Save This vibrant twist on weeknight wraps combines lean ground turkey with an unexpected sweet-spicy cherry chipotle sauce that transforms an ordinary meal into something memorable. The contrasting textures of juicy meat, crisp veggies, and crunchy tortilla chips create a satisfying handheld dinner that's ready in just 15 minutes.
I created these wraps during a particularly chaotic week when I needed something quick but refused to compromise on flavor. My family was skeptical about the cherry-chipotle combination at first, but now they request these "crunchy turkey tacos" at least twice a month.
Ingredients
- Ground turkey: provides a lean protein base that absorbs flavors beautifully while keeping the dish lighter than beef
- Red onion: adds a pop of color and mild sharpness that balances the sweet sauce
- Cherry preserves: create a unique fruity foundation for the sauce that pairs surprisingly well with savory turkey
- Chipotle peppers in adobo: bring smoky heat that elevates the entire dish from ordinary to extraordinary
- Smoked paprika: enhances the chipotle flavor with additional smokiness
- Shredded cabbage: provides essential crunch and subtle pepperiness
- Tortilla chips: add the signature textural contrast that makes these wraps special
Instructions
- Brown the turkey:
- Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Add ground turkey, breaking it into small chunks with a wooden spoon. Allow it to cook undisturbed for about 30 seconds before breaking it up further. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until most pieces show some browning.
- Add aromatics:
- Reduce heat to medium and add the diced red onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir continuously to prevent the garlic from burning. The onions should become translucent and fragrant after about 2 minutes of cooking.
- Season the mixture:
- Sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over the turkey mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat all pieces with the spices. Allow to cook for another minute to toast the spices slightly and develop their flavors.
- Prepare the cherry chipotle sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine cherry preserves, minced chipotle peppers, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Whisk together until smooth. The sauce should have a glossy appearance with visible flecks of chipotle throughout.
- Combine sauce with turkey:
- Pour the prepared cherry chipotle sauce over the seasoned turkey mixture. Stir continuously until every piece of turkey is coated with sauce and the mixture is heated through, about one minute. The sauce should thicken slightly as it heats.
- Assemble the wraps:
- Warm each tortilla briefly in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable. Place a warm tortilla on a flat surface and layer ingredients in the center in this order lettuce, cabbage, turkey mixture, tomatoes, cheese if using, and crushed tortilla chips.
- Form the wraps:
- Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then fold the bottom up and over, finishing by folding the top down to create a sealed rectangular package. Press gently to secure the shape.
- Crisp the wraps:
- Place each wrap seam-side down in a dry skillet over medium heat. Cook for 1-2 minutes until golden and crispy, then carefully flip and toast the other side. The cheese inside should melt while the exterior becomes crisp.
Save The chipotle peppers are truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I keep a few cans in my pantry at all times and freeze leftover peppers in ice cube trays with a bit of the adobo sauce. This way I can pop out just what I need for recipes like this without opening a new can each time.
Make Ahead Options
These wraps can be prepared in advance up to the final crisping stage. Simply assemble the wraps, wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to eat, unwrap and crisp in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes per side. The turkey mixture itself can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container, making weeknight assembly even quicker.
Spice Level Adjustments
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability to different heat preferences. For a mild family-friendly version, use just 1 teaspoon of the chipotle peppers and rinse them before mincing to remove some of the heat. For spice lovers, increase to 3 tablespoons of chipotle and include extra adobo sauce from the can. You can also add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the turkey while cooking for an additional heat dimension.
Creative Variations
Skip the tortilla and serve the turkey mixture over a bed of lettuce and cabbage with tortilla chips on top for a lower-carb option.
Creative Variations
Add scrambled eggs to the filling and swap the cherry preserves for orange marmalade for a morning twist.
Creative Variations
Replace the turkey with crumbled extra-firm tofu or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Add 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast to the spice mix for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These wraps stand on their own as a complete meal, but they pair beautifully with simple sides. A light cucumber and jicama salad with lime juice makes a refreshing accompaniment. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside Mexican-style rice or a simple black bean salad. For beverages, the sweet-spicy flavor profile works wonderfully with a cold Mexican lager, a fruity sangria, or a tart limeade.
Save These tips will help you achieve perfectly crisp and flavorful wraps every time.
Recipe FAQ
- → What makes these wraps crunchy?
The wraps gain crunch from toasted tortilla shells and a layer of crushed tortilla chips added with the filling.
- → Can I substitute the ground turkey?
Yes, ground chicken or beef can be swapped for turkey. Adjust cooking time as needed for the chosen meat.
- → Is this dish spicy?
The level of heat comes from chipotle peppers in adobo. You can use less or more to suit your taste.
- → How can I make these dairy-free?
Omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative to keep the wraps suitable for dairy-free diets.
- → Can these be made ahead?
For best crunch, assemble and toast just before serving. You may prep fillings ahead and store separately.
- → Are there gluten-free options?
Use gluten-free tortillas and chips to prepare these wraps for a gluten-free meal.