Ever have one of those nights where youโre staring into the fridge, willing something delicious to magically appear? You want something that feels like a treat but doesnโt require a ton of effort or dirty every pan in your kitchen. Well, friend, let me introduce you to your new weeknight hero: Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wraps with Ranch. Theyโre the perfect answer to the eternal โwhatโs for dinner?โ question. They come together in a flash, pack a serious flavor punch, and are a total crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. Honestly, whatโs not to love?
Why Youโll Love This
This recipe is the whole package. Itโs got that crave-worthy spicy-and-cool combo we all adore, itโs incredibly quick to throw together on a busy night, and itโs flexible enough that you can easily make it your own. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or quickly poach a couple of breasts, making it a fantastic way to reduce food waste. The whole family will gobble these up, and youโll love how easy cleanup is. Itโs a win-win-win situation.
Ingredients Youโll Need
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (from a rotisserie chicken or 2 poached breasts)
- 1/3 cup Buffalo hot sauce (like Frankโs RedHot)
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing, plus more for serving
- 4 large flour tortillas or wraps (10-inch size works best)
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, shredded
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
- 1/2 cup blue cheese or cheddar cheese, crumbled or shredded (optional)
Letโs Get Cooking Step by Step
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Buffalo hot sauce, and 1/4 cup of ranch dressing. Stir until every piece of chicken is evenly coated. Give it a tasteโif you like it extra spicy, add another splash of hot sauce.
- Lay your tortillas flat on a clean work surface. If youโd like a warmer, more pliable wrap, you can warm them for 15-20 seconds in the microwave first.
- Divide the saucy chicken mixture evenly among the tortillas, spreading it in a line down the center but leaving a good inch or two border on all sides.
- Top the chicken with the shredded lettuce, chopped celery, shredded carrots, and cheese if youโre using it.
- Now, for the folding! Fold the sides of the tortilla inward over the filling. Then, tightly roll from the bottom edge up, tucking the ingredients in as you go. The goal is a neat, secure bundle.
- If youโre feeling fancy, you can slice your wraps in half on a diagonal. Serve immediately with extra ranch dressing on the side for dipping. So good.
Pro Tips For Perfect Wraps
- Donโt overfill your tortilla! This is the golden rule to prevent a messy blowout on the first bite.
- Warming your tortillas for a few seconds makes them much more flexible and less likely to crack when you roll them.
- For an extra layer of flavor, you can lightly toast the assembled wrap in a dry skillet for a minute or two on each side. It adds a wonderful crispness.
- If youโre packing these for lunch, wrap them tightly in parchment paper and then foil. It helps them hold their shape perfectly.
Healthy Alternatives To Consider
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt ranch dressing and lean chicken breast. Swap the flour tortillas for whole wheat, spinach, or even low-carb tortilla wraps. You can also load up on the veggie fillingsโadd sliced bell peppers, cucumbers, or even some avocado for a boost of healthy fats. Honestly, if you want to sneak in more veggies, this is the perfect vehicle for it.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
These wraps are a complete meal all on their own, but they pair beautifully with so many easy sides. Keep it simple with a handful of potato chips or pretzels and some crunchy carrot and celery sticks with extra ranch for dipping. For a heartier meal, especially if youโre feeding a crowd, a simple side salad or a cup of tomato soup makes for some seriously comforting, easy weeknight dinners. Theyโre also a huge hit at casual gatherings and are some of the easiest healthy dinner recipes for a busy night.
Storage & Reheating Recommendations
These wraps are always best eaten fresh, but you can store components separately for easy assembly later. The buffalo chicken mixture will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assembled wraps donโt store well as the tortilla can get soggy. If you have leftovers, your best bet is to unwrap them and enjoy the filling over a bed of greens for a quick buffalo chicken salad! I donโt recommend freezing them.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! You can mix the buffalo chicken filling up to 3 days in advance and keep it stored in the fridge. Just assemble your wraps right before youโre ready to serve for the best texture.
- My family doesnโt like spicy food. What can I do? No problem! You can easily tame the heat by using a mild hot sauce or even barbecue sauce instead. Let everyone add their own extra hot sauce at the table if they want more kick.
- Whatโs the best way to shred chicken? My favorite quick method is to use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment on low speedโit shreds cooked chicken in seconds! Using two forks works perfectly fine, too.
- Are there other easy meals I can make with this buffalo chicken? For sure! This same filling is fantastic tossed with pasta for a zesty pasta dinner recipe, piled on top of a baked potato, or even used as a topping for a pizza. Itโs one of those wonderfully versatile, cheap dinners for a family.


