Looking for an uncomplicated lunch idea? These BBQ Chicken Wraps can be ready to go in 10 minutes if you keep shredded chicken on hand!
Easy & Quick BBQ Chicken Wraps: Your Go-To for Fast, Flavorful Meals
We all love chicken, and these BBQ Chicken Wraps are a prime example of its versatility and deliciousness. They make for such an easy dinner, but don’t stop there – explore other fantastic chicken recipes like this Spicy Chicken Sandwich with Cilantro Lime Mayo or a crowd-pleasing Buffalo Chicken Pizza! If you’re searching for a meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, you’ve found your next favorite recipe. These wraps are not only incredibly satisfying but also come together in a flash, making them perfect for any busy schedule.
Why BBQ Chicken Wraps Are Your New Weeknight Hero
If you’re constantly on the hunt for quick, easy, and satisfying recipes that don’t compromise on flavor, then look no further! We understand the daily juggle – some evenings offer more time for culinary adventures, while others demand lightning-fast solutions without resorting to takeout. That’s where these amazing BBQ Chicken Wraps truly shine. They offer a perfect blend of smoky, savory, and tangy flavors, all wrapped up in a convenient, portable package.
These wraps are a total game-changer for those nights when time is truly tight, proving that delicious homemade meals don’t have to be complicated. They leverage the incredible convenience of pre-cooked, shredded chicken, a versatile ingredient I highly recommend always keeping on hand. Whether you batch cook it yourself or opt for a store-bought rotisserie chicken, having shredded chicken ready dramatically cuts down prep time. (It freezes beautifully, making it an ultimate meal prep component!) Beyond their speed, these BBQ Chicken Wraps are wonderfully customizable, allowing you to tailor the vegetables, cheese, and even the type of tortilla to perfectly suit your family’s preferences and whatever fresh ingredients you have available in your fridge. This adaptability makes them a fantastic option for picky eaters or for using up leftover produce.
Essential Ingredients for Flavor-Packed BBQ Chicken Wraps
Crafting these delicious BBQ Chicken Wraps requires just a few key components. The beauty lies in their simplicity and how easily you can adapt them to your taste. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to assemble your perfect wrap:
- Chicken: The star of our wrap! The absolute easiest route is to use pre-cooked, shredded chicken. This can be chicken you’ve cooked and shredded yourself – perhaps from a batch of boiled or baked chicken breasts/thighs you prepared earlier in the week. I even have a comprehensive guide on how to prepare and freeze it for maximum convenience! Alternatively, a store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut, providing perfectly cooked, flavorful chicken that can be shredded in mere minutes. This simple step is key to the “10-minute meal” promise.
- BBQ Sauce: This is where a lot of the signature flavor comes from, so choose wisely! Whether you opt for your favorite homemade BBQ sauce (if you’re feeling ambitious) or a quality store-bought brand, make sure it’s one you genuinely enjoy. The sauce will be prominent in the flavor profile, so pick one – smoky, sweet, tangy, or spicy – that excites your taste buds and complements the chicken beautifully. Don’t be afraid to mix a couple of your favorites for a unique blend!
- Ranch Dressing: The creamy counterpart to the tangy BBQ sauce, ranch dressing adds a delightful richness and balances the flavors beautifully. Its cool, herby notes cut through the sweetness and spice of the BBQ. Like the BBQ sauce, you can use either your own homemade ranch dressing (which often tastes fresher) or a prepared store-bought variety. We’re looking for prepared dressing here, not just the seasoning mix, to ensure that smooth, creamy texture that helps bind the wrap together.
- Tortillas: The essential vessel for all that delicious filling! While a classic plain flour tortilla is always a solid and reliable choice, consider elevating your wrap with sun-dried tomato tortillas for an extra pop of savory flavor and vibrant color. Other great options include whole wheat tortillas for added fiber, spinach tortillas for a subtle earthy note, or even low-carb tortillas, depending on your dietary preferences. Larger (10-inch) tortillas work best for holding all the generous fillings without tearing or making a mess, ensuring a satisfying bite every time.
