Quick and easy Buffalo Chicken Wrap recipe: A Spicy, Savory Delight
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The Buffalo Chicken Wrap is an incredibly popular dish that brings together the rich, bold flavors of buffalo chicken in a convenient, portable wrap. Whether you’re looking for a delicious lunch, a satisfying dinner, or an easy meal prep idea, this recipe ticks all the boxes. This savory wrap combines tender, juicy chicken coated in fiery buffalo sauce, with fresh, crisp vegetables, and a cool, creamy dressing—creating the perfect balance of flavors in each bite.
In this guide, we will walk you through the entire process of making these Buffalo Chicken Wraps. You’ll also find tips for customizing the recipe to suit your preferences, expert cooking advice to ensure success, and nutritional information so you can enjoy this tasty wrap guilt-free.
Ingredients:
To make Quick and easy Buffalo Chicken Wrap recipe, here are the key ingredients you’ll need. These items come together to create the perfect balance of heat, texture, and flavor.
- 2 large chicken breasts (alternatively, use about 2 cups of pre-cooked shredded chicken)
- 1 cup buffalo sauce (you can opt for store-bought or homemade for more control over the spice level)
- 4 large flour tortillas (spinach or whole wheat tortillas are great alternatives for a healthier wrap)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce (romaine or iceberg lettuce for crunch)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar adds a delicious depth of flavor)
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (or substitute with ranch dressing if you prefer a milder flavor)
- 1/4 cup diced celery (for added crunch and freshness)
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions (adds a subtle, fresh onion flavor)
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for cooking the chicken)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Hot sauce (to increase the heat), extra ranch or blue cheese dressing (for dipping)
Step-by-Step Preparation: How to make Buffalo Chicken Wrap
1. Preparing the Chicken: Tender chicken in spicy buffalo sauce
The chicken is the heart of this recipe, so getting it perfectly cooked is essential. Here’s how you can achieve juicy, tender chicken every time:
- Cook the Chicken:
- Begin by heating a skillet over medium heat and adding a small amount of olive oil. If you’re watching calories, you can also use cooking spray to lightly coat the pan.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Once the pan is heated, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is cooked through and stays juicy. After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Shred the Chicken:
- After resting, use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Shredding the chicken will help it absorb the buffalo sauce better, ensuring that each piece is flavorful.
2. Toss the Chicken with Buffalo Sauce:Tender chicken in spicy buffalo sauce
The next step is to add the signature spicy flavor to the chicken with the buffalo sauce.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Place the shredded chicken in a bowl and pour 1 cup of buffalo sauce over it. Mix thoroughly to coat all the chicken evenly. If you like your wraps on the spicier side, feel free to add a bit more hot sauce to intensify the heat.
- If you’re making your own buffalo sauce, combine hot sauce, melted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to control the spice level.
3. Prepare the Fresh Ingredients:
While your buffalo chicken soaks up the sauce, it’s time to prep the other fresh ingredients for the wrap.
- Shred the Lettuce:
- Take about 1 cup of lettuce (romaine or iceberg are great choices) and shred it into strips. This adds a crisp texture and freshness that balances the spicy chicken.
- Grate the Cheese:
- For an extra layer of flavor, use shredded cheddar cheese. If you prefer a stronger, sharper taste, go for sharp cheddar. You can also add blue cheese for an authentic buffalo chicken experience. If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, ranch dressing works perfectly as a substitute.
- Chop the Veggies:
- Slice the green onions and celery. These vegetables will add a nice crunch and a pop of color, as well as a refreshing contrast to the heat of the buffalo sauce.
4. Warm the Tortillas:
Warming the tortillas makes them more pliable, making the assembly process much easier.
- Heat the Tortillas:
- Place the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 20-30 seconds per side until they become soft and slightly warm. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 10-15 seconds to achieve the same result. This step prevents the tortillas from tearing when you roll them.
5. Assemble the Buffalo Chicken Wrap:
Now that all the components are prepared, it’s time to bring everything together in one delicious wrap.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Lay a warm tortilla flat on a clean surface. In the center of the tortilla, spoon a generous amount of the buffalo chicken mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded lettuce on top of the chicken. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled blue cheese (or ranch dressing). For an extra crunch, top the mixture with diced celery and a few sliced green onions.
- Roll the Wrap:
- Carefully fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it up from the bottom, ensuring the filling stays secure inside. Roll the tortilla tightly, but not so tight that it breaks. This step ensures a clean and easy-to-eat wrap.
6. Optional: Grill the Wrap:
To add an extra level of texture and flavor, grill the wrap for a crispy exterior.
- Grill the Wraps:
- Heat a small amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the rolled wrap seam-side down in the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. This step is optional, but it will give the wrap a satisfying crunch and seal it so the filling stays inside.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your wraps are grilled to perfection (or not, depending on your preference), cut them in half at an angle for a more attractive presentation. Serve immediately while the chicken is warm and juicy.
For added flavor, you can serve the wraps with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. They also go well with crispy sweet potato fries or a light salad.
Expert Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Buffalo Chicken Wrap:
- Chicken Alternatives:
- If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken works perfectly. Simply shred it and toss with buffalo sauce. It’s a great way to save time and still get that great buffalo flavor.
- Adjust the Spice:
- Love heat? Add extra hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. For a milder wrap, reduce the buffalo sauce and add ranch dressing to cool things down.
- Customization:
- You can modify your wrap by adding sliced avocado for creaminess, or some sliced tomatoes for a burst of freshness. Want extra crunch? Add crispy bacon or pickled onions.
- Grilled Option:
- If you love crispy wraps, grill them on a panini press or in a hot skillet. This step adds an extra layer of texture and makes the wraps even more flavorful.
Nutritional Information (Per Wrap):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 |
| Protein | 33g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 4g |
| Total Fat | 28g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Cholesterol | 75mg |
| Sodium | 950mg |
| Potassium | 450mg |
| Calcium | 200mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
Conclusion:
These Buffalo Chicken Wraps are a flavorful, satisfying, and easy-to-make meal that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch, making dinner for the family, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe offers the perfect balance of spice, crunch, and creaminess. With the flexibility to customize the heat level and fillings, it’s a dish that can cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.
By following these simple steps and expert tips, you can create delicious Buffalo Chicken Wraps that are sure to impress. Enjoy this meal on its own or pair it with your favorite sides for a complete,