Craving a meal that’s incredibly satisfying but takes almost no time to prepare? These BBQ Chicken Wraps are your new weeknight hero. We’re talking about tender shredded chicken tossed in smoky barbecue sauce, sharp cheddar cheese, and crisp red onion, all bundled into a warm, toasted tortilla. This is a 20-minute meal that the whole family will love, and it’s so easy to customize. Say goodbye to boring dinners and hello to your new favorite quick and easy recipe.
Why You’ll Love These Easy BBQ Chicken Wraps
If you need a go-to recipe for those busy nights, this is it. Here’s why you’ll find yourself making these wraps again and again:
- Incredibly Fast: Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, this entire meal comes together in under 20 minutes.
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need a handful of simple, easy-to-find ingredients.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a certified crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults enjoy.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: The chicken mixture can be made ahead of time for even faster assembly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this BBQ chicken wraps recipe is its simplicity. You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients to create amazing flavor.
- Shredded Chicken: A store-bought rotisserie chicken is the ultimate shortcut. You can also use any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand.
- BBQ Sauce: Your favorite brand works perfectly. Choose a smoky, sweet, or spicy variety to suit your taste.
- Large Tortillas: Flour tortillas that are 10 inches (burrito-size) are ideal for holding all the delicious fillings.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides a great flavor contrast to the sweet BBQ sauce. Monterey Jack or a Colby blend also work well.
- Red Onion: Adds a much-needed sharp, crisp bite.
- Fresh Cilantro: Provides a fresh, herby note that brightens everything up. If you’re not a fan, you can omit it.
- Butter or Oil: For pan-searing the wraps to get them golden and crispy.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Wraps (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to assemble your delicious homemade wraps. The key is getting a nice, crispy exterior!
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, your favorite BBQ sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, finely diced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Mix until everything is evenly coated in the sauce.
- Assemble the Wraps: Gently warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to make them more pliable. Lay a tortilla on a flat surface and spoon about one-quarter of the chicken mixture into the center.
- Fold the Wraps: Fold in the two sides of the tortilla first, then tightly roll it up from the bottom to create a secure burrito-style wrap.
- Pan-Sear for Crispy Perfection: Melt a little butter or heat a touch of oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Place the wraps seam-side down in the hot skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and crispy. This step is a game-changer!
Tips for the Best Chicken Wraps
A few simple tricks can take your BBQ Chicken Wraps from good to absolutely unforgettable.
- Don’t Skip the Sear: Toasting the outside of the wrap in a skillet is the secret to a perfect texture. It melts the cheese, warms the filling, and creates a deliciously crisp exterior that prevents sogginess.
- Warm Your Tortillas: Warming the tortillas before rolling makes them soft and flexible, preventing them from cracking or tearing.
- Use Quality BBQ Sauce: Since it’s a primary flavor component, using a BBQ sauce you genuinely love will make a huge difference.
- Don’t Overstuff: It can be tempting to load up your wrap, but overfilling makes it difficult to roll and more likely to fall apart.
Easy Variations & Customizations
This recipe is a fantastic base for creativity. Try some of these popular additions to make these shredded chicken wraps your own.
Add Crispy Bacon
For an extra layer of savory flavor and crunch, add some cooked and crumbled bacon to the chicken mixture. BBQ chicken and bacon are a classic combination for a reason.
Introduce a Little Spice
If you like some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or some diced jalapeños to the chicken filling.
Go for a Creamy Texture
For a creamier filling, mix in a tablespoon or two of ranch dressing or sour cream with the BBQ sauce. It adds a cool, tangy element that balances the smoky sauce perfectly.
Add Different Veggies
Feel free to add other ingredients like corn, black beans, or crisp lettuce. For a Hawaiian twist, some readers even add small pineapple tidbits!
What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Wraps
These wraps are a satisfying meal on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of simple side dishes. A creamy coleslaw, a fresh garden salad, or a side of sweet potato fries are all excellent choices. For a more substantial meal, serve them alongside these crispy Oven-Roasted Fingerling Potatoes.
Storage and Meal Prep Instructions
These wraps are fantastic for making ahead. The BBQ chicken filling can be prepared and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply assemble the wraps and pan-sear them as directed. Leftover assembled wraps can be stored in the fridge, but they are best enjoyed fresh to prevent the tortilla from becoming soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! The BBQ chicken filling can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. For the best results, assemble and pan-sear the wraps just before serving to keep them crispy.
The key is to pan-sear the wraps in a hot skillet with a little butter or oil after assembling them. This creates a crispy, golden-brown exterior that acts as a barrier and prevents the tortilla from becoming soggy.
There are many options! Popular additions include crispy bacon crumbles, a spoonful of ranch dressing for creaminess, diced jalapeños for heat, or even pineapple tidbits for a sweet and savory Hawaiian twist.
The quickest and easiest option is a store-bought rotisserie chicken. However, you can use any leftover cooked chicken, such as baked or grilled chicken breasts or thighs. Just shred it before mixing with the sauce.
Large, 10-inch burrito-size flour tortillas are the best choice. They are soft, pliable, and large enough to hold all the fillings without tearing. Warming them slightly before rolling also helps prevent cracking.
More Delicious Wrap & Dinner Ideas
If you loved these BBQ Chicken Wraps, you’re sure to enjoy some of our other easy dinner recipes. For another amazing wrap idea, try our Easy Teriyaki Chicken Wraps. If you’re looking for a different take on quick chicken dinners, these Honey Butter Chicken Bites are a must-try. For a vegetarian option, our Sweet Chili Halloumi Wraps are a flavor-packed favorite.
Get the Recipe!
BBQ Chicken Wraps (Quick & Easy Recipe!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.
- Warm tortillas for about 15-20 seconds in the microwave to make them more pliable. Spoon approximately one-quarter of the chicken mixture onto the center of each tortilla.
- Fold in the sides of the tortilla first, then roll it up tightly from the bottom to create a secure wrap.
- Melt butter or heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place wraps seam-side down and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown, crispy, and heated through.
- Slice the wraps in half and serve immediately, with extra BBQ sauce for dipping if desired.
Notes
Meal Prep: The chicken filling can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Variations: Add cooked bacon, a dash of hot sauce, or a spoonful of ranch dressing to the filling for extra flavor.
I hope you love this simple and delicious recipe for BBQ Chicken Wraps! It has become a staple in our home for busy weeknights, and I know it will be in yours too. If you try it, please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. For more easy recipe inspiration, be sure to follow me on Pinterest!
