Ever crave a quick, satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor? Then these Cheesy Chicken Wraps are calling your name! Imagine juicy, buffalo-kissed chicken, gooey melted cheese, all snuggled inside a perfectly pliable tortilla. And the best part? We’re sharing the secret to preventing those dreaded tortilla tears, making wrap night a breeze. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’s both easy and incredibly delicious!
Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Chicken Wraps
These aren’t just any chicken wraps; they’re destined to become a new weeknight favorite. Here’s why:
- No More Tears: Our simple trick ensures your tortillas stay soft and flexible, eliminating frustrating rips and spills.
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, these wraps come together in under 30 minutes.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of buffalo chicken and melted Monterey Jack cheese is simply irresistible.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level to your liking and add your favorite toppings for a personalized wrap experience.
- Kid-Friendly: Even the little ones will love these cheesy, chicken-filled delights.
Gathering Your Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Wraps
The beauty of these Cheesy Chicken Wraps lies in their simplicity. But don’t let the short ingredient list fool you – each component plays a crucial role in creating a symphony of flavors. We’re aiming for a balance of savory, cheesy, and slightly spicy (or not, depending on your preference!). Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Flour Tortillas: The foundation of our wraps. We recommend using good-quality flour tortillas, as they tend to be more pliable and less prone to tearing, even before our magic trick. Look for brands that are soft and fresh.
- Cooked Shredded Chicken: This is where you can get creative! Use leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even canned chicken (drained well). The key is to have it already cooked and shredded to save time.
- Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and has a mild, slightly tangy flavor that complements the buffalo chicken perfectly. You could also substitute with cheddar, Colby Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
- Buffalo Wing Sauce: The star of the show! Choose your favorite brand and spice level. If you’re sensitive to heat, opt for a mild sauce. For a bolder flavor, go for medium or hot.
- Olive Oil: Used to lightly brush the tortillas, adding flavor and aiding in the softening process. A good quality extra virgin olive oil is recommended.
- Water: The secret weapon for preventing tortilla tears! When combined with olive oil and brushed on the tortillas, it creates a moisture barrier that keeps them soft and pliable.
Crafting Your Cheesy Chicken Wraps: Step-by-Step
Ready to assemble the perfect, tear-proof Cheesy Chicken Wraps? Follow these step-by-step instructions, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious and satisfying meal in no time. Pay close attention to the tortilla-softening trick – it’s a total game-changer!
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This will ensure the wraps are heated evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken and buffalo wing sauce. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated in the flavorful sauce. This is where the magic happens, transforming plain chicken into a zesty, irresistible filling.
- Oil the Tortillas (Part 1): Lightly brush one side of each tortilla with olive oil. This will help to prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy during baking and adds a subtle richness to the flavor.
- The Tear-Proofing Secret: In a separate small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of water with the remaining olive oil (1 tablespoon). Brush this water/oil mixture evenly on the non-oiled side of each tortilla. This seemingly simple step is the key to keeping your tortillas soft and pliable, preventing them from cracking and tearing when folded. The water hydrates the tortilla, while the oil helps to lock in the moisture.
- Assemble the Wraps: Place about 1/4 cup of the buffalo chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla. Don’t overfill the tortillas, or they will be difficult to fold and may still tear.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the chicken on each tortilla.
- Fold and Roll: Fold in the sides of the tortilla towards the center, then tightly roll it up from the bottom. The tighter you roll, the better the wrap will hold its shape during baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the assembled wraps seam-side down on a baking sheet. This will help to prevent them from unrolling during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the tortillas are lightly golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Let the wraps cool slightly before serving. This will allow the cheese to set a bit, making them easier to handle. Serve warm and enjoy! A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a bright finish.
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Chicken Wraps Every Time
Want to take your Cheesy Chicken Wraps to the next level? Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure they’re perfect every single time:
- Don’t Overfill: Resist the urge to stuff your wraps to the brim. Overfilling makes them difficult to fold and increases the risk of tearing.
- Warm the Tortillas: For extra pliability, lightly warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave before assembling the wraps. This will make them even easier to fold and roll.
- Spice it Up (or Down): Adjust the amount of buffalo wing sauce to suit your taste. For a milder flavor, use less sauce or choose a mild variety. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture.
- Get Creative with Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese. Cheddar, Colby Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend all work well in these wraps.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the chicken mixture and assemble the wraps ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This makes them a great option for meal prepping.
- Storage: Leftover wraps can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
What to Serve With Cheesy Chicken Wraps
These Cheesy Chicken Wraps are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with:
- A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Some creamy spiced potatoes.
- Fresh cut veggies and dip.
- A side of golden vegetable rice pilaf
Your Cheesy Chicken Wraps Questions Answered (FAQ)
Can I use grilled chicken instead of shredded chicken?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken adds a smoky flavor to the wraps. Just make sure to cut it into bite-sized pieces before mixing it with the buffalo wing sauce. You can even use the recipe for roasted sweet potato chicken power bowl recipe and swap the potatoes for rice.
Can I make these wraps vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to make it vegetarian. Simply substitute the chicken with black beans, chickpeas, or even crumbled tofu. Consider adding some roasted vegetables like bell peppers and onions for extra flavor and texture.
Can I freeze these wraps?
While you can freeze these wraps, the texture of the tortillas may change slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze them, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw them completely before baking. Alternatively, prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and freeze separately from the tortillas. Then you can assemble fresh wraps when ready to bake. Why not make some caramel nut dessert jars to go with this wrap? You could also explore the options on how to make chocolate covered apple dessert cups!
Enjoy Your Homemade Cheesy Chicken Wraps!
There you have it – a foolproof recipe for Cheesy Chicken Wraps that are guaranteed not to tear! With just a few simple ingredients and a clever trick, you can enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to wrap! And be sure to let me know in the comments how your Cheesy Chicken Wraps turned out. What did you serve with them? What variations did you try? Happy wrapping!
Cheesy Chicken Wraps (Stops Tortillas Tearing!)
Ingredients
- 8 flour tortillas
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (mild or hot, to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon water
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken and buffalo wing sauce. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
- Lightly brush one side of each tortilla with olive oil.
- In a separate bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of water with the remaining olive oil. Brush this water/oil mixture on the non-oiled side of each tortilla. This will keep them soft and prevent tearing.
- Place about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla.
- Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of Monterey Jack cheese over the chicken.
- Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up tightly.
- Place the wraps seam-side down on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the tortillas are lightly golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.