Easy Buffalo Chicken Wrap Recipe (Ready in 15 Minutes!)

Get ready to fall in love with this Easy Buffalo Chicken Wrap Recipe—a flavor-packed lunch or dinner that comes together in just 15 minutes! These crispy buffalo chicken wraps are loaded with tender, spicy buffalo chicken, cool ranch dressing, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and creamy cheese, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. They’re the perfect combination of spicy, tangy, creamy, and crunchy in every single bite.

This buffalo chicken wrap has become a Pinterest favorite and lunchtime staple because it delivers restaurant-quality flavor at a fraction of the cost, and you can make it in your own kitchen with ingredients you probably already have. Whether you’re using leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or cooking chicken fresh, this recipe is incredibly flexible and forgiving—perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep Sundays, or casual weekend lunches.

These wraps are ideal for so many occasions: quick weeknight dinners when you’re short on time, meal prep lunches for the work week, game day gatherings, casual parties, or even a lighter option after an intense workout. The buffalo flavor satisfies those spicy cravings without requiring you to deep-fry anything, and the wrap format makes it portable and mess-free. Whether you’re packing lunch for work, feeding hungry teenagers, or looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner option, this buffalo chicken tortilla wrap delivers big time!

History / Background

To understand the buffalo chicken wrap, we need to first appreciate its predecessor—the legendary Buffalo chicken wing. Buffalo wings were created in 1964 at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York, when Teressa Bellissimo improvised a late-night snack for her son and his friends. She deep-fried chicken wings, tossed them in a mixture of hot sauce and butter, and served them with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing. This accidental invention became one of America’s most beloved foods.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Buffalo wings gained popularity across the United States, particularly as sports bar fare and Super Bowl party food. The combination of spicy, tangy buffalo sauce with cooling ranch or blue cheese dressing became iconic. As Buffalo wings spread nationwide, creative cooks began applying that signature buffalo flavor profile to other dishes—buffalo chicken pizza, buffalo chicken dip, buffalo chicken salad, and eventually, buffalo chicken wraps.

The wrap itself has an interesting culinary journey. While flatbreads have been used for wrapping food for thousands of years across many cultures (think Mexican burritos, Middle Eastern shawarma, and Indian kati rolls), the “wrap” as we know it in American cuisine became popular in California during the 1990s. The trend was part of a broader movement toward lighter, fresher, more portable lunch options that could accommodate various dietary preferences.

Buffalo chicken wraps likely emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s as restaurants and home cooks looked for ways to make Buffalo wing flavors more accessible, less messy, and easier to eat on the go. Fast-casual chains like Subway, Panera, and local sandwich shops began featuring buffalo chicken wraps on their menus, and the combination proved wildly popular.

The genius of the buffalo chicken wrap lies in its ability to deliver all those beloved Buffalo wing flavors—the spicy, tangy sauce, the cooling ranch or blue cheese, the crisp celery (often replaced with lettuce in wraps)—in a more convenient, less messy format. You get all the flavor satisfaction without sticky fingers or bones to navigate.

Today, this easy buffalo chicken wrap recipe represents the perfect intersection of American comfort food and modern convenience. It honors the legacy of Buffalo, New York’s greatest culinary contribution while adapting it for today’s busy, health-conscious, meal-prepping home cooks. The recipe has become especially popular on Pinterest and food blogs because it’s endlessly customizable, budget-friendly, and can be made as healthy or indulgent as you like.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This buffalo chicken tortilla wrap is about to become your new go-to meal, and here’s why: it delivers bold, restaurant-quality flavor in a fraction of the time and at a fraction of the cost. The combination of spicy buffalo chicken with cool, creamy ranch and fresh, crunchy vegetables creates the perfect balanced bite that’ll have you craving these wraps on repeat.

Here’s what makes this recipe absolutely irresistible:

• Lightning-fast – Ready in just 15 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy weeknights
• Meal prep champion – Makes multiple wraps at once that stay fresh for days
• Budget-friendly – Uses affordable ingredients and stretches expensive chicken further
• Incredibly versatile – Works with leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or fresh-cooked chicken
• Customizable heat level – Adjust the spice to suit your preferences, from mild to fire
• Packed with protein – Each wrap delivers substantial protein to keep you satisfied
• Lunch box winner – Kids and adults love these, making lunch packing easy
• Crowd-pleaser – Everyone loves buffalo chicken flavor
• Lighter than wings – All the flavor you crave with less grease and fewer calories
• No deep frying required – Much healthier than traditional buffalo wings
• Portable perfection – Easy to eat on the go, at your desk, or at a picnic
• Restaurant copycat – Tastes just like your favorite restaurant wrap but costs way less

Ingredient Notes

Let’s break down what you’ll need for these delicious buffalo chicken wraps and why each component matters:

Cooked Chicken – The foundation of your wrap! You’ll need about 2 cups of cooked, shredded or diced chicken. Rotisserie chicken is the ultimate shortcut and adds great flavor. You can also use leftover grilled chicken, baked chicken breasts, or poached chicken. For best texture, shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Pro tip: Two medium chicken breasts or about half a rotisserie chicken yields approximately 2 cups. Substitution: Cooked turkey works well, or try crispy baked tofu for a vegetarian version.

Buffalo Sauce – This is what gives the wrap its signature tangy, spicy kick! Frank’s RedHot is the traditional choice (and what’s used in authentic Buffalo, NY), but any buffalo-style hot sauce works. You’ll need about ½ cup to generously coat the chicken. Important: Buffalo sauce is different from regular hot sauce—it’s usually a blend of hot sauce, butter, vinegar, and spices. Substitution: Make your own by mixing ⅓ cup hot sauce with 2 tablespoons melted butter and a splash of vinegar.

Ranch Dressing – The cooling element that balances the heat! Ranch is classic, though blue cheese dressing is equally traditional and authentic to the Buffalo wing experience. You’ll need about ¼ cup per wrap. Store-bought is perfectly fine, or use homemade if you prefer. Substitution: Greek yogurt ranch for a protein boost, or blue cheese dressing for that authentic Buffalo wing taste.

Tortillas – Large flour tortillas (10-12 inches) work best as they’re easier to fold and hold more filling. Look for “burrito-size” or “wrap-size” tortillas. Whole wheat tortillas add fiber and nutrients. Pro tip: Warm your tortillas slightly for easier rolling and better flavor. Substitution: Low-carb tortillas, spinach tortillas, tomato basil tortillas, or even large lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.

Lettuce – Adds essential crunch and freshness. Romaine lettuce is ideal because it’s crisp and sturdy, but iceberg, green leaf, or butter lettuce all work. Shredded is easiest to work with. You’ll need about 1 cup per wrap. Why it matters: The cool, crisp lettuce provides textural contrast and helps cool down the spicy buffalo flavor.

Tomatoes – Fresh, diced tomatoes add juiciness and a slight acidity that brightens everything. Roma tomatoes work great because they’re less watery. About ¼ cup diced per wrap is perfect. Tip: If your tomatoes are very juicy, remove some of the seeds to prevent soggy wraps.

Cheese – Shredded cheese adds creaminess and helps bind everything together. Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican blend all work beautifully. About ¼ cup per wrap. Substitution: Crumbled blue cheese for an authentic Buffalo wing experience, or pepper jack for extra heat.

Optional Add-ins – Diced celery (traditional!), red onion, shredded carrots, avocado, bacon bits, or jalapeños.

Equipment Needed

This recipe requires minimal equipment, making it perfect for beginner cooks or anyone short on kitchen space:

• Large mixing bowl – For tossing the chicken with buffalo sauce
• Medium skillet or microwave – For warming the tortillas (optional but recommended)
• Sharp knife – For dicing chicken, tomatoes, and any vegetables
• Cutting board – For prep work
• Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient portions
• Tongs or spoon – For tossing chicken with sauce
• Paper towels – For drying lettuce and tomatoes if needed

Optional but helpful:

• Panini press or grill pan – If you want to make crispy grilled buffalo chicken wraps
• Toothpicks – To secure wraps for serving or packing
• Plastic wrap or foil – For wrapping and storing meal-prepped wraps

Print

Tips & Variations

Crispy Buffalo Chicken Wraps:
After assembling your wraps, brush the outside lightly with melted butter or spray with cooking spray, then grill in a panini press or skillet until golden and crispy. The tortilla gets crunchy while the cheese melts perfectly!

