Firecracker Chicken Wraps (Just Like Longhorn)

Name: Firecracker Chicken Wraps
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces cooked chopped chicken; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon diced red bell pepper; 1 tablespoon diced jalapeño pepper; 1 minced garlic clove; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper; ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper; ¼ cup cream cheese ((2 ounces)); ¾ cup cheddar-jack shredded cheese blend; 10 flour tortillas ((7-inch)); 3-4 cups vegetable oil or peanut oil; 3 roughly chopped romaine lettuce; 1 medium roma tomato ((chopped)); Dipping sauce of choice

I can’t go a week without making some appetizers, and these firecracker chicken wraps have earned a spot in our regular lineup. The filling is creamy, spicy, and flavorful, while the crispy, golden tortillas are irresistible. They come together so easily and are great to make with a kitchen helper, so you can have a little assembly line going.

Skip to the Recipe Save to Pinterest

This is one of those recipes that I never get tired of making. It’s crispy, creamy, and has just the right spice! Everyone in my family loves it. Well, almost everyone—the kids split into two camps: one devours the wraps as-is, while the other wants just the crispy tortilla and dipping sauce.

Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need

If you like the avocado dipping sauce from Longhorn, mix 1/4 cup each of sour cream, mayonnaise, and mashed avocado. Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt, pepper, and cayenne, 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice, and 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro.

Heart’s Content Farmhouse is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This means that when you click on certain links on this site and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely believe in and would use in my own kitchen. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Equipment

Large skillet
Mixing bowl
Tongs
Kitchen thermometer
Paper Towels
Small spatula or spoon
Plate or tray

Ingredients

8 ounces cooked, chopped chicken (rotisserie works well)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon diced red bell pepper
1 tablespoon diced jalapeño pepper
1 minced garlic clove
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ cup cream cheese (2 ounces)
¾ cup cheddar-jack shredded cheese blend (This combination melts well and adds a sharp, tangy flavor. If you can’t find it, mix equal amounts of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack, or use mozzarella and a bit of Parmesan for a milder taste.)
10 flour tortillas (7-inch)
3-4 cups vegetable oil or peanut oil (great for frying since they can handle high heat)

For Serving

3 roughly chopped romaine lettuce
1 medium Roma tomato (chopped)
Dipping sauce of choice (see notes above for Longhorn copycat recipe)

If you’d like to double or triple this recipe, you can make adjustments in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Firecracker Chicken Wraps

Step One: Prepare The Filling

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium-low heat. Then, add the diced bell pepper, jalapeño, and garlic. Sauté for 3–5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant. Next, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped chicken, paprika, salt, cayenne pepper, black pepper, cream cheese, and shredded cheese. Mix until well combined. (I recommend that you taste the filling and add more salt and pepper if needed.)

skillet with veggies and chicken filling

Step Two: Fill The Tortillas

Lay a tortilla flat and place about 2 tablespoons of the filling in the center. Then, tuck in the ends of the tortilla and roll it tightly like a burrito. Use a dab of water or beaten egg along the edges to seal. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.

tortilla wrap being filled, ends tucked in, and being rolled up.

Step Three: Fry The Wraps

Pour vegetable or peanut oil into a large skillet at 1–2 inches depth. Then, heat the oil to 375°F (use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the temperature). Next, use tongs to place the wraps seam-side down in the hot oil carefully. Fry in small batches for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Don’t forget to remove the wraps from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step Four: Serve

Arrange the wraps over a bed of chopped romaine lettuce and diced tomato. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, sweet chili, or avocado-lime.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. They reheat and crisp up nicely in an air fryer or convection oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.

These wraps freeze well assembled but uncooked. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and they’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge, then fry as directed.

What to Serve with Firecracker Chicken Wraps

Having a party with finger foods? Try these recipes:

Add vodka to this blueberry lavender lemonade for a crowd-pleasing cocktail.
Deep-fried buttermilk chicken tenders are loved by everyone.
Lemon curd cookies are pretty and tasty.
Fried pickles are another yummy appetizer and great with Cajun ranch.

Questions and Troubleshooting

Can I bake these instead of frying them?

Yes, you can! Brush the wraps lightly with oil and bake them at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crispy as frying, but still delicious.

How do I keep the wraps from falling apart in the oil?

Roll them tightly and place them seam-side down in the skillet first. When rolling, adding a little water or beaten egg to the edges helps seal them securely.

Deep-fried Oreos – crispy batter with a sandwich cookie inside? Yes, please!
The classic and most delicious appetizer – deep-fried onion rings.
Crunchy and slightly spicy, everyone is going to love these deep-fried buffalo chicken tenders for game day.
If you make these in the deep fryer, you might as well make some French fries too!