Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be unforgettable. On the busiest nights, it’s often the simple, flavor-packed meals that steal the show. One of my favorite last minute dinner ideas is Buffalo Chicken Wraps—crisp, spicy, and totally customizable. With just a few pantry staples and less than 20 minutes, you’ll have a meal that feels anything but rushed.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Whether it’s a chaotic Monday or you forgot to thaw the meat, these wraps come together fast using freezer-friendly or store-bought ingredients. They’re endlessly flexible—perfect for picky eaters or last-minute guests. Plus, they satisfy every craving: crunch, spice, creaminess, and freshness.
If you love easy meals made from what’s already in your kitchen, you’ll enjoy these storecupboard recipes from BBC Good Food. They’re a great backup plan when fresh groceries are running low.
Ingredients
- 1 pack of crispy chicken strips (frozen or fresh)
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (mild or hot)
- ½ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
Optional add-ons: diced tomatoes, sliced red onions, crumbled blue cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Prepare the chicken strips according to the package instructions. For a crispier texture, bake them instead of microwaving. If you’re using fresh chicken, coat with breadcrumbs and bake or pan-fry until golden and fully cooked.
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
As the chicken cooks, gently heat the tortillas in a dry skillet on medium heat for around 30 seconds per side, or microwave them briefly wrapped in a damp paper towel to soften.
Step 3: Assemble the Wraps
Lay out the tortillas and spread a tablespoon of ranch or blue cheese dressing in the center of each. Add a handful of lettuce, then layer on the hot chicken strips. Drizzle generously with buffalo sauce.
Step 4: Add Toppings and Wrap
Top with your preferred extras: tomatoes, onions, or cheese. Tuck in the sides, then roll the wrap firmly upward from the bottom, just like you would with a burrito.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Cut the wraps in half, if desired, and serve with a side of fresh veggies or chips. You’ve got a full meal in under 20 minutes.
Tips for Making It Even Faster
Use Pre-Cooked Chicken
Store-bought grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken can slash prep time.
Make It a Buffet Night
Let everyone assemble their own wrap from a spread of ingredients—no extra effort, but it feels special.
Freeze Extra Wraps
Wraps freeze surprisingly well. Make a few extra and store them for emergency dinners.
Looking for More Quick Dinner Wins?
If you love recipes like this, explore more fast and cozy meals under 30 minutes in the Easy Dinner Recipes section like Easy Last Minute Dinners. You’ll find family favorites and seasonal staples that help you get dinner on the table—even when life doesn’t go according to plan.
What should I eat for dinner last minute?
Last minute dinner ideas include easy go-to meals like buffalo chicken wraps, scrambled eggs with toast, or pasta with jarred sauce. Focus on simple, high-flavor combinations using pantry staples or pre-cooked proteins.
What to cook on a lazy night?
On a lazy night, try no-fuss meals like naan pizzas, grilled cheese with tomato soup, or sheet pan sausage and veggies. These quick dinner recipes require minimal effort but deliver maximum comfort.
What can I cook in 5 minutes?
For a 5-minute meal, make a tortilla wrap with deli meat, cheese, and greens or stir scrambled eggs into leftover rice with soy sauce. These fast family dinners save time without skimping on taste.
What to make for dinner in 10 minutes?
Try making buffalo chicken wraps with pre-cooked chicken, salad, and tortillas. Other 10-minute dinners include hummus and veggie pitas or spicy ramen with frozen veggies and a soft-boiled egg.
Final Thoughts
Last minute dinner ideas don’t have to be boring or bland. This buffalo chicken wrap is proof that with just a few ingredients and a little creativity, you can whip up something flavorful, comforting, and deeply satisfying—even on your busiest nights.
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Buffalo Chicken Wraps
- Total Time: PT17M
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These buffalo chicken wraps are the perfect last minute dinner idea—spicy, creamy, and ready in under 20 minutes. Made with crispy chicken, fresh lettuce, and a flavorful kick of buffalo sauce, this quick wrap is a go-to meal for busy nights and lazy dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pack crispy chicken strips (about 12 pieces)
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (mild or hot)
- ½ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- ½ cup diced tomatoes (optional)
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven and cook the chicken strips as instructed on the packaging until fully heated and crispy.
- While the chicken cooks, warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side or microwave with a damp paper towel for 20 seconds.
- Lay each tortilla flat and spread 1 tablespoon of ranch or blue cheese dressing down the center.
- Add a layer of shredded lettuce, then place 2–3 crispy chicken strips on top. Drizzle generously with buffalo wing sauce.
- If desired, sprinkle on diced tomatoes, red onion, or crumbled blue cheese.
- Fold in the sides and roll the tortilla tightly from the bottom up to form a wrap.
- Slice each wrap in half and serve immediately.
- This last minute dinner idea makes a delicious, no-stress meal.
- Pair with air fryer fries or a simple salad for a full easy weeknight meal.
Notes
- Swap tortillas for lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
- You can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save even more time.
- Add avocado slices or baby spinach for extra nutrition.
- Make it kid-friendly by using mild sauce and cutting into pinwheels.
- These wraps reheat well and make great lunchbox leftovers.
- Prep Time: PT5M
- Cook Time: PT12M
- Category: Dinner, Quick Meals, Family-Friendly, Healthy Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wrap
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 910mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: last minute dinner ideas, buffalo chicken wrap, easy weeknight meals, quick chicken recipes, lazy night dinners, 20 minute meals, fast family dinners
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