Chicken wraps are a popular meal choice, and for a good reason. They’re versatile, easy to make, and delicious. Whether you’re whipping up a quick lunch or preparing a family dinner, chicken wraps can be customized with various ingredients and flavors to suit your taste. However, the key to making a chicken wrap meal truly memorable is pairing it with the right sides, sauces, and drinks. In this guide, we’ll explore what goes with chicken wraps to elevate your dining experience.
Why Pairing Matters
The right accompaniments can turn a simple chicken wrap into a gourmet meal. For instance, imagine biting into a crispy chicken wrap with a side of golden French fries, or enjoying a refreshing cucumber salad that perfectly balances the wrap’s flavors. Therefore, pairing matters because it enhances the taste, texture, and overall satisfaction of the meal. Whether you’re after something light, indulgent, or somewhere in between, the right pairing can make all the difference.
If you’re looking for healthy options, don’t worry—we’ll cover that too! Pairing your chicken wraps with a nutritious side or drink can help you create a balanced meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. For more ideas, check out these healthy salad recipes.
Popular Chicken Wrap Variations
Before diving into the pairings, it’s essential to consider the type of chicken wrap you’re making. Since different wraps call for different accompaniments, knowing your wrap’s flavor profile helps in selecting the perfect sides and drinks to go along with it:
- Grilled Chicken Wraps: Light and healthy, best paired with fresh salads and crisp vegetables.
- Buffalo Chicken Wraps: Spicy and tangy, these go great with cooling dips like ranch or blue cheese.
- Caesar Chicken Wraps: Creamy and savory, perfect with crunchy sides like garlic bread or a Caesar salad.
- BBQ Chicken Wraps: Sweet and smoky, best complemented with coleslaw or baked beans.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken Wraps
Choosing the right side dish is crucial for completing your meal. Here are some options that are sure to complement your chicken wraps:
Classic Side Dishes
- French Fries: A classic pairing that never disappoints. Crispy, salty fries provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts well with the wrap’s softness.
- Potato Wedges: If you prefer something thicker and more seasoned, potato wedges are a great alternative to fries.
Healthy Side Options
- Green Salad: A fresh green salad is an excellent choice for a lighter, more balanced meal. The crunch of the lettuce and the freshness of the vegetables complement the flavors of the wrap perfectly.
- Quinoa Salad: Rich in protein and fiber, quinoa salad adds a filling, nutritious element to your meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Adding a warm, savory touch, roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots work wonderfully as a side.
Comfort Side Dishes
- Mac and Cheese: For those craving comfort food, mac and cheese is an indulgent pairing. The creamy, cheesy goodness complements the chicken wrap, making the meal more satisfying.
- Mashed Potatoes: Smooth and buttery mashed potatoes offer a comforting texture that balances the wrap’s flavors.
- Coleslaw: Tangy and creamy, coleslaw provides a nice contrast to the chicken wrap, especially if the wrap has a bit of heat.
Best Sauces and Dips for Chicken Wraps
The right sauce can take your chicken wrap from good to great. Here are some options to consider:
Creamy Sauces
- Ranch Dressing: A popular choice, ranch dressing adds a creamy, herby flavor that pairs well with almost any chicken wrap.
- Caesar Dressing: Perfect for Caesar chicken wraps, this dressing adds a rich, savory flavor.
Spicy and Tangy Options
- Buffalo Sauce: If you love heat, buffalo sauce adds a spicy kick that’s perfect for those who like their wraps with a bit of zing.
- Sriracha Mayo: A combination of creamy mayo and spicy sriracha, this sauce adds both creaminess and heat.
- Honey Mustard: Sweet and tangy, honey mustard offers a delicious balance to the spiciness of the chicken wrap.
For a flavorful twist, try this Buffalo Chicken Wrap recipe which perfectly pairs with spicy sauces like Buffalo Sauce or Sriracha Mayo.
Unique Dips
- Guacamole: Creamy and flavorful, guacamole adds a fresh, rich taste to your wrap.
- Tzatziki: A Greek yogurt-based dip with cucumber and garlic, tzatziki provides a refreshing, tangy flavor that complements chicken wraps beautifully.
Drinks That Pair Well with Chicken Wraps
No meal is complete without the right drink to wash it down. Here are some beverage options that pair well with chicken wraps:
- Iced Tea: Refreshing and light, iced tea is a classic choice that pairs well with almost any chicken wrap.
- Lemonade: Sweet and tart, lemonade offers a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the wrap.
- Soda: A carbonated option like soda can add a bit of fizz and sweetness to your meal, making it more enjoyable.
Healthy Alternatives for Chicken Wrap Accompaniments
If you’re looking to keep your meal on the lighter side, there are plenty of healthy alternatives to consider One great option is this fluffy basmati rice cooked in an Instant Pot, which makes for a light and satisfying side.:
Low-Calorie Sides
- Cucumber Salad: Light, refreshing, and low in calories, cucumber salad is an excellent choice for a healthier side.
- Steamed Broccoli: Nutrient-packed and simple, steamed broccoli adds a healthy, satisfying element to your meal.
Low-Fat Dips and Sauces
- Greek Yogurt Dip: A light alternative to sour cream, Greek yogurt dip offers a creamy texture without the added fat.
