BEST Crunchy Buffalo Chicken Wraps Recipe

In our household, weeknight dinners need to be two things: quick and delicious. Let’s be honest, after a long day, the last thing anyone wants is a complicated, time-consuming meal. But “quick” shouldn’t mean sacrificing flavor or excitement. That’s where these Crunchy Buffalo Chicken Wraps come in. From the first bite, we were hooked. The satisfying crunch of the perfectly seasoned chicken, the tangy kick of buffalo sauce, all nestled in a soft wrap with cool, crisp veggies – it’s a symphony of textures and tastes that’s both comforting and invigorating. Even my pickiest eater, who usually shies away from anything “spicy,” couldn’t get enough. These wraps have become a regular feature on our dinner rotation, and I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you so you can experience the same flavor explosion in your own kitchen. Get ready to ditch the takeout menus and dive into a homemade meal that’s guaranteed to become a new family favorite!

Ingredients

To create these incredible Crunchy Buffalo Chicken Wraps, you’ll need a collection of ingredients that work together to deliver that signature crispy, spicy, and refreshing flavor profile. Here’s a detailed list of everything you’ll need, along with some notes and potential substitutions to help you customize your wraps to perfection:

For the Crispy Buffalo Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Chicken breasts are the star of the show. Opt for boneless, skinless breasts for ease of preparation and faster cooking. You can also use chicken tenders for a slightly quicker cooking time, but breasts offer a meatier texture.
• 1 cup Buttermilk: Buttermilk is the secret to incredibly tender and juicy chicken. Its acidity helps to tenderize the chicken and creates a perfect base for the breading to adhere to. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes to curdle slightly.
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour: Flour forms the base of our crispy coating. All-purpose flour works perfectly, providing a light and even coating.
• 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are Japanese-style breadcrumbs that are larger and flakier than regular breadcrumbs. This is what gives our chicken that signature extra crunch. For gluten-free options, you can use gluten-free panko or a blend of almond flour and cornmeal.
• ½ cup Cornstarch: Cornstarch is essential for achieving ultimate crispiness. It helps to create a lighter and more delicate crust that stays crunchy even after being tossed in sauce.
• 2 tablespoons Paprika: Paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor and beautiful color to the breading. You can use sweet paprika for a milder flavor or smoked paprika for a deeper smokiness.
• 2 tablespoons Garlic Powder: Garlic powder provides a savory depth of flavor that complements the buffalo sauce perfectly.
• 1 tablespoon Onion Powder: Onion powder adds another layer of savory complexity and enhances the overall flavor profile of the chicken.
• 1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (Optional): If you like a little extra heat in your breading, cayenne pepper is a fantastic addition. Adjust the amount to your spice preference, or omit it altogether for a milder flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Salt: Salt is crucial for seasoning both the chicken and the breading. It enhances the flavor of all the other ingredients.
• ½ teaspoon Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a touch of subtle spice and complexity.
• Vegetable Oil, for frying: Vegetable oil is a neutral oil with a high smoke point, making it ideal for frying. You can also use canola oil or peanut oil. Ensure you have enough oil to reach a depth of about 1 inch in your frying pan or pot.

For the Buffalo Sauce:

• 1 cup Hot Sauce (Frank’s RedHot Original or similar): Frank’s RedHot Original is the classic choice for buffalo sauce, delivering that perfect balance of heat and tang. You can use your favorite brand of vinegar-based hot sauce, but Frank’s is highly recommended for authenticity.
• ½ cup Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness, creaminess, and helps to mellow out the heat of the hot sauce, creating that signature buffalo sauce flavor. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons Honey or Maple Syrup: A touch of sweetness balances the heat and acidity of the buffalo sauce. Honey or maple syrup both work beautifully. You can adjust the amount to your preference for sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon White Vinegar: White vinegar enhances the tanginess of the buffalo sauce and adds a bright, acidic note that cuts through the richness of the butter.
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Garlic powder in the buffalo sauce further enhances the savory flavor and complements the garlic powder in the chicken breading.
• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce: Worcestershire sauce adds a depth of umami flavor and complexity to the buffalo sauce.

