Copycat McDonald’s Chicken Wrap Recipe

If you’re anything like me, the discontinuation of McDonald’s Chicken Wrap (commonly referred to as the Snack Wrap) left a noticeable void in your fast food cravings. It’s a perfect combination of crispy chicken, fresh lettuce, cheese, and that zesty sauce, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla, which was nothing short of culinary magic. While McDonald’s has teased the return of this beloved item, which sparks hope for fans everywhere, there’s no need to wait to satisfy your craving.

How to make McDonald’s Chicken Wrap

The McDonald’s Chicken Wrap is a menu item that typically features a piece of chicken (either crispy or grilled) wrapped in a soft flour tortilla with lettuce, cheese, and a sauce—usually ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy sauce. It’s designed as a lighter, more portable option compared to burgers or full chicken sandwiches.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 Chicken Breasts: Skinless and boneless, cut into strips
• 1 Cup Buttermilk: For marinating the chicken
• 1 Cup All-Purpose Flour: For coating the chicken
• 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1 Teaspoon Paprika
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Vegetable Oil: For frying

For the Wrap:

• 4 Large Flour Tortillas
• 1 Cup Lettuce: Shredded
• 1/2 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• Ranch or Honey Mustard Dressing: To taste

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken strips and buttermilk. Let them marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator to tenderize and enhance flavor.
2. Prepare the Breading: In another bowl, mix the flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each strip in the flour mixture until well coated. Set them aside on a plate.
4. Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated chicken strips. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
5. Assemble the Wraps: Warm the flour tortillas in a pan for a few seconds on each side to make them more pliable.
6. Place a few pieces of crispy chicken in the center of each tortilla.
7. Add a generous amount of shredded lettuce and cheddar cheese.
8. Drizzle with your preferred dressing (ranch or honey mustard).
9. Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll tightly from the bottom.
10. Serve: Cut each wrap in half for ease of eating, or enjoy whole. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Wraps

• Marination Tip: If time allows, marinate the chicken overnight to maximize flavor.
• Healthier Version: For a lighter version, opt for grilling or baking the chicken instead of frying.
• Customization: Feel free to add additional veggies like tomatoes or peppers for added nutrients and flavor variations.
• Dressing Options: Apart from ranch and honey mustard, try chipotle mayo for a spicy kick.

Ingredients Substitutes

Recreating McDonald’s Chicken Wraps at home allows you to enjoy a delicious meal while tailoring it to your liking. If you don’t have access to the exact ingredients or prefer to make healthier, allergen-friendly, or more cost-effective versions, there are a range of substitutions you can consider.

1. Substitutes for Chicken

Grilled Chicken Substitute:

• Rotisserie Chicken: Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a quick substitute if you don’t want to grill your own.
• Turkey Breast: Thinly sliced, cooked turkey breast is a lean, flavorful alternative.
• Tofu or Tempeh: For a vegetarian option, marinate and grill tofu or tempeh slices for a similar texture and taste.

Crispy Chicken Substitute:

• Pre-frozen Chicken Strips/Nuggets: For convenience, use frozen breaded chicken tenders or nuggets. Air-fry or bake them for a crispier texture.
• Vegetarian Nuggets/Plant-Based Chicken: Brands like Beyond Meat, Gardein, or Quorn provide breaded plant-based chicken alternatives that mimic crispy chicken well.
• Homemade Crispy Cauliflower or Mushrooms: Toss cauliflower florets or thickly sliced mushrooms in seasoned breadcrumbs and bake or fry for a crunchy meat-free option.

2. Tortilla Wrap Substitutes

Whole-Wheat Tortillas: A healthier, fiber-rich option compared to plain white tortillas.

• Corn Tortillas: These are gluten-free and smaller in size, which may result in a mini-wrap version.
• Lettuce Leaves: For a low-carb substitute, use large crispy lettuce leaves like iceberg or romaine as a “wrap.”
• Pita Bread or Flatbread: If tortillas aren’t available, these can serve as excellent substitutes.
• Rice Paper: Light and chewy, rice paper used for spring rolls can serve as a thin wrapper alternative.

3. Lettuce Substitutes

While shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce is typically used, here are some substitutes to consider:

• Spinach: Adds a nutrient-dense twist along with a slight peppery taste.
• Arugula (Rocket): Offers a more peppery, bitter flavor for a sophisticated touch.
• Cabbage (Shredded): Red cabbage, especially, adds a crunch and slight sweetness to counter the savory ingredients.
• Kale: Massage the kale with a little olive oil before adding, so it’s tender yet retains its vibrant flavor.

4. Cheese Substitutes

McDonald’s wraps usually include a mild shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese. Substitute with:

• Colby-Jack or Mozzarella: Offers a similarly mild, creamy flavor.
• Goat Cheese or Feta: For a tangy kick if you want to elevate your wrap.
• Vegan Cheese: Use plant-based shredded cheese brands like Daiya or Violife for a dairy-free version.
• Nutritional Yeast: It has a cheesy, nutty flavor and works well for a vegetarian or low-calorie option.

5. Sauce Substitutes

The sauce is the highlight of McDonald’s Chicken Wrap and defines its flavor profile. Here are substitutes for common variations:

Ranch Dressing Substitute:

• Greek Yogurt Ranch: For a lighter but delicious alternative, mix plain Greek yogurt with garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, and a splash of milk.
• Sour Cream + Seasoning: Thin sour Cream with a bit of milk and add dried ranch seasoning for an easy fix.
• Tzatziki Sauce: A cucumber-based sauce with a creamy texture similar to ranch, but with a fresh flavor.

Chipotle Sauce Substitute:

• Sriracha Mayo: Mix mayo (or vegan mayo) with a splash of sriracha sauce for a spicy, creamy topping.
• Adobo Yogurt Sauce: Blend Greek yogurt with canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, tangy variation.
• Hummus with Cayenne: A Middle Eastern-inspired spread that’s smooth and can be spiced up with cayenne or paprika.

Sweet Chilli Sauce Substitute:

• Honey + Sriracha: Combine equal parts honey and sriracha for a simple sweet-and-spicy sauce.
• Apricot Jam + Hot Sauce: Blend apricot preserves with your favorite hot sauce for a tangy twist.
• Garlic Soy Sauce Glaze: Simmer soy sauce with a bit of sugar, garlic, and red chili flakes until thickened, then drizzle over your wrap.

Final Though

By following this recipe, you’ll experience the satisfaction of recreating a restaurant favorite right at home. Enjoy your homemade McDonald’s Chicken Wrap anytime those cravings strike!

More McDonald’s Recipes:

• Homemade McDonald’s Buttermilk Tenders Recipe
• Copycat Mcdonald’s Chocolate Chip Frappe Recipe
• Homemade McDonald’s Chicken Strips Recipe