Have you ever craved that perfect combination of smoky barbecue flavor wrapped in a fresh, crispy bundle? My journey to creating the perfect BBQ chicken wrap started in my backyard during a casual summer gathering. What began as a simple way to use leftover grilled chicken has evolved into one of my most requested recipes. Today, I’m excited to share my tried-and-tested BBQ chicken wrap recipe that’s guaranteed to elevate your lunch or dinner game.
The Magic Behind BBQ Chicken Wraps
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes these wraps special. The secret lies in the perfect balance of flavors and textures – tender, smoky chicken, crisp vegetables, creamy sauce, and a soft yet sturdy tortilla that holds everything together. I’ve spent countless hours perfecting this recipe, ensuring each ingredient complements the others while maintaining its distinct character.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these mouthwatering wraps:
For the BBQ Chicken:
- 4 large chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
- 1 cup high-quality BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
For the Signature Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Assembly:
- 6 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup corn kernels (grilled or fresh)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein | 38g |
| Carbohydrates | 48g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Sodium | 980mg |
| Sugar | 14g |
| Iron | 15% DV |
| Calcium | 20% DV |
Step-by-Step Preparation
Preparing the Chicken
- Create the marinade by combining:
- Olive oil
- Half of the BBQ sauce
- All dry seasonings
- Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours (overnight for best results)
- Cooking options:
- Grill: 6-8 minutes per side over medium-high heat
- Oven: 25-30 minutes at 375°F
- Stovetop: 8-10 minutes per side over medium heat
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before slicing
Making the Signature Sauce
- Combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl
- Whisk until smooth
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using
- Can be made up to 3 days in advance
Assembly Process
- Warm tortillas slightly (30 seconds per side in a dry pan)
- Spread 2 tablespoons of signature sauce on each tortilla
- Layer ingredients in this order:
- Shredded lettuce
- Sliced chicken
- Purple cabbage
- Tomatoes
- Red onion
- Carrots
- Corn
- Cilantro
- Drizzle with additional BBQ sauce
- Roll tightly, tucking in the sides
Pro Tips for Perfect Wraps
- Temperature Control:
- Let hot ingredients cool slightly before assembly
- Warm tortillas make them more pliable
- Serve immediately after assembly
- Texture Management:
- Pat vegetables dry to prevent soggy wraps
- Slice chicken against the grain
- Don’t overfill the wraps
- Make-Ahead Options:
- Prepare chicken up to 3 days in advance
- Chop vegetables 1 day ahead
- Store components separately
Storage and Reheating
- Assembled wraps: Best eaten within 4 hours
- Individual components:
- Cooked chicken: 3-4 days refrigerated
- Prepared vegetables: 2-3 days refrigerated
- Signature sauce: Up to 5 days refrigerated
Serving Suggestions
- Fresh fruit salad
- Sweet potato fries
- Corn on the cob
- Coleslaw
- Garden salad
- Grilled vegetables
Customization Options
Feel free to customize your wrap based on dietary preferences:
Dietary Modifications
| Modification | Substitute |
|---|---|
| Gluten-Free | Corn or gluten-free tortillas |
| Low-Carb | Lettuce wraps |
| Vegetarian | Grilled portobello mushrooms |
| Dairy-Free | Avocado-based sauce |
| Lower Calorie | Greek yogurt only for sauce |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Soggy wrap | Pat vegetables dry, don’t oversauce |
| Falling apart | Don’t overfill, roll tightly |
| Tough chicken | Don’t overcook, let rest before slicing |
| Dry wrap | Add more sauce, use fresh tortillas |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I prepare these wraps in advance for a party?
A: Yes! Prepare all components separately and set up a “wrap station” for guests to assemble their own. This ensures freshness and allows for customization.
Q: How do I prevent my wraps from getting soggy?
A: Pat all vegetables dry before assembly, and if packing for lunch, keep wet ingredients separate until ready to eat.
Q: What’s the best way to warm tortillas?
A: Heat them in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side, or wrap in slightly damp paper towels and microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Q: Can I freeze the cooked chicken?
A: Yes, cooked and sliced chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Q: How can I make these wraps spicier?
A: Add diced jalapeños, use spicy BBQ sauce, or include a dash of hot sauce in the signature sauce.
Recipe Scaling
| Serving Size | Chicken | BBQ Sauce | Tortillas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 servings | 2 lbs | 1 cup | 6 |
| 8 servings | 4 lbs | 2 cups | 12 |
| 12 servings | 6 lbs | 3 cups | 18 |
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | $8-12 |
| Tortillas | $3-4 |
| Fresh vegetables | $10-12 |
| Sauce ingredients | $5-7 |
| BBQ sauce | $3-4 |
| Total | $29-39 |
These BBQ chicken wraps have become a staple in my kitchen, and I’m confident they’ll become a favorite in yours too. Remember, cooking is about experimenting and finding what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to adjust seasonings and ingredients to match your taste preferences. The joy of cooking comes from making each recipe your own while maintaining the fundamental elements that make it special.
