If you’re craving a fresh, flavorful lunch or a fun dinner idea, this Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Wraps Recipe is just what you need. It’s the perfect combination of tender BBQ chicken, sweet pineapple, melty cheese, and crisp veggies all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. This dish brings a little tropical sunshine to your plate with every bite, making it an absolute favorite for busy days, picnics, or casual get-togethers. Trust me, once you try these wraps, you’ll keep coming back for more of this irresistible tropical chicken goodness!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each plays an essential role in creating the delicious balance of flavors and textures in the Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Wraps Recipe. From juicy chicken coated in tangy barbecue sauce to the sweetness of pineapple and the satisfying crunch of fresh veggies, every element adds something special.
- Cooked chicken (2 cups): Use shredded or chopped chicken to soak up that flavorful barbecue sauce perfectly.
- Barbecue sauce (1/2 cup): This adds a smoky, tangy punch that ties everything together.
- Canned pineapple tidbits (1 cup, drained): Sweet and juicy, these provide a tropical twist that elevates the wrap.
- Shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese (1/2 cup): Melts beautifully for a creamy, cheesy finish.
- Red onion (1/4 cup, thinly sliced): Adds a sharp crunch for balance.
- Shredded lettuce or cabbage (1/2 cup): Gives crisp freshness and a nice contrast to the rich chicken and cheese.
- Large flour tortillas (4): Soft yet sturdy enough to hold all the delicious fillings without falling apart.
- Optional toppings: Chopped cilantro, jalapeño slices, or extra barbecue sauce add extra flavor and a personal touch.
How to Make Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the BBQ Chicken Mixture
Start by placing your cooked chicken in a medium bowl and stirring in the barbecue sauce until every piece is evenly coated. This step is the flavor foundation of your wraps, so make sure that barbecue sauce embraces the chicken well for that irresistible smokey and tangy taste.
Step 2: Assemble the Wraps
Lay your flour tortillas flat on a clean surface and divide the BBQ chicken mixture evenly among them. Next, top each tortilla with pineapple tidbits, shredded cheese, thinly sliced red onion, and a handful of shredded lettuce or cabbage. These layers bring together a balance of sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy that makes each bite so satisfying.
Step 3: Add Optional Toppings
This is the fun part where you can customize your wrap. Sprinkle chopped cilantro for a fresh, herbal twist or add jalapeño slices if you want a spicy kick. If you love barbecue sauce, drizzle a little extra for even more flavor.
Step 4: Roll Up the Wraps
Fold in the sides of each tortilla and roll it up tightly to keep all that goodness inside. Tight rolling keeps the ingredients from spilling out and makes your wrap easy to handle and eat.
Step 5: Toast for Warmth and Melted Cheese (Optional)
For an extra level of yum, place each wrap seam-side down in a skillet over medium heat. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese inside melts slightly. This also adds a lovely toasty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the juicy filling.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Cut your wraps in half and serve immediately. The colors and aroma invite you in, and each bite bursts with that delicious Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Wraps Recipe flavor combination.
How to Serve Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, consider a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a few slices of jalapeño to amp up the flavor and add some visual appeal. A small drizzle of extra barbecue sauce on top can bring your wraps that extra moisture and tanginess that many love.
Side Dishes
This wrap pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some crispy sweet potato fries to keep the meal light but satisfying. For a more tropical vibe, toss together a fruit salad featuring mango, papaya, or extra pineapple to echo those tropical notes in the wrap.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Wraps Recipe platter-style with all the optional toppings on the side so everyone can customize their own wraps. Alternatively, cut wraps into smaller pinwheel portions for a festive party appetizer or picnic snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. They will keep fresh for up to 2 days, though it’s best to consume them sooner to enjoy optimal texture and flavor.
Freezing
While freezing wraps with fresh veggies isn’t ideal due to texture changes, you can freeze just the BBQ chicken mixture and pineapple separately in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Then, assemble fresh wraps when ready to eat.
Reheating
To reheat refrigerated wraps, it’s best to toast them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and the cheese melts again. Avoid using a microwave to keep the tortilla from becoming soggy.
FAQs
Can I use grilled chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken adds a nice smoky depth that complements the barbecue sauce beautifully. Just chop or shred the grilled chicken before mixing it.
Is this wrap kid-friendly?
Yes! The flavors are vibrant but not overwhelming, and the sweetness from pineapple usually appeals to kids, making it a great option for family meals.
Can I substitute the flour tortillas for a gluten-free option?
Definitely. Use any gluten-free or grain-free wrap you prefer. Just keep in mind the wrap’s flexibility as it needs to hold the fillings without cracking.
What kind of barbecue sauce works best?
Choose a barbecue sauce you love that’s well-balanced between sweet and tangy. A Hawaiian-style BBQ sauce or one with a hint of pineapple or mango flavor can enhance the tropical vibe of this recipe.
Can I prepare these wraps for a picnic?
Yes, they’re perfect for picnics! Assemble the wraps, wrap them tightly in foil or parchment paper, and keep them chilled until you’re ready to eat. Skip the toasting step for easy transport.
Final Thoughts
With its vibrant flavors, quick prep, and the perfect mix of textures, the Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Wraps Recipe is a total winner for anytime you want a delicious, fuss-free meal. Whether you’re packing lunch for work, feeding the kids, or entertaining friends, these wraps bring a splash of tropical joy to your table. Give them a try—you might just discover your new favorite wrap to make on repeat!
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Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Wraps Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 wraps 1x
Description
These Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Wraps combine tender shredded chicken tossed in tangy barbecue sauce with sweet pineapple tidbits, melty cheese, and crunchy fresh veggies, all wrapped in a soft flour tortilla. Perfect for a quick lunch or easy dinner, they can be enjoyed cold or toasted for a warm, crispy finish.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
Fillings
- 1 cup canned pineapple tidbits (drained)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
Wraps & Optional Toppings
- 4 large flour tortillas
- Optional: chopped cilantro
- Optional: jalapeño slices
- Optional: extra BBQ sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken mixture: In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix the cooked shredded or chopped chicken with barbecue sauce until the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Assemble the wraps: Lay the flour tortillas flat on a clean surface. Evenly divide the BBQ chicken mixture among the tortillas. Top each portion with pineapple tidbits, shredded cheese, thinly sliced red onion, and shredded lettuce or cabbage for crunch and freshness.
- Add optional toppings: If desired, sprinkle chopped cilantro and jalapeño slices over the fillings, and drizzle extra barbecue sauce for added flavor and spice.
- Roll the wraps: Fold in the sides of each tortilla and roll up tightly from one end to form a wrap, making sure the filling stays secured inside.
- Toast the wraps (optional): For a warm and crispy finish, heat a skillet over medium heat and place each wrap seam-side down in the pan. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese melts slightly.
- Serve: Slice the wraps in half diagonally and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- These wraps make a great lunch, easy meal prep option, or picnic food.
- Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken speeds up prep time and adds extra flavor.
- For a Hawaiian flair, grill chicken with a pineapple or teriyaki marinade before shredding.
- You can substitute flour tortillas with whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas as preferred.
- Adjust spice level by controlling the amount of jalapeños or BBQ sauce used.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (optional for toasting)
- Category: Main Course, Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Hawaiian-Inspired
