If you’re craving something that hits all the right notes – spicy, tangy, crunchy, and satisfying – you’ve got to try this Spicy Buffalo Chickpea Wraps Recipe. It’s a vibrant twist on the classic buffalo flavor, where crispy roasted chickpeas steal the spotlight wrapped in fresh, colorful veggies and zesty sauce. Perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even a game-day snack, these wraps deliver a punch of flavor with every bite and bring a deliciously wholesome alternative to traditional buffalo dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a vital role in balancing texture and flavor. Everything from the tender chickpeas to the crunchy veggies adds a layer that makes these wraps truly spectacular.
- Chickpeas: The star of the dish, providing a hearty, protein-packed base that crisps up beautifully when roasted.
- Hot sauce: Brings that classic buffalo kick; adjust the heat to suit your taste buds.
- Olive oil: Helps the chickpeas roast evenly and adds a subtle richness.
- Maple syrup: A touch of sweetness that balances the spice perfectly.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky depth, enhancing the buffalo flavor complexity.
- Garlic and onion powder: Essential aromatics that build savory notes without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper: Simple but vital for seasoning and bringing out the best in every ingredient.
- Large tortillas or wraps: Soft and warm, they cradle the filling effortlessly.
- Lettuce: Adds fresh crunch and a bright green color.
- Red cabbage: Gives a vivid pop of purple and another crunchy texture to the wrap.
- Carrots: Sweet and crisp, they add more fresh veggie goodness.
- Celery: Provides a refreshing bite and a little crunch contrast.
- Blue cheese or ranch dressing (optional): Creamy, cooling elements that tame the heat if needed.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): Adds an herbal lift that brightens every mouthful.
How to Make Spicy Buffalo Chickpea Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chickpeas
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the drained and rinsed chickpeas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This even layer ensures they roast beautifully and get nice and crispy.
Step 2: Mix the Buffalo Sauce
In a bowl, combine the hot sauce, olive oil, maple syrup, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk all these together until you have a smooth, flavorful buffalo sauce that packs a punch without being overpowering.
Step 3: Coat and Roast the Chickpeas
Pour your buffalo sauce evenly over the chickpeas, mixing to coat every piece generously. Spread them back out on the baking sheet in a single layer so each chickpea crisps up nicely. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring about halfway through to keep them from sticking and ensure even crisping.
Step 4: Warm the Wraps
While the chickpeas roast, warm your tortillas or wraps in a microwave or on a skillet. This makes them pliable and easier to roll without cracking – a small step that makes a big difference when assembling your wraps.
Step 5: Assemble Your Spicy Buffalo Chickpea Wraps Recipe
Lay a warmed tortilla flat, start with a bed of chopped lettuce, then spoon on a generous helping of your roasted buffalo chickpeas. Add layers of shredded red cabbage, julienned carrots, and diced celery for freshness and crunch. If you like, drizzle with blue cheese or ranch dressing, then sprinkle with fresh cilantro for an aromatic finish.
Step 6: Wrap It Up and Enjoy
Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll tightly from the bottom up to enclose the filling. This wrap technique keeps everything together for a neat, perfect bite. Serve immediately while the chickpeas are still warm and crispy for the ultimate flavor experience.
How to Serve Spicy Buffalo Chickpea Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped cilantro or extra crumbles of blue cheese offer vibrant color and added layers of flavor. You can even add a few celery sticks on the side to echo the crunch within the wrap.
Side Dishes
Pair these wraps with a crisp cucumber salad or sweet potato fries for a comforting, balanced meal. A chilled glass of lemonade complements the spicy buffalo flavor wonderfully too!
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting your wrap diagonally and serve it skewered on a colorful plate with dipping sauces like ranch or a cooling yogurt dip. For a fun twist, you could also serve the buffalo chickpeas over a bed of greens for a wrap-free salad version.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the roasted chickpeas in an airtight container separate from the veggies and wraps to keep their crispiness intact. The veggies lose some crunch when stored but still stay fresh for a day or two.
Freezing
You can freeze the roasted chickpeas in a sealed container or freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw them and pop them back in the oven for a few minutes to regain crispness. Avoid freezing assembled wraps to maintain optimal texture.
Reheating
Reheat the chickpeas in the oven or a hot skillet to keep them crunchy. Microwave reheating tends to soften them too much, but it works well for warming tortillas if needed.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Just skip the blue cheese or ranch dressing or use a vegan alternative, and you’ve got a completely plant-based Spicy Buffalo Chickpea Wraps Recipe.
How spicy is this wrap?
The heat level depends on your preferred hot sauce. Using a milder hot sauce or reducing the amount can tone down the spice without compromising flavor.
Can I use canned chickpeas from other brands?
Yes, any good-quality canned chickpeas will work perfectly. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well before roasting for the best texture.
What are some good substitutions for the tortillas?
You could try whole wheat wraps, gluten-free tortillas, or even large lettuce leaves for a low-carb option that’s still delicious.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! The combination of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors can be adjusted to be mild and enjoyable for kids. Plus, the fun textures make it a crowd-pleaser for little eaters.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably satisfying about the Spicy Buffalo Chickpea Wraps Recipe – it’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and offers a perfect blend of heat and crunch wrapped in wholesome goodness. Whether you’re looking for a meatless meal or just something new and exciting to spice up your lunch routine, this recipe is a must-try. Trust me, once you’ve tasted these wraps, they’ll become a favorite go-to you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Spicy Buffalo Chickpea Wraps Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 4 wraps
- Category: Wraps & Sandwiches
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Spicy Buffalo Chickpea Wraps are a flavorful and nutritious plant-based alternative to traditional buffalo wings. Roasted chickpeas are coated in a tangy, spicy buffalo sauce, then wrapped with fresh vegetables and optional creamy dressing in a soft tortilla. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner, these wraps combine a delightful crunch with bold, zesty flavors.
Ingredients
Buffalo Chickpeas
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Wrap Assembly
- 4 large tortillas or wraps
- 1 cup lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup blue cheese or ranch dressing (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