There’s something about the spicy kick of tender chicken paired with crisp, fresh slaw that just sings comfort in every bite. That’s exactly the magic you get with this Buffalo Chicken Wraps with Crunchy Slaw Recipe — it’s quick, vibrant, and full of flavor that’s downright addictive.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Buffalo Chicken Wraps with Crunchy Slaw Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Wraps with Crunchy Slaw Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Buffalo Chicken Wraps with Crunchy Slaw Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you, this Buffalo Chicken Wraps with Crunchy Slaw Recipe has become my go-to for those days when I want something satisfying without the fuss. The charred edges on the chicken and the fresh crunch from the slaw keep things exciting every time I make it.
- Flavor Explosion: The perfect balance of smoky, spicy, tangy, and sweet that hits all the right notes.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just about 35 minutes, so it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
- Textural Contrast: Tender, juicy chicken meets crisp apple-cabbage slaw — it’s a match made in heaven.
- Customizable: You can tweak the heat level, swap dressings, or even add your favorite greens to make it your own.
Ingredients & Why They Work
I love how each ingredient here plays off the others so beautifully — smoky spices on the chicken, fresh and tart notes in the slaw, creamy aioli tying it all together. Plus, the shopping is simple, using familiar ingredients you probably already have.
- Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is my top pick — it’s got that classic buffalo flavor without overpowering heat.
- Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the fiery sauce just right.
- Olive Oil: Helps the chicken stay juicy and crispy while roasting.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens both the chicken marinade and slaw with a fresh zing.
- Ground Cumin: Brings warmth and earthiness to the chicken flavors.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth that’s essential for that charred edge taste.
- Salt: Enhances all the layers of flavor.
- Chicken Thighs: I prefer thighs over breasts—they stay juicy and get beautifully charred in the oven.
- White Cabbage: Provides a crunchy, fresh base for the slaw.
- Apples: Julienned for sweetness and crispness that contrast the spicy chicken.
- White Wine Vinegar: Adds tanginess that wakes up the slaw.
- Garlic Aioli: Creamy and garlicky, it mellows and complements the buffalo sauce perfectly.
- Large Wraps: I love using two-ingredient dough flatbreads for softness and sturdiness.
- Creamy Blue Cheese: Crumbled on top for that classic Buffalo touch and tangy creaminess.
- Scallions: Fresh, mild onion flavor sprinkled on for extra bite and color.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it adapts to what you like or what’s in your fridge. I often switch up the slaw with different crunchy veggies or swap the aioli for Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.
- Variation: When I want a milder heat, I cut back on the hot sauce and add extra honey. It still packs plenty of flavor but is easier on the taste buds.
- Make It Vegan: Use plant-based chicken alternatives and swap blue cheese for a tangy vegan cheese or skip it altogether.
- Seasonal Slaw: Sometimes I use shredded kale or add grated carrot depending on the season — it’s a great way to keep the recipe fresh year-round.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Buffalo Chicken Wraps with Crunchy Slaw Recipe
Step 1: Marinate and Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 480F/250C (fan). This high heat lets the chicken get that beautiful charred edge I love. In a large bowl, mix ¼ cup hot sauce, 2 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon cumin, 2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon salt until well combined. Toss your diced chicken thighs in this marinade, making sure every piece is well coated. This mix is packed with bold flavor, so don’t skip it!
Step 2: Roast the Chicken
Spread the marinated chicken evenly on a parchment-lined baking tray—it’s important they don’t overlap, or they’ll steam instead of char. Roast in the oven for about 20 minutes until the edges turn a deep red and get those deliciously crispy charred bits. Keep an eye in case your oven runs hot; you want that color without burning.
Step 3: Toss the Crunchy Slaw
While the chicken roasts, throw together the slaw. In a bowl, combine ½ shredded white cabbage, 2 julienned apples, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar, and ½ teaspoon salt. Toss it well—that fresh tang and crisp texture balances perfectly with the spicy chicken. This is where the wrap really comes alive for me.
Step 4: Make the Buffalo Aioli
Mix 1 tablespoon hot sauce with ⅓ cup garlic aioli (or mayo/Greek yogurt if you prefer). Give it a taste and adjust the heat by adding more hot sauce if you want that extra kick. This sauce adds creaminess and cools down the spicy punch from the chicken – it’s such a game-changer.
Step 5: Assemble Your Wraps
Lay out your wraps and spread a generous spoonful of buffalo aioli on the base. Top with the crunchy slaw, then pile on the roasted buffalo chicken, including some of the juices for extra moisture and flavor. Finish by crumbling creamy blue cheese over the top and scattering thinly sliced scallions. Roll up tight and dig in!
Top Tip
I’ve found that nailing the right chicken texture and slaw balance makes all the difference — these tips have saved me time and elevated the wraps every time I make them.
- High Heat Roasting: Don’t be afraid of that 480F oven temp — it locks in juices and crisps the chicken edges without drying them.
