Whiskey River BBQ Chicken Wraps (Red Robin Copycat)
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This easy chicken wrap is a perfect summer meal because it requires no cooking and comes together in just a few minutes. Inspired by the Whiskey River BBQ Chicken Wraps at Red Robin, it’s a fun copycat restaurant-style recipe you can enjoy at home. Using rotisserie chicken keeps the preparation especially simple and makes this a great option for busy weeknights, quick lunches, or days when you want to keep the kitchen cool.
Each wrap is filled with crisp lettuce, crunchy tortilla strips, shredded cheddar cheese, and creamy ranch dressing. The chicken is coated in sweet and smoky barbecue sauce before everything is tucked inside a soft flour tortilla. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, crunchy toppings, and creamy dressing gives every bite plenty of flavor and texture.
Ingredients for Whiskey River BBQ Chicken Wraps (Red Robin Copycat)
- COOKED CHICKEN – Shredded or chopped cooked chicken breast forms the base of the wraps. Rotisserie chicken is an easy shortcut, but leftover baked or slow-cooked, grilled chicken will also work well.
- BARBECUE SAUCE – BBQ sauce gives the chicken its sweet, smoky, and tangy flavor. Use your favorite variety, whether you prefer a sweeter sauce, a bold smoky flavor, or a little heat.
- LETTUCE – Crisp lettuce adds freshness and crunch to the wraps. Romaine or iceberg lettuce works especially well because both hold up nicely without becoming soggy too quickly.
- CHEDDAR CHEESE – Shredded cheddar adds a rich, savory flavor that pairs well with the barbecue chicken and ranch dressing. Sharp cheddar provides the most flavor, but mild or medium cheddar can also be used.
- TORTILLA STRIPS – Crunchy tortilla strips add texture and make the wraps feel more like the restaurant version. Add them just before rolling so they stay crisp.
- RANCH DRESSING – Ranch dressing adds creaminess and a cool, tangy flavor that balances the sweet barbecue sauce. Use regular, light, or homemade ranch depending on your preference.
- BURRITO-SIZED FLOUR TORTILLAS – Large flour tortillas provide enough room to hold all the filling and roll up securely. Warming them briefly before assembling makes them softer, more flexible, and less likely to tear.
Instructions for Whiskey River BBQ Chicken Wrap
Add the cooked chicken and barbecue sauce to a medium bowl. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated and every piece is covered with the sweet and smoky sauce.
Lay the four burrito-size tortillas on a clean work surface. Divide the barbecue chicken evenly among the tortillas, placing it in a line slightly below the center of each one. Top each tortilla with 1 cup of shredded lettuce, ¼ cup of cheddar cheese, ¼ cup of tortilla strips, and a drizzle of ranch dressing.
Fold the sides of each tortilla inward, then roll it up tightly from the bottom to form a burrito-style wrap. Slice each wrap in half at an angle and serve immediately so the lettuce and tortilla strips stay fresh and crisp. This recipe makes 4 servings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken for these wraps?
Yes. Rotisserie chicken is one of the easiest options for this recipe and keeps the wraps completely no-cook. Remove the skin, shred or chop the meat, and toss it with the barbecue sauce.
What kind of barbecue sauce works best?
Use any barbecue sauce your family enjoys. A sweet and smoky sauce works especially well, but honey barbecue, spicy barbecue, or a tangier sauce can also be used.
What type of lettuce should I use?
Romaine and iceberg lettuce are both great choices because they stay crisp and add plenty of crunch. Make sure the lettuce is washed and dried well before adding it to the wraps.
Can I make these wraps ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and chop the lettuce in advance, but the wraps are best assembled shortly before serving. The ranch dressing can soften the tortilla, and the tortilla strips may lose their crunch if the wraps sit too long.
How do I keep the wraps from getting soggy?
Dry the lettuce thoroughly and avoid using too much ranch dressing or barbecue sauce. You can also place the lettuce and cheese against the tortilla first, then add the saucy chicken toward the center to create a small barrier.
Can I substitute a different cheese?
Yes. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend would all work well. Pepper Jack is a good choice if you want to add a little heat.
What can I use instead of tortilla strips?
Crushed tortilla chips, corn chips, crispy onions, or even crushed barbecue-flavored chips can add a similar crunch. Add them just before rolling and serving.
How do I keep the tortillas from tearing?
Warm the tortillas briefly before filling them. Microwave them between slightly damp paper towels for about 15 to 20 seconds, or warm them one at a time in a dry skillet.
Can I add other ingredients?
Absolutely. Sliced tomatoes, red onion, avocado, bacon, corn, black beans, or diced cucumber would all be delicious additions. Just avoid adding too many wet ingredients, which can make the wraps difficult to roll.
What should I serve with BBQ chicken wraps?
Serve them with fresh fruit, potato chips, pasta salad, coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a simple green salad. They also pair well with fries or sweet potato fries for a restaurant-style meal.
How should I store leftovers?
Store the individual ingredients separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The barbecue chicken should keep for three to four days. Assemble fresh wraps as needed for the best texture.
Tips and Tricks
Use rotisserie chicken for a quick no-cook meal. Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds plenty of flavor. Remove the skin, shred or chop the meat, and let it cool before mixing it with the barbecue sauce.
Dry the lettuce thoroughly. Extra moisture can make the tortillas soggy. After washing the lettuce, dry it well with a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel before assembling the wraps.
Warm the tortillas before filling. Soft, warm tortillas are easier to fold and less likely to tear. Microwave them between slightly damp paper towels for about 15 to 20 seconds.
Add the tortilla strips last. Wait until just before rolling and serving to add the tortilla strips. This keeps them crunchy and gives the wraps the best texture.
Avoid overfilling the wraps. Too much filling makes the tortillas difficult to roll and more likely to split. Keep the ingredients in a neat line just below the center, fold in the sides, and roll burrito-style tightly.
For more recipes like this, try:
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps
- Easy Chicken and Black Bean Wraps
- BBQ Chicken Flautas
- Costco Copycat Turkey Roll Ups
Whiskey River Chicken Wrap (Red Robin Copycat)
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken cooked and shredded or chopped
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 4 cups lettuce shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup tortilla strips find in the produce section
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 4 flour tortillas burrito-size
Instructions
- In a bowl, add the chicken and barbecue sauce. Stir until chicken is coated weel with the barbecue sauce. Then divide the chicken evenly among the four tortillas.
- To each tortilla, add 1 cup lettuce, ¼ cup cheese, ¼ cup tortilla strips, and 2 tablespoons ranch. Roll up burrito style. Slice each wrap in half at an angle and serve. Makes 4 servings.
Nutrition
This recipe is adapted from Catz in the Kitchen.
