You know those nights when you’re staring into the fridge, willing leftovers to magically transform into something exciting? That’s exactly how my Ooey Gooey BBQ Chicken & Cheese Wraps were born. I had some sad-looking grilled chicken and a half-empty bottle of BBQ sauce – desperation led to inspiration! Twenty minutes later, my kitchen smelled like a barbecue joint, and my kids were hovering like hungry seagulls. The first bite? Pure magic – that stretchy cheese pull, the tangy-sweet sauce clinging to tender chicken, all wrapped up in a crispy tortilla. Now it’s our go-to “I don’t wanna cook” meal that somehow makes me look like a kitchen hero.
Why You’ll Love These Ooey Gooey BBQ Chicken & Cheese Wraps
Trust me, once you try these wraps, they’ll become your new weeknight superhero. Here’s why they’re absolutely irresistible:
- Weeknight lifesaver: From fridge to table in 35 minutes flat – perfect for those “what’s for dinner?!” panic moments
- Flavor explosion: That ooey-gooey cheese pull meets sweet-smoky BBQ sauce in every single bite
- Kid-approved magic: My picky eater actually asks for seconds (and that’s saying something!)
- Endlessly adaptable: Swap cheeses, add veggies, or go spicy – these wraps play nice with whatever you’ve got on hand
The best part? You probably have most ingredients in your fridge already. Just wait till you see how fast these disappear from the plate!
Ingredients for Ooey Gooey BBQ Chicken & Cheese Wraps
Gathering the right ingredients is half the battle when making these irresistible wraps. I’ve learned through many messy (but delicious!) trials that quality matters here. Let’s break it down so you can raid your pantry and fridge with confidence.
For the Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded) – Leftover rotisserie chicken works beautifully here, or you can quickly poach some breasts
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – The melty foundation that creates those glorious cheese pulls
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese – For that extra sharpness that cuts through the sweetness
- ¼ cup cream cheese (softened) – My secret weapon for extra creaminess that binds everything together
- 2 cloves garlic (minced) – Because everything’s better with garlic, right?
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Doubling down on that garlicky goodness
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – Adds depth without onion chunks that might make kids suspicious
- ½ teaspoon salt – Just enough to make all the flavors pop
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper – A gentle kick that won’t overwhelm little taste buds
For Assembly
- 4 large flour tortillas – The bigger, the better for wrapping! I like the burrito-sized ones
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For getting that perfect golden crisp on the outside
That’s it! Simple, right? Now let’s talk about my favorite part – the BBQ sauce. You’ll need about ½ cup of your favorite brand (or homemade if you’re feeling fancy). I’m partial to the smoky, slightly spicy varieties, but use whatever makes your taste buds happy!
How to Make Ooey Gooey BBQ Chicken & Cheese Wraps
Alright, let’s get down to the fun part – making these melty, messy, magical wraps! I promise it’s easier than you think, and the results will have everyone at your table reaching for seconds. Here’s exactly how I do it, with all my little tricks to guarantee success.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First things first – crank that oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab your biggest mixing bowl. This gives the oven time to get nice and toasty while you prepare the filling. Trust me, starting with a properly preheated oven makes all the difference for that perfect cheese melt.
Step 2: Mix It Up
Now, the good stuff! Dump all your filling ingredients into that bowl – shredded chicken, both cheeses, cream cheese, garlic, and all those yummy seasonings. Here’s my pro tip: microwave the cream cheese for about 15 seconds first so it blends easier. Use clean hands or a sturdy spoon to mix everything until it looks like the cheesiest chicken salad you’ve ever seen. Don’t be shy – really get in there!
Step 3: Wrap Like a Pro
Lay out your tortillas on a clean surface. Spoon about ¾ cup of filling onto each one, slightly off-center toward the bottom. Fold the sides in first (this keeps all that ooey goodness from escaping), then roll up tightly from the bottom. If you’re struggling, check out this great wrapping technique I learned from the pros!
Step 4: Crisp It Up
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place your wraps seam-side down first – this seals them shut! Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they’re golden and crispy. You’ll hear that satisfying sizzle – music to a cook’s ears!
Step 5: Melt to Perfection
Transfer your crispy wraps to a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for 10-15 minutes. This is when the magic really happens – that cheese gets impossibly gooey and the flavors meld together beautifully. Watch for cheese bubbles peeking out – that’s your cue they’re ready!
Step 6: Serve with Drama
Here comes the best part – slicing them diagonally (so fancy!) to reveal that gorgeous cheesy cross-section. Serve immediately while they’re piping hot and the cheese is at its stretchy best. Warning: you might need to break up fights over who gets the crispest end piece!
See? Told you it was easy! Now go make some melty magic happen in your kitchen. Just don’t blame me when your family starts requesting these every night of the week!
Tips for Perfect Ooey Gooey BBQ Chicken & Cheese Wraps
After making these wraps more times than I can count (and eating plenty of “test batches”), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks to make them turn out perfect every single time. Here are my can’t-live-without tips:
- Warm those tortillas! Cold flour tortillas crack faster than my patience on a Monday morning. I zap them for 10 seconds in the microwave or heat briefly in a dry skillet – makes them super pliable for wrapping without tears.
- Cheese meltiness hack: If your cheese isn’t getting that Instagram-worthy stretch, try this – mix in a handful of extra mozzarella or add a slice of American cheese (trust me, it’s magic!). The combination gives you that perfect gooey pull.
