Looking for a quick, easy, and flavorful meal option that you can enjoy on the go? Chicken snack wraps are the perfect solution. Whether you’re craving something crispy, baked, or packed with fresh vegetables, these wraps offer endless possibilities for customization. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a satisfying snack, they combine tender chicken with your favorite toppings, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla.
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Brandi’s Key Ingredients
- Chicken Breast or Tenders
- Flour
- Breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Spices
- Tortillas
- Cheese
- Lettuce
- Ranch
What is a Snack Wrap
The Chicken Snack Wrap used to be super popular at McDonald’s. It was designed as a smaller, lighter alternative to a full sandwich or burger. It was introduced in the mid-2000s and became a favorite for those looking for a quick, affordable snack or lighter meal. However, it has been discontinued.
What Type of Chicken to Use
You can use chicken breasts and slice them into strips or you can use chicken tenderloins (tenders) that are already sliced and come in the perfect size for these wraps. Chicken breasts have a firmer texture and can be a bit tougher or drier if overcooked.
As the name suggests, chicken tenders are more tender than chicken breasts. They have a softer texture and stay juicy and tender even with quicker cooking methods. Tenders are a smaller, thinner strip of muscle found beneath the chicken breast. Each breast has a pair of tenderloins attached to the underside.
Breaded Chicken vs No Breading
You have the flexibility to choose between breaded chicken or no breading, depending on your preference for texture and flavor. Breaded chicken offers a crispy, crunchy exterior, perfect for those who enjoy a more indulgent wrap with added texture. No breading is a great option if you’re looking for a lighter, healthier meal.
The recipe instructions give you both options.
How to Make Chicken Snack Wraps
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Set up a cooking station with 3 separate bowls large enough to dredge the chicken. Add flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs to 3 separate bowls.
- Add the spices to the bowl with the flour and stir to create seasoned flour.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in seasoned flour, then egg, and then the breadcrumbs.
- Air fry or bake the chicken.
- Load tortillas with lettuce, cooked chicken, cheese, and ranch dressing.
What Type of Breadcrumbs to Use for Crispy Chicken
Panko breadcrumbs are the best for extra crispy chicken. But if you are air frying you will notice they brown really quickly because they have a lighter, flakier texture with more surface area exposed to heat. This allows them to crisp up and brown more quickly than finer, denser regular breadcrumbs. If the additional browning bothers you, stick to standard breadcrumbs. You can use seasoned standard breadcrumbs if you wish, too.
How to Prevent the Wrap From Falling Apart
The easiest way is not overfill the tortilla. If you use 2 tenders (which I love to do, ha!) the tortilla will be a little crowded, but I don’t mind the mess. If you do, then stick to 1 tender per tortilla. You can also try these tricks:
- Warm the Tortilla First: Warming the tortilla slightly makes it more pliable and easier to fold without tearing. You can heat it in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or on a skillet for a few seconds on each side. This helps it hold together better.
- Layer Ingredients Strategically: Start with a base layer like lettuce, cheese, or sauce. Place the chicken and heavier ingredients in the middle. Putting sauces at the bottom can act like glue, helping to keep the wrap together.
- Avoid Excess Sauces: Too much sauce can make the wrap soggy and cause it to fall apart. Use just enough to add flavor, but not so much that it drips out of the wrap. I like to dip the wrap in additional sauce instead.
- Chill the Wrap if Making Ahead: If you’re preparing wraps in advance, chilling them helps the ingredients settle, making the wrap easier to hold together. You can also wrap it tightly in foil or parchment paper to keep it intact until you’re ready to eat.
Toppings and Add-Ins Ideas
- Sliced Tomatoes
- Bacon
- Croutons
- Tortilla Strips
- Diced Onions
- Cucumber Slices
- Avocado Slices or
- Guacamole
- Shredded Carrots
- Bell Pepper Strips
- Pickles
- Jalapeño Slices
- Corn Kernels
- Ranch Dressing
- Honey Mustard
- BBQ Sauce
- Chipotle Mayo
- Buffalo Sauce
- Garlic Aioli
- Sriracha or Hot Sauce
- Caesar Dressing
- Salsa
How to Store
If you plan to eat them cold, after assembling the wrap, tightly roll it in plastic wrap, foil, or parchment paper. This helps hold the shape and prevent ingredients from spilling out. Store in the fridge for 2-3 days.
If you plan to reheat them, don’t assemble the wraps and store the ingredients separately in the fridge.
How to Reheat
You can reheat the chicken in the air fryer or oven at 350 degrees until warm. You can also use the microwave. Keep in mind that for breaded chicken, the microwave will soften the chicken and it will lose its crunch.
Freezer Tips
Prepare the chicken snack wraps with all your desired ingredients, but try to avoid adding ingredients that don’t freeze well, such as fresh lettuce, tomatoes, or watery vegetables. These can be added fresh after reheating. Tightly wrap each chicken snack wrap in plastic wrap or foil. The tighter the wrap, the better it will hold up in the freezer without freezer burn or absorbing odors. They can be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months.
Pair With These Recipes
Cajun Fries
Air Fryer Fries
Fried Sweet Potatoes
Fried Potatoes and Onions
Southern Creamed Spinach
More Copycat Recipes
Breakfast Crunchwrap
Nobu Miso Black Cod
Chicken Madeira Cheesecake Factory Recipe
Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Chicken Snack Wrap Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound skinless chicken tenderloins or breasts If using breasts, slice them into strips.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- tortillas 8 inch taco size
- lettuce
- shredded cheddar cheese
- Ranch dressing
Breaded Chicken
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg Beaten
- cooking oil spray I used olive oil.
Instructions
Non-Breaded Chicken
- Season both sides of the chicken with the spices and rub the spices into the chicken. Ensure the chicken is fully coated in spices. Add additional spices if necessary.
- Air Fryer: Add the seasoned chicken to the air fryer and air fry at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes (flipping halfway through) until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Use a meat thermometer.Oven: Place the seasoned chicken on a parchment paper lined sheet pan and bake at 400 degrees for 15-18 minutes, (flipping them halfway through). The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees when fully cooked.
Breaded Chicken
- Set up a cooking station with 3 separate bowls large enough to dredge the chicken. Add the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs to 3 separate bowls.
- Add the spices to the bowl with the flour and stir to create seasoned flour.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in seasoned flour, then egg, and then the breadcrumbs. Keep a moist towel nearby if your hands get sticky.
- Air Fryer: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil spray. Add the breaded chicken to the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes (flipping halfway through) until the chicken is crisp and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Use a meat thermometer.Oven: For crispy chicken you will need a wire rack and baking sheet. Place the breaded chicken on the wire rack and bake the chicken tenders for 15-20 minutes, (flipping them halfway through) or however long it takes for the chicken to crisp. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees when fully cooked.
Load the Tortillas
- Load the tortillas with lettuce, cooked chicken, cheese, and ranch dressing.
- Serve.