Pin it There's something magical about the day after a holiday feast when the fridge is full of possibilities. I was staring at leftover baked brie and roasted chicken, thinking about something quick but still special enough to feel like an occasion. The moment I pulled out a tortilla and started layering those creamy, melted cheese slices with tender chicken and a smear of cranberry sauce, I knew this wrap was going to become a regular in our rotation. That first bite—warm, gooey, with just a hint of tartness from the berries—felt like capturing the whole spirit of the season in something you could eat with one hand.
I made these for my sister on a snowy afternoon, and she was genuinely shocked at how elegant they turned out. She'd come over thinking we'd just reheat something, but instead we sat down to golden-brown wraps that were still steaming. The way the brie had softened and begun to ooze slightly when we bit into them—that's when she asked for the recipe, and I realized this wasn't just a way to use up leftovers anymore.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast, 1 cup sliced or shredded: Leftover is perfect here—it should be skinless and already cooked so you're just assembling, not cooking from scratch.
- Baked brie, 100g sliced: This is the star, so don't skip it or swap it for hard cheese; the way it gets creamy and soft when toasted is non-negotiable.
- Baby spinach leaves, 1/2 cup: Fresh spinach wilts slightly from the warm filling, which makes it both tender and nutrient-dense.
- Red onion, 1/4 small thinly sliced: The raw bite cuts through the richness of the brie and adds color that makes these look more elegant than they are.
- Cranberry sauce, 2 tablespoons: Whole berry has better texture, but smooth works too; this provides the sweet-tart note that keeps everything balanced.
- Large flour tortillas, 2 (10-inch): These need to be sturdy enough to hold everything without tearing, so don't buy the thin ones.
- Mayonnaise or Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon optional: A thin spread creates a barrier so the tortilla doesn't get soggy from the warm filling.
- Fresh herbs, 2 teaspoons chopped optional: Thyme or parsley add a fresh note that reminds you this is still somehow a light meal.
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Finish with this—it adds a slight warmth that complements the sweetness of the cranberry.
Instructions
- Lay your stage:
- Spread both tortillas out on a clean surface, making sure they're flat and ready to roll.
- Optional base layer:
- If you're using mayo or mustard, spread a thin, even layer in the center of each tortilla—this keeps moisture from turning your wrap soggy.
- Build your layers:
- Divide half the chicken evenly between both tortillas, then layer on the brie slices, spinach, and red onion in that order. The chicken should go down first so the brie can rest on something stable.
- Top it off:
- Add a tablespoon of cranberry sauce to each wrap, then sprinkle with herbs and black pepper if you're using them.
- Roll with intention:
- Fold in the sides of each tortilla first, then roll tightly from the bottom up, pulling toward you so everything stays tucked. It should feel firm but not strangled.
- Toast to golden:
- Heat your skillet over medium heat and place the wraps seam-side down; this seals the roll and prevents unraveling. Toast for 2–3 minutes per side, watching for that golden-brown color that tells you the brie is melting inside.
- Finish and serve:
- Let them cool for just 30 seconds, slice in half, and serve while they're still warm enough that the brie is pliable.
Pin it I made a batch of these for a casual holiday party and watched people's faces light up when they bit into that warm, creamy center. It was one of those quiet moments where food stops being just sustenance and becomes a small gift you hand someone.
The Art of Leftover Transformation
The best part about these wraps is they take the pressure off holiday cooking. You don't need fresh-roasted chicken or artisanal brie—in fact, leftovers often work better because they're already cooked and you can focus entirely on assembly and toasting. I've learned that the simplest recipes often feel the most special because they're not trying too hard; they just let good ingredients speak for themselves.
Flavor Balance in Every Bite
What makes these wraps feel festive isn't complexity—it's contrast. The creamy brie needs the sharp spinach and tangy cranberry sauce to feel bright instead of heavy. The warm cheese against the cool raw onion creates texture interest. Think of each ingredient as playing a specific role, and the whole thing becomes more than the sum of its parts. I've found that when you understand why each element matters, you can adapt the recipe confidently.
Variations That Feel Natural
These wraps are forgiving in a way that good cooking should be. Once you understand the structure, you start seeing possibilities everywhere. I've added thinly shaved apples for a crisp sweetness, scattered toasted walnuts for texture, even swapped fig jam for cranberry sauce when I wanted something deeper and more autumnal. The core stays the same—warm tortilla, melted cheese, tender protein, fresh greens—but the supporting cast can shift with the season or what's actually in your kitchen.
- Apples or toasted walnuts add crunch that makes the texture more interesting.
- Fig jam creates a deeper, more sophisticated sweetness than cranberry sauce.
- A small handful of arugula instead of spinach gives you more peppery bite if you want it.
Pin it These wraps have become my answer to the question of what to make when you want something that feels special but doesn't require a recipe you've memorized or ingredients you have to buy. They're proof that the best meals often come from working with what you have and trusting that simplicity, when done with intention, tastes like celebration.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use fresh chicken instead of leftovers?
Yes, freshly cooked chicken breast works well; just ensure it’s sliced thin for easy rolling and even heating.
- → What can I substitute for baked brie?
Soft cheeses like Camembert or creamy goat cheese provide a similar melt and richness.
- → Is cranberry sauce necessary for flavor?
Cranberry sauce adds a sweet-tart contrast that brightens the wrap, but fig jam or chutney also work well.
- → How do I achieve a crispy wrap exterior?
Toast the wrap seam-side down on medium heat in a nonstick skillet or grill pan until golden and slightly crisp on both sides.
- → Can I add extra vegetables?
Thinly sliced apples, toasted walnuts, or additional greens like arugula enhance texture and flavor without overpowering.