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Short on Time? Try One of My Easy Lunch Recipes: Chicken Pesto Wraps

by | Jul 25, 2025 | Cooking

Short on Time? Try One of My Easy Lunch Recipes: Chicken Pesto Wraps
There’s something special about making yourself a real lunch, even on the busiest days. Not a handful of crackers in between errands or your child’s leftovers eaten standing up, but an actual meal. I know how tempting it is to skip it or grab whatever’s easy. But I’ve learned that the way we feed ourselves matters. Especially when life feels full, choosing to prepare something wholesome is one of the most loving things you can do for your body and spirit.

That’s why these chicken pesto wraps have become a go-to in my kitchen. They’re fast, flexible, and flavorful, and they don’t require more than 20 minutes and a few pantry staples. Whether you’re packing them for work, making a quick lunch between school pickups, or trying to sneak in a little self-care between appointments, this recipe is for you.

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Short on Time? Try One of My Easy Lunch Recipes: Chicken Pesto Wraps

Why Chicken Pesto Wraps Work for Real Life

Let’s face it: eating well often feels like one more thing on an already long list. But it doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few ingredients, this recipe checks all the boxes for a healthy, energizing lunch.

A Few Reasons I Keep Coming Back to This Meal:

  • Quick to Make: Start to finish in under 20 minutes
  • Meal Prep Friendly: Make extra pesto and keep cooked chicken in the fridge for the week
  • Customizable: Swap in tofu or turkey, change up the veggies, or use a whole grain wrap
  • Balanced and Satisfying: With protein, healthy fats, fiber, and just the right touch of richness

It’s food that feels good and tastes good, without leaving you feeling sluggish or overstuffed.

Chicken Pesto Wraps | Arelis Calkins' Recipes

Chicken Pesto Wraps

This recipe includes a homemade sun-dried tomato pesto that I promise is worth the 5 minutes it takes to blend together. But if you’re truly in a pinch, you can substitute a store-bought version. The magic is in the layers.

Ingredients  

For the Wraps

  • ½ lb ground chicken
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ cup sun-dried tomato pesto see recipe below
  • 2 8- inch avocado wraps warmed
  • ½ cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
  • 8 grape tomatoes halved
  • 2 slices red onion separated into rings
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • Low-carb or baked chips for serving

For the Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto:

  • 1 8.5 oz jar sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup pine nuts
  • 3 cloves of garlic
  • ¼ tsp kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ cup olive oil

Instructions 

  • In a food processor, blend the sun-dried tomatoes, basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, garlic, salt, and pepper. Slowly stream in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. Store leftovers in the fridge.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, or until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain excess liquid.
  • In a bowl, combine the cooked chicken with ¼ cup of the pesto.
  • Spoon the chicken pesto mixture evenly onto each warmed wrap. Layer with cheese, tomatoes, onion, and lettuce. Roll up tightly, slice in half, and serve with a handful of chips or veggie sticks.
Because Taking Care of Yourself Shouldn’t Feel Like a Chore

Because Taking Care of Yourself Shouldn’t Feel Like a Chore

I know what it’s like to put yourself last. But you can’t pour from an empty cup. Even something as simple as making a nourishing wrap with fresh ingredients can help you feel more grounded, more energized, and more you.

If you’re trying to eat better without adding more stress to your day, start here. This wrap has become a staple not just because it’s easy, but because it’s delicious and full of the kind of care we all deserve. Looking for more simple recipes and soulful reflections? Check out my other blogs for more ideas that bring comfort, nourishment, and joy to your kitchen.

Explore More Recipes Rooted in Real Life

Whether you’re healing from something heavy or just trying to keep up with your everyday routine, remember this: food is one of the simplest ways to show yourself love.

I’ve got more where this came from. If you loved this wrap, you might also enjoy:

And if you want a deeper look into how recipes, rituals, and resilience helped me rise above hardship, you’ll find my full story in Rising Above Adversity: Healing and Nurturing Your Inner Child. Let this be the year you feed yourself with intention because you deserve food that loves you back.

Explore More Recipes Rooted in Real Life

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new is blooming...

A space to catch your breath. A letter full of light. Stories that feel like coming home.

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Cooking feeds the soul and brings families together. For me, it’s a way to express love and share who we are with one another. I’ll be sharing some of my favorite recipes here, especially those inspired by my Dominican heritage. Let’s bring a little warmth to the kitchen and create meals that nourish from the inside out.

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As I continue my journey to becoming a life coach, I’m passionate about helping people work through their trauma and come out stronger. Marriage, family, and personal growth are areas I’ve learned so much about through my own experiences, and I’m here to help you find the support and encouragement you need to heal and grow.

Reiki

Reiki and spirituality have been essential in helping me forgive, heal, and move forward. Our bodies carry trauma, and Reiki helps release it—so you feel better not just physically but mentally and spiritually too. Letting go of what no longer serves us is a gift, and Reiki helps make that possible.

Design

Home is where our stories unfold. It should be a place that brings peace and joy, a reflection of who you are. I believe that surrounding yourself with beauty and comfort can make all the difference. I’ll be sharing my favorite design ideas and tips to help you feel at home, wherever you are.

Cooking

Cooking feeds the soul and brings families together. For me, it’s a way to express love and share who we are with one another. I’ll be sharing some of my favorite recipes here, especially those inspired by my Dominican heritage. Let’s bring a little warmth to the kitchen and create meals that nourish from the inside out.

Life Coaching

As I continue my journey to becoming a life coach, I’m passionate about helping people work through their trauma and come out stronger. Marriage, family, and personal growth are areas I’ve learned so much about through my own experiences, and I’m here to help you find the support and encouragement you need to heal and grow.