The Southern Fried Chicken Wrap is a delicious fusion of crispy textures and bold, southern spices wrapped in a warm tortilla. Juicy chicken fillets coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs are fried to golden perfection, layered with fresh lettuce, sweet red peppers, tomatoes, and tangy onions. A generous drizzle of homemade sweet chilli mayo adds just the right touch of creamy heat.
Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a hearty snack, this wrap delivers that satisfying crunch with every bite. You can prep it in advance or serve it straight off the pan – either way, it’s a total flavor bomb. Customizable with your favorite toppings, it’s an easy and fun way to enjoy fried chicken in a whole new way.
Full Recipe:
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650g chicken mini breast fillets
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150g panko breadcrumbs
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100g plain flour
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2 eggs
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1 tbsp onion powder
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1 tbsp garlic powder
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1 tbsp ginger powder
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1 tbsp paprika (smoked)
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1 tbsp black pepper
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1 tbsp salt
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2 red peppers, sliced
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1 head of lettuce, chopped
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1 large onion, sliced
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6 medium tomatoes, sliced
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8 flour tortilla wraps
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4 tbsp mayonnaise
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2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
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Vegetable oil (for shallow frying)
Directions:
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In a bowl, mix the onion powder, garlic powder, ginger powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Divide this seasoning evenly between two bowls—one with the flour and one with the breadcrumbs. Mix both bowls thoroughly.
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Whisk the eggs in a separate bowl.
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Coat each chicken fillet first in the seasoned flour, then dip in the whisked egg, and finally coat with the seasoned panko breadcrumbs.
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Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Shallow fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes on one side, flip, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel.
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In the same pan, sauté the sliced onion until softened, about 1-2 minutes.
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Mix mayonnaise and sweet chilli sauce together to create the sweet chilli mayo.
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Assemble each wrap: Spread sweet chilli mayo, then layer lettuce, tomatoes, red peppers, fried onions, and 2 pieces of crispy chicken. Wrap tightly and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 15 minutes / Cooking Time: 20 minutes / Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 189 kcal / Servings: 8 wraps
The Southern Fried Chicken Wrap: A Crispy Classic with a Modern Twist
If there’s one dish that manages to balance comforting flavors, satisfying textures, and total versatility in every bite, it’s the Southern Fried Chicken Wrap. Inspired by the heart of Southern cooking but styled for today’s fast-paced kitchens, this dish delivers crunch, spice, and a creamy finish in every delicious mouthful.
Wraps have long been a go-to meal for many—quick to prepare, easy to eat on the go, and infinitely customizable. But what makes this particular wrap stand out is its clever blend of crispy chicken coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, paired with fresh vegetables and a punchy sweet chilli mayo. It’s a homage to Southern fried chicken but made more approachable and lunchbox-friendly in wrap form.
A Southern Classic Reimagined
Southern fried chicken is iconic, but it’s not always practical to serve it in its traditional form. The Southern Fried Chicken Wrap takes all the best qualities of the original—crispiness, spice, and juiciness—and reinvents them in a convenient, handheld format. The chicken is lightly seasoned with a well-balanced spice blend that includes onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a hint of ginger, giving the wrap that signature Southern kick without overwhelming the palate.
What’s particularly clever about this wrap is its use of panko breadcrumbs, a Japanese ingredient that has been embraced globally for its superior crunch. Unlike traditional breadcrumbs, panko gives the chicken a flakier texture that stays crispy even after wrapping. That crisp factor is crucial—it’s the first thing you notice when you take a bite and what keeps you coming back for more.
The Sweet Chilli Mayo Magic
Every great wrap has a sauce that ties everything together, and in this case, the sweet chilli mayo is the unsung hero. A simple mixture of mayonnaise and sweet chilli sauce, this condiment adds a creamy, tangy layer of flavor that complements the bold spices in the chicken and the freshness of the veggies. It’s a nod to both classic Southern condiments and Asian-fusion flavors, giving the dish global appeal.
The sauce not only elevates the flavor but also adds moisture, making every bite feel indulgent. For those looking to customize their wraps, the sweet chilli mayo base can easily be tweaked—add a squeeze of lime for brightness, a dash of hot sauce for extra heat, or even a pinch of smoked paprika to echo the seasoning in the chicken.
