Save Juicy chicken breast is tossed in a tangy sweet and sour cherry sauce, then wrapped up with crisp veggies in a soft tortilla for a meal that feels both lively and comforting. These wraps are one of my favorite ways to bring color and big flavor to the dinner table without much fuss.
It is hard not to smile seeing everyone’s hands reach for another wrap. The cherry sauce always surprises guests with its pop of real fruit. My kids ask for these even before cherries are in season because they love the sweet tangy sauce.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast: sliced thin for quick and even cooking. Choose firm chicken with a pink hue
- Olive oil: brings healthy fat and helps brown the meat
- Salt: accentuates all flavors
- Black pepper: for subtle heat and warmth
- Fresh or frozen cherries: chopped to carry the sweet and tart base. Go for deep red cherries with firm texture or good-quality frozen cherries when out of season
- Honey or maple syrup: gives mild sweetness. I stick to maple for a more woodsy note
- Rice vinegar: brings gentle acidity balancing sweetness
- Low-sodium soy sauce: boosts umami. Look for naturally brewed for best taste
- Tomato ketchup: rounds out the sauce with tangy depth
- Cornstarch slurry: thickens the sauce to cling to every bite
- Garlic: minced fresh for robust flavor
- Fresh ginger: for a zingy aromatic lift
- Flour tortillas: soft and sturdy enough for rolling. Choose pliable ones from the bakery section
- Shredded lettuce: adds juicy crunch. Romaine or iceberg work best
- Carrot: julienned for color and gentle sweetness. Look for slim, sweet carrots
- Cucumber: sliced thin to refresh and balance the saucy filling
- Green onion: sharpens and brightens each bite
- Fresh cilantro or basil leaves: as an optional herbal lift. Cilantro brings classic freshness, basil adds a hint of floral
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Slice chicken breasts thinly so they cook quickly and evenly. Pat dry with paper towels before seasoning with salt and pepper for the best sear.
- Sauté the Chicken:
- Add olive oil to a large skillet on medium-high. As soon as the oil shimmers, scatter in the chicken slices in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for two minutes, then stir. Sauté until golden edges appear and the thickest pieces are opaque all the way through, usually five to seven minutes total. Transfer the chicken to a separate plate and loosely cover to keep warm.
- Cook the Cherry Sauce Base:
- In the same skillet without cleaning it, add chopped cherries, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, and ginger. Let everything heat up to a lively simmer over medium heat. As you stir, scrape up any brown bits from the chicken to add depth. Simmer for three to four minutes until the cherries begin to break down and the sauce starts to look glossy.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- Give the cornstarch and water mixture a quick stir, then drizzle it into the bubbling sauce while stirring. Cook another one to two minutes until the sauce noticeably thickens and cherries soften further.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Tip the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat each piece. The sauce should cling to the chicken, turning glossy and vibrant. Remove the pan from heat.
- Prepare the Wrap Fillings:
- Warm tortillas so they become flexible. You can do this in a dry skillet over medium warmth or by microwaving them for ten seconds under a damp towel. Lay the warm tortillas out flat and scatter lettuce, carrot, cucumber, and green onion evenly onto each.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Spoon the cherry chicken mixture over the bed of vegetables. Add cilantro or basil leaves if using. Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll up from the bottom, tucking everything in tight. Slice each wrap in half to make eating easier and more enjoyable.
Save The cherry sauce is what wakes up this recipe. I once made a double batch and people literally scooped the extra with chips. My husband jokes that this is our family’s signature picnic food especially with napkins at the ready.
Storage Tips
Wrap leftovers tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to two days. The tortillas soften but the flavor deepens as everything melds. Reheat in a dry skillet or microwave.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap turkey breast for chicken for a similar result or use firm pressed tofu cut into slabs for a tasty vegetarian main. Tamari is an easy gluten-free substitute for the soy sauce. Out of cherries Use plums or blackberries for another fruity twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these wraps with crunchy sesame cucumber salad or a refreshing noodle salad on the side. For picnics and potlucks, cut wraps in smaller pieces as finger food. Top with toasted nuts for even more texture.
Cultural and Historical Context
Sweet and sour sauce has roots in both Chinese and American cuisines. Here cherries offer an unexpected but natural balance and add a pop of bright color. This is a fusion dish inspired by takeout favorites but with a summer fruit upgrade.
Seasonal Adaptations
Use fresh cherries when they are in season for the best natural flavor. Frozen cherries work just as well when you crave this dish in the colder months. Add thinly sliced sugar snap peas or radishes in spring for extra snap.
Success Stories
A family friend requested these wraps for her wedding shower. She said the sauce made her rethink fruit in savory dishes. At a backyard cookout someone subbed in grilled zucchini and loved it so much it became their meal prep staple.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Prepare the cherry chicken filling and cool before freezing in a sealed bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge then reheat before assembling wraps with fresh veggies and tortillas.
Save Enjoy these vibrant and flavorful wraps as a delightful lunch or a satisfying dinner. They are sure to become a new favorite.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Yes, both fresh and frozen pitted cherries work well. Thaw frozen cherries and drain excess liquid before cooking for best texture.
- → What other proteins can I use?
Turkey or tofu are great alternatives to chicken. Adjust cooking times as needed to ensure your chosen protein is cooked through.
- → How do I make this gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free tortillas and swap soy sauce for gluten-free tamari to make this meal suitable for gluten-free diets.
- → What vegetables can I add?
Try adding sliced red bell pepper, avocado, or even shredded cabbage for extra crunch, color, and nutrients in your wraps.
- → Can these wraps be prepared ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, but assemble wraps just before eating to keep the tortillas and vegetables fresh and crisp.
- → What pairs well with these wraps?
Serve with a light Riesling or sparkling water with lime for a refreshing complement to the tangy-sweet flavors.