Crispy BBQ Chicken Wraps Recipe

Wraps are a fantastic way to enjoy flavorful meals in a convenient, hand-held format. They combine proteins, vegetables, sauces, and seasonings all in one soft tortilla, making them both portable and delicious. One of the most popular wraps, particularly for those who enjoy bold, savory flavors, is the Crispy BBQ Chicken Wrap. This delightful dish pairs crispy fried chicken with smoky, sweet barbecue sauce, fresh vegetables, and sometimes a bit of cheese, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. It’s the perfect meal for lunch, dinner, or even a snack.

This recipe will show you how to make a delicious, homemade version of crispy BBQ chicken wraps, featuring crispy chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, fresh greens, and a balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making dinner for yourself, these wraps are sure to satisfy your cravings. In this guide, we will walk through everything you need to know to perfect the Crispy BBQ Chicken Wrap. From step-by-step instructions to nutritional facts and creative variations, by the end, you’ll be prepared to recreate this dish in your own kitchen!

Variations of the Crispy BBQ Chicken Wrap

While the classic version of this wrap is already delicious, there are numerous variations you can try to suit different preferences or dietary needs:

1. Spicy Crispy BBQ Chicken Wrap

For a spicier twist, add some heat to the BBQ sauce. Stir in hot sauce or chili flakes to the sauce, or add jalapeño slices directly to the wrap.

2. BBQ Chicken Ranch Wrap

Incorporate ranch dressing for a creamy contrast to the smoky, tangy BBQ sauce. You can either drizzle ranch inside the wrap or toss the lettuce and veggies in ranch dressing before assembling.

3. Crispy BBQ Chicken Wrap with Pineapple

For a touch of sweetness, add grilled pineapple or fresh pineapple chunks to the wrap. The pineapple will complement the smoky BBQ flavor and balance the dish with its tangy sweetness.

4. Bacon BBQ Chicken Wrap

Crispy bacon pairs wonderfully with BBQ chicken. Add some crumbled bacon inside the wrap or fry up whole strips to place on top of the chicken before wrapping it all up.

5. Vegetarian BBQ Wrap

If you prefer a vegetarian version, use crispy fried tofu or grilled vegetables as the base, and coat them in BBQ sauce. The sauce and crispy texture will make for a satisfying alternative.

Tips for Perfecting Your Crispy BBQ Chicken Wraps

Creating a flavorful and satisfying crispy BBQ chicken wrap is all about the right combination of texture, seasoning, and balance. Here are some helpful tips to ensure that your wraps turn out perfectly every time:

1. Ensure Crispy Chicken with the Right Coating

To achieve a truly crispy chicken:

• Double dredging: For an extra crispy crust, you can double-dip the chicken. First, coat the chicken in flour, dip it into the egg wash, then coat it again in the breadcrumbs before frying. This adds an additional layer of crunch and ensures the coating sticks well.

• Use panko breadcrumbs: While regular breadcrumbs work, panko breadcrumbs create a much crunchier texture. They help absorb less oil and crisp up better during frying.

• Fry in hot oil: Make sure the oil is heated to about 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb more oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, the chicken will burn before cooking through.

2. Flavorful BBQ Sauce

The BBQ sauce is a key component of the crispy BBQ chicken wrap, and here are some ideas to enhance its flavor:

• Homemade BBQ Sauce: Consider making your own sauce at home using ingredients like ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, smoked paprika, mustard, and cayenne pepper. Homemade BBQ sauces allow you to control the sweetness, spiciness, and smokiness to your liking.

• Customize Your BBQ Sauce: If you prefer a sweeter BBQ sauce, add more honey or maple syrup. If you want a smoky or spicy flavor, add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, liquid smoke, or cayenne pepper to enhance the depth of flavor.

• Thin or Thick Sauce: Some people like their BBQ sauce to be thick and sticky, while others prefer it thinner. Adjust the thickness of the BBQ sauce by adding a bit of water or broth if you want it thinner, or simmering it for longer if you want it to be thicker.

3. Perfect the Wrap

When it comes to wrapping, there’s an art to it:

• Warm the tortillas: Always warm your tortillas slightly before wrapping. This makes them more pliable, less likely to tear, and easier to roll without breaking. You can heat them in a dry skillet, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for a few seconds.

• Don’t overfill: Be cautious about overstuffing the wrap. You want enough filling for flavor but not so much that it becomes difficult to fold or makes a mess when you eat it.

• Roll tightly: After folding in the sides of the tortilla, roll it tightly from the bottom to keep all the fillings secure. This also helps ensure the wrap doesn’t fall apart during eating.

