If you’re craving a vibrant handheld meal that bursts with tropical flavor and smoky sweetness, the Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Wraps Recipe is your new best friend. This delightful dish combines tender shredded chicken drenched in rich barbecue sauce, juicy pineapple chunks, and crisp veggies all wrapped up in a soft tortilla, making every bite a celebration of textures and tastes. Perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner, these wraps are as fun to make as they are delicious to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for the Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Wraps Recipe is both simple and essential since each element plays a unique role — from juicy chicken to melty cheese and fresh crunch that brightens the whole wrap. Here’s what you’ll want on hand:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast: The hearty, protein-packed base that soaks up the BBQ sauce beautifully.
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce: Adds that signature smoky-sweet flavor that defines this recipe.
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained): Brings juicy sweetness and a tropical vibe.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides a creamy, melty touch that ties everything together.
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion: Offers a mild sharpness and crunch for balance.
- 1/2 cup shredded romaine lettuce: Adds refreshing crispness and a pop of green.
- 4 large flour tortillas (burrito size): The perfect soft, pliable wrap to hold all the good stuff.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional): A fresh, herbal finish that elevates the taste.
How to Make Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
Start by combining the shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce in a medium bowl. Make sure every piece is fully coated so that smoky, tangy flavor reaches every bite. This step is key to infusing the wrap with that irresistible BBQ charm.
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
Gently warm the flour tortillas to make them more flexible and easy to roll. You can do this in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few seconds on each side or wrap them in a damp cloth and microwave briefly. Warm tortillas prevent tearing and help hold your ingredients snugly.
Step 3: Assemble the Wraps
Lay out each tortilla and start layering with a generous spoonful of the BBQ chicken mixture. Next, add pineapple chunks, shredded mozzarella cheese, sliced red onions, and shredded romaine lettuce. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle on some chopped cilantro for a fresh accent. Each ingredient adds a unique texture and flavor, making each bite a perfect balance.
Step 4: Roll and Seal
Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it up tightly from the bottom to the top, keeping all those delicious ingredients neatly inside. A snug roll ensures none of the tasty fillings escape while you eat.
Step 5: Optional Toasting
For a toasty, melty finish, place the wraps seam-side down in a hot skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown. This step is optional but highly recommended if you love that crisp, warm contrast to the juicy filling.
How to Serve Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped cilantro is a perfect garnish to brighten the wraps and provide an herbal zing. You could also add a few lime wedges for squeezing over the top, giving a zesty lift that complements the BBQ sauce and pineapple beautifully.
Side Dishes
The tropical flavors of the wraps pair wonderfully with light sides like a simple green salad, crunchy coleslaw, or even sweet potato fries. These help balance the meal and add some extra texture or warmth as you desire.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Wraps Recipe sliced in half to showcase the colorful layers inside, maybe pinned with a toothpick for easy handling. Alternatively, wrap them neatly in foil for picnics, lunches on the go, or party trays where guests can grab and enjoy effortlessly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 2 days — perfect for a quick lunch the next day.
Freezing
While these wraps are best fresh, you can freeze them if needed. Wrap each tightly in foil and then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Just note the texture of fresh pineapple might change slightly after thawing.
Reheating
To bring leftover wraps back to life, unwrap and warm them in a skillet or microwave until heated through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first for best results. Toasting in a skillet helps bring back some crispness and melts the cheese nicely.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time and adds a flavorful base to your Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Wraps Recipe.
What if I don’t like cilantro?
No worries — cilantro is optional. You can leave it out or substitute with fresh parsley or basil for a different fresh herbal note.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the flour tortillas for gluten-free ones to keep this recipe friendly for gluten-sensitive eaters without sacrificing flavor.
Is there a good substitute for mozzarella cheese?
Monterey Jack, cheddar, or even pepper jack cheese work wonderfully, adding a new dimension of flavor while still melting nicely inside the wrap.
How do I keep the wrap from getting soggy?
To prevent sogginess, be sure to drain canned pineapple well and layer the lettuce last to act as a moisture barrier between the juicy ingredients and the tortilla.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fresh twist on an everyday wrap, the Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Wraps Recipe delivers bold, memorable flavors that are surprisingly easy to put together. Each bite brings juicy, tangy, sweet, and smoky notes in perfect harmony. Whether for a quick meal or a crowd-pleasing snack, these wraps are bound to become a favorite in your rotation — so go ahead and treat yourself to this tropical delight!
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Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Wraps Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 wraps
- Category: Main Course
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American, Hawaiian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using GF tortillas)
Description
These Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Wraps are a quick and flavorful meal featuring tender shredded chicken mixed with tangy barbecue sauce, sweet pineapple chunks, melty mozzarella, and fresh veggies all wrapped in a soft flour tortilla. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner, they bring a tropical twist with minimal prep and no cooking required.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup shredded romaine lettuce
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Wraps
- 4 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
Instructions
- Prepare the BBQ Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken and barbecue sauce thoroughly until every piece is well coated for maximum flavor.
- Warm the Tortillas: Slightly warm the flour tortillas in a microwave or skillet just until they become pliable and easy to fold without cracking.
- Assemble the Wraps: Lay each warmed tortilla flat, then evenly distribute a portion of the BBQ chicken, pineapple chunks, shredded mozzarella, sliced red onion, and shredded romaine lettuce across the center.
- Add Garnish: Sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro on top of each wrap if desired to add a fresh, herbal note.
- Roll Up the Wraps: Tightly roll each tortilla around the filling, tucking in the sides as you go to seal everything inside neatly.
- Serve or Store: Enjoy the wraps immediately for a fresh taste or wrap them in foil for a convenient on-the-go meal. For a toasted option, grill in a skillet for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and warm.
Notes
- To make a toasted version, grill the wraps in a skillet for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and warm.
- Use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save preparation time.
- Substitute mozzarella cheese with Monterey Jack or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- For a gluten-free version, replace flour tortillas with gluten-free tortillas.
