Bacon Ranch Chicken Wraps: The Ultimate Easy Lunch Recipe

Bacon Ranch Chicken Wraps: Prepare to meet your new favorite lunch or quick dinner! Imagine biting into a warm, soft tortilla filled with juicy, seasoned chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and all your favorite fresh veggies. It’s a flavor explosion that’s both satisfying and incredibly easy to make.

While the exact origins of the chicken wrap are somewhat debated, its popularity exploded in the late 20th century as a convenient and customizable meal option. The beauty of a wrap lies in its versatility – you can adapt it to suit any taste or dietary preference. But let’s be honest, the combination of bacon, ranch, and chicken is a classic for a reason! It’s a flavor profile that appeals to almost everyone, and when wrapped up in a soft tortilla, it becomes an irresistible handheld delight.

People adore Bacon Ranch Chicken Wraps because they are incredibly delicious, quick to prepare, and perfect for on-the-go eating. The creamy ranch dressing perfectly complements the smoky bacon and savory chicken, while the fresh vegetables add a delightful crunch and burst of flavor. Whether you’re packing a lunch for work, need a speedy weeknight dinner, or want a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these wraps are always a winner. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable – add your favorite cheese, hot sauce, or extra veggies to make them your own. Get ready to experience the ultimate in flavor and convenience with this simple yet satisfying recipe!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• For the Bacon:
• 8 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
• For the Ranch Dressing:
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 packet ranch dressing mix (or homemade equivalent – see notes)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Wraps:
• 4 large flour tortillas (10-12 inch)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped romaine lettuce
• 1/4 cup diced red onion (optional)
• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes (optional)

Preparing the Chicken:

Okay, let’s get started with the most important part – the chicken! We want it to be juicy and flavorful, so here’s how I do it:

1. Prepare the Chicken Breasts: First, pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, you can slice them in half horizontally to ensure they cook evenly and faster. This also makes them easier to manage in the wraps later.
2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, making sure they’re well coated. Don’t be shy with the seasoning! It’s what gives the chicken that delicious flavor.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering (but not smoking!), carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure! Overcooked chicken is dry chicken, and we don’t want that.
4. Rest and Shred (or Dice) the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken. After resting, you can either shred the chicken with two forks or dice it into small pieces. I personally prefer dicing it for wraps, as it’s easier to distribute evenly.

Cooking the Bacon:

Crispy bacon is a must for these wraps! You can cook it however you prefer, but here’s my go-to method:

1. Cook the Bacon: Place the bacon slices in a cold skillet. This helps render the fat slowly and evenly, resulting in crispier bacon. Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
2. Drain and Crumble: Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off the excess grease. Let it cool slightly, then crumble it into small pieces. You can use your hands or a knife to crumble it.

Making the Ranch Dressing:

Homemade ranch dressing is so much better than store-bought! It’s easy to make and you can customize it to your liking. If you’re short on time, store-bought is fine, but I highly recommend giving this a try.

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth.
2. Add the Ranch Seasoning: Add the ranch dressing mix (or your homemade equivalent), chopped parsley, chopped dill, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to combine.
3. Season to Taste: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the ranch dressing mix already contains salt, so start with a small amount and add more as needed.
4. Chill (Optional): For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the ranch dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is optional, but it definitely makes a difference.

Assembling the Bacon Ranch Chicken Wraps:

Now for the fun part – putting it all together! This is where you can really customize your wraps to your liking.

1. Warm the Tortillas (Optional): Warming the tortillas makes them more pliable and easier to roll. You can warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few seconds per side, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for about 15-20 seconds.
2. Spread the Ranch Dressing: Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a generous amount of ranch dressing evenly over the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle a mixture of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the ranch dressing.
4. Add the Chicken: Arrange the shredded or diced chicken evenly over the cheese.
5. Add the Bacon: Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the chicken.
6. Add the Lettuce and Other Toppings: Top with chopped romaine lettuce, diced red onion (if using), and diced tomatoes (if using).
7. Fold the Wraps: To fold the wraps, fold in the sides of the tortilla towards the center, then tightly roll up the wrap from the bottom. Tuck in the filling as you roll to keep it secure.
8. Cut and Serve: Cut the wraps in half diagonally with a sharp knife. Serve immediately or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for later.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning or a few dashes of hot sauce to the ranch dressing for a spicy kick.
• Add avocado: Sliced avocado adds a creamy texture and healthy fats to the wraps.
• Use different cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses, such as pepper jack, Colby jack, or provolone.
• Grill the wraps: For a warm and crispy wrap, grill them in a panini press or skillet for a few minutes per side.
• Make it a salad: If you’re watching your carbs, skip the tortilla and serve the chicken, bacon, ranch dressing, and toppings over a bed of lettuce for a delicious salad.
• Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix: If you prefer to make your own ranch dressing mix, combine 3 tablespoons dried buttermilk powder, 2 tablespoons dried parsley, 1 tablespoon dried dill, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried chives, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Store in an airtight container.

Enjoy your delicious Bacon Ranch Chicken Wraps!

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another recipe; it’s a gateway to flavor town! Seriously, these Bacon Ranch Chicken Wraps are a game-changer for lunch, a quick dinner, or even a crowd-pleasing appetizer. The combination of crispy bacon, juicy chicken, creamy ranch, and fresh veggies all wrapped up in a soft tortilla is simply irresistible. I’ve made these countless times, and they’re always a hit, disappearing faster than I can make them! What makes these wraps a must-try? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The salty bacon complements the savory chicken, while the ranch dressing adds a cool and tangy creaminess. The crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes provide a refreshing contrast, making each bite a delightful experience. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to customize to your liking. Looking for serving suggestions? These wraps are fantastic on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with a side of sweet potato fries for a satisfying and balanced meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is another great option, adding a touch of freshness to the plate. For a heartier meal, you could serve them alongside a bowl of creamy tomato soup. And speaking of customization, the possibilities are endless! Want to add a little kick? Incorporate some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the ranch dressing. Craving something cheesy? Sprinkle some shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese over the chicken before wrapping it up. You could even add some avocado slices for extra creaminess and healthy fats. For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or seasoned black beans. Both options provide a satisfying and flavorful alternative. You can also experiment with different types of tortillas. Whole wheat tortillas add a nutty flavor and extra fiber, while spinach tortillas provide a vibrant color and subtle earthy taste. These Bacon Ranch Chicken Wraps are also perfect for meal prepping. Simply prepare the chicken, bacon, and veggies ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, just assemble the wraps and enjoy. This makes them a convenient and healthy option for busy weeknights or packed lunches. I truly believe that everyone should have this recipe in their repertoire. It’s versatile, easy to make, and incredibly delicious. It’s the kind of recipe that you’ll find yourself turning to again and again, whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to experience the magic of these Bacon Ranch Chicken Wraps. I’m confident that you’ll love them as much as I do. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve made these amazing wraps, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Let me know what variations you tried, what sides you served them with, and what your family and friends thought. I can’t wait to hear all about it! Happy wrapping!

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