Craving that irresistible McDonald’s Chicken Snack Wrap at home? You’re in for a treat! This recipe unlocks all the secrets for juicy, crispy chicken strips, fresh lettuce, tangy cheese, and a homemade ranch that rivals anything you’d grab from the drive-thru.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Fast Food Flavor: Enjoy the classic McDonald’s Chicken Snack Wrap taste, but homemade with the freshest, real ingredients.
- Crispy, Juicy Chicken: Double-battered and golden-fried, the chicken is so satisfying, you might never crave the drive-thru again.
- Customizable for Everyone: From sauces to lettuce, wraps to cheese, build each wrap exactly how you love it.
- Total Weeknight Winner: Quick enough for a busy night and yummy enough for a weekend treat—the ultimate comfort food at home!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the McDonald’s Chicken Snack Wrap is how simple—yet essential—each ingredient is. Every element brings its own deliciousness, from the crispy, seasoned chicken to the homemade ranch and fluffy tortillas. Let’s break down what you’ll need for pure snack wrap bliss!
- Chicken tenderloins: The star of the show—choose fresh, boneless tenderloins for juicy, tender strips that fry up beautifully.
- All-purpose flour & cornstarch: This dynamic duo in the breading delivers that coveted crunchy exterior and keeps your chicken light.
- Baking powder: Adds subtle lift for extra-crisp breading.
- Salt, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, mustard powder, and onion powder: These seasonings layer flavor into every single bite, both in the dredge and marinade.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and adds a slight tang; also the secret to that thick, pillowy coating.
- Mayonnaise, buttermilk, yellow mustard, garlic powder, parsley, chives, salt & pepper: These come together for a zesty, creamy homemade ranch that totally makes the wrap.
- Vegetable oil: For deep-frying to golden perfection.
- Flour tortillas: Soft, flexible wraps hold everything snugly and make these handheld wonders so satisfying.
- Shredded lettuce: Adds crunch and freshness—iceberg or romaine work great.
- Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, shredded: Classic for meltiness and that signature creamy, cheesy bite.
Variations
The beauty of the McDonald’s Chicken Snack Wrap is how easily you can make it your own! With a quick swap or two, you can cater to everyone’s cravings, dietary needs, or whatever ingredients you have on hand—total snack wrap freedom.
- Spicy Snack Wrap: Add a sprinkle of cayenne or chili powder to the breading, or even toss the chicken in buffalo sauce before rolling up for some heat!
- Grilled Chicken Version: Want something lighter? Grill or air-fry the chicken strips instead of deep-frying for a still-delicious, healthier twist.
- Swap the Cheese: Swap Monterey Jack and cheddar for pepper jack if you love zest, or even mozzarella for extra melt.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a gluten-free flour blend for breading and your favorite GF tortillas to make this snack wrap completely gluten free.
How to Make McDonald’s Chicken Snack Wrap
Step 1: Make the Homemade Ranch
Start by whipping up your creamy ranch sauce. Simply combine mayonnaise, buttermilk, yellow mustard, salt, pepper, garlic powder, parsley, and chives in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and taste to adjust your salt and pepper—this sauce brings the signature tang and herby kick to every McDonald’s Chicken Snack Wrap.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Marinade & Breading
In a deep bowl, whisk together the buttermilk with all the marinade spices (salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, mustard powder, onion powder). Separately, combine the dry ingredients: flour, cornstarch, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. For that crunchy, nubby breading like McDonald’s, mix a few tablespoons of the wet batter into the dry—it’ll give you the perfect flaky coating!
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken for Maximum Crunch
Now, dip each tenderloin in the wet marinade, then toss it in the dry mixture, back into the wet, and then once more in the dry. This double-dipping is what makes the McDonald’s Chicken Snack Wrap’s chicken so crispy and golden. Lay the breaded strips on a tray to rest for 10 minutes—the coating will stick better after a short wait!
Step 4: Fry the Chicken to Perfection
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F. Fry the chicken strips in batches (don’t crowd the pan!), turning so they brown evenly. Each batch should take about 7-8 minutes, giving you juicy chicken and shatteringly crisp shells. Let them rest on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 5: Assemble the Snack Wraps
It’s time for the fun part—assembly! Place a warm flour tortilla on a plate and sprinkle with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack. Pop it in the oven for a minute or two if you want the cheese extra melty. Top with shredded lettuce, then lay on a hot, crispy chicken strip (slice it up, if you like). Drizzle with that delicious homemade ranch and wrap it up tight. Your homemade McDonald’s Chicken Snack Wrap is ready!
