3 Shares

McDonald’s Chicken Snack Wrap, which was taken off the menu years ago, has been brought back to life with this homemade version that is even better than the original. This wrap features crispy, golden fried chicken, soft flour tortillas, fresh lettuce, melty cheese, and a creamy homemade ranch sauce that ties it all together. It’s the perfect balance of crunch and creaminess, and once you try it, you won’t miss the fast food version!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

4 chicken tenders (or chicken breasts, cut into strips)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon mustard (optional)
1 tablespoon paprika
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
2 soft flour tortillas
1 cup shredded lettuce
1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup cheddar cheese

For Homemade Ranch

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped

Directions

Prepare the Chicken: In one bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, mustard (optional), paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Dredge the chicken tenders in the dry mixture, dip in the buttermilk mixture, and coat again in the dry mixture for extra crunch.
Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 365°F (185°C). Fry the chicken tenders for 7-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel.
Make the Ranch: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, buttermilk, mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, parsley, and chives. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to use.
Assemble the Wrap: Warm the flour tortillas slightly. On each tortilla, place a handful of shredded lettuce, a sprinkle of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, and a crispy chicken tender. Drizzle with homemade ranch sauce and wrap tightly.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

Calories: 480
Total Fat: 24 g
Total Carbohydrates: 38 g
Protein: 24 g

The Appeal of the Chicken Snack Wrap

The original McDonald’s Chicken Snack Wrap was a fan favorite because of its perfect portability, delicious ingredients, and satisfying crunch. It offered a convenient, handheld meal that was not only quick but also packed with flavor. With this homemade version, you can enjoy all those same characteristics, but with the added bonus of using fresh, high-quality ingredients.

What sets this recipe apart from its fast-food counterpart is the homemade ranch sauce. While the fast-food version likely used a pre-made sauce, this recipe makes a creamy, tangy ranch from scratch with just a few simple ingredients. The result is a ranch that’s richer, fresher, and more flavorful than anything you’d find in a packet.

Preparing the Chicken: The Key to Crispy, Flavorful Bites

At the heart of the Chicken Snack Wrap is the crispy fried chicken, and achieving the perfect crunch is simpler than you might think. The key is in the batter. This recipe starts by dredging the chicken tenders in a seasoned dry mixture of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. The cornstarch and baking powder in the mix help create a light, crispy texture when the chicken is fried.

Before dredging in the dry mixture, the chicken is dipped in a buttermilk mixture that includes mustard (for a hint of tang) and paprika. This step not only helps the breading adhere to the chicken but also adds an extra layer of flavor. The double coating of the chicken ensures a crisp, golden-brown exterior that holds up perfectly against the creamy ranch sauce and fresh veggies in the wrap.

When it comes to frying, the oil should be heated to 365°F (185°C) for optimal crispiness. This temperature allows the chicken to cook through while creating a perfectly golden and crunchy crust. Frying the chicken tenders for about 7-8 minutes, turning them occasionally, ensures that they cook evenly on all sides.

The Importance of Fresh Ingredients

In this homemade Chicken Snack Wrap, fresh ingredients play a significant role in enhancing the overall flavor. The lettuce adds a refreshing crunch, while the combination of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses brings a creamy, melty texture that complements the crispy chicken. Using soft flour tortillas to wrap everything up provides the ideal soft and flexible base, making it easy to enjoy each bite without worrying about the wrap falling apart.

The homemade ranch dressing, made from mayonnaise, buttermilk, yellow mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, fresh parsley, and fresh chives, is the perfect finishing touch. This ranch sauce ties all the ingredients together, adding a creamy, tangy flavor that elevates the entire wrap. The freshness of the herbs and the balance of flavors in the dressing take the wrap to the next level, far surpassing the flavor of any pre-packaged sauce.

Frying the Chicken: Double-Checking the Temperature

Frying chicken tenders at the right temperature is essential for achieving the perfect crispy exterior. If the oil is too hot, the outside of the chicken will burn before the inside has a chance to cook through. On the other hand, if the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb excess oil, making it greasy instead of crispy.

To ensure you fry the chicken at the ideal temperature, use a thermometer to check the oil. 365°F (185°C) is the sweet spot for golden-brown, crispy chicken. If you don’t have a deep fryer, you can also fry the chicken in a deep pot or large skillet. Just be sure to fry the tenders in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.

Making the Homemade Ranch Dressing

While store-bought ranch dressing is convenient, there’s something special about making your own ranch at home. This homemade ranch dressing is creamy, flavorful, and much fresher than anything you can buy off the shelf. It’s made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, including mayonnaise, buttermilk, garlic powder, mustard, and fresh herbs like parsley and chives.

To make the ranch, simply whisk together the ingredients in a small bowl, then refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble your wraps. The freshness of the herbs gives the ranch a bright, flavorful kick that complements the fried chicken and fresh veggies perfectly. The ranch sauce is what ties everything together, adding the creaminess that balances the crunch of the chicken and the freshness of the lettuce.

Assembling the Wrap: A Perfect Handheld Meal

Once the fried chicken tenders are ready and the ranch sauce is prepped, it’s time to assemble the wraps. Warm the flour tortillas slightly to make them more pliable. On each tortilla, place a handful of shredded lettuce, followed by a generous sprinkling of the Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses. Next, place a crispy chicken tender in the center of the tortilla, drizzle with the homemade ranch sauce, and wrap it all up tightly.

The result is a perfectly balanced meal that’s easy to hold in one hand and eat on the go. The crispy chicken, melty cheese, fresh lettuce, and creamy ranch come together in each bite, creating a satisfying combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making these wraps for lunch, dinner, or a quick snack, they’re sure to become a new favorite.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

While the Chicken Snack Wrap is delicious on its own, you can customize it further to suit your tastes. Try adding slices of tomato or avocado for added freshness and creaminess. If you prefer a bit of heat, you can sprinkle some hot sauce or add a few jalapeño slices to the wrap for an extra kick. You can also switch up the cheese by using mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a combination of your favorite cheeses.

For a lighter version, you could swap out the fried chicken tenders for grilled chicken strips, which would still offer a satisfying meal without the extra oil. You could also use a whole wheat tortilla for a slightly healthier alternative.

Conclusion: A Better Version of the Fast-Food Favorite

In conclusion, this homemade Chicken Snack Wrap is an easy, flavorful, and satisfying way to enjoy a fast-food favorite from the comfort of your home. With crispy fried chicken, melty cheese, fresh lettuce, and a tangy homemade ranch sauce, this wrap is better than anything you’d get from a fast-food chain. Plus, making it at home allows you to customize the ingredients to your liking and enjoy a fresher, more flavorful version of this classic snack. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or a quick bite, you won’t miss the fast-food version once you’ve tasted this homemade version!

Pin3