Save This tangy sweet and sour cherry chicken wrap recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a vibrant meal that balances sweet cherries with savory soy and zingy vinegar. The combination creates a delightful fusion experience wrapped in a soft tortilla with fresh vegetables.
I created this recipe when cherries were overflowing at our local farmers market last summer. My family was getting tired of our usual chicken dinners, and these wraps instantly became a regular in our meal rotation for their bright flavors and ease of preparation.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: cut into thin strips for quick cooking and even sauce coverage
- Fresh or frozen cherries: the star ingredient providing natural sweetness and a gorgeous ruby color
- Honey or maple syrup: enhances the cherry sweetness while creating a glossy sauce
- Rice vinegar: adds essential tanginess that balances the sweet elements
- Low sodium soy sauce: provides umami depth without making the dish too salty
- Tomato ketchup: adds subtle sweetness and helps thicken the sauce
- Cornstarch: creates the perfect sauce consistency that clings to the chicken
- Fresh ginger and garlic: aromatic foundations that elevate the entire dish
- Large flour tortillas: choose soft, pliable ones that won't tear when wrapping
- Crisp vegetables: lettuce, carrot, cucumber and green onions provide refreshing crunch and color contrast
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add your thinly sliced chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding to ensure proper browning. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken develops a golden exterior and is fully cooked with no pink remaining. The chicken should reach 165°F internally. Remove to a clean plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm while preparing the sauce.
- Create the Cherry Sauce:
- Using the same skillet with all those wonderful chicken flavors, add your chopped cherries, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, and grated ginger. The pan should still be hot enough to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The cherries will begin to break down slightly and release their juices, turning the sauce a beautiful deep red color. You should notice the raw garlic smell transforming into a mellow aromatic quality.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- Pour in your cornstarch slurry, making sure to stir it first if it has settled. Immediately stir the sauce continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until it visibly thickens and takes on a glossy appearance. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon and leave a clear path when you run your finger through it. The cherries should be soft but still maintain some texture rather than completely breaking down.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the cooked chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Gently fold the chicken into the sauce using a spatula until every piece is thoroughly coated in the sweet and sour cherry glaze. Remove from heat once combined to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Save The fresh cherries truly make this dish special. I discovered this combination after experimenting with leftover cherries from a summer picnic. My husband, who typically avoids fruit in savory dishes, requested seconds and now asks for these wraps whenever cherries are in season.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare all components separately up to two days in advance for quick assembly. Store the cooked cherry chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a microwave or skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Prep and store vegetables separately to maintain their crispness. When ready to serve, simply warm tortillas, assemble with the reheated chicken and fresh vegetables, and enjoy.
Seasonal Adaptations
Summer Version Use fresh cherries at their peak sweetness and add sliced peaches for extra sweetness. Fall Version Mix in some cranberries with the cherries and add diced apple for seasonal flavor. Winter Version Use frozen cherries and add roasted butternut squash cubes for heartiness. Spring Version Lighten up with more fresh herbs and add tender spring peas to the vegetable mix.
Serving Suggestions
These wraps shine as a standalone meal but pair beautifully with sides. Serve with a simple Asian slaw dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil for a complementary crunch. For a heartier meal, add a side of quinoa or brown rice tossed with green onions. During summer months, accompany with watermelon cubes sprinkled with mint for a refreshing contrast to the sweet and tangy flavors.
Dietary Adaptations
For a gluten free version, substitute the flour tortillas with corn tortillas, rice paper wrappers, or large lettuce leaves. Ensure you use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. To make this recipe vegetarian or vegan, replace the chicken with firm tofu pressed and cubed, or with chickpeas roasted until crispy. For vegan preparation, use maple syrup instead of honey. Those watching sodium intake can reduce the soy sauce by half and increase fresh herbs for flavor.
Save Enjoy these flavorful and versatile cherry chicken wraps for a quick and satisfying meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use frozen cherries for the sauce?
Yes, both fresh or frozen pitted cherries work well. Just ensure frozen cherries are thawed and drained before cooking.
- → What can I substitute for chicken?
Turkey breast or firm tofu make great alternatives. Adjust cooking time as needed for your protein of choice.
- → How do I prevent the wraps from getting soggy?
Let the cherry chicken mixture cool slightly before assembling and avoid overfilling the tortillas with sauce.
- → Are these wraps suitable for a dairy-free diet?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally dairy-free. Double-check tortillas to ensure no dairy ingredients are present.
- → How can I add extra crunch to the wraps?
Sprinkle in toasted sesame seeds, chopped nuts, or add extra fresh veggies like bell peppers and cucumber.
- → Can I prepare the components ahead of time?
You can cook the chicken and cherry sauce ahead and refrigerate. Assemble wraps just before serving.