For the Wraps and Fillings:

• 6-8 Large Flour Tortillas (10-12 inch): Large flour tortillas are ideal for wrapping up a generous portion of chicken and fillings. You can also use spinach tortillas or whole wheat tortillas for a healthier option.
• 1 cup Shredded Lettuce (Iceberg or Romaine): Lettuce provides a cool, crisp contrast to the spicy chicken and adds freshness to the wraps. Iceberg lettuce offers a classic crunch, while romaine provides more nutritional value.
• 1 cup Diced Tomatoes: Tomatoes add juicy sweetness and acidity that complements the buffalo sauce. Roma tomatoes or cherry tomatoes work well.
• ½ cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (or Monterey Jack, or Blue Cheese): Cheese adds a creamy, savory element that ties all the flavors together. Cheddar is a classic choice, Monterey Jack is a milder option, and blue cheese crumbles offer a bolder, more traditional buffalo wing flavor. Choose your favorite!
• ½ cup Ranch Dressing or Blue Cheese Dressing (for dipping or drizzling): Ranch or blue cheese dressing are classic accompaniments to buffalo chicken. They provide a cool, creamy counterpoint to the heat and tang of the buffalo sauce. You can use store-bought or homemade dressing.
• Optional Toppings: Sliced avocado, thinly sliced red onion, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños (for extra heat), crumbled bacon, shredded carrots, celery sticks. Feel free to customize your wraps with your favorite toppings!

This detailed ingredient list provides everything you need to create truly exceptional Crunchy Buffalo Chicken Wraps. Don’t be afraid to adjust quantities and ingredients to your personal preferences and dietary needs. The most important thing is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.

Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for creating these mouthwatering Crunchy Buffalo Chicken Wraps. Follow these directions carefully to ensure perfectly crispy chicken and flavorful wraps every time:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pound the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken to an even thickness of about ½ inch. This ensures even cooking and tender chicken.
2. Marinate in Buttermilk: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken breasts and buttermilk. Ensure the chicken is fully submerged in the buttermilk. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer the chicken marinates, the more tender and flavorful it will become.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a shallow dish or large bowl, whisk together the flour, panko breadcrumbs, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Set up Breading Station: Arrange your buttermilk-marinated chicken and the breading mixture in separate shallow dishes or bowls. This creates an efficient breading station for easy assembly.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

1. Dredge in Breading: Remove a piece of chicken from the buttermilk, letting any excess buttermilk drip off. Place the chicken in the breading mixture and press firmly to ensure the breading adheres to all sides.
2. Double Breading (For Extra Crunch – Optional but Highly Recommended): For an even crispier crust, dip the breaded chicken back into the buttermilk (briefly) and then back into the breading mixture, pressing again to coat thoroughly. This double breading creates an extra layer of crunch that is truly irresistible.
3. Repeat: Repeat the breading process with all the remaining chicken pieces.
4. Rest (Optional but Recommended): Place the breaded chicken on a wire rack or plate and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before frying. This allows the breading to set and adhere even better during frying, resulting in a crispier crust.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or deep pot to a depth of about 1 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of breading into it; if it sizzles and browns in about 15-20 seconds, the oil is ready.
2. Fry in Batches: Carefully place the breaded chicken pieces into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking. Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
3. Fry until Golden Brown and Cooked Through: Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for accuracy.
4. Drain Excess Oil: Remove the cooked chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.

Step 5: Prepare the Buffalo Sauce

1. Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
2. Add Hot Sauce and Other Ingredients: Once the butter is melted, pour in the hot sauce, honey or maple syrup, white vinegar, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Simmer and Thicken: Whisk all ingredients together and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens and the flavors meld together.
4. Taste and Adjust: Taste the buffalo sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. You can add more hot sauce for extra heat, honey for more sweetness, or a pinch of salt if needed.

Step 6: Toss Chicken in Buffalo Sauce

1. Cut Chicken (Optional): If you prefer smaller pieces of chicken in your wraps, you can slice or cut the fried chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces. This is optional, and you can also leave the chicken breasts whole for a more substantial wrap.
2. Toss in Sauce: Place the fried chicken (whole or cut) into a large bowl. Pour the prepared buffalo sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat evenly. Ensure every piece of chicken is nicely coated in the flavorful buffalo sauce.

Step 7: Assemble the Wraps

1. Warm Tortillas (Optional but Recommended): Warm the flour tortillas according to package instructions or by briefly heating them in a dry skillet or microwave. Warming the tortillas makes them more pliable and easier to wrap.
2. Layer Fillings: Lay a warmed tortilla flat on a clean surface. Place a bed of shredded lettuce in the center of the tortilla. Top with diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and a generous portion of the buffalo chicken.
3. Add Dressing (Optional): Drizzle ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing over the fillings, if desired.
4. Wrap it Up: Fold in the sides of the tortilla and then tightly roll it up from the bottom, burrito-style, to create a secure wrap.
5. Repeat: Repeat the assembly process with the remaining tortillas and fillings.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve Immediately: Serve the Crunchy Buffalo Chicken Wraps immediately for the best crispiness and flavor.
2. Cut in Half (Optional): You can cut the wraps in half diagonally for easier eating and presentation, if desired.
3. Serve with Dipping Sauce: Serve with extra ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping, along with celery sticks and carrot sticks, if desired.

