Buffalo Chicken Wraps are a perfect combination of spice, tanginess, and crunch, all held together by a convenient meal in hand. This takes the ever-loved classic flavors of chicken buffalo wings and transforms them into an even more versatile wrap, easy to prepare and easier still to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for something quick for lunch, satisfying for dinner, or party-friendly, look no further than a Buffalo Chicken Wrap. In this article, we will cover the history of the Buffalo Chicken Wrap, ways to make it, and finally, using a detailed recipe, show you how to do it at home.
Origin of Buffalo Chicken Wrap
The Buffalo Chicken Wrap is a modern take on classic Buffalo chicken wings, which were created in Buffalo, New York, all the way back in the 1960s. Their legend is entirely founded upon the salty, spicy flavor of fried chicken wings, tossed in a sauce made from hot sauce blended with butter. This glorious American recipe quickly gained national attention and began to be made in several more creative versions, one of them being the Buffalo Chicken Wrap.
This wrap version folds all the Buffalo-wing elements—spicy chicken, creamy dressing, and crisp vegetables—in a soft tortilla. It is thus much more portable and far less messy than regular wings, yet still packs the same flavor punch.
Why Buffalo Chicken Wraps Are So Popular
The reasons contributing to the popularity of Buffalo Chicken Wraps are as follows:
- Versatility: They are suitable for serving both hot and cold for any meal, and they can be very customized. The ingredients can be changed around to suit your taste or diet.
- Flavor Combination: The spicy kick of the buffalo sauce, cool creaminess of the dressing, and freshness of crisp vegetables come together to create a really well-rounded flavor that will appeal to most tastes.
- Convenience: Buffalo Chicken Wraps come together in just a few minutes and are great for weeknight dinners or relaxed get-togethers. Besides, you can have them on-the-go as lunch boxes.
How to Make the Perfect Buffalo Chicken Wrap: Recipe
Making a Buffalo Chicken Wrap at home is really easy and hassle-free, requiring very little in terms of ingredients. Laid down below is a step-by-step recipe on how to make it.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce(store-bought or homemade)
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced red onions (optional)
- 1 tbsp oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Prepare the chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, warm some olive oil. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and nice crusty in color. Take the chicken from the pan, rest it for a few minutes, then thinly slice it.
- Toss Chicken in Buffalo Sauce: Place the sliced chicken in a bowl and douse it with Buffalo sauce. Turn the chicken gently until it is well coated with sauce.
- Assemble the Wraps: Assemble the wraps by laying flour tortillas on a clean surface. Spread a good amount of ranch or blue cheese dressing down the center of each tortilla. Then, add a layer of shredded lettuce, followed by the diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced red onions if you are using those. Finally, top it off with the Buffalo chicken strips over the vegetables.
- Wrap It Up: Fold in tortilla sides, then roll up tightly from the bottom, tucking ingredients in as you go to ensure everything stays inside your wrap.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your Buffalo Chicken Wraps are ready to serve! If you like your wrap to be warm, serve them for a minute or two on each side in a skillet to get that crispy tortilla. You can also enjoy them cold when you need a refreshing meal.
Buffalo Chicken Wrap Recipe Variations
My all-time favorite thing about the Buffalo Chicken Wrap has to do with the fact that it is completely customizable. Here’s a few ideas for doing just that:
- Heat Level. Use a milder or hotter Buffalo sauce or use more or less sauce on the chicken to control the heat. Or even a dab of honey or brown sugar to help tame the heat a bit with a little sweetness.
- Protein Variations: While chicken is traditional, it’s pretty easy to substitute—grilled shrimp, tofu, or even a plant-based chicken alternative can go on that grill if you’re making this Buffalo-ed for vegetarians.
- Dressing Variations: Sure, ranch and blue cheese dressing are traditional companions for Buffalo chicken, but you just may want to do any number of other dressings for totally different flavor affiliations: garlic aioli, Caesar, or a yogurt-based dressing.
- Add-ins: Avocado, bacon, or roasted red peppers can be added to enhance the texture and flavor in the wrap.
Conclusion
The Buffalo Chicken Wrap is a deliciously versatile dish that folds the bold flavors of Buffalo chicken wings into the simplicity of easy handling found in a wrap. Whether you make it for lunch on the go or dinner, this wrap is sure to satisfy. The recipe above is very basic, so one can easily follow it to make this delicious meal at home. However, if you want to get creative, then go for it and customize it to your taste. Try different ingredients and various sauces to make a lot more varieties of this dish. Experience the spicy, tangy, creamy delight that is a Buffalo Chicken Wrap today!