The Importance of Texture in Every Bite
One of the most underrated aspects of great cooking is texture, and this wrap delivers a masterclass in contrast. The crispy chicken offers a satisfying crunch, the lettuce adds a fresh crispness, the tomatoes bring a juicy softness, and the sautéed onions provide a tender, slightly sweet contrast. Add to that the soft, pliable tortilla wrap and the creamy mayo, and you’ve got a dish that engages your taste buds on multiple sensory levels.
This careful balance is what elevates the dish from a basic wrap to something you’ll want to prepare again and again. It also ensures that it appeals to a wide range of eaters—from picky kids to adventurous foodies.
Customizable and Family-Friendly
One of the best things about the Southern Fried Chicken Wrap is how easily it adapts to different preferences. Not a fan of onions? Skip them. Want extra heat? Add jalapeños or use a spicy mayo. Need it gluten-free? Swap out the flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives and use corn or rice wraps instead.
You can also change up the fillings: add shredded cheese for a KFC-inspired take, toss in avocado for a California twist, or throw in a spoonful of coleslaw for added crunch and tang. This makes the wrap perfect for families with varied tastes, picky eaters, or even party platters where you want to offer a little something for everyone.
It’s also ideal for meal prep. You can fry up the chicken ahead of time, refrigerate or freeze it, and then reheat and assemble your wraps fresh when you’re ready to eat. This saves time on busy weekdays while still letting you enjoy homemade, restaurant-quality food.
Healthier Than You Might Expect
Despite being fried, this wrap can be made relatively health-conscious depending on your ingredient choices. Using lean chicken breast fillets keeps the protein content high and the fat content moderate. Shallow frying instead of deep frying reduces oil absorption, and the generous addition of fresh vegetables adds fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants to the meal.
Choosing a whole-wheat tortilla instead of a white flour wrap can increase the fiber content and keep you feeling full longer. If you’re looking to reduce calories, you can also bake the breaded chicken in the oven instead of frying it, or use an air fryer for the same crispy result with far less oil.
Additionally, making your own sauce gives you control over sugar and fat content. Sweet chilli sauces from the store can vary widely in sugar levels, so making your own version with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup is a great way to keep things healthier without sacrificing flavor.
Perfect for Entertaining or Weeknight Dinners
Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner for the family or hosting friends for a casual get-together, this wrap fits the bill. It’s fast, it can be scaled up easily, and it looks just as impressive as it tastes. Serve it with sides like seasoned fries, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad, and you have a complete, satisfying meal.
For parties or game days, consider serving these wraps as mini versions—cut the tortillas in half or use smaller wraps to make bite-sized portions. Pair with dips like ranch, spicy ketchup, or extra sweet chilli mayo and you’ve got a platter that’s sure to disappear in minutes.
A Crowd-Pleaser That Never Fails
It’s rare to find a recipe that hits all the marks—easy, quick, flavorful, customizable, and universally loved. But the Southern Fried Chicken Wrap delivers on all fronts. Its golden, crispy chicken contrasts beautifully with the creamy mayo and crisp veggies, creating a taste experience that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
Even better, it’s a dish that welcomes experimentation. Once you’ve nailed the core recipe, you can try all kinds of variations. Want it Mediterranean-style? Swap mayo for tzatziki and add cucumber and olives. Craving Tex-Mex? Add guacamole, black beans, and chipotle sauce. The basic formula of crispy protein + fresh veg + flavorful sauce + soft wrap opens the door to endless creativity.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Wrap
The Southern Fried Chicken Wrap is more than just a convenient lunch option—it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and culinary versatility. With its bold spices, satisfying crunch, and layers of freshness, it stands as a perfect example of how comfort food can evolve while staying true to its roots.
Whether you’re a busy parent looking for quick dinner ideas, a student needing a fast meal between classes, or a foodie searching for the next crave-worthy dish, this wrap delivers in every way. It’s proof that with a few thoughtful touches, even the simplest meals can feel gourmet.