- BBQ sauce control: For extra tangy goodness without sogginess, I brush sauce on the outside of the wraps before baking. It caramelizes into the most amazing sticky-sweet crust that’ll have everyone licking their fingers.
- Golden brown secret: Don’t skip the skillet step! Those few minutes of pan-frying create the crispy exterior that keeps the inside gloriously molten. Just be patient – if you flip too soon, you’ll lose your filling!
These little tricks take these wraps from good to “can I have the recipe?” amazing. Now you’re armed with all my cheesy, saucy secrets – go forth and wrap!
Variations for Ooey Gooey BBQ Chicken & Cheese Wraps
One of my favorite things about these wraps is how easily you can mix them up! Here are some delicious twists I’ve tried (and loved) when I’m feeling adventurous or just cleaning out the fridge:
- Cheese swap: Try pepper jack for a spicy kick or smoked gouda for extra depth. My kids go nuts when I use a three-cheese blend from the deli section!
- Veggie boost: Toss in some sautéed onions and bell peppers, or mix in a handful of fresh spinach. The heat wilts it perfectly without any “green stuff” complaints from picky eaters.
- Meat madness: Swap the chicken for pulled pork (leftover from this amazing recipe) or even shredded beef for a heartier twist. Bacon crumbles mixed into the filling? Yes please!
The possibilities are endless – that’s the beauty of these wraps! Just keep the cheese-to-filling ratio generous, and you really can’t go wrong.
Serving Suggestions for Ooey Gooey BBQ Chicken & Cheese Wraps
Now let’s talk about the perfect ways to serve up these melty masterpieces! I like to keep it casual – these wraps are messy in the best possible way, so finger foods are the way to go. Here’s what always disappears first at our dinner table:
- Crispy fries or tater tots: For that unbeatable salty-crunchy contrast to all that cheesy goodness
- Cool, crunchy coleslaw: The creaminess cuts through the richness perfectly. Try this ranch coleslaw if you want to keep the BBQ theme going!
- Simple garden salad: When I’m pretending to be healthy (just a handful of greens with vinaigrette does the trick)
- Extra dipping sauces: Little bowls of ranch, extra BBQ sauce, or even spicy mayo for those who like to kick it up a notch
Paper towels are mandatory, napkins are suggested, and seconds are practically guaranteed with this combo. Enjoy the mess – it’s half the fun!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Let’s be real – you probably won’t have leftovers, but just in case those melty miracles survive dinnertime, here’s how to keep them tasting fresh-from-the-skillet delicious:
- Fridge life: Store cooled wraps tightly wrapped in foil or in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Pro tip – slip a paper towel between wraps to prevent sogginess!
- Freezer friendly: These freeze beautifully! Wrap individually in plastic, then foil, and stash for up to 2 months.
- Reheat like a pro: Skip the microwave unless you want mush – instead, crisp ’em back up in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes (straight from frozen, add 5 minutes). For extra crunch, finish them off in a hot skillet!
There you go – second-day wraps that taste just as good as fresh!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers – because even the ooiest, gooiest meals deserve a little transparency! Each hearty wrap packs about 450 calories, with 25g of protein to keep you full and satisfied. The breakdown? Around 30g carbs (hello, tortilla goodness!), 25g fat (mostly from all that glorious cheese), and just 2g fiber.
Now for my kitchen truth-teller moment – these numbers can totally swing based on your ingredients. That rotisserie chicken you grabbed? Different brands vary. Your favorite BBQ sauce? Could add extra sugar. Even cheeses differ! So consider this your ballpark guide while you enjoy every melty bite guilt-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
I get so many questions about these Ooey Gooey BBQ Chicken & Cheese Wraps – everyone wants to know the secrets! Here are the answers to the things readers ask me most:
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is my go-to shortcut for quick dinner ideas. Just shred it up – the flavorful skin and juicy dark meat actually make these wraps even tastier. Plus, it means zero cooking time for the chicken. Total win!
Can I make these wraps ahead?
You sure can! Assemble them completely (wrap tightly!), then refrigerate for up to 12 hours before cooking. For longer storage, freeze before baking – just add a few extra minutes when cooking from frozen. Perfect healthy dinner prep!
How do I prevent soggy wraps?
The trick is the double-cook method – pan-frying first seals the tortilla, then baking melts the cheese without steaming the wrap. Also, don’t overload with sauce inside (brush some on after baking if you want extra BBQ goodness). Crispy perfection every time!
What’s the best cheese blend?
I’m obsessed with the mozzarella-cheddar combo for perfect meltiness and flavor balance, but don’t be afraid to experiment! Pepper jack adds spice, smoked gouda gives incredible depth – let your cheese drawer inspire you.
Can these be made vegetarian?
Yes! Swap chicken for black beans or roasted cauliflower (pat them super dry first). Keep all that glorious cheese though – that’s what makes these easy healthy dinners so irresistible!
Ooey Gooey BBQ Chicken & Cheese Wraps
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Large Skillet
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Assembly
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto the center of the tortilla.
- Fold in the sides of the tortilla and then roll it up tightly from the bottom to the top. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Place the wraps seam-side down in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the wraps to a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the wraps are heated through.
- Slice the wraps in half and serve hot.