Pro Tips for Making McDonald’s Chicken Snack Wrap
- Crispy Breading Trick: Adding a splash of buttermilk batter to the dry mix creates those little flaky clusters that deliver superior crunch in every bite.
- Perfect Oil Temperature: Keep your oil close to 350°F for golden, crispy chicken that’s juicy on the inside (use a thermometer if you have one!).
- Warm Your Tortillas: Briefly heating the tortillas (and cheese!) in the oven makes the wraps extra soft and helps everything meld together deliciously.
- Freshen Up the Lettuce: Use cold, freshly shredded lettuce for maximum crunch and refreshing balance to the hot chicken and cheese.
How to Serve McDonald’s Chicken Snack Wrap
Garnishes
For that classic fast food look (and a burst of freshness), scatter a few extra chopped chives or a sprinkle of finely diced parsley over your wraps before serving. Want to level up? Offer extra ranch or even a drizzle of spicy sauce alongside for dipping or drizzling.
Side Dishes
The McDonald’s Chicken Snack Wrap is super versatile—serve it with shoestring fries or sweet potato fries for a true fast-food feast. If you’d like something lighter, crisp veggie sticks, a simple side salad, or even apple slices hit the spot and keep things balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Make it party-ready by slicing wraps into mini pinwheels and spearing them with festive picks. Wrap each one in parchment and tie with twine for a cute lunchbox or picnic vibe! Setting up a DIY snack wrap bar is always a hit—let everyone top and roll their own for a fun, interactive meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra chicken strips, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the ranch, tortillas, cheese, and lettuce separately for best results—this keeps everything fresh and prevents sogginess when you’re ready to assemble another McDonald’s Chicken Snack Wrap.
Freezing
To freeze, let the cooked chicken strips cool completely, then wrap tightly and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Avoid freezing assembled wraps or fresh veggies to maintain that craveable texture!
Reheating
For best crunch, reheat chicken strips in a 375°F oven or air fryer for about 6-8 minutes, or until hot and crispy. Microwave only as a last resort—while quick, it softens the breading. Warm tortillas gently, then assemble everything fresh so your McDonald’s Chicken Snack Wrap tastes just-made.
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought chicken tenders for McDonald’s Chicken Snack Wrap?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, high-quality frozen or deli chicken tenders make this recipe ultra quick (just be sure to warm them up and season lightly for the best flavor). Homemade still tastes the closest to the real deal, though!
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What’s the best way to keep the chicken super crispy?
The secret is double-coating with both wet and dry mixtures, plus frying at a consistent 350°F. Letting the breaded chicken rest before frying also helps the coating adhere and crisp up beautifully.
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Can I make McDonald’s Chicken Snack Wrap ahead for meal prep?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken strips and ranch in advance. Store all components separately in the fridge, then reheat and assemble wraps fresh for lunches or dinner all week long.
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Are there any dairy-free options for this recipe?
Definitely! Swap buttermilk for a dairy-free milk (add a squeeze of lemon juice to mimic the tang), use vegan mayo for the ranch, and opt for your favorite plant-based cheese. You’ll still get that McDonald’s Chicken Snack Wrap experience, just dairy-free!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about homemade McDonald’s Chicken Snack Wraps—the crunch, the creaminess, the nostalgia! I hope this recipe brings the same joy to your table and inspires plenty of delicious, shareable moments. Go on and give it a try; you may just find your new favorite go-to meal!
PrintMcDonald’s Chicken Snack Wrap Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Frying
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy the taste of McDonald’s Chicken Snack Wrap in the comfort of your own home with this delicious recipe. Crispy fried chicken tenders wrapped in a flour tortilla with cheese, lettuce, and homemade ranch sauce.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenderloins
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Ranch Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste
- 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives
Other
- vegetable oil, for frying
- flour tortillas
- shredded lettuce
- Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Ranch Sauce – In a small bowl, combine mayo, buttermilk, yellow mustard, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, to make a ranch sauce.
- Chicken – In a shallow bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder. Coat chicken tenders in wet batter, then dry mixture, then wet again, and finally dry for a double coating. Fry until golden brown.
- Assembly – Warm tortillas with cheese, add lettuce, cheese, chicken tenders, and ranch sauce. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wrap
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg