Buffalo Chicken Wrap Recipe

Craving a tangy, spicy, and utterly satisfying meal? Look no further than the irresistible Buffalo Chicken Wrap recipe ! Packed with flavor and versatility, this dish has become a favorite in households and restaurants alike. Whether you’re hosting a game night or simply seeking a quick and delicious meal, the Buffalo Chicken Wrap never disappoints.

Introduction to Buffalo Chicken Wrap recipe

Buffalo chicken wraps are a beloved dish known for their irresistible combination of spicy chicken, cool lettuce, and creamy dressing, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, these wraps are sure to satisfy your cravings. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know to create the perfect buffalo chicken wraps at home.

History and Origin of Buffalo Chicken Wrap recipe

The history and origin of buffalo chicken wrap recipe trace back to the city of Buffalo, New York, where the iconic buffalo chicken wing was born in the 1960s. Legend has it that at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, the owner, Teressa Bellissimo, whipped up a quick and tasty snack for her son and his friends using leftover chicken wings. She deep-fried the wings, tossed them in a spicy sauce made with hot sauce and butter, and served them with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing.

The popularity of buffalo chicken wings quickly spread beyond Buffalo, becoming a favorite appetizer and party food across the United States. As the love for buffalo chicken grew, so did the creativity in incorporating its flavors into other dishes.

The idea of wrapping buffalo chicken in a soft tortilla to create a handheld meal likely emerged as a convenient and portable way to enjoy the bold flavors of buffalo sauce. This innovation allowed people to savor the taste of buffalo chicken on the go, whether at picnics, parties, or as a quick lunch option.

Ingredients Needed

To make delicious buffalo chicken wrap recipe , you’ll need the following ingredients:

1. Cooked Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and shredded or diced. Rotisserie chicken works well too for added convenience.
2. Buffalo Sauce: This is the key ingredient that gives the chicken its signature spicy flavor. You can use store-bought buffalo sauce or make your own by combining hot sauce with melted butter or oil.
3. Flour Tortillas: Choose soft flour tortillas, preferably large ones, to wrap up the filling.
4. Lettuce: Crisp lettuce leaves, such as romaine or iceberg, add freshness and crunch to the wraps.
5. Tomatoes: Ripe tomatoes, sliced thinly, provide juicy sweetness to balance out the heat of the buffalo chicken.
6. Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp, tangy flavor to the wraps.
7. Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Creamy dressing adds richness and helps cool down the spiciness of the buffalo chicken. Choose your favorite or use both for extra flavor.
8. Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the filling for extra creaminess and flavor.

Optional Ingredients for Customization:

• Avocado: Sliced or mashed avocado adds creamy texture and a subtle flavor to the wraps.
• Bacon: Crispy bacon bits or strips add a smoky, savory element to the wraps.
• Celery: Thinly sliced celery adds a refreshing crunch and complements the buffalo chicken flavor.
• Additional Toppings: Feel free to add any other toppings you like, such as jalapeños, cilantro, or green onions, to customize your buffalo chicken wraps to your taste preferences.

With these ingredients on hand, you’ll be ready to whip up flavorful buffalo chicken wraps recipe that are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Buffalo Chicken Wrap Recipe Preparation Steps :

Marinating the Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by cleaning the chicken breasts or thighs and patting them dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade adhere better to the meat.
2. Make the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the buffalo sauce with any additional seasonings you’d like to include. Common additions to buffalo sauce include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. Adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences.
3. Marinate the Chicken: Place the cleaned and dried chicken pieces in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated evenly. If using a bag, seal it tightly, ensuring there are no leaks.
4. Refrigerate the Chicken: Once the chicken is fully coated in the marinade, cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. For best results, marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
5. Remove and Cook: After marinating, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking. This ensures more even cooking.
6. Cook the Chicken: Grill, bake, or sauté the marinated chicken until it’s fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Cooking times will vary depending on the method and thickness of the chicken pieces.

Preparing the Sauce

1. Gather Ingredients: Start by gathering your ingredients. You’ll need hot sauce, such as Frank’s RedHot or your favorite brand, and butter or oil to create a rich and flavorful base for the sauce.
2. Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter over low heat or in the microwave until it’s fully melted and smooth. Alternatively, you can use oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
3. Mix in the Hot Sauce: Once the butter is melted, add the hot sauce to the saucepan or bowl. The amount of hot sauce you use will depend on your desired level of spiciness. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.
4. Combine Thoroughly: Stir the hot sauce into the melted butter until it’s well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the proportions if necessary. You can add more hot sauce for extra heat or more butter to mellow out the spiciness.
5. Heat the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer your sauce to be warm, you can heat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to let it boil, as it can cause the sauce to separate.
6. Use as Desired: Once the sauce is prepared, you can use it immediately to coat your cooked chicken or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for later use. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools, so you may need to reheat it before using it.

Assembling the Wrap

1. Prepare the Tortillas: Begin by warming the tortillas to make them soft and pliable. You can do this by heating them in a skillet over medium heat for a few seconds on each side or by microwaving them for a few seconds until warm.
2. Layer the Ingredients: Lay a warmed tortilla flat on a clean surface. Place a handful of shredded buffalo chicken in the center of the tortilla, spreading it out evenly.
3. Add Fresh Ingredients: Top the chicken with crisp lettuce leaves, sliced tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onions. These fresh ingredients add texture and flavor to the wraps.
4. Drizzle with Dressing: Drizzle your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing over the fillings. The creamy dressing complements the spicy buffalo chicken perfectly.
5. Sprinkle with Cheese (Optional): If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the fillings. The melted cheese adds richness and enhances the overall flavor of the wraps.
6. Fold and Roll: Fold the sides of the tortilla over the fillings, covering them completely. Then, starting from the bottom edge closest to you, roll the tortilla tightly around the fillings to form a wrap.
7. Secure and Serve: If needed, you can secure the wraps with toothpicks to prevent them from unraveling. Once assembled, serve the buffalo chicken wraps immediately for the best taste and texture.

Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Wraps

1. Cook the Chicken Properly: Whether grilling, baking, or sautéing, make sure the chicken is cooked through and tender before shredding or dicing it for the wraps.
2. Adjust Buffalo Sauce to Taste: Tailor the amount of buffalo sauce to your preferred level of spiciness. Start with a little and add more gradually if you like it hotter.
3. Warm Tortillas Correctly: Warm the tortillas before assembling the wraps to make them pliable and easier to roll. This prevents them from tearing or breaking during assembly.
4. Layer Ingredients Evenly: Distribute the ingredients evenly across the tortilla to ensure each bite has a balance of flavors and textures.
5. Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and onions to add crispness and vibrancy to the wraps.
6. Don’t Overstuff: Avoid overfilling the wraps, as it can make them difficult to roll and messy to eat. Stick to a moderate amount of filling for easier assembly.
7. Secure Wraps Tightly: Roll the wraps tightly to keep the fillings contained and prevent them from falling out while eating.

Serving Suggestions

Here are some delicious serving suggestions to complement your buffalo chicken wrap recipe :

1. Side of Crispy Fries: Serve the wraps with a side of crispy French fries for a classic pairing that satisfies all cravings.
2. Fresh Veggie Platter: Accompany the wraps with a platter of fresh vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, and bell peppers, along with a creamy ranch or blue cheese dip.
3. Chips and Salsa: Offer a side of tortilla chips with salsa for a crunchy contrast to the soft and savory wraps.
4. Green Salad: Pair the wraps with a light and refreshing green salad tossed with your favorite dressing for a balanced and nutritious meal.
5. Buffalo Wing Dip: Serve a bowl of buffalo wing dip alongside the wraps for an extra dose of buffalo flavor. This creamy and cheesy dip is perfect for dipping tortilla chips or veggies.

Storage and Reheating Instructions of Buffalo Chicken Wrap Recipe

1. Storage:
   • Place the leftover wraps in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil.
   • Store the wrapped wraps in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Proper storage helps maintain their flavor and texture.
2. Reheating:
   • To reheat refrigerated wraps, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Remove the wraps from the refrigerator and unwrap them from their foil or container.
   • Place the wraps on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   • Bake the wraps in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
   • Alternatively, you can reheat individual wraps in the microwave. Place a single wrap on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated to your liking.
3. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Once reheated, serve the buffalo chicken wraps immediately with your favorite sides and condiments.
   • Enjoy the delicious flavors of the wraps as if they were freshly made!

Health Benefits of Buffalo Chicken Wrap recipe

1. Protein Source: Chicken, the main ingredient in buffalo chicken wraps, is a lean source of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and boosting metabolism.
2. Vitamins and Minerals: Depending on the ingredients used, buffalo chicken wraps can provide essential vitamins and minerals. Lettuce, tomatoes, and onions add vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium and folate, contributing to overall health and well-being.
3. Moderate Calories: When prepared with grilled or baked chicken and minimal added fats, buffalo chicken wraps can be a relatively moderate-calorie meal option. Opting for whole wheat tortillas adds fiber, which helps promote digestive health and may aid in weight management.
4. Spicy Flavor Benefits: Buffalo sauce, typically made with hot sauce and spices, contains capsaicin, a compound known for its potential health benefits. Capsaicin has been linked to improved metabolism, reduced appetite, and anti-inflammatory effects.
5. Customizable Ingredients: Buffalo chicken wraps can be customized with various ingredients to suit dietary preferences and restrictions. Options like avocado, low-fat cheese, and whole grain tortillas can enhance nutritional value while still delivering on taste.

Overall, while buffalo chicken wraps may not be considered a health food in the traditional sense, they can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet when prepared with wholesome ingredients and consumed in moderation. As with any dish, it’s essential to be mindful of portion sizes and overall dietary intake for optimal health.

FAQs

1. Can I eat chicken wraps every day? While chicken wraps can be a convenient and tasty meal option, it’s not recommended to eat them every day. Consuming a variety of foods from different food groups is important for a balanced diet. Eating chicken wraps occasionally as part of a diverse meal plan is fine, but relying on them as a daily staple may lead to nutritional imbalances.
2. How do you wrap a chicken wrap? To wrap a chicken wrap, start by placing your desired fillings (such as cooked chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese, and sauce) in the center of a tortilla. Fold the sides of the tortilla over the fillings, then roll it tightly from the bottom edge closest to you until the fillings are completely enclosed. Tuck in the sides as you roll to ensure the wrap stays together.
3. What does a chicken wrap contain? A chicken wrap typically contains cooked chicken (grilled, baked, or sautéed), lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese, and sauce (such as ranch, barbecue, or buffalo). Additional ingredients like avocado, bacon, or peppers may also be included based on personal preference.
4. How many days is a chicken wrap good for? A chicken wrap is usually good for up to 2-3 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Be sure to check for any signs of spoilage before consuming leftovers, and discard if there are any doubts about its safety.

Conclusion

In conclusion, buffalo chicken wrap recipe are a versatile and flavorful dish that offers a satisfying blend of spicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy dressing, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. Whether enjoyed as a quick meal on the go or served at gatherings with friends and family, buffalo chicken wraps are sure to be a hit. By following the tips for perfecting the recipe, including marinating the chicken, preparing the sauce, and assembling the wraps with care, you can create a delicious and wholesome meal that everyone will love. For further inspiration and recipe variations, check out popular cooking websites like Food Network and our website, Additionally, explore the benefits of incorporating fresh and nutritious ingredients into your wraps for a well-rounded meal.