Lighter Greek Yogurt Version:
Replace the ranch dressing with Greek yogurt mixed with ranch seasoning. This cuts calories significantly while adding extra protein. You can also use light or reduced-fat cheese.

Extra Spicy Buffalo Wraps:
Mix in diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese instead of regular cheese, add a drizzle of extra hot sauce, or use a spicier buffalo sauce variety. Some people even add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper!

Loaded BBQ Buffalo Wrap:
Mix half buffalo sauce and half BBQ sauce for a sweet-and-spicy flavor twist. Top with crispy bacon bits and crispy fried onions for a loaded restaurant-style wrap.

Vegetarian Buffalo Wrap:
Replace chicken with crispy baked buffalo cauliflower, buffalo chickpeas, or crispy buffalo tofu. The vegetables absorb the buffalo sauce beautifully and create a satisfying meat-free version.

Keto/Low-Carb Option:
Use low-carb tortillas (like Mission Carb Balance), or skip the tortilla entirely and serve in large lettuce leaves like romaine or butter lettuce for a fresh, crunchy low-carb option.

Meal Prep Power Bowls:
Instead of wraps, layer all the ingredients in meal prep containers as “buffalo chicken bowls.” Pack the ranch dressing separately and add just before eating. This keeps everything fresh and prevents sogginess.

Buffalo Chicken Caesar Wrap:
Use Caesar dressing instead of ranch, add shredded parmesan cheese, and include crispy croutons for a Buffalo-Caesar fusion that’s absolutely delicious.

Pro Chef Tips

The Butter Secret: Restaurant-quality buffalo sauce always includes butter! Even if your store-bought buffalo sauce already contains butter, mixing in an extra tablespoon of melted butter with the chicken creates a richer, more luxurious coating that clings better to the chicken.

Temperature Matters: Slightly warm chicken and cheese create a better eating experience than cold ingredients. If using refrigerated leftovers, warm the buffalo chicken in the microwave for 30-45 seconds before assembling your wraps.

The Double-Sauce Technique: Toss your chicken with buffalo sauce, but also drizzle a little extra buffalo sauce directly on the tortilla before adding the ranch. This creates layers of flavor that make each bite more interesting.

Lettuce Placement Strategy: Always place lettuce and other vegetables between the chicken and the tortilla. This creates a protective barrier that prevents the buffalo sauce from making the tortilla soggy, especially important for meal prep.

The Professional Fold: The key to a perfect wrap is the tightness of your roll. After folding up the bottom and sides, really pull and tighten as you roll. A loosely rolled wrap falls apart easily.

Toast for Texture: Even if you’re not fully grilling the wrap, a quick 30-second toast on each side in a dry skillet adds amazing texture and slightly melts the cheese without making it a full-on grilled wrap.

Fresh is Best: While buffalo chicken wraps can be prepped ahead, they’re best enjoyed within a few hours of assembly. The longer they sit, the soggier they become. For best results, prep ingredients separately and assemble fresh.

Drain Excess Sauce: After tossing chicken with buffalo sauce, let it sit in the bowl for a minute, then use a slotted spoon to add it to the wrap. This removes excess liquid that could make your wrap soggy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overfilling the Wrap: The biggest mistake is adding too much filling! It makes the wrap impossible to fold and eat without everything falling out. Stick to the recommended amounts—you can always make another wrap if you’re still hungry.

Using Cold Tortillas: Cold tortillas from the fridge are stiff and crack when you try to roll them. Always warm them slightly first—it takes just 20 seconds and makes a huge difference in rollability and taste.

Too Much Wet Ingredients: Buffalo sauce and ranch dressing are both liquids. If you add too much of either, your wrap will be soggy and messy. Use the recommended amounts and consider packing extra on the side for dipping instead.

Not Drying Your Vegetables: Wet lettuce and juicy tomatoes add unnecessary moisture. Always pat lettuce dry with paper towels, and if using very juicy tomatoes, remove some of the seeds and gel before dicing.

