or spinach for extra nutrition during cold months.
Serving Suggestions
These wraps pair beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. For a more substantial meal, serve with sweet potato fries or a light quinoa salad. The sweet and tangy flavors in the wraps complement crisp, acidic beverages like sparkling water with lime, unsweetened iced tea, or a dry Riesling if you're enjoying these for dinner. For a fun presentation at parties, slice the wraps into pinwheels and secure with toothpicks.
Cherry Selection Guide
For this recipe, the type of cherry you select makes a significant difference in the final flavor profile. Sweet cherries like Bing or Rainier varieties create a naturally sweet sauce that requires less added honey. Tart cherries like Montmorency will produce a more tangy sauce that might need additional sweetener. If using frozen cherries, there's no need to thaw them first—they can go straight into the saucepan. During off-season, look for frozen dark sweet cherries which maintain excellent flavor. Dried cherries can work in a pinch, but reduce the quantity to 1/2 cup and increase the water to 1/2 cup to rehydrate them.
Pin Always let your chicken rest before slicing to keep the juices inside and ensure moist meat. Slicing against the grain creates more tender bites. For the cherry sauce, crushing some of the cherries with the back of your spoon while simmering helps release more flavor. When assembling wraps, don't overfill or they'll be impossible to roll—about 1/4 cup of each component is usually perfect. If making these for meal prep, keep the sauce separate until ready to eat to prevent soggy tortillas.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I make the cherry sauce thicker?
For a thicker cherry sauce, let it simmer an extra minute after adding the cornstarch slurry, stirring until it reaches your desired consistency.
- → Can I prepare the wrap fillings in advance?
Yes, you can cut and store the vegetables and cook the chicken ahead of time. Assemble just before serving for best texture.
- → What alternatives work for a vegetarian option?
Replace chicken with sliced tofu or tempeh, sautéed similarly, for a vegetarian-friendly wrap.
- → Which sides best complement this dish?
Pair the wraps with a crisp green salad, light slaw, or sparkling water with lime for a refreshing balance.
- → How can I add more heat?
Mix sliced jalapeños or a dash of chili flakes into the vegetables or sauce for a spicier kick.
- → Are the wraps gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortillas and soy sauce to adapt this dish for gluten-sensitive diets. Always check packaging labels.