- Fresh Fillings & Toppings: This is where you can truly make these BBQ Chicken Wraps your own and cater to individual tastes! My personal favorites that add a perfect balance of crunch, freshness, and creaminess include:
- Crisp shredded lettuce (iceberg or romaine work wonderfully)
- Thinly sliced red onions for a sharp, zesty crunch
- Juicy sliced tomatoes, adding a burst of freshness
- Creamy sliced avocado, for a rich, buttery texture
- A generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Colby-Jack cheese, for that melty, savory element.
But don’t stop there! This is a fantastic opportunity to experiment with other ingredients:
- **Extra Veggies**: Add finely diced bell peppers (any color), sweet corn kernels, black beans for a heartier wrap, pickled jalapeños for a delightful kick, or even finely chopped cucumber for an extra layer of freshness and crunch. Shredded carrots or purple cabbage also add color and nutrients.
- **Fresh Herbs**: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or chives can add a vibrant, herbaceous note that pairs wonderfully with BBQ and ranch flavors.
- **Cheese Varieties**: Experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack for extra spice, a smoky provolone, or even a crumbly cotija cheese for a Tex-Mex twist.
- **Crunch Factor**: Crumbled crispy bacon bits or store-bought crispy fried onions can add a delightful textural contrast and an extra layer of savory flavor.
A brilliant way to serve these for a family or a gathering is to lay out all the filling options buffet-style, allowing each person to build their own custom BBQ Chicken Wrap. It’s a fun, interactive meal that ensures everyone gets exactly what they want!
Tips & Tricks for Perfect BBQ Chicken Wraps Every Time
These BBQ Chicken Wraps are designed for maximum convenience and versatility, making them a fantastic addition to any busy cook’s repertoire. Here are some pro tips to make them an absolute staple in your meal rotation and ensure they turn out perfectly every time:
Serving Suggestions: Warm or Cold, Always Delicious!
One of the best qualities of these wraps is their flexibility in serving temperature. They are absolutely delicious served warm, with the chicken mixture slightly heated, offering a comforting and savory experience. Alternatively, they are refreshingly cool, making them an ideal candidate for packed lunches, picnics, or a light, satisfying dinner on a warm evening. If you prefer them warm, you can briefly microwave the combined chicken mixture for 30-60 seconds before assembling the wraps, or for a slightly crispy exterior, lightly grill the assembled wrap in a dry pan for a minute or two on each side.
Unleash Your Creativity with Flavor Variations
This recipe is incredibly forgiving and truly encourages experimentation. Don’t hesitate to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand, what’s in season, or what specific flavors you’re craving. The core BBQ chicken and ranch combination is a fantastic base, but feel free to build upon it:
- Protein Power: While chicken is a classic choice, consider shredded turkey (especially fantastic for utilizing leftover holiday turkey!), tender pulled pork, or even plant-based chicken alternatives for a vegetarian or vegan-friendly version.
- Sauce Swaps: Not a huge fan of traditional BBQ? Try a smoky chipotle sauce for a Southwestern flair, a sweet and tangy honey mustard, a zesty cilantro-lime dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for a different and exciting flavor profile.
- Cheese Choices: Beyond the standard cheddar and Colby-Jack, explore sharper cheeses like provolone, the kick of pepper jack, the mildness of mozzarella, or a crumbly cotija cheese for an authentic Tex-Mex vibe.
- Veggie Boost: Increase the nutritional value, texture, and crunch by adding finely shredded carrots, vibrant purple cabbage, thinly sliced radishes, or even quick-pickled onions or jalapeños for an extra layer of tangy heat.
Effortless Meal Prep for Busy Weeks
These BBQ Chicken Wraps are perfectly suited for meal prepping, offering a convenient solution that saves you valuable time during hectic weekdays. You can prepare the chicken mixture (shredded chicken combined with BBQ sauce and ranch) ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This pre-mixed filling is a lifesaver!
