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Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe

Michelle
These buffalo chicken wraps bring bold flavour to the table in about 30 minutes. Tender chicken marinated in buffalo hot sauce, cooked until the edges have a little char, then wrapped in a warm tortilla with cos lettuce, avocado, cherry tomatoes, cheddar, and cool ranch dressing.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Dishes
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl (for marinating)
  • Large skillet or griddle pan (cast iron or non-stick)
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Sharp knife and chopping board
  • Small bowl (for extra ranch)
  • Clean tea towel (to keep warmed tortillas pliable)
  • Parchment paper (optional, for wrapping and packing)

Ingredients
  

  • 600 g chicken breast thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons buffalo hot sauce Frank's RedHot or similar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 2 heads cos romaine lettuce, roughly torn
  • 1 avocado sliced
  • 150 g cherry tomatoes halved
  • 60 g shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack
  • 4 tablespoons ranch dressing
  • 1 tablespoon extra buffalo sauce to serve

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced chicken breast with the buffalo hot sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper.
  • Toss well until every piece is evenly coated. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes at room temperature or cover and refrigerate for up to 1 hour if you have the time. The longer it marinates, the more flavour penetrates the chicken.
  • Heat a large skillet or griddle pan over medium-high heat. You want the pan properly hot before the chicken goes in this is what creates the slightly charred edges.
  • Add the chicken in a single layer. Do not crowd the pan; cook in two batches if needed. Let it cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes, then flip and cook for a further 3–4 minutes, until cooked through with no pink remaining and the edges have some colour.
  • Remove from the heat and allow to rest for 2–3 minutes before slicing. This keeps the chicken juicy.
  • Place each tortilla directly over a gas flame for about 20–30 seconds per side until it has a few light char spots and is pliable. Alternatively, heat in a dry skillet for about 1 minute per side.
  • Keep them wrapped in a clean tea towel to stay warm and soft while you assemble.
  • Lay each warmed tortilla flat. Spread 1 tablespoon of ranch dressing down the centre, leaving a border on all sides.
  • Layer with cos lettuce, avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, and shredded cheese. Top with the sliced buffalo chicken and add an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce if you like it bold.
  • Fold in the left and right sides of the tortilla. Starting from the bottom, roll up firmly, tucking as you go.
  • Slice diagonally and serve immediately. For packed lunches, wrap tightly in parchment paper they hold together well for several hours.

Notes

  • For meal prep: cook and slice the chicken ahead and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble wraps fresh to keep the tortilla from going soggy.
  • For a lighter option: swap the flour tortilla for a large cos lettuce leaf (buffalo chicken lettuce wraps are a popular variation worth trying).
  • For extra heat: add pickled jalapeño slices or a pinch of cayenne to the marinade.
  • For kids: reduce the buffalo sauce to 1–1.5 tablespoons in the marinade and offer extra on the side for adults.
  • The assembled wraps hold well for a packed lunch if rolled tightly in parchment paper and kept refrigerated.
Keyword Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe