If you are craving a dish that perfectly combines smoky, tangy, creamy, and fresh flavors all wrapped up in one hand-held delight, then you need to try this BBQ Chicken Wraps Recipe. It’s a super easy, crowd-pleasing meal that brings juicy BBQ chicken together with crisp cabbage, melty cheese, and a kick of ranch and hot sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner or a laid-back game day snack, these wraps hit the spot every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this BBQ Chicken Wraps Recipe truly shines through the simplicity and balance of the ingredients. Each component plays a vital role: tender chicken gets coated in BBQ sauce for that signature tang, creamy ranch dressing adds cooling richness, and crisp cabbage lends an irresistible crunch and vibrant color.
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast: The protein-packed heart of our wraps, sliced into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil: A neutral oil that helps the chicken brown beautifully without overpowering the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the chicken seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish and seasons the chicken perfectly.
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Adds a mild heat and complexity.
- ¾ cup BBQ Sauce (I use Kinder’s Mild): Brings that distinct smoky-sweet tang that makes these wraps irresistible.
- 6 to 8 spinach wraps (such as Mission Garden Spinach Herb Wraps): Offers a soft, slightly herby base that complements the bold flavors.
- 2 cups finely shredded green cabbage (or bagged angel hair coleslaw mix): Provides crunch and freshness, balancing the smoky chicken.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack blend): Melts perfectly for creamy gooeyness in every bite.
- ¾ cup ranch dressing (Litehouse Jalapeño Ranch is my pick): Adds a cool, tangy counterpoint with a little kick.
- Cilantro: A handful of chopped cilantro brings bright herbal notes and color.
- Hot sauce (Cholula Chipotle flavor recommended): A smoky, spicy finish for anyone wanting an extra layer of flavor.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into small, ½-inch bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook quickly and allows each piece to get perfectly coated with that delicious BBQ sauce. Having the chicken uniform in size means everything cooks evenly without drying out.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat up the avocado oil in a large 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the chicken and season it with garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir occasionally, letting the chicken brown lightly, which seals in juices and brings out amazing flavor while cooking through in about 5 to 6 minutes.
Step 3: Add the BBQ Sauce
Pour the BBQ sauce over the cooked chicken, stirring to blend the flavors completely. Turn the heat to low, letting it simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This simmering thickens the sauce nicely, turning your chicken into a sticky, tangy, finger-licking filling that will be the highlight of your wraps.
Step 4: Assemble the Wraps
Lay out your spinach wraps on a flat surface and evenly distribute the BBQ chicken mixture between them. Top each one with shredded green cabbage for crunch, a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese, cool ranch dressing, fresh cilantro, and a dash of hot sauce for those who enjoy some heat. Fold one side of the wrap over the filling and roll tightly to secure all the flavors inside a neat package.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro adds a wonderful pop of color and herbal brightness that balances the rich BBQ. A little extra drizzle of ranch or a squeeze of lime juice over the top just before serving can really elevate the flavors and presentation.
Side Dishes
These wraps pair beautifully with light and refreshing side dishes like a crisp garden salad or some crunchy vegetable sticks with a creamy dip. For heartier options, try serving alongside baked sweet potato fries or a simple corn on the cob to keep the BBQ vibe going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
To really impress your guests, slice each wrap diagonally to reveal the colorful layers of BBQ chicken, cabbage, cheese, and dressing inside. Serve them in a basket lined with parchment paper or wrap them in foil for a picnic-style presentation that’s perfect for casual gatherings or lunchboxes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover BBQ Chicken Wraps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep any additional sauce or ranch separate to prevent the wraps from becoming soggy, ensuring your next meal tastes just as fresh and delicious.
Freezing
While these wraps are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked BBQ chicken filling by itself for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat and assemble fresh wraps to maintain their delightful texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the BBQ chicken mixture in a skillet over medium heat until hot and bubbly. Assemble your wraps fresh with cold toppings to keep the crunch and creaminess intact. Avoid microwaving assembled wraps as they tend to get soggy and lose their crisp appeal.
FAQs
Can I use other types of wraps for this BBQ Chicken Wraps Recipe?
Absolutely! While spinach wraps add a nice herbal note, you can easily substitute with whole wheat, flour, or even gluten-free wraps depending on your preference or dietary needs.
Is there a substitute for ranch dressing?
If ranch isn’t your thing, try swapping it for a tangy Greek yogurt-based dressing or a creamy avocado sauce. Both will complement the BBQ chicken beautifully and add a fresh, creamy element.
Can I make these wraps vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the chicken with grilled or roasted vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or tofu, and toss them in BBQ sauce. The rest of the ingredients can stay the same for an equally tasty vegetarian version.
How spicy are these wraps with the hot sauce?
The amount of heat depends on how much hot sauce you add. Start with a small drizzle and adjust to your taste. The suggested Cholula Chipotle adds smoky warmth rather than overwhelming heat.
Can I prepare the chicken mixture in advance?
Definitely! You can cook and season the chicken up to a day ahead, then simply reheat it before assembling the wraps. This is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am for you to dive into this BBQ Chicken Wraps Recipe. It’s one of those go-to dishes that’s simple to make but always delivers big on flavor, texture, and satisfaction. Give it a try and soon you’ll be sharing it with your friends and family as your new favorite quick meal!
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BBQ Chicken Wraps Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These BBQ Chicken Wraps are a quick and flavorful meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Tender, bite-sized chicken pieces are cooked in a tangy BBQ sauce and then wrapped with fresh spinach tortillas, crunchy shredded cabbage, melty cheese, creamy ranch dressing, fresh cilantro, and a hint of spicy hot sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes and serving eight, these wraps offer a delicious combination of smoky, savory, and fresh flavors with satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or your favorite neutral oil)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- ¾ cup BBQ Sauce (I use Kinder’s Mild)
Wraps and Toppings
- 6 to 8 spinach wraps (like Mission Garden Spinach Herb Wraps)
- 2 cups finely shredded green cabbage (or bagged angel hair coleslaw or coleslaw mix)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (I use a combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- ¾ cup ranch dressing (I use Litehouse Jalapeño Ranch)
- cilantro (to taste)
- hot sauce (I use Cholula Chipotle flavor, to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into ½-inch bite-size pieces and set aside for cooking.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces. Season with garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir and cook occasionally until the chicken is lightly browned and fully cooked, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Add BBQ sauce and simmer: Pour in the ¾ cup BBQ sauce and stir continuously until it starts bubbling. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken well.
- Assemble the wraps: Lay out the spinach wraps and divide the BBQ chicken evenly among them. Top each wrap with shredded cabbage, shredded cheese, ranch dressing, fresh cilantro, and a drizzle of hot sauce according to your preference.
- Roll and serve: Fold one side of each wrap over the filling and tightly roll it up to secure all the ingredients inside. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your BBQ chicken wraps.
Notes
- You can substitute spinach wraps with whole wheat or flour tortillas if preferred.
- If you like extra spice, add more hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the filling.
- For a dairy-free option, use dairy-free cheese and a ranch dressing alternative.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to add other toppings like sliced avocado or pickled onions for more flavor and texture.
