BBQ Chicken Wraps Delight

This BBQ chicken wrap has become my dinner savior on busy weeknights when I need something satisfying without hours in the kitchen. The combination of tangy BBQ sauce, melty pepper Jack cheese, and crispy turkey bacon creates an irresistible flavor profile that feels like comfort food but comes together in minutes.

I first created these wraps during a particularly chaotic week when my family needed quick dinners between activities. They were such a hit that they now appear on our menu rotation at least twice a month, especially during sports seasons when we need portable meals.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: Provide lean protein and cook quickly when cut into bite sized pieces.
• BBQ sauce: Adds that sweet and tangy flavor that makes these wraps special. I recommend using a quality sauce with a balance of sweet and smoke.
• Pepper Jack cheese: Brings a mild heat and incredible melty texture that binds everything together.
• Turkey bacon: Offers a lighter alternative to traditional bacon while still providing that smoky crunch.
• Flour tortillas: Serve as the perfect vessel. Look for the burrito size for easier wrapping.
• Mixed greens: Add freshness and nutrition. Spring mix or romaine work beautifully.
• Red onion: Delivers sharp flavor and crunch. Look for firm onions with vibrant color.
• Tomato: Contributes juiciness and freshness. Choose ripe but firm tomatoes for best texture.
• Pepperoncini: Adds a tangy zip that cuts through the richness of the other ingredients.
• Ranch dressing: Ties all the flavors together. Homemade takes these wraps to another level.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the bacon:

Heat olive oil in a skillet until shimmering but not smoking. Add turkey bacon strips and cook until they develop a crispy exterior, about 2-3 minutes per side. The goal is to achieve golden brown edges while keeping the bacon pliable enough to crumble later. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Cook the chicken:

Wipe the skillet clean and add fresh oil. Heat until it glistens, then add the bite sized chicken pieces. Spread them in a single layer to ensure even cooking and allow them to develop a slight golden crust before stirring. Cook thoroughly for 5-7 minutes until no pink remains in the center.

Create the BBQ chicken:

Pour BBQ sauce over the cooked chicken, stirring to ensure every piece is generously coated. The sauce should bubble slightly as it warms through and begins to caramelize on the chicken edges. This creates that distinctive BBQ flavor that makes these wraps so craveable.

Add the cheese:

Reduce heat to low and sprinkle the pepper Jack cheese evenly over the chicken. Cover with a lid to create a steam environment that melts the cheese perfectly over the chicken without burning it. Wait until the cheese is mostly melted but still has some structure, about one minute.

Warm the tortillas:

Heat each tortilla in a dry skillet over medium low heat for about 20 seconds per side. This crucial step makes the tortillas pliable and easier to fold without cracking. A properly warmed tortilla should be soft and slightly puffy but not crisp.

Assemble the filling:

Spoon about half a cup of the BBQ chicken and cheese mixture onto each warmed tortilla, positioning it slightly below center for easiest rolling. Add extra BBQ sauce and cheese if desired for a more indulgent wrap.

Prepare the greens:

In a mixing bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced red onion, chopped tomato, and pepperoncini. Drizzle with ranch dressing and toss gently until everything is lightly coated but not soggy. The dressing should complement the ingredients without overwhelming them.

Complete the wraps:

Place a generous portion of the dressed greens mixture on top of the BBQ chicken. Fold in the sides of the tortilla first, then roll from the bottom up, tucking in the filling as you go to create a secure, portable wrap. The structure should be firm but not so tight that it tears.

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Make Ahead Options

These BBQ chicken wraps are perfect for meal prepping. You can cook the chicken and bacon up to three days ahead and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken mixture in a skillet or microwave until warm, then assemble your wraps with fresh veggies. For best results, keep the dressed greens separate until just before serving to maintain their crispness and prevent the wraps from becoming soggy.

Customization Ideas

This recipe welcomes personalization based on your preferences or what you have available. Swap the pepper Jack for cheddar or Monterey Jack if you prefer less heat. Replace turkey bacon with regular bacon, crispy onions, or even avocado for vegetarians. The mixed greens can be substituted with any lettuce variety, spinach, or arugula. For a lower carb option, use large lettuce leaves instead of tortillas to create a fresh wrap. You can also try different BBQ sauce flavors like honey, spicy, or smoky to create entirely new flavor profiles.

Serving Suggestions

These BBQ chicken wraps shine on their own as a complete meal, but they pair beautifully with simple sides to round out the experience. Serve alongside sweet potato fries for a restaurant style presentation, or offer a fresh fruit salad for a lighter complement. For entertaining, cut the wraps into pinwheels and secure with toothpicks for an impressive appetizer that disappears quickly. During summer months, these wraps make perfect picnic fare since they travel well and taste delicious at room temperature.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute Pepper Jack cheese with cheddar, mozzarella, or any cheese that melts well.

→ What is the best way to reheat the wraps?

To reheat the wraps, place them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side or heat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

→ Can I make these wraps ahead of time?

It's best to assemble the wraps just before serving to keep the tortillas from getting soggy. You can prepare all the ingredients and store them separately in the fridge.

→ What meat alternatives can I use for this dish?

For a vegetarian option, you can substitute chicken with grilled tofu, tempeh, or roasted veggies.

→ How do I make homemade ranch dressing?

Whisk mayonnaise with dried herbs like dill, parsley, chives, and seasonings, then add buttermilk to achieve your desired consistency. Refrigerate for an hour before serving.

→ Can I use a different type of tortilla?

Absolutely! You can use whole wheat, spinach, or gluten-free tortillas instead of regular flour tortillas.