4. Make Ahead Tips

If you’re preparing these wraps for a meal prep or want to make them ahead of time, here are a few tricks:

• Cook the chicken in advance: You can fry the chicken ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just warm it up in the oven, drizzling it with some additional BBQ sauce for extra flavor.

• Pre-chop the vegetables: You can slice and chop your vegetables in advance and store them in the fridge for a couple of days. This will save you time when it’s time to assemble the wraps.

• Assemble right before serving: If you’re prepping for a large group or event, I recommend assembling the wraps just before serving. This will keep everything fresh, especially the lettuce and tomatoes, and will prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy.

Creative Variations for Crispy BBQ Chicken Wraps

While the traditional crispy BBQ chicken wrap is delicious, you can get creative and make variations that suit your taste preferences, dietary restrictions, or flavor cravings. Here are some ideas:

1. Buffalo BBQ Chicken Wrap

For those who love a bit of heat, try combining the tangy BBQ sauce with Buffalo sauce for a spicy kick. Simply mix a tablespoon of hot sauce or Buffalo wing sauce with the BBQ sauce and toss your crispy chicken in the mixture. You can also drizzle extra hot sauce inside the wrap for additional spice.

2. Honey Mustard BBQ Chicken Wrap

If you enjoy the sweet and tangy combo, you can swap out traditional BBQ sauce for a mixture of honey mustard and BBQ sauce. This variation gives the wrap a sweet and creamy texture while maintaining the smoky flavor of BBQ.

3. BBQ Chicken Caesar Wrap

For a more sophisticated twist, try adding Caesar dressing alongside the BBQ sauce. Combine the crispness of romaine lettuce with the smoky BBQ chicken, and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a perfect balance of flavors.

4. Vegan Crispy BBQ Wrap

To make a plant-based version of this wrap, substitute the crispy chicken for crispy tofu or vegan chicken strips. Coat the tofu in a flour, egg (or egg substitute), and breadcrumb mixture before frying, just as you would with the chicken. Toss the tofu in BBQ sauce and assemble as usual. Add in the veggies, avocado, and any other toppings you enjoy.

5. Tex-Mex BBQ Chicken Wrap

For a Tex-Mex twist, you can add ingredients such as sliced avocado, jalapeños, and black beans to your wrap. Adding a squeeze of lime juice and a handful of fresh cilantro will give the wrap a fresh, zesty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the BBQ sauce. A sprinkle of cotija cheese can also enhance the flavor.

6. BBQ Chicken and Bacon Wrap

If you’re craving an even heartier wrap, add crispy bacon to the mix. The smoky and salty bacon pairs beautifully with the BBQ chicken and adds another layer of texture and flavor. You can crumble the bacon or add full strips inside the wrap.

BBQ Chicken Wraps for Meal Prep

Meal prepping is a great way to save time during the week while ensuring you always have delicious meals on hand. Here’s how to prep these wraps ahead of time for easy, flavorful lunches or dinners:

1. Pre-Cook the Chicken

Cook your crispy chicken and BBQ sauce ahead of time, then store them separately in airtight containers. When you’re ready to assemble your wraps, simply reheat the chicken in the microwave or oven. This will ensure your chicken stays juicy, crisp, and flavorful.

2. Store the Veggies Separately

Cut and prep the veggies (lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, onions, etc.) and store them in containers or plastic bags in the refrigerator. This keeps them fresh and ensures they don’t become soggy in the wraps.

3. Wrap or Assemble Later

You can either assemble the wraps entirely and wrap them in foil or plastic wrap for storage, or you can leave the tortillas and fillings separate. If you choose to assemble them ahead of time, it’s best to store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, assemble the wraps the day before you plan to eat them.

4. Freezing BBQ Chicken Wraps

If you’re looking to store your wraps for a longer period, you can freeze them! Wrap each completed BBQ chicken wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or oven. This can be a great make-ahead option for busy days.

Conclusion

Crispy BBQ Chicken Wraps are a delicious, customizable dish that combines the satisfying crunch of crispy chicken with the smoky, sweet tang of BBQ sauce, fresh veggies, and optional creamy or spicy garnishes. Whether you’re making a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even preparing a batch for meal prep, these wraps are sure to impress with their bold flavors and textures.

The recipe is highly versatile, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients, sauces, and garnishes to make this dish your own. You can also make it ahead of time by prepping the chicken and sauce, so when it’s time to eat, all you have to do is assemble and enjoy!

By following this detailed guide, you can create your own perfect Crispy BBQ Chicken Wrap, tailored exactly to your tastes and preferences.