These fried chicken wraps are crispy, tasty, and perfect for a quick meal! Rolled up with fresh veggies and smothered in creamy homemade ranch dressing, they really hit the spot.
Honestly, who can resist that crunchy chicken? I like to add extra ranch because, let’s face it, it’s the real star here! 😄 They’re super easy to make and always a hit at my house.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Chicken breasts are the star of the dish. You can use thighs if you prefer dark meat; they add a richer flavor and stay juicy. Alternatively, for a vegetarian option, try using tofu or tempeh, which can be marinated in the same buttermilk substitute.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk makes the chicken extra tender and flavorful. If you don’t have any, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to create a quick substitute. Let it sit for a few minutes before using.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives the chicken a wonderful crunch. If it’s unavailable, regular breadcrumbs work too, but you might not get the same lightness. For gluten-free, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead!
Tortillas: Whole wheat tortillas are great for a healthier wrap, but you can swap them for regular flour tortillas or corn tortillas if you prefer. Lettuce wraps are a fun low-carb option as well!
Ranch Dressing Ingredients: The homemade ranch dressing is delicious and fresh. You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a healthier twist, or use a plant-based mayo for a dairy-free version.
How Do You Achieve Crispy Fried Chicken?
Frying chicken can be tricky, but with the right approach, you can get that perfect crispiness. Here are my top tips:
- Marinating the chicken in buttermilk helps break down the meat, making it tender. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but longer is even better!
- Make sure to let the excess buttermilk drip off before dredging the chicken in flour. A light coating is best for crisping.
- Heat your oil to the right temperature (around 350°F/175°C). If the oil is too cold, the chicken will absorb more oil, making it greasy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature, which helps in achieving that golden-brown color.
- Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep it crispy.
Fried Chicken Wraps With Homemade Ranch Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fried Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
- 4 whole wheat tortillas
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
For the Homemade Ranch Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 1 hour to prepare. You’ll spend around 30 minutes marinating the chicken and an additional 20-30 minutes frying and assembling your wraps. It’s a fun and straightforward process!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by slicing the chicken breasts into strips. Place the chicken strips in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them, making sure they are well-coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This will help make the chicken tender and flavorful!
2. Prepare the Coating:
While the chicken is marinating, take two shallow dishes. In the first dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In the second dish, place the breadcrumbs. This will be your coating station for the chicken.
3. Bread the Chicken:
Once the chicken has marinated, take it out of the fridge. Remove the chicken strips from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off. First, dredge each strip in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s completely covered. Next, dip it into the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick well.
4. Fry the Chicken:
In a deep pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken strips to the pan. Fry the chicken until it’s golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to cook them in batches if your pan is small to avoid crowding. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
5. Make the Ranch Dressing:
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, dried dill, dried parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is combined and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—add more salt or pepper for extra flavor!
6. Assemble the Wraps:
Grab a whole wheat tortilla and lay it flat on a clean surface. Start layering the ingredients: arrange some shredded lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped green onions, and a few fried chicken strips in the center. Drizzle over some of your tasty homemade ranch dressing. To wrap it up, fold the sides of the tortilla inward and then roll it up tightly from the bottom to the top.
7. Serve:
Cut the wraps in half diagonally for easy eating. Serve them right away with any extra ranch dressing on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious fried chicken wraps!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if they’re thicker. You can also use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken; simply shred it and skip the marinating and frying steps!
Can I Make the Ranch Dressing in Advance?
Yes, you can make the ranch dressing up to 3 days ahead! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using, as the ingredients may separate slightly over time.
What Should I Do with Leftover Fried Chicken?
If you have leftover fried chicken, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to get it crispy again. Alternatively, you can slice it up and use it in salads or sandwiches!
Can I Substitute the Tortillas?
Yes! If whole wheat tortillas don’t suit your needs, feel free to use flour tortillas, corn tortillas, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Just be careful not to overfill them, especially with the lighter options!