These detailed instructions will guide you through each step of making these incredible Crunchy Buffalo Chicken Wraps. Remember to take your time, follow the steps carefully, and most importantly, enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Nutrition Facts

(Approximate values, may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)

Servings: 6-8 wraps

Per Serving (approx. 1 wrap):

• Calories: 650-800 kcal
• Protein: 40-50g
• Fat: 35-50g
  • Saturated Fat: 15-25g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20-25g
• Cholesterol: 150-200mg
• Sodium: 1200-1800mg
• Carbohydrates: 40-50g
  • Fiber: 2-4g
  • Sugar: 5-10g

Note: These nutrition facts are estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and types of ingredients used, as well as portion sizes. Using leaner chicken, whole wheat tortillas, and lighter dressings can help reduce the calorie and fat content. Frying also adds to the fat and calorie count. Baking or air frying the chicken instead of frying can significantly reduce the fat content.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30-40 minutes (including chicken marinating and breading)
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes (frying chicken and making sauce)
• Total Time: 50-65 minutes

This recipe is relatively quick to prepare, especially considering the delicious and satisfying results. The marinating time adds to the prep time, but it’s mostly hands-off. The actual active cooking time is under 30 minutes, making it a great option for a flavorful weeknight meal.

How to Serve

These Crunchy Buffalo Chicken Wraps are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways to create a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your wrap experience:

As a Complete Meal:

• Classic Wrap Meal: Serve the wraps as they are, as a hearty and flavorful meal. They are substantial enough to be a satisfying main course on their own.
• With Side Salad: Pair the wraps with a light and refreshing side salad to balance the richness of the buffalo chicken. A simple green salad with vinaigrette or a Caesar salad would be excellent choices.
• With Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw is a classic side dish that complements buffalo flavors perfectly. The coolness and creaminess of the coleslaw provide a nice contrast to the spicy chicken.
• With French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: For a more indulgent meal, serve the wraps with a side of crispy French fries or sweet potato fries. These are always crowd-pleasers and pair well with the buffalo chicken.
• With Onion Rings: Crispy onion rings are another delicious and satisfying side dish that complements the wraps beautifully.

As Appetizers or Party Food:

• Wrap Sliders: Cut the wraps into smaller portions to create buffalo chicken wrap sliders, perfect for appetizers or party snacks. Secure them with toothpicks if needed.
• Wrap Pinwheels: For a visually appealing appetizer, slice the wraps into pinwheels. After rolling the wraps tightly, refrigerate them for about 30 minutes to firm up, then slice into 1-inch thick pinwheels.
• Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps (Low-Carb Option): For a lighter and low-carb option, serve the buffalo chicken and fillings in crisp lettuce cups instead of tortillas. This is a great way to enjoy the flavors without the extra carbohydrates.

Dipping Sauces and Condiments:

• Ranch Dressing: Ranch dressing is a must-have dipping sauce for buffalo chicken. Its creamy and tangy flavor perfectly complements the spiciness.
• Blue Cheese Dressing: Blue cheese dressing is another classic choice, offering a bolder and more pungent flavor that many buffalo wing enthusiasts love.
• Extra Buffalo Sauce: Serve extra buffalo sauce on the side for those who like an extra kick of heat.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: For a cooling and tangy dipping option, offer sour cream or plain Greek yogurt.
• Salsa or Pico de Gallo: Fresh salsa or pico de gallo can add a vibrant and refreshing element to the wraps.

Garnishes:

• Celery Sticks and Carrot Sticks: Classic buffalo wing accompaniments, celery and carrot sticks provide a cool and crunchy contrast.
• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or parsley over the wraps for a touch of freshness and visual appeal.
• Green Onions: Thinly sliced green onions add a mild oniony flavor and a pop of color.

By offering a variety of serving options, side dishes, and dipping sauces, you can create a truly memorable and enjoyable meal centered around these delicious Crunchy Buffalo Chicken Wraps.

