The tangy heat of buffalo sauce hitting crisp, cool coleslaw creates a texture combination that wakes up the palate immediately. These Buffalo Chicken Wraps offer a satisfying crunch and creamy richness that turns a simple lunch into something you genuinely look forward to eating. I often rely on this recipe when the kids need a quick dinner before practice, as it uses pre-cooked chicken to save time without sacrificing that bold flavor we all enjoy. It's a fast, reliable meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.
Why You'll Love This
This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights because it transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-style meal in under 15 minutes. The contrast between the warm, spicy chicken and the cold, creamy slaw ensures every bite is balanced and interesting. It is one of those easy chicken wraps recipes that works just as well for a family dinner as it does for a solitary work-from-home lunch. Plus, you can easily adjust the spice level, making it versatile enough for everyone at the table to enjoy.
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Ingredients
This Buffalo Chicken Wraps recipe relies on convenient staples to keep prep time short while maintaining bold flavors. You likely have most of the buffalo chicken sauce ingredients and basics in your kitchen already.
The full Buffalo Chicken Wraps instructions are right in the card below.
Main Ingredients
- Cooked Chicken - Nuggets add a nice crunch, but rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken works perfectly too.
- Buffalo Wing Sauce - Provides the signature tangy heat that defines the dish.
- Coleslaw Mix - A pre-packaged cabbage blend adds essential crunch without the chopping.
- Coleslaw Dressing - Creamy dressing balances the heat from the buffalo sauce.
- Flour Tortillas - Burrito-sized tortillas are essential for holding all the filling securely.
- Cheddar Cheese - Sharp cheddar adds a nice bite that complements the spicy chicken.
Optional Extras
- Ranch or Blue Cheese - Serve on the side for dipping or cooling down the spice.
- Vegetable Oil - Used if you plan to pan-sear the wrap for a crispy exterior.
- Avocado Slices - Adds a creamy texture that pairs well with grilled buffalo chicken.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Wraps (Step-by-Step)
These steps are designed to keep the process organized so you can get dinner on the table without stress. Buffalo Chicken Wraps are simple to assemble, but following the order ensures they stay neat and flavorful.
Prep the Meat
Chop the cooked chicken nuggets or meat into uniform bite-sized pieces before mixing. This ensures that the sauce distributes evenly and makes the wrap easier to eat.
Sauce the Chicken
Toss the chopped chicken in the buffalo wing sauce until every piece is fully coated. You want the chicken to look glossy and bright orange, signaling it is packed with flavor.
Mix the Slaw
Combine the coleslaw mix with the dressing in a separate bowl, tossing until well incorporated. The cabbage should look coated and slightly softened, ready to provide a creamy crunch.
Warm the Tortilla
Heat the flour tortilla in the microwave for 10 seconds or briefly in a dry skillet. This relaxes the gluten, making the tortilla soft, pliable, and much less likely to tear.
Layer Ingredients
Place the coleslaw mixture in the center of the tortilla, then top with the sauced chicken and shredded cheese. Keeping the ingredients centered creates a clear border that makes rolling much easier.
Roll and Serve
Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll tightly from the bottom up, tucking the ingredients in as you go. You will end up with a firm, sealed cylinder that feels heavy and substantial.
Sear the Wrap
Optionally, place the wrap seam-side down in a hot skillet with a little oil to seal the edges. This creates a crispy, golden-brown exterior that contrasts beautifully with the cool slaw inside.
How do you keep chicken wraps from falling apart? Tucking the sides in firmly before the first roll and searing the seam side down acts as a "glue" to hold everything together.
Top Tip
Making these Buffalo Chicken Wraps at home allows you to control the spice level and texture better than any takeout version.
Sear the seam → locks the wrap shut → look for a golden brown line on the bottom.
Warm the tortilla → prevents cracking → look for a flexible, soft texture.
Use rotisserie meat → saves cooking time → look for rotisserie chicken wrap recipes adaptable for this dish.
Don't overfill → ensures a tight seal → look for a 1-inch border around the edge.
Drain the slaw → prevents sogginess → look for a creamy but not watery mixture.
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →Variations
You can easily adapt this recipe to fit different dietary needs or pantry ingredients. If you want healthy buffalo chicken wraps, try using a whole wheat tortilla or swapping the fried nuggets for poached chicken breast. For a fresh twist, replace the coleslaw with crisp romaine lettuce and diced tomatoes. You can also add black beans or corn to bulk it up without extra meat.
Storage
If you need cold wraps for lunch, store the filling components separately from the tortillas to maintain the best texture. Assembled wraps can be wrapped in foil and kept in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The tortilla may soften slightly, but the flavor will remain tangy and bold. Freezing is not recommended due to the fresh coleslaw and dairy ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
To turn these Buffalo Chicken Wraps into a full dinner, I love serving them with seasoned potato wedges or a simple green salad. The wraps are hearty, so a lighter side often balances the meal well. If you enjoy the style of buffalo chicken burritos, try serving them with a side of Mexican street corn or cilantro lime rice for a fusion feast. A side of extra ranch dressing is always a hit with my kids for dipping.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, but it is best to store the chicken and slaw separately. Assemble the wrap just before eating to ensure the tortilla stays firm and the shredded chicken wraps keep their fresh texture.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The heat level depends entirely on the wing sauce you choose. Mild sauce provides flavor without the burn, while a hot variety adds a significant kick that spicy food lovers will enjoy.
Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Absolutely, just cook them according to the package instructions first. Chopping up crispy tenders adds a great texture that holds up well against the creamy coleslaw and dressing.
What if I don't have coleslaw mix?
You can shred your own cabbage and carrots, or simply use shredded lettuce. The texture will be slightly different, but the crunch will still be there to balance the soft tortilla.
More Recipes You'll Love
Dinner If you enjoyed these Buffalo Chicken Wraps, you might also want to try these other flavor-packed meals.
Whipped this up already? Show it off on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes - your version might inspire someone!
Easy Buffalo Chicken Wraps
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them in a mixing bowl. This ensures every bite has an equal amount of meat.
- Toss the chicken with the buffalo wing sauce until fully coated. The chicken should look bright orange and glossy.
- Mix the coleslaw cabbage blend with the coleslaw dressing in a separate bowl. The vegetables will become slightly softened and creamy.
- Warm the flour tortillas in the microwave for 10 seconds or briefly in a skillet. This makes the tortilla pliable and prevents tearing during rolling.
- Layer the coleslaw, buffalo chicken, and shredded cheese in the center of each tortilla. A centered pile allows for a tight, secure fold.
- Fold the sides in, roll the tortilla tightly burrito-style, and slice in half. You should see a neat spiral of ingredients at the cut end.
- Optionally, sear the wrap seam-side down in a hot skillet with oil for 2 minutes per side. The exterior becomes golden brown and crunchy.
Nutrition
Notes
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Buffalo Chicken Wraps:
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