Buffalo Chicken Wraps deliver spicy, tangy buffalo sauce with tender chicken and crisp veggies in a soft tortilla. They’re perfect for game day, quick lunches, or whenever you crave a deliciously messy meal. This easy recipe comes together with minimal effort and is totally customizable to your preferred spice level.
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Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Wraps
- Balanced flavors: Spicy buffalo sauce is cooled by creamy dressing and fresh veggies.
- Quick assembly: Ready in under 15 minutes with pre-cooked chicken.
- Meal prep friendly: Holds well for packed lunches or on-the-go meals.
- Totally customizable: Adjust heat, veggies, or tortillas to suit your taste.
Ingredients & Tools
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing, plus extra for drizzling
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup carrots, shredded or julienned
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar (optional)
Tools: mixing bowl, measuring cups/spoons, cutting board, knife, skillet (optional, for warming tortillas)
Notes: Using a good-quality buffalo sauce really makes a difference. Don’t skip the celery; its fresh crunch is a classic pairing that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories: | 420 kcal |
| Protein: | 25 g |
| Fat: | 18 g |
| Carbs: | 35 g |
| Fiber: | 3 g |
Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 0 minutes (if using pre-cooked chicken) | Total Time: 15 minutes
Before You Start: Tips & Ingredient Notes
- What’s the best chicken to use? Leftover rotisserie chicken is fantastic here—it’s flavorful and saves so much time. You can also use grilled, baked, or even poached chicken breasts or thighs. Just make sure it’s fully cooked and shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces.
- Can I make it milder or spicier? Absolutely! Start with less buffalo sauce and add more to taste if you’re sensitive to heat. For extra kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper or a few shakes of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture.
- Why let the chicken mixture sit? If you have a few extra minutes, let the saucy chicken sit for 5–10 minutes before assembling. This allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to soak up all that delicious buffalo goodness.
- Don’t overfill the tortillas. It’s tempting to pack in as much as possible, but a moderate filling makes rolling much easier and prevents messy breakage. You can always make an extra wrap if you have leftover filling!
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Wraps
Step 1: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken and buffalo sauce. Stir well until every piece of chicken is evenly coated. You’ll notice the vibrant orange-red color right away—that’s how you know it’s going to be good. If you’re using pre-cooked but cold chicken, you can gently warm the mixture in a skillet over low heat for 2–3 minutes, but it’s not strictly necessary. The goal is just to marry the flavors.
Step 2: Add the ranch or blue cheese dressing to the buffalo chicken and stir again. This step is key for mellowing the heat and adding a creamy, tangy element that balances the spice. The mixture should look cohesive and glossy, not too dry or overly saucy. If it seems dry, add another tablespoon of dressing. Taste it now and adjust seasoning if needed—maybe a pinch of salt or more buffalo sauce.
Step 3: Lay your tortillas flat on a clean work surface. If you prefer a more pliable wrap, you can warm each tortilla in a dry skillet for about 15–20 seconds per side, or microwave them for 10–15 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel. This prevents cracking when you roll them.
Step 4: Divide the chicken mixture evenly among the tortillas, spreading it in a horizontal line just below the center of each wrap. Leave about 2 inches of space on the sides—this is your rolling room. Don’t spread the filling edge-to-edge, or it will squish out when you roll.
Step 5: Top the chicken with shredded lettuce, chopped celery, carrots, and red onion if using. The fresh veggies add a crucial crunch and brightness. If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle it on now. Then, drizzle a little extra ranch or blue cheese dressing over the veggies for an extra layer of creaminess.
Step 6: To fold the wrap, start by folding the bottom edge of the tortilla up and over the filling, tucking it in snugly. Then, fold in the left and right sides toward the center. Now, roll the wrap tightly away from you, keeping the sides tucked in as you go. You should end up with a neat, cylindrical wrap. If any filling peeks out, just nudge it back in.
Step 7: For a secure hold, you can wrap each finished burrito in parchment paper or foil, twisting the ends. This is especially helpful if you’re packing them for later or serving them on the go. Otherwise, you can slice them in half diagonally and serve immediately. The cross-section looks so inviting with all those colorful layers!
Storage & Freshness Guide
- Fridge: Store assembled wraps tightly wrapped in plastic or foil for up to 1 day (add fresh veggies just before serving for best texture).
- Freezer: Freeze buffalo chicken mixture alone for up to 2 months; do not freeze fully assembled wraps.
- Reviving: Let chilled wraps sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes, or warm briefly in a skillet for a crispier tortilla.
Serving Suggestions
Complementary Dishes
- Crispy baked potato wedges — Their hearty, salty exterior and soft inside are perfect for dipping into any extra ranch or buffalo sauce you have on the side.
- A simple coleslaw or garden salad — Something light and vinegary helps cleanse the palate between bites of the rich, spicy wrap.
- Celery and carrot sticks with dip — It’s a classic buffalo wing accompaniment, so why not continue the theme? Plus, it adds even more fresh crunch to your meal.
Drinks
- Ice-cold lager or pale ale — The crisp, slightly bitter notes of a good beer cut through the spice and creaminess of the wrap beautifully.
- Sparkling water with lemon — The bubbles and citrus are incredibly refreshing and help reset your taste buds after each spicy bite.
