Buffalo Chicken and Ranch Wraps Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound thin-sliced bacon
- 2 tablespoons bacon drippings
- 3 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- cup Buffalo wing sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 12 (10 inch) flour tortillas
- 1 cup diced fresh tomato
- cup ranch dressing, divided
Directions
- Cook the bacon in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned and crisp, for about 10 to 15 minutes. Once crispy, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Let it cool before crumbling it into small pieces.
- Discard all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings from the skillet. Add the chicken breast chunks to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is browned, about 10 minutes.
- Cover the skillet and continue cooking the chicken until it is no longer pink inside and the juices run clear, about 10 more minutes.
- Stir in the Buffalo sauce and melted butter, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated. Add the crumbled bacon and mix well. Keep the mixture warm.
- Heat each tortilla individually in a large, ungreased skillet over medium heat. Cook until the tortillas begin to form air bubbles and develop small brown spots, about 1 minute per side.
- As each tortilla is warmed, fill it with about 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture and top with approximately 1 tablespoon of diced tomatoes. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of ranch dressing over the filling.
- Wrap the tortilla around the filling to form a neat wrap. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas, filling, tomatoes, and dressing.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Calories | Total Fat | Saturated Fat | Cholesterol | Sodium | Total Carbohydrate | Dietary Fiber | Total Sugars | Protein | Vitamin C | Calcium | Iron | Potassium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 527 | 24g | 6g | 92mg | 1088mg | 39g | 2g | 2g | 36g | 2mg | 110mg | 4mg | 432mg |
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. If following a medically restrictive diet, consult with your doctor or dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
Buffalo Chicken and Ranch Wraps are a delicious fusion of spicy Buffalo chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing, all wrapped in a soft flour tortilla. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, delivering both bold flavors and satisfying textures. Whether you're a fan of spicy wings or just looking for a hearty and flavorful wrap, this recipe has something for everyone!
History of Buffalo Chicken and Ranch Wraps
The origins of the Buffalo chicken wing are widely credited to Buffalo, New York, where they were first created in 1964 by Teressa Bellissimo at the Anchor Bar. Over the years, the popularity of Buffalo wings exploded, leading to a variety of adaptations, including Buffalo chicken sandwiches, wraps, and even salads. The Buffalo chicken and ranch combination became particularly popular, as ranch dressing provided a cool contrast to the heat of the hot sauce. The wrap version emerged as a convenient way to enjoy the same flavors in a portable form, making it an ideal option for busy families and game-day snacks.
Regional Features
While Buffalo wings and the accompanying ranch dressing are most commonly associated with the Northeastern United States, especially Buffalo, New York, the Buffalo chicken and ranch wrap has found a place in the hearts of people across the country. The wrap itself is an American twist on traditional Mexican-style tortillas, filled with the classic Buffalo flavors of spicy hot sauce and cool ranch. The addition of bacon and fresh vegetables such as tomatoes and lettuce gives it a regional touch, blending American comfort food with some light salad elements.
How It Differs from Similar Dishes
Buffalo chicken wraps are not to be confused with traditional chicken wraps or other spicy chicken dishes. What sets them apart is the specific use of Buffalo sauce a tangy, vinegar-based hot sauce thats combined with butter to create a rich, fiery flavor. The wraps main difference lies in its ingredients: crispy bacon is often included, offering a salty crunch that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken. Unlike some wraps that might feature grilled or sauted chicken, this recipe uses the Buffalo sauce to coat the chicken, adding a distinct spiciness. The cool ranch dressing balances the heat, making this dish more flavorful and less intense than traditional spicy chicken options like wings or sandwiches.
Where It Is Typically Served
Buffalo Chicken and Ranch Wraps are commonly served in American casual dining settings, such as sports bars, family restaurants, and food trucks. They are especially popular during game days, as their portable nature makes them perfect for sharing with friends. These wraps are also a staple for quick, hearty meals at home. While they are most often served as a lunch or dinner dish, they can also be prepared as party appetizers or a snack for gatherings. In addition, many people enjoy making variations of this wrap for outdoor picnics or BBQs, where they can easily be eaten on the go.