Rolling Too Loosely: A loose wrap falls apart as soon as you pick it up. The secret is to pull tightly as you roll, compressing the ingredients together. Think of it like rolling a sleeping bag—tight and compact.

Skipping the Ranch/Dressing: The cooling element of ranch or blue cheese dressing isn’t just for flavor—it’s essential for balancing the heat of the buffalo sauce and preventing the wrap from being too dry. Don’t skip it!

Using Dry, Overcooked Chicken: Dry chicken makes for a dry, unappetizing wrap. If your chicken is dry, add an extra tablespoon of buffalo sauce and butter to help moisten it.

Storage & Meal Prep

Refrigerator Storage:
Assembled buffalo chicken wraps can be stored tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. However, they’re best enjoyed within 4-6 hours of assembly for optimal texture. After 24 hours, the tortilla tends to get soggy from the moisture in the filling.

Better Storage Method:
For meal prep purposes, store the components separately! Keep the buffalo chicken in one container, shredded lettuce in another, diced tomatoes in another, and cheese in another. Store tortillas in their original package. Assemble fresh when ready to eat for the best texture and flavor.

Buffalo Chicken Storage:
The buffalo chicken mixture stores beautifully in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. This makes it perfect for meal prep—make a big batch of buffalo chicken and assemble fresh wraps throughout the week.

Freezing Consideration:
I don’t recommend freezing assembled wraps as the lettuce and tomatoes don’t freeze well and become watery when thawed. However, you CAN freeze the buffalo chicken mixture alone for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and assemble fresh wraps.

Packed Lunch Tips:
If packing for lunch, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or place in an airtight container. Pack ranch dressing separately in a small container. Include an ice pack to keep everything cold and fresh until lunchtime.

Reheating:
If you want to eat a refrigerated wrap warm, unwrap it and microwave for 30-45 seconds, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. The skillet method crisps up the tortilla beautifully!

Make-Ahead & Freezer Notes

Advance Preparation:
The best make-ahead strategy is to prepare all the components separately. Cook and shred your chicken, make the buffalo chicken mixture, wash and shred lettuce, dice tomatoes, and shred cheese. Store everything in separate containers for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply warm a tortilla and assemble fresh.

Buffalo Chicken Prep:
Make a double or triple batch of the buffalo chicken mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can use it not just for wraps, but also for salads, pizzas, or quesadillas throughout the week. This is a massive time-saver!

Meal Prep Sunday Strategy:
Dedicate 30 minutes on Sunday to prep all your wrap components. Portion the buffalo chicken into individual containers (½ cup per serving), pre-portion vegetables, and store everything separately. You’ll have fresh buffalo chicken wraps ready to assemble in under 2 minutes all week long!

Freezing the Buffalo Chicken:
The buffalo chicken mixture freezes exceptionally well! Place in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Add a splash of fresh buffalo sauce when reheating to refresh the flavor.

Batch Cooking:
If you’re meal prepping, consider making 8-10 wraps’ worth of buffalo chicken at once. It barely takes any more time than making enough for 4 wraps, and you’ll have options for lunches all week.

Morning Assembly:
If making wraps for lunch that day, assemble them in the morning and store in the refrigerator until lunchtime. They’ll hold up fine for 4-5 hours without getting too soggy.

Serving Suggestions

These buffalo chicken wraps are delicious on their own, but here are some perfect pairings to complete your meal:

Classic Buffalo Sides:
Serve with celery sticks and carrot sticks alongside extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. This echoes the traditional Buffalo wing experience and adds fresh, crunchy vegetables.

Chip Options:
Pair with tortilla chips, potato chips, sweet potato chips, or veggie straws for added crunch. Baked chips are a lighter option if you’re watching calories.

Fresh Salad:
A simple side salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and tomatoes helps balance the richness of the wrap. Use a light vinaigrette to keep things fresh.

Soup Pairings:
Buffalo chicken wraps pair beautifully with tomato soup, chicken noodle soup, or a light vegetable soup for a satisfying, complete meal.

Potato Sides:
French fries, sweet potato fries, tater tots, or crispy potato wedges are classic pairings that turn your wrap into a full dinner.