- A creamy milkshake or iced coffee — The cool, dairy-rich drink provides a soothing contrast to the heat, making for a truly satisfying combo.
Something Sweet
- Classic chocolate chip cookies — You can’t go wrong with this timeless treat. The sweet, buttery cookies are a lovely way to end the meal on a comforting note.
- Fresh fruit salad — The natural sweetness and juiciness of mixed fruits like melon, berries, and grapes offer a light, healthy finish that feels just right.
- Brownie bites — Rich, fudgy, and decadent, these little squares of chocolatey goodness are the perfect indulgence after a zesty, savory main.
Top Mistakes to Avoid
- Using soggy or warm ingredients. If your chicken mixture is too warm or your veggies are wet, the tortilla can become soggy and tear easily. Make sure everything is cool and dry before assembling.
- Over-saucing the chicken. While you want the chicken coated, too much sauce can make the wrap leak and become messy. Start with the recommended amount and add more only if needed after mixing.
- Skipping the tortilla warming step. Cold tortillas are more likely to crack when you fold them. Taking that extra 10 seconds to warm them up makes rolling so much smoother—trust me on this one.
- Filling the tortilla too much. Overstuffed wraps are hard to roll and even harder to eat neatly. Show a little restraint with the filling—you can always make a fifth wrap if you have extra.
Expert Tips
- Tip: For a tighter wrap, spread your filling slightly off-center, closer to the bottom edge. This gives you more tortilla to roll over and tuck, resulting in a snugger package that holds together better.
- Tip: If you’re making these ahead, wait to add the lettuce and other fresh veggies until just before serving. This keeps everything crisp and prevents sogginess from setting in.
- Tip: Mix a tablespoon of melted butter into your buffalo sauce before tossing with the chicken. It’s a classic wing joint trick that adds richness and helps the sauce cling better to the chicken.
- Tip: For an extra flavor boost, toast your assembled wraps in a panini press or a lightly oiled skillet for 2–3 minutes per side. The lightly crispy, warm tortilla takes the texture to a whole new level.
FAQs
Can I make these wraps ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Assemble them up to a day in advance, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and store in the refrigerator. For the best texture, I’d recommend keeping the lettuce and other fresh veggies separate and adding them right before serving. If the tortilla seems a bit stiff, let the wrap sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before eating, or give it a quick warm-up in a skillet.
What can I use instead of ranch or blue cheese dressing?
If you’re not a fan of either, Greek yogurt mixed with a little lemon juice and dill makes a fantastic, tangy substitute. You could also use a cilantro-lime crema, avocado crema, or even a light Caesar dressing. The goal is just something creamy to balance the heat, so feel free to get creative!
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Easy! Swap the chicken for canned chickpeas (rinsed and lightly mashed), cauliflower florets (roasted until tender), or even store-bought vegetarian chicken strips. Toss your veggie base with the buffalo sauce just as you would with chicken, and proceed with the recipe. The flavors work wonderfully with plant-based options too.
My wrap keeps falling apart. What am I doing wrong?
This usually comes down to three things: overfilling, not warming the tortilla, or rolling too loosely. Make sure your tortilla is pliable, use a moderate amount of filling, and really tuck the sides in as you roll. If you’re still having trouble, a little smear of cream cheese or extra dressing along the edges can act as a “glue” to seal the wrap.
Can I freeze Buffalo Chicken Wraps?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing fully assembled wraps, as the fresh veggies and tortilla can become watery and soggy upon thawing. However, you can freeze the buffalo chicken mixture on its own for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, give it a stir, and then assemble your wraps with fresh ingredients when you’re ready to eat.
Buffalo Chicken Wraps
Make easy Buffalo Chicken Wraps in 15 minutes! Spicy buffalo chicken, crisp veggies, and creamy dressing in a soft tortilla. Perfect for lunch or game day. Get the recipe!
Ingredients
For the buffalo chicken mixture:
-
2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
-
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
-
1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing (plus extra for drizzling)
For the wraps:
-
4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
-
1 cup romaine lettuce (shredded)
-
1/2 cup celery (finely chopped)
-
1/2 cup carrots (shredded or julienned)
-
1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced (optional))
-
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar (optional)
Instructions
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In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken and buffalo sauce. Stir well until every piece of chicken is evenly coated.01
-
Add the ranch or blue cheese dressing to the buffalo chicken and stir again.02
-
Lay your tortillas flat on a clean work surface. If you prefer a more pliable wrap, you can warm each tortilla in a dry skillet for about 15–20 seconds per side, or microwave them for 10–15 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel.03
-
Divide the chicken mixture evenly among the tortillas, spreading it in a horizontal line just below the center of each wrap. Leave about 2 inches of space on the sides.04
-
Top the chicken with shredded lettuce, chopped celery, carrots, and red onion if using. If you're adding cheese, sprinkle it on now. Then, drizzle a little extra ranch or blue cheese dressing over the veggies.05
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To fold the wrap, start by folding the bottom edge of the tortilla up and over the filling, tucking it in snugly. Then, fold in the left and right sides toward the center. Now, roll the wrap tightly away from you, keeping the sides tucked in as you go.06
-
For a secure hold, you can wrap each finished burrito in parchment paper or foil, twisting the ends. Otherwise, you can slice them in half diagonally and serve immediately.07
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