- Single Layer Chicken: Make sure chicken pieces aren’t crowded on the tray to get that perfect charred finish.
- Julienne the Apples Thin: Thinly sliced apples integrate better in the slaw, giving you a subtle sweetness alongside the crunch.
- Adjust Aioli to Taste: Mixing the hot sauce into the aioli is your chance to control spice — stir little by little and taste as you go so it’s exactly how you like it.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Wraps with Crunchy Slaw Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top my wraps with extra blue cheese crumbles and a handful of scallions for that fresh bite and eye-catching color. Sometimes I add a few celery sticks on the side for crunch and a classic Buffalo vibe.
Side Dishes
These wraps shine on their own, but I like pairing them with a simple mixed greens salad or crispy oven fries. For something lighter, crunchy carrot sticks and ranch dip go perfectly alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
For when I entertain, I slice the wraps into pinwheel-style bites and arrange them on a platter for easy sharing. Drizzle extra buffalo aioli on top and sprinkle chopped herbs — they always get snapped up first!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to store leftover cooked chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers to keep the slaw crisp. Wrapped up in the fridge, the components stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing
The roasted buffalo chicken freezes well on its own—just thaw overnight in the fridge. I avoid freezing the slaw since it loses its crunch, but you can always whip up a fresh batch fast.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, I reheat the chicken in a hot skillet just until warmed through to keep that char crisp. Then I assemble fresh wraps to enjoy that crunch and flavor combo at its best.
Frequently Asked Questions:
You absolutely can, but chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and get better charred edges in the oven. If you use breasts, keep a close eye during cooking to avoid drying out. Consider marinating a bit longer or adding a touch of oil to retain moisture.
The heat level is moderate thanks to the balance between hot sauce and honey. If you prefer it milder, reduce the hot sauce or increase honey. For extra spice, add more hot sauce or sprinkle in cayenne pepper while marinating.
Yes! You can marinate and roast the chicken a few hours or even a day ahead, and prepare the slaw in advance. Keep them stored separately and assemble the wraps just before serving to maintain the best texture and freshness.
If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, creamy goat cheese or feta work well too. Alternatively, omit the cheese and add extra garlic aioli or a yogurt-based sauce for creaminess.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Wraps with Crunchy Slaw Recipe has become a beloved staple in my kitchen — it’s that perfect mix of easy-prep, big flavor, and satisfying texture that keeps me coming back. Whether for a quick dinner or feeding friends, it always hits the spot. Give it a try and I bet it’ll become one of your favorites too!
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Buffalo Chicken Wraps with Crunchy Slaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Buffalo Chicken Wraps feature sweet and spicy charred chicken thighs coated in a smoky hot sauce marinade, served in soft flatbread wraps with a crisp apple and cabbage slaw, creamy blue cheese crumbles, and a zesty buffalo aioli. Perfect for a flavorful and quick meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade and Chicken
- ¼ cup hot sauce (Frank's red hot sauce)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 lb chicken thighs, diced
Slaw
- ½ white cabbage, shredded
- 2 apples, julienned
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
Buffalo Aioli and Wrap Assembly
- ⅓ cup garlic aioli (or mayonnaise or Greek yogurt)
- 4 large wraps (two-ingredient dough flatbreads recommended)
- ¼ cup creamy blue cheese
- 2 scallions, finely sliced
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade and Chicken: Preheat oven to 480F/250C fan and line a baking tray with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine hot sauce, honey, olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt. Add diced chicken thighs and toss to coat thoroughly with the marinade.
- Cook Chicken: Spread the marinated chicken evenly on the prepared baking tray to ensure even cooking and charred edges. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes until deep red in color and charred around the edges.
- Make Slaw: While chicken is cooking, in a separate bowl, mix shredded cabbage, julienned apples, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, salt, and hot sauce. Toss well to combine and set aside to marinate flavors.
- Prepare Buffalo Aioli: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon hot sauce with garlic aioli (or your chosen alternative). Adjust the amount of hot sauce to taste for desired spiciness.
- Assemble Wraps: Spread a heaping spoonful of buffalo aioli over each wrap. Top with a generous portion of apple-cabbage slaw, then spoon charred buffalo chicken on top, including some of the cooking juices for extra moisture.
- Add Finishing Touches: Crumble creamy blue cheese over the chicken and slaw, then sprinkle finely sliced scallions on top. Fold or roll the wraps and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of hot sauce in the marinade and buffalo aioli.
- Using chicken thighs keeps the meat juicy and tender; you can substitute with chicken breasts but be careful not to overcook.
- The slaw can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to a day to let flavors meld.
- Substitute blue cheese with feta or omit for a less strong cheese flavor.
- Pick soft, pliable wraps to avoid breaking when rolling; warmed wraps are easier to fold.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but assemble the wraps fresh to keep the slaw crisp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wrap
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
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