Fun Facts About Buffalo Chicken and Ranch Wraps
Did you know that Buffalo sauce wasnt originally intended for chicken wings? In fact, when the sauce was first created, it was used for deep-fried chicken necks! Additionally, the combination of spicy Buffalo sauce and ranch dressing was designed as a cooling measure for the heat of the hot sauce, which is why this pairing has become so iconic. The wrap form of Buffalo chicken is a more recent adaptation, emerging as a quick and portable meal. Over time, variations of the wrap have appeared, including versions with added avocado, shredded cheese, or even blue cheese dressing instead of ranch.
Conclusion
Buffalo Chicken and Ranch Wraps offer a delicious mix of heat, flavor, and crunch that satisfies both spicy food lovers and those who prefer a more subdued heat level. Easy to make, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser, these wraps are the perfect choice for a quick meal or a fun addition to your next get-together. Whether you're a fan of the classic Buffalo wing or just craving a flavorful wrap, this recipe brings all the best parts of both worlds into one irresistible dish.
FAQ about Buffalo Chicken and Ranch Wraps Recipe
Comments
Carol Collins
11/18/2024 07:17:22 AM
Quick, flavorful, and delightful! I sautéed onions and garlic, then added my precooked chicken from the freezer to warm up. I added extra buffalo sauce for more kick. I opted for green spinach and herb tortillas. The mix of tomatoes, lettuce, cheddar cheese, and ranch complemented the chicken perfectly. I plan to add avocado next time. The wraps looked stunning and tasted amazing!
Angela Johnson
10/21/2024 01:32:57 AM
Incredible!!!! My children all absolutely adored this dish. Taking advice from others, I included 4oz of Monterey Jack and 4oz of sharp cheddar. I also doubled the amount of wing sauce (using Texas Pete wing sauce) and ranch dressing. Instead of 2lb of chicken, I only used 1.5lb which I boiled and shredded. Additionally, I used an entire 12oz package of bacon. If you prefer it to be spicier, simply reduce the amount of ranch dressing. This recipe is definitely a keeper!
Paul Baker
03/10/2023 03:24:03 AM
These were incredibly popular! I made a few tweaks to the recipe, but nothing significant. I reduced the amount of chicken since I was making fewer wraps, which I precooked and shredded before mixing it into the doubled sauce (I melted butter in a pan and combined it with Frank's Red Hot sauce and garlic powder instead of using wing sauce). In addition to the tomatoes, bacon, and ranch dressing, I included lettuce, onions, and cheese... and it was absolutely delicious! These wraps will definitely be a staple in our household. Thank you for sharing this recipe. :)
Lisa Martinez
05/11/2024 11:39:53 PM
These wraps were a hit with everyone at the gathering! The pre-cooked chicken seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder was shredded and combined with sauce and butter. A touch of cayenne pepper sauce added some heat, and they were served with spicy ranch dressing and cheddar cheese. The cold pasta salad on the side was a perfect contrast to the spiciness of the wraps.
David Campbell
07/16/2023 12:21:39 AM
This was my second time trying these, and I absolutely adore them! Using pre-cooked chicken greatly cuts down on the preparation and cooking time, and when you're already coating it in bacon drippings and butter... it's a win-win! Overall, a simple recipe that results in a delicious dish!
Jack Hill
07/22/2023 07:37:00 PM
These were absolutely delicious! I whipped them up for my folks on a relaxed Saturday and they couldn't get enough!
Samantha Mitchell
10/25/2023 11:56:22 AM
The chicken turned out quite dry. I'm not sure if I made a mistake, but I don't think I'll be preparing this dish again. I also used less bacon, but I don't think that made a difference.