Fruit Options:
Fresh fruit like apple slices, grapes, or watermelon cubes provide a cooling, sweet contrast to the spicy buffalo flavor and make for a well-rounded lunch.

Beverage Pairings:
These wraps pair well with iced tea, lemonade, cold beer (if it’s that kind of meal!), or even a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with lime.

Make It a Platter:
For parties or gatherings, cut the wraps into 1-inch pinwheels and arrange on a platter. Serve with small bowls of ranch, buffalo sauce, and veggie sticks for a beautiful appetizer presentation.

FAQs Section

Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?
This recipe is designed for cooked chicken, but if you’re starting with raw chicken, simply cook it first! Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then either bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, pan-fry for 6-7 minutes per side, or poach in simmering water for 12-15 minutes. Let cool slightly, then shred or dice and toss with buffalo sauce.

What’s the difference between buffalo sauce and hot sauce?
Buffalo sauce is a specific style made from hot sauce (usually cayenne-based) mixed with butter, vinegar, and seasonings. It’s smoother, richer, and less intensely spicy than straight hot sauce. Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce is the classic choice. Regular hot sauce alone would be too thin and too spicy without the butter to balance it.

Can I make these wraps ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes, but with a strategy! Assembled wraps get soggy after a few hours. The best approach is to prep all components separately and assemble fresh each day. Alternatively, you can assemble wraps up to 4-6 hours ahead if you’re serving them the same day. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate.

How do I keep my wraps from getting soggy?
Several tips: drain and dry all vegetables thoroughly, don’t over-sauce the chicken, place lettuce between the wet ingredients and the tortilla as a barrier, wrap tightly to prevent air pockets where moisture can accumulate, and eat within a few hours of assembly. For meal prep, store components separately.

Can I make these wraps low-carb or keto-friendly?
Absolutely! Use low-carb tortillas (like Mission Carb Balance which have only 6g net carbs), or skip the tortilla entirely and use large lettuce leaves like romaine or butter lettuce. Make sure your buffalo sauce doesn’t contain added sugar, and use full-fat ranch dressing.

What can I substitute for ranch dressing?
Blue cheese dressing is the traditional alternative and equally delicious! You can also use Caesar dressing for a different flavor profile, Greek yogurt mixed with ranch seasoning for a lighter option, or even a creamy avocado dressing. Some people like using hummus for a completely different take.

How spicy are these wraps?
The spice level is completely adjustable! Using ½ cup of standard buffalo sauce (like Frank’s) creates a medium heat level—definitely spicy but not overwhelming. Reduce to ⅓ cup for mild, or increase to ⅔ cup for extra spicy. You can also use mild buffalo sauce varieties or mix buffalo sauce with ranch to tone down the heat.

Can kids eat these buffalo chicken wraps?
Kids’ tolerance for spice varies widely! For kid-friendly versions, use less buffalo sauce (start with ¼ cup), mix the buffalo sauce with BBQ sauce for a milder sweet-spicy flavor, or use mild buffalo sauce. Many kids actually love these wraps with the heat toned down.

Conclusion

There you have it—everything you need to make the most delicious, easy buffalo chicken wrap recipe that’ll become a regular in your meal rotation! These wraps are the perfect solution for busy weeknights, meal prep Sundays, or anytime you’re craving that addictive buffalo chicken flavor without the mess and fuss of traditional wings.

The beauty of this buffalo chicken tortilla wrap is its incredible versatility. Make it spicy or mild, grilled or fresh, loaded with veggies or simple and classic—it adapts to your preferences beautifully. And at just 15 minutes from start to finish, there’s really no excuse not to make these amazing wraps!

So grab your favorite tortillas, some buffalo sauce, and whatever chicken you have on hand, and get wrapping! Your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you. These wraps are about to solve so many “what’s for lunch?” and “I need dinner fast!” moments in your life.

I’d love to hear about your buffalo chicken wrap adventures! Did you try any of the variations? What’s your secret ingredient? Do you prefer ranch or blue cheese? Drop a comment below and share your experience! And if you loved this easy recipe as much as I knew you would, please save it to your Pinterest boards so other busy home cooks can discover these amazing buffalo chicken wraps too. Happy wrapping, friends!