Easy Crispy BBQ Chicken Wraps (Quick Weeknight Meal!)

Are you looking for a lightning-fast meal that’s packed with flavor, loved by the whole family, and perfect for using up leftover chicken? What if you could have a hot, crispy, and cheesy wrap on the table in about 15 minutes, with almost no prep work involved?

These Crispy BBQ Chicken Wraps are your answer! This recipe is the ultimate quick dinner or easy lunch, combining tender shredded chicken, smoky barbecue sauce, gooey cheddar cheese, and zesty red onion, all bundled into a flour tortilla and grilled to golden-brown perfection. This bbq chicken wrap is crunchy on the outside, melted and delicious on the inside, and guaranteed to become a new household favorite.

Ingredients

This recipe is fantastic for using up leftovers, especially rotisserie chicken. You only need a handful of simple ingredients!

Ingredient	Amount/Quantity	Notes
Cooked Chicken, shredded	2 cups	Rotisserie chicken works perfectly
Shredded Cheddar Cheese	2 cups	Sharp or medium cheddar is great
Red Onion, chopped	¼ cup	Finely chopped
Fresh Cilantro, chopped	¼ cup	Optional, but adds great freshness
Barbecue Sauce	½ cup, plus more to taste	Use your favorite brand
Large Flour Tortillas	4-5	Burrito size (10-inch) recommended
Vegetable or Canola Oil	2 Tablespoons (for brushing)	Or use cooking spray

this now & bake later ❤️

Timing

This is one of the fastest hot meals you can make, especially when using pre-cooked chicken.

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 5-8 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create hot, crispy, and cheesy BBQ chicken wraps in minutes.

Step 1: Combine the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded cooked chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped red onion, and chopped fresh cilantro (if using). Pour in the ½ cup of barbecue sauce. Toss everything together with a fork or spatula until all the ingredients are evenly coated.

• Actionable Tip: If the mixture looks a little dry, add more BBQ sauce, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired sauciness. You want it coated, not soggy.

Step 2: Assemble the Wraps

Lay out one large flour tortilla on a clean, flat surface. Spoon about ½ cup of the chicken mixture onto the bottom third of the tortilla, leaving a border around the edges.

• Actionable Tip: Gently warm the tortillas in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This makes them softer, more pliable, and much easier to roll without cracking.

Step 3: Roll the Wraps Like a Burrito

Fold the left and right sides of the tortilla inwards, over the edges of the filling. Then, take the bottom edge (closest to you) and roll it up tightly over the filling, tucking in the sides as you go, to create a secure, compact burrito shape. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.

Step 4: Grill the Wraps Until Crispy

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Generously spray the skillet with non-stick cooking spray or add a swirl of oil. Carefully place the rolled wraps seam-side down onto the hot skillet. (You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding).

• Actionable Tip: Placing the wraps seam-side down first is the most important trick! The direct heat helps to seal the tortilla closed, so your wrap doesn’t fall apart when you flip it.

Step 5: Brown All Sides and Serve

Gently brush the tops of the wraps with a light coating of oil or spray them with more cooking spray. Let the wraps cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip the wraps over and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side. Continue to turn the wraps every minute or so until all sides are golden and crispy and the cheese inside is melted and gooey.

• Actionable Tip: Using a flat, wide spatula makes flipping the wraps much easier. Be patient and let them get golden brown for that perfect crunchy texture.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Remove the Crispy BBQ Chicken Wraps from the skillet. You can serve them whole or slice them in half diagonally. Serve immediately while they are hot, crispy, and the cheese is melted.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional information is an estimate per wrap and will vary significantly based on the type of tortillas, BBQ sauce (sugar content), and cheese used.

• Calories: Approx. 450-550 kcal
• Protein: 30-35 g
• Carbohydrates: 35-40 g
• Fat: 20-25 g
• Saturated Fat: 8-12 g
• Sugar: 8-15 g (highly dependent on BBQ sauce)

Notable Benefit: This wrap is an excellent source of protein, making it a very satisfying and filling meal.

Healthier Alternatives

This easy recipe can be quickly modified for a lighter meal:

• Tortilla Choice: Use whole wheat, low-carb, or high-fiber tortillas.
• BBQ Sauce: Choose a barbecue sauce that is low in sugar or sugar-free to significantly reduce the carb and calorie count.
• Cheese: Opt for a reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese.
• Add Veggies: Add more nutrients and fiber by mixing in a ½ cup of canned black beans (rinsed and drained), corn, or finely chopped bell peppers into the chicken mixture.
• Cooking Method: You can also make these in an air fryer! Spray the wraps with cooking spray and air fry at 380°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crispy.

Serving Suggestions

These Crispy BBQ Chicken Wraps are a fantastic handheld meal, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

• Dipping Sauces: Serve with a side of ranch dressing, extra BBQ sauce, or sour cream for dipping.
• Simple Sides: Pair with a simple side salad, some crunchy coleslaw, or a bowl of soup.
• Kid-Friendly: These are always a hit with kids! Serve with a side of tater tots or mac and cheese.
• Mexican-Inspired: As the data suggests, these are delicious served alongside a heaping portion of Mexican rice or black beans.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

For the perfect crispy wrap every time, avoid these simple errors:

• Overstuffing the Wrap: It’s tempting to add a lot of filling, but this will make the tortilla difficult to roll and will likely cause it to tear or burst. Solution: Use a moderate amount of filling (about ½ cup) and leave a border for folding.
• Using Cold Tortillas: Cold tortillas are stiff and will crack and break when you try to roll them. Solution: Always warm the tortillas for 10-15 seconds in the microwave to make them pliable.
• Not Placing Seam-Side Down: If you place the wrap in the pan with the seam facing up, it will unroll immediately. Solution: Always place the wrap seam-side down first to seal it shut with the heat.
• Heat Too High: If your skillet is too hot, the tortilla will burn before the cheese inside has a chance to melt. Solution: Use medium heat for a steady, even browning that allows the center to get hot and gooey.

Storing Tips

These wraps are truly at their best when served hot and fresh, as the tortilla will lose its crispiness upon refrigeration.

• Refrigerate: If you have leftovers, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: The best way to revive leftovers is in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. You can also reheat them in a toaster oven or on a dry skillet over medium-low heat to try and regain some of the crispness. The microwave will make them soft and chewy.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and cheese filling mixture and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, simply assemble and grill the wraps for a super-fast meal.

Conclusion

These Crispy BBQ Chicken Wraps are the ultimate in fast, flavorful comfort food. They take just a few simple ingredients and transform them into a hot, cheesy, and satisfying meal in 15 minutes. Perfect for using up leftovers and pleasing even the pickiest eaters, this is a recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.

Ready for the easiest, cheesiest dinner ever? Give these wraps a try and let us know what you think in the comments below! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and subscribe for more quick and delicious meal ideas!

FAQs

Q1: Can I use raw chicken?

Yes, but it will add about 10-15 minutes to the prep time. Simply dice 1-1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cook it in the skillet with a little oil until no longer pink, drain any liquid, and then transfer it to a bowl to mix with the other filling ingredients.

Q2: Can I use different cheeses?

Absolutely! While cheddar is a classic with BBQ, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a spicy Pepper Jack cheese would all be fantastic and would melt beautifully.

Q3: What’s the best way to get a crispy wrap without oil?

If you’re using a good quality non-stick skillet, you can often get a crispy result just by using cooking spray, as noted in the recipe. An air fryer is also an excellent oil-free method (just spray the wraps lightly).

Q4: Can I bake these instead of pan-frying?

Yes. Assemble the wraps as directed and place them seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray the tops with cooking spray. Bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping once halfway through.

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