Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Wraps Recipe

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Wraps take inspiration from the tropical flavors of Hawaii, blending sweet, tangy, and savory tastes.

They are a refreshing twist on traditional BBQ wraps, incorporating grilled chicken with BBQ sauce, fresh pineapple, and a medley of crisp vegetables, all tucked inside a soft tortilla. These wraps are a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making them an ideal option for a light meal or a grab-and-go snack.

One of the best parts about this recipe is its versatility. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs, adding more vegetables, using different sauces, or even swapping the chicken for a plant-based option. The combination of fresh pineapple and BBQ sauce brings a sweet and tangy kick that perfectly complements the savory grilled chicken, creating a meal that will transport you to a tropical paradise with every bite.

Equipment Needed

• Grill or stovetop grill pan
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs
• Knife and cutting board
• Small saucepan
• Large skillet (optional, for warming tortillas)

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, olive oil, brown sugar, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture will infuse the chicken with a sweet and savory flavor, balancing the tangy BBQ sauce later.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs into the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor. While marinating, the pineapple juice will help tenderize the chicken, making it juicy and flavorful.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

1. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your outdoor grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the chicken from sticking.
2. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken has nice grill marks and is firm to the touch.
3. Rest the Chicken: Transfer the grilled chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, keeping it tender and juicy.
4. Slice the Chicken: Once rested, slice the chicken into thin strips, perfect for filling the wraps. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Fillings

1. Pineapple: Dice the fresh pineapple into small bite-sized pieces. The sweet and juicy pineapple will complement the BBQ sauce and add a tropical flair to the wraps.
2. Vegetables: Thinly slice the red bell pepper, red onion, and shred the lettuce and carrots. These ingredients provide a refreshing crunch and color to your wraps.
3. Shred the Cheese: If you’re using a block of cheese, shred it into fine pieces. Cheddar or mozzarella works great here, but feel free to use your favorite cheese.

Step 4: Assemble the Wraps

1. Warm the Tortillas: For a soft and pliable wrap, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side. Alternatively, you can wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 10-15 seconds.
2. Layer the Ingredients: On each tortilla, spread a spoonful of BBQ sauce, then layer the grilled chicken strips, diced pineapple, shredded cheese, and sliced vegetables. Be careful not to overstuff the tortillas, as this can make them difficult to roll.
3. Add Garnishes: Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top, and if desired, add slices of avocado or a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.
4. Roll the Wraps: Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll it up tightly from the bottom to the top, keeping all the fillings inside. You can secure the wraps with toothpicks if needed.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dishes: Serve these wraps with a side of sweet potato fries, a fresh green salad, or chips and salsa for a complete meal.
• Dipping Sauce: Offer a side of extra BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or a pineapple salsa for dipping. The additional sauce enhances the flavors and adds more moisture to the wraps.
• Make It a Meal: Pair the wraps with a tropical drink like a piña colada or iced tea to complement the island-inspired flavors.

Storage Tips

Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, wrap each Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a warm skillet for a few minutes or microwave for 30-45 seconds until heated through.

Freezing: You can also freeze these wraps for longer storage. Simply wrap each one in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as desired.

Conclusion

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Wraps are a delicious way to enjoy the fusion of tropical flavors with a barbecue twist. With their sweet and tangy pineapple BBQ sauce, tender grilled chicken, and crunchy vegetables, these wraps are not only flavorful but also easy to prepare. They make a perfect meal for any occasion, from family dinners to casual gatherings. Whether you’re looking to add a new recipe to your weeknight dinner rotation or impress guests with something unique, Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Wraps are sure to satisfy. Enjoy!

Yield: 4

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Wraps Recipe

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Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Wraps take inspiration from the tropical flavors of Hawaii, blending sweet, tangy, and savory tastes. They are a refreshing twist on traditional BBQ wraps, incorporating grilled chicken with BBQ sauce, fresh pineapple, and a medley of crisp vegetables, all tucked inside a soft tortilla. These wraps are a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making them an ideal option for a light meal or a grab-and-go snack.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (preferably Hawaiian-style or sweet BBQ sauce)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Wraps:
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced (or canned, drained)
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing (or your favorite dressing)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra spice)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
   Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly.
   Toss the sliced chicken with BBQ sauce, making sure it's evenly coated.
   
2. Assemble the Wraps:
   Warm the flour tortillas in the microwave or on a dry skillet for a few seconds to make them pliable.
   Lay each tortilla flat and spread a small amount of ranch dressing in the center of each.
   Place a generous amount of BBQ chicken in the center of each tortilla.
   Top with diced pineapple, sliced red onion, shredded cheese, cilantro, and avocado (if using). For a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes.
   
3. Wrap It Up:
   Fold in the sides of the tortilla and then roll it up tightly from the bottom to create a wrap.
   Optionally, you can place the wrapped tortillas seam-side down on a heated skillet or grill pan for 1-2 minutes to crisp up the tortilla.
   
4. Serve:
   Slice each wrap in half and serve with extra BBQ sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.

Notes

Grilled Chicken Option: For extra flavor, grill the chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet.

Pineapple: Fresh pineapple gives the best flavor, but canned pineapple works just as well for convenience.

Cheese: Use any type of cheese you prefer, such as cheddar or pepper jack, for more flavor variations.

Make Ahead: Prepare the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply assemble the wraps.