For optimal freshness and to prevent the wraps from becoming soggy, I generally recommend assembling the wraps no more than a day in advance, as certain fresh vegetables like lettuce and tomatoes can soften and release moisture over time. If you’re meal prepping for several days, the best practice is to store the chicken mixture and all fresh toppings (like lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado) separately. Then, simply assemble each wrap right before you’re ready to eat. This ensures maximum crispness, vibrant color, and fresh flavor in every bite, making your prepped lunch or dinner just as enjoyable as when it was first made.
More Delicious Wrap Recipes to Explore
If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience, portability, and incredible flavor of these BBQ Chicken Wraps, you’re in luck! Wraps are a fantastic category of meals – they’re incredibly versatile, often quick to assemble, and perfect for on-the-go enjoyment, satisfying diverse cravings with ease. Their ability to hold a multitude of fillings makes them a creative canvas for countless meal ideas. Here are some more of our favorite wrap recipes you might enjoy exploring:
- Chicken Cobb Salad Wraps
- Chicken Caesar Wraps
- Cucumber Ranch Turkey Tortilla Wrap Recipe
- Easy Chicken Teriyaki Wraps
- Chicken Pesto Wraps
- French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups
- Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu Wraps
Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Chicken Wraps
- Can I make these BBQ Chicken Wraps ahead of time for meal prep?
- Absolutely! The chicken mixture (shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, and ranch) can be prepared up to 3-4 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the freshest taste and texture, it’s best to assemble the wraps with the fresh toppings just before serving, or no more than a day in advance, as the lettuce and tomatoes can get a bit soft over time.
- What kind of tortillas work best for wraps?
- Larger (10-inch) flour tortillas are generally recommended as they provide ample space for fillings and are easier to roll without tearing. Sun-dried tomato, whole wheat, or spinach tortillas also make excellent choices, adding different flavor dimensions and visual appeal. Ensure your tortillas are fresh and pliable for easy rolling.
- Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
- Yes, using leftover cooked chicken is highly encouraged! It’s a fantastic and efficient way to utilize previous meals and makes these wraps come together even faster. Shredded rotisserie chicken is another excellent shortcut if you don’t have homemade shredded chicken on hand.
- What can I serve alongside these BBQ Chicken Wraps?
- These wraps are quite filling on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a light and simple side salad, a bowl of crispy tortilla chips and fresh salsa, some vibrant fresh fruit (like melon or berries), or even a light vegetable soup for a more complete and satisfying meal.
- How can I customize these wraps for different dietary needs or preferences?
- These wraps are incredibly versatile! For a lower-carb option, use low-carb tortillas or serve the chicken mixture in a lettuce cup. To increase protein, add extra chicken or some black beans. For added spice, opt for a spicy BBQ sauce, include sliced jalapeños, or sprinkle in red pepper flakes. For a vegetarian version, you could substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi, roasted chickpeas, or a plant-based chicken alternative.
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BBQ Chicken Wraps
Deborah Harroun
10 minutes
10 minutes
4 servings
Main Dish
American
Pin
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 3/4 cup prepared bbq sauce
- 1/4 cup prepared ranch dressing
- 4 (10-inch) sun-dried tomato flour tortillas
- shredded lettuce
- thinly sliced red onions
- sliced tomatoes
- shredded cheddar or colby-jack cheese
- sliced avocados
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the chicken, bbq sauce and ranch and stir to coat the chicken.
- Lay out the tortillas. Place some of the lettuce, onions, tomatoes, cheese and avocado down the center of the tortilla. Top each with 1/4 of the chicken mixture. Fold in the ends, then roll into a wrap.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information
Calories: 566kcal (28%),
Carbohydrates: 62g (21%),
Protein: 24g (48%),
Fat: 20g (31%),
Saturated Fat: 5g (31%),
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g,
Trans Fat: 0g,
Cholesterol: 4mg (1%),
Sodium: 802mg (35%),
Fiber: 2g (8%),
Sugar: 20g (22%)
bbq chicken wraps