Buffalo chicken wraps are a fantastic and quick meal option that packs a flavorful punch. Whether you’re looking for a spicy kick, creamy textures, or a combination of fresh veggies and tender chicken, this recipe delivers everything you need for a satisfying lunch or dinner. In this post, we’ll dive into several variations of Buffalo chicken wraps using common ingredients like tortillas, shredded cheese, ranch dressing, blue cheese, and, of course, buffalo sauce. Not only are these wraps delicious, but they’re also simple to prepare. So, let’s explore some easy and tasty Buffalo chicken wrap recipes!
Why Buffalo Chicken Wraps Are So Popular
Buffalo chicken wraps have become a staple in many kitchens due to their:
- Ease of preparation: You can cook them in under 30 minutes.
- Versatility: These wraps can be customized with various toppings, sauces, and vegetables.
- Perfect balance of flavors: The spiciness from the buffalo sauce is balanced by the creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing, creating a tasty and harmonious combination.
Packed with protein and veggies, these wraps can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack. Plus, they’re great for meal prepping and can be easily wrapped and stored for later.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Buffalo Chicken Wrap Recipes
Before jumping into the instructions, gather the following ingredients. Most of them are pantry staples, and some fresh ingredients like lettuce or romaine can be added for crunch.
Key Ingredients:
Chicken breasts (boneless and skinless): 2 pounds, grilled or cooked
Buffalo sauce: ½ cup (such as Frank’s RedHot)
Tortillas: 6 medium flour tortillas (burrito-sized for larger wraps)
Ranch dressing: ½ cup (or blue cheese dressing, if preferred)
Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 cup (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for extra flavor)
Romaine lettuce: 2 cups, chopped or shredded
Carrots: ½ cup, sliced into thin strips
Celery: ½ cup, sliced into thin strips
Red onions: ¼ cup, finely sliced
Green onions: ¼ cup, chopped (optional)
Cherry tomatoes: ½ cup, halved or quartered
Crispy bacon: ½ cup, crumbled (optional)
Avocado: 1, diced (optional)
Blue cheese crumbles: ¼ cup (optional)
Kosher salt and black pepper: To taste
Olive oil: 1 tbsp for cooking the chicken, if needed
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Buffalo Chicken Wraps
Prepare the Chicken
First, cook the chicken if you haven’t done so already. You can either grill or bake it. Here’s a simple method for both:
Grilled Chicken:
Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350°F).
Apply salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the chicken breasts for seasoning.
Lightly coat the chicken with olive oil and grill for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.
Baked Chicken:
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your favorite seasoning.
Cook in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken attains 165°F.
Let the chicken rest before slicing into strips.
Alternatively, rotisserie chicken is a great option if you’re short on time. Simply shred it and toss it in buffalo sauce.
Mix the Buffalo Sauce
In a medium-sized bowl, mix the buffalo sauce and melted butter (optional for creaminess). Add the chicken strips and toss them until fully coated. You can adjust the spiciness of the buffalo sauce to your taste by adding more or less sauce.
Prepare the Vegetables
While the chicken is marinating in the buffalo sauce, prepare the veggies. Thinly slice the carrots, celery, red onions, and green onions. Chop the romaine lettuce and halve or quarter the cherry tomatoes. If you’re using avocado, dice it and set it aside.
Warm the Tortillas
Microwave the tortillas for about 20-30 seconds to make them more pliable, or warm them in a skillet for 1 minute on each side over medium heat. Flour tortillas work best for these wraps, but you can use whole-grain tortillas or even lettuce wraps if you prefer a low-carb option.
Assemble the Wraps
Now that all your ingredients are ready, it’s time to assemble the wraps:
Step 1: Lay a warmed tortilla on a flat surface.
Step 2: Add a handful of romaine lettuce to the center.
Step 3: Place a few buffalo chicken strips on top of the lettuce.
Step 4: Add shredded cheddar cheese, carrots, celery, onions, and tomatoes. For added flavor, sprinkle in some blue cheese crumbles and crispy bacon bits.
Step 5: Drizzle ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing over the top.
Step 6: For a creamier texture, spread a spoonful of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Roll and Serve
Roll the tortilla tightly, folding in the sides as you go to keep the filling from falling out.
Slice the wrap in half for easier handling, or serve whole for a more burrito-style meal.
Pair with extra buffalo sauce or ranch dressing on the side for dipping.
Buffalo Chicken Wrap Variations
1. Spicy Buffalo Chicken Caesar Wrap
For a twist on the classic wrap, try adding Caesar dressing and parmesan cheese to your Buffalo chicken wrap. Simply swap the ranch for Caesar dressing and toss in some crispy croutons for extra crunch. This wrap combines the zesty kick of buffalo sauce with the creamy, savory flavors of Caesar salad.
2. Buffalo Chicken Bacon Avocado Wrap
Enhance your Buffalo chicken wrap by adding crispy bacon and creamy avocado. This variation adds a delightful contrast in textures, with the crispy bacon complementing the soft avocado. Top it off with some extra shredded cheddar cheese and a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness.
3. Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wrap
If you’re looking for a low-carb, gluten-free option, skip the tortilla and use large romaine lettuce leaves as your wrap. These lettuce wraps offer a refreshing crunch, and they’re lighter on carbs while still delivering all the bold flavors of buffalo chicken.
4. Vegan Buffalo Wrap
For a plant-based option, replace the chicken with crispy buffalo cauliflower or tofu. Toss the tofu or roasted cauliflower in buffalo sauce, and build your wrap with vegan-friendly ingredients like vegan cheese and plant-based ranch dressing. Add shredded lettuce, carrots, celery, and onions for the perfect mix of textures and flavors.
5. Buffalo Chicken Slaw Wrap
If you love coleslaw, this variation is perfect for you. Add a heaping scoop of homemade or store-bought coleslaw to your wrap. The creaminess of the slaw pairs wonderfully with the heat of the buffalo sauce, creating a delicious balance of flavors.
Tips for Making the Best Buffalo Chicken Wraps
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher your veggies and tortillas, the better the taste and texture of your wraps.
- Customize the Heat Level: Adjust the spiciness of your buffalo chicken by adding more or less buffalo sauce, or by mixing in honey for a sweet and spicy balance.
- Prep Ahead: You can prep the chicken and veggies in advance, making it easy to assemble wraps when you’re short on time. Store them separately in airtight containers to keep everything fresh.
- Serve with a Side: These wraps pair well with potato chips, fries, or a simple side salad. You can also serve them with a side of celery sticks and extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
- Experiment with Tortillas: Try using whole wheat tortillas, spinach wraps, or gluten-free tortillas to change up the flavor and nutrition profile of your wraps.
- Freeze the Chicken: If you have leftover buffalo chicken, you can freeze it for future meals. Thaw it and use it to make quick wraps, salads, or even pizza toppings.
Nutritional Information
Each buffalo chicken wrap (with a flour tortilla, chicken breast, buffalo sauce, and basic toppings) contains approximately:
- Calories: 420-500
- Protein: 35-40g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
- Fat: 15-20g
You can make your wraps healthier by using low-fat dressings, whole wheat tortillas, or opting for lettuce wraps. Adding more vegetables will also boost the fiber content.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo chicken wraps are the perfect combination of spicy, creamy, and crunchy. With a variety of ways to customize your wrap, you can enjoy this meal multiple times without getting bored. Whether you’re making these wraps for a quick lunch, packing them for a picnic, or serving them at a gathering, they’re sure to be a hit.
Try out these buffalo chicken wrap recipes and let us know your favorite variations in the comments!
