Save to Pinterest Last December, I found myself standing in my kitchen with a half-empty container of baked brie, some leftover holiday chicken, and a jar of cranberry sauce, suddenly struck by the urge to make something warm and comforting instead of yet another sandwich. The idea came to me in that quiet moment between cleanup and dinner—what if I wrapped all these flavors together, toasted them until the cheese melted into creamy submission, and actually tasted what the season felt like? That first bite changed how I think about leftover ingredients forever.
I made these for my sister on a freezing afternoon, and watching her close her eyes after that first bite—like she was tasting something that mattered—reminded me why cooking for people you love is its own kind of magic. She went home with the recipe written on the back of a grocery list, and I found out later she'd made them for her own dinner party the very next week.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast: Use leftover rotisserie or poached chicken, shredded or sliced into tender pieces that won't fight you when you bite through.
- Baked brie: If you have leftover from a holiday board, this is its second act—sliced thin so it melts evenly without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Baby spinach: Fresh and peppery, it wilts slightly when toasted and adds a gentle earthiness that grounds all the richness.
- Red onion: Thin slices give sharp little bursts of flavor and color against the creamy cheese and warm chicken.
- Cranberry sauce: The tart backbone of the whole wrap, cutting through the richness with exactly the brightness you need.
- Large flour tortillas: Size matters here—10-inch wraps hold everything without tearing or becoming unwieldy.
- Mayo or Dijon mustard (optional): A thin spread adds moisture and richness, but skip it if you prefer the wrap to taste less heavy.
- Fresh herbs and pepper: A whisper of thyme or parsley and a crack of black pepper make the whole thing feel intentional.
Instructions
- Set up your stage:
- Lay your tortillas on a clean surface and gather all your components within arm's reach so assembly stays quick and organized. This moment of preparation is half the joy.
- Add your base (optional):
- If using mayo or mustard, spread a thin layer across the center of each tortilla—just enough to add richness without making things slippery. Don't overdo it.
- Build your layers:
- Place half your chicken on each tortilla, followed by a few slices of brie, a handful of spinach, and some red onion scattered across. Think of it like building flavor in stages, with each ingredient in its own space.
- Finish and flavor:
- Dollop a tablespoon of cranberry sauce over everything, then sprinkle with herbs and black pepper. The tartness of the sauce will meld with the other flavors when heated.
- Roll with intention:
- Fold in both sides of the tortilla first, then roll up tightly from the bottom, tucking as you go so nothing escapes. A tight roll holds everything together through the toasting.
- Toast until golden:
- Heat your skillet over medium heat and place the wraps seam-side down for 2 to 3 minutes until they're burnished golden brown and you can smell the brie starting to soften. Flip and toast the other side until crispy, another 2 to 3 minutes.
- Serve warm:
- Slice each wrap in half and serve immediately while the brie is still creamy and the tortilla is still warm. This is when everything sings.
Save to Pinterest There's something almost ceremonial about taking a wrap from the hot pan and cutting into it at just the right moment—when steam rises from the opening and you see the brie has transformed into something almost luminous between the chicken and spinach. That's when you know you've made something worth making.
The Magic of Second-Act Ingredients
Leftover baked brie might seem like a strange choice compared to store-bought slices, but its soft, buttery nature transforms into something almost luxurious when wrapped and toasted. There's a richness that comes from cheese that was already meant to be served special, and toasting just amplifies that feeling. I learned this by accident when I had no other cheese on hand and refused to waste good brie—sometimes the best recipes come from working with what you've got.
Why This Wrap Works on Cold Days
When the weather turns sharp and the holidays feel like they're slipping away, warm food wrapped in your hands becomes comfort in its purest form. This wrap is crispy on the outside but soft and melting on the inside, hitting that perfect balance between structure and indulgence that makes you feel less like you're eating lunch and more like you're taking a warm hug into your day.
Variations and Additions
I've tried adding thinly sliced apples for sweetness and crunch, swapped the cranberry sauce for fig jam when I was feeling experimental, and once added toasted walnuts when I needed texture beyond the soft filling. Each change told a slightly different story while keeping the heart of the wrap intact. The core is strong enough to welcome small variations without losing itself.
- Try a thin layer of walnut or almond butter for added richness and earthiness.
- Swap cranberry for fig, apple, or even pepper jelly if you want to explore different flavor directions.
- A handful of toasted nuts adds satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft brie.
Save to Pinterest This wrap has become my go-to when I want something that tastes intentional but doesn't require hours in the kitchen. It's proof that leftovers never have to feel like settling.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of chicken is best for this wrap?
Leftover cooked chicken breast works perfectly, sliced or shredded for easy layering and tenderness.
- → Can I substitute the flour tortilla with other wraps?
Yes, whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas can be used, though flavor and texture will vary.
- → How is the brie prepared for this dish?
Baked brie, rind removed if desired, sliced thinly to melt evenly when toasted.
- → What does cranberry sauce add to the wrap?
It introduces a subtle sweetness and tartness that balances the creamy brie and savory chicken.
- → How should the wrap be toasted for best results?
Toast seam-side down in a medium-heat nonstick pan for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and melted.
- → Are there suggested additional ingredients?
Sliced apples, toasted walnuts, or fig jam can add crunch and flavor contrasts.