- Salsa: Fresh and low in calories, salsa adds a burst of flavor to your wrap without the guilt.
Healthier Drink Options
- Infused Water: Hydrating and flavorful, infused water is a great way to keep your drink light and refreshing.
- Green Tea: Antioxidant-rich and light, green tea complements the flavors of your chicken wrap while offering health benefits.
Seasonal and Occasion-Based Pairings
While chicken wraps are a year-round favorite, certain sides and drinks work better depending on the season or occasion. Here’s a breakdown of pairings that will elevate your chicken wrap experience, no matter the time of year.
Summer Pairings
During the summer months, lighter and fresher sides are ideal. Consider these options for your next warm-weather meal:
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet, buttery, and grilled to perfection, corn on the cob adds a touch of summer to your chicken wraps.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with watermelon, berries, and mint provides a light, sweet contrast to the savory flavors of the wrap.
Enhance the flavors of your summer sides with this lemon pepper seasoning guide to bring out a fresh and zesty taste.
Winter Pairings
In contrast, during the colder months, heartier sides can make your chicken wraps more comforting:
- Butternut Squash Soup: Warm and velvety, butternut squash soup pairs wonderfully with chicken wraps, offering a cozy and satisfying addition to your meal.
- Roasted Root Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes roasted to bring out their natural sweetness create a perfect, hearty side.
International Flavors that Complement Chicken Wraps
If you’re looking to add a global twist to your meal, consider these international-inspired pairings. These options will introduce new flavors and textures that complement your chicken wraps beautifully.
Mediterranean-Inspired Pairings
Mediterranean flavors are known for their freshness and vibrant taste. Here’s how you can incorporate them into your chicken wrap meal:
- Hummus: Creamy, garlicky hummus is not only a great dip but also works well spread inside your chicken wrap for added flavor.
- Tabbouleh: This fresh, parsley-based salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and bulgur adds a tangy and herbaceous note to your meal.
Asian-Inspired Pairings
Asian flavors bring a balance of sweet, spicy, and savory that pairs perfectly with chicken wraps:
- Edamame: Lightly salted edamame provides a simple yet satisfying side that complements the wrap’s flavors.
- Mango Salsa: A mix of sweet mango, spicy jalapeño, and zesty lime creates a salsa that adds a refreshing burst of flavor to your wrap.
Mexican-Inspired Pairings
For those who enjoy bold and vibrant flavors, Mexican-inspired sides are an excellent choice:
- Pico de Gallo: This fresh tomato salsa with onions, cilantro, and lime juice adds a zesty, refreshing element to your chicken wrap.
- Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn coated in mayo, cheese, and chili powder brings a deliciously smoky, creamy, and spicy flavor that pairs wonderfully with chicken wraps.
Desserts to Serve After Chicken Wraps
No meal is complete without a sweet finish. Depending on your preference, you can go for something light or indulge in a richer dessert. Here are some options to consider:
Light Desserts
- Fruit Sorbet: A refreshing and light dessert, fruit sorbet cleanses the palate after a flavorful meal, making it a perfect choice after chicken wraps.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layers of creamy yogurt, crunchy granola, and fresh berries provide a healthy and satisfying end to your meal.
Indulgent Desserts
- Cheesecake: Rich, creamy, and slightly tangy, cheesecake offers a decadent finish that pairs well with the savory notes of a chicken wrap.
- Brownies: Dense and fudgy brownies are an indulgent treat that adds a sweet contrast to the flavors of your wrap.
FAQs
To further enhance your chicken wrap experience, here are answers to some common questions about preparing and serving them:
What are the best vegetables to put in chicken wraps?
The best vegetables to include in chicken wraps are those that add crunch, freshness, and flavor. Popular choices include lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and onions. You can also add shredded carrots or avocado for extra texture and taste.
Can chicken wraps be made ahead of time?
Yes, chicken wraps can be made ahead of time, but it’s essential to keep the ingredients fresh. To prevent sogginess, store the wraps and any wet ingredients (like tomatoes or sauces) separately, and assemble them just before serving.
What type of chicken is best for wraps?
Grilled chicken is a popular choice for wraps because it is lean, flavorful, and easy to prepare. However, you can also use shredded rotisserie chicken, baked chicken, or even crispy fried chicken, depending on your taste preference.
How do you keep chicken wraps from getting soggy?
To keep chicken wraps from getting soggy, use a barrier like lettuce or cheese between the tortilla and any wet ingredients. Additionally, avoid overfilling the wrap and store it in a dry, cool place until you’re ready to eat.
What is a good vegetarian alternative to chicken wraps?
A good vegetarian alternative to chicken wraps is a wrap filled with grilled vegetables, tofu, or falafel. You can use the same sides, sauces, and dips as you would with chicken wraps, making it easy to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Conclusion
From seasonal sides to international flavors and indulgent desserts, the possibilities for what goes with chicken wraps are endless. Whether you prefer something light and fresh or rich and comforting, there’s a perfect pairing for every occasion. So, next time you make chicken wraps, consider these suggestions to create a meal that’s not only delicious but also well-rounded and satisfying.
Experiment with these ideas and make your chicken wrap experience even more enjoyable. And remember, the key to a great meal is not just what’s in the wrap, but what you serve with it.