Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap: Prepare to meet your new lunchtime obsession! Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, toasted tortilla bursting with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and all your favorite fixings. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you completely satisfied.

While the exact origins of the Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap are shrouded in mystery (likely born from the creative minds of home cooks and restaurant chefs alike!), its popularity is undeniable. It’s a modern classic, a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, delicious ingredients combined in a convenient and portable package. Think of it as the evolved cousin of the classic deli sandwich, elevated with the irresistible combination of smoky bacon and tangy ranch.

What’s not to love? The creamy ranch perfectly complements the savory chicken and bacon, while the tortilla provides a satisfying chew. It’s quick to assemble, making it ideal for busy weeknights or packed lunches. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable! Add your favorite cheeses, veggies, or even a drizzle of hot sauce to create your perfect Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and exciting!

Ingredients:

1 pound 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
6 large flour tortillas (10-12 inch)
6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
1/4 cup chopped tomatoes (optional)
Lettuce leaves (optional)

Preparing the Chicken:

Okay, let’s start with the star of the show – the chicken! We want it to be flavorful and cooked perfectly. This is how I always do it:

Prepare the Chicken Breasts: First, make sure your chicken breasts are relatively even in thickness. If they’re super thick on one end, you can gently pound them with a meat mallet to flatten them out a bit. This helps them cook evenly. You can also slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets.
Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. This is our simple but delicious spice rub.
Marinate the Chicken: Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts, making sure they’re evenly coated. You can let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, or even longer in the refrigerator (up to a few hours). The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be! If you’re short on time, don’t worry, it will still taste great if you cook it right away.
Cook the Chicken: There are a few ways you can cook the chicken. My favorite is to pan-fry it because it’s quick and easy. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they’re cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can also grill the chicken, which adds a nice smoky flavor. Or, you can bake it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes.
Rest and Shred or Slice: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken more tender. Then, you can either shred the chicken with two forks or slice it into thin strips, depending on your preference. I usually shred it because it’s easier to distribute evenly in the wraps.

Preparing the Bacon:

Next up, let’s get that crispy bacon ready. Bacon is a must for this wrap, adding a salty and smoky flavor that complements the chicken and ranch perfectly.

Cook the Bacon: You can cook the bacon using your preferred method. I like to cook it in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy. You can also bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or microwave it for a few minutes.
Crumble the Bacon: Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it cool slightly. Then, crumble it into small pieces. You can use your hands or a knife to do this.

Assembling the Wraps:

Now for the fun part – putting everything together! This is where you can get creative and customize your wraps to your liking.

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 microwave them for a few seconds. Be careful not to overheat them, or they’ll become brittle.
Spread the Ranch Dressing: Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a generous amount of ranch dressing over the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
Add the Cheese: Sprinkle a mixture of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the ranch dressing. Don’t be shy with the cheese – it adds a lot of flavor and helps hold the wrap together.
Add the Chicken: Arrange a layer of shredded or sliced chicken over the cheese.
Add the Bacon: Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the chicken.
Add Optional Toppings: If you’re using green onions, tomatoes, or lettuce, add them now. These toppings add freshness and crunch to the wraps.
Fold the Wrap: To fold the wrap, start by folding in the sides of the tortilla. Then, fold up the bottom edge tightly over the filling. Finally, roll the wrap forward, keeping it tight as you go.
Secure the Wrap (Optional): If you want to make sure the wrap stays closed, you can insert a toothpick through the center.

Cooking/Grilling the Wraps (Optional):

This step is optional, but I highly recommend it! Grilling or pan-frying the wraps gives them a warm, crispy exterior and melts the cheese inside, making them even more delicious.

Heat a Skillet or Grill Pan: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
Cook the Wraps: Place the wraps in the hot skillet or grill pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Serve: Remove the wraps from the skillet or grill pan and let them cool slightly before serving. You can cut them in half if you like.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few tips and variations to help you customize your Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps:

Use Different Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Pepper jack cheese adds a spicy kick, while provolone cheese adds a mild, creamy flavor.
Add Vegetables: You can add other vegetables to the wraps, such as diced avocado, bell peppers, or onions.
Use Different Sauces: If you’re not a fan of ranch dressing, you can use other sauces, such as BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or buffalo sauce.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning or use a spicy ranch dressing to add some heat to the wraps.
Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or black beans for a vegetarian option.
Make it Ahead: You can assemble the wraps ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just wait to grill or pan-fry them until you’re ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions: Serve the Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps with a side of chips, salad, or coleslaw. They’re also great for lunchboxes or picnics.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy these Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps as much as I do! They’re a quick, easy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Let me know in the comments if you try them and what variations you come up with!

Conclusion:

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap isn’t just another lunch option; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need this in your life! We’ve combined the smoky goodness of bacon, the juicy tenderness of chicken, and the creamy tang of ranch dressing, all nestled in a soft, pliable wrap. What’s not to love? It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s incredibly satisfying. If you’re looking for a lunch that will actually make you excited to take a break from your day, or a light dinner that won’t leave you feeling weighed down, this is it. But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your taste. For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or some sliced jalapeños. If you’re watching your carb intake, you can easily transform this into a salad by skipping the wrap and serving the chicken, bacon, and ranch mixture over a bed of crisp lettuce. You could also try using different types of wraps – whole wheat for added fiber, spinach wraps for extra nutrients, or even gluten-free wraps if you have dietary restrictions. Looking for some serving suggestions? These wraps are fantastic on their own, but they also pair perfectly with a side of sweet potato fries, a fresh garden salad, or even just some crunchy tortilla chips and salsa. For a more substantial meal, consider adding some avocado slices or a dollop of guacamole to your wrap. The creamy avocado complements the other flavors beautifully and adds a healthy dose of fats. And don’t forget the cheese! While the recipe calls for cheddar, you can easily substitute it with your favorite type of cheese. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a crumbled blue cheese would all be delicious additions. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some caramelized onions or roasted red peppers for a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor. I truly believe this Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, quick lunches, or even a fun and easy appetizer for parties. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress everyone who tries it. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking! I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. And once you’ve tried it, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What were your favorite variations? Share your photos and comments in the section below – I can’t wait to see what you create! Let’s spread the word about this amazing wrap and inspire others to try it too. Happy wrapping! I’m sure you’ll find that this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a quick, easy, and delicious meal. Print