Buffalo chicken wraps are a perfect go-to meal for those who want something flavorful, easy to prepare, and versatile. Combining the spicy, tangy heat of Buffalo sauce with juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and creamy dressing, these wraps offer a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that make them irresistible. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch, looking for a snack, or making a dinner that everyone will love, Buffalo chicken wraps are a perfect choice.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about making the ultimate Buffalo chicken wrap—from the ingredients you’ll need, to tips for making it your own, and finally, serving suggestions for a balanced, delicious meal. By the end, you’ll be a pro at whipping up these flavorful wraps that will surely become a household favorite.
The Origins of Buffalo Sauce
Before we get into the details of the Buffalo chicken wrap, it’s worth understanding where the flavor comes from—Buffalo sauce. The sauce is named after Buffalo, New York, where the now-famous Buffalo chicken wings were first invented in 1964 at the Anchor Bar. The signature spicy sauce is a blend of hot sauce and butter, creating a fiery yet smooth condiment that has since become a staple in American cuisine.
The flavor profile of Buffalo sauce is all about heat, but it’s not just about setting your mouth on fire. The butter adds a rich, velvety texture that tempers the heat of the hot sauce, making it enjoyable even for those who don’t have a high tolerance for spice. The sauce is typically used for chicken wings, but its versatile nature means it pairs wonderfully with chicken breasts, tenders, and, in this case, wraps!
What You’ll Need for Buffalo Chicken Wraps
One of the great things about Buffalo chicken wraps is that they require just a few simple ingredients. Most of these items are kitchen staples, so you may not even need to make a special trip to the store. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts or Tenders: Boneless, skinless chicken is best for wraps, as it’s easy to shred or slice. You can also use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
- Buffalo Sauce: Either store-bought or homemade. If you’re making your own, you’ll need hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot) and unsalted butter.
- Tortillas: Large flour tortillas work best for wraps, as they’re soft and flexible. You can also use whole wheat or low-carb tortillas for a healthier twist.
- Lettuce: Provides a cool, crisp contrast to the spicy chicken. Romaine or iceberg are good choices.
- Carrots and Celery: These veggies add crunch and pair perfectly with the Buffalo flavor.
- Cheese: Blue cheese is traditional, as its tangy flavor complements the heat of the Buffalo sauce. You can also use shredded cheddar or mozzarella if you’re not a fan of blue cheese.
- Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Drizzle this on for creaminess. Ranch dressing is more neutral, while blue cheese dressing intensifies the tangy flavor.
- Optional Add-ins: Avocado slices, tomatoes, or onions can add extra layers of flavor and texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Buffalo Chicken Wraps
Now, let’s get into the actual preparation. These wraps are quick to make, and once you’ve prepped your ingredients, they come together in no time.
1. Cook the Chicken
You have a few options for preparing the chicken:
- Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and grill for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Pan-fry: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until fully cooked through.
- Bake: Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
Once the chicken is done, shred or slice it into thin strips.
2. Toss the Chicken in Buffalo Sauce
After the chicken is cooked and shredded or sliced, toss it in your prepared Buffalo sauce. Make sure each piece is well-coated to ensure every bite has that iconic spicy kick.
3. Prep Your Veggies
While the chicken is cooling slightly, prepare your veggies. Thinly slice the celery and carrots for a nice crunch, and wash and chop your lettuce. If you’re adding other ingredients like avocado, tomatoes, or onions, slice those now as well.
4. Assemble the Wraps
- Lay your tortilla flat on a clean surface.
- Add a layer of lettuce to the center of the tortilla.
- Top the lettuce with a generous amount of Buffalo chicken.
- Add a handful of carrots, celery, and any additional veggies you’ve chosen.
- Sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheese.
- Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
5. Wrap It Up
Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it tightly from the bottom up, keeping all the ingredients inside. If needed, you can secure the wrap with a toothpick to hold it together.
6. Serve
Your Buffalo chicken wraps are ready to serve! Slice them in half for easier eating and plate them with extra veggies or a side of chips or fries for a complete meal.
Customizing Your Buffalo Chicken Wrap
One of the best parts about this dish is its versatility. You can easily tailor it to fit your dietary preferences or the ingredients you have on hand. Here are a few ways to customize your Buffalo chicken wraps:
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more or less Buffalo sauce. If you like extra heat, add a splash of hot sauce or sprinkle on some crushed red pepper flakes.
- Protein Options: While chicken is the star of this recipe, you can swap it out for other proteins like shrimp, tofu, or even grilled steak. For a vegetarian option, try using crispy chickpeas or grilled veggies.
- Low-Carb Wrap: Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas for a low-carb or keto-friendly option. Simply wrap your Buffalo chicken and veggies in large lettuce leaves.
- Healthier Version: Use whole wheat tortillas, opt for grilled chicken instead of fried, and go light on the dressing to make the wraps a bit healthier.
- Extra Creamy: For a richer flavor, you can add a spoonful of cream cheese to the wrap or mix some Greek yogurt with the Buffalo sauce for a tangy, creamy filling.
Serving Suggestions
While Buffalo chicken wraps are a complete meal on their own, you can round out the dish with some tasty side options. Here are a few ideas:
- Sweet Potato Fries: The sweetness of the fries pairs well with the spicy Buffalo chicken.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy slaw can provide a refreshing contrast to the heat of the wrap.
- Chips and Salsa: For a quick and easy side, serve the wraps with tortilla chips and a mild salsa or guacamole.
- Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing fruit salad can help balance out the spice.
Storing and Reheating Buffalo Chicken Wraps
Buffalo chicken wraps are best enjoyed fresh, but they do store well if you have leftovers. Wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, unwrap the wrap and warm it in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute or in a skillet over low heat until the chicken is heated through.
If you plan on meal prepping, store the chicken and veggies separately, then assemble the wraps when you’re ready to eat them to prevent the tortillas from getting soggy.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo chicken wraps are a delicious and easy meal that can be made in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunches. The combination of spicy Buffalo chicken, crisp veggies, and creamy dressing wrapped in a soft tortilla creates a satisfying meal that’s both flavorful and filling.
With the flexibility to customize the wrap to suit your taste, this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you’re a spice lover, looking for a healthier option, or want something new to add to your meal rotation, Buffalo chicken wraps are sure to hit the spot.