Additional Tips for Perfect Crunchy Buffalo Chicken Wraps

To ensure your Crunchy Buffalo Chicken Wraps are absolutely perfect every time, here are five essential tips to keep in mind:

1. Don’t Skip the Buttermilk Marinade: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk is crucial for tenderness and flavor. The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, making it incredibly juicy on the inside, and also helps the breading adhere better, resulting in a crispier crust. Even a 30-minute marinade makes a noticeable difference.
2. Double Breading for Maximum Crunch: While single breading is good, double breading takes the crunch to the next level. Dipping the chicken back into the buttermilk and then back into the breading mixture creates a thicker, flakier, and significantly crispier crust that holds up beautifully even after being tossed in sauce. This extra step is well worth the effort for that satisfying crunch.
3. Maintain Oil Temperature for Optimal Frying: Frying at the correct oil temperature is essential for crispy, non-greasy chicken. Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the oil is at 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become soggy. If the oil is too hot, the outside will brown too quickly while the inside remains undercooked. Fry in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan and lowering the oil temperature.
4. Don’t Overcook the Buffalo Sauce: Simmering the buffalo sauce for just 5-7 minutes is sufficient to meld the flavors and slightly thicken the sauce. Overcooking the sauce can cause it to reduce too much and become overly salty or intense. A gentle simmer is all you need to create the perfect buffalo sauce.
5. Assemble Wraps Just Before Serving: For the best texture and flavor, assemble the wraps just before you are ready to serve them. If assembled too far in advance, the moisture from the fillings can soften the tortillas and the chicken coating. If you need to prepare components ahead of time, fry the chicken and make the sauce, but keep them separate and assemble the wraps right before serving to maintain optimal crispiness and freshness.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating consistently delicious and perfectly crunchy Buffalo Chicken Wraps that will impress your family and friends every time.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I bake or air fry the chicken instead of frying?

A: Yes, absolutely! Baking or air frying are healthier alternatives to frying and can still yield delicious results. To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown, flipping halfway through. For air frying, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to cook in batches). Air fry for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through and crispy, flipping halfway through. While baking and air frying won’t achieve exactly the same level of crispiness as deep frying, they are still excellent options for a healthier version. You can also lightly spray the breaded chicken with cooking oil before baking or air frying to enhance browning and crispiness.

Q2: Can I make these wraps ahead of time?

A: It’s best to assemble and serve these wraps immediately for optimal crispiness and texture. However, you can prepare components in advance to save time. You can fry the chicken and make the buffalo sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer to re-crisp before tossing in the buffalo sauce and assembling the wraps. You can also chop your vegetables and have them ready to go. Avoid assembling the wraps too far in advance, as the moisture from the fillings can soften the tortillas and the chicken coating.

Q3: Can I use different types of tortillas?

A: Yes, you can definitely use different types of tortillas to customize your wraps. Flour tortillas are classic and work very well, but you can also use whole wheat tortillas for a healthier option, spinach tortillas for added flavor and color, or even gluten-free tortillas if needed. Just make sure the tortillas are large enough (10-12 inch) to hold a generous amount of filling and are pliable enough to wrap easily. Warming the tortillas before assembling will also help them become more pliable and prevent cracking.

Q4: Can I adjust the spice level of the buffalo sauce?

A: Absolutely! You have complete control over the spice level of the buffalo sauce. If you prefer a milder sauce, you can reduce the amount of hot sauce or use a milder hot sauce variety. You can also increase the amount of butter or honey to further mellow out the heat. If you like extra spicy buffalo sauce, you can add more hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce, or use a hotter variety of hot sauce. Taste the sauce as you are making it and adjust the ingredients to achieve your desired level of spice.

Q5: What are some vegetarian or vegan alternatives for these wraps?

A: To make vegetarian or vegan buffalo wraps, you can easily substitute the chicken with plant-based alternatives. Great options include:

• Cauliflower: Buffalo cauliflower bites are a popular vegetarian alternative. Cut cauliflower into florets, bread them using a similar breading method, and bake, air fry, or pan-fry until crispy. Toss in buffalo sauce and use in the wraps.
• Tofu: Press firm or extra-firm tofu to remove excess water. Cut into strips or cubes, bread them, and bake, air fry, or pan-fry until crispy. Toss in buffalo sauce and use in the wraps.
• Jackfruit: Young green jackfruit (canned in water or brine) can be shredded and used as a “pulled” meat substitute. Sauté the jackfruit, season it, and then toss it in buffalo sauce.
• Chickpeas: Roasted or air-fried chickpeas can also be tossed in buffalo sauce and used as a filling.

For vegan wraps, ensure that your breading and dressings are also vegan-friendly. Use plant-based butter for the buffalo sauce, vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing, and check the ingredients of your tortillas and breadcrumbs to ensure they are vegan.

These FAQs should address common questions and help anyone feel confident in making and customizing these delicious Crunchy Buffalo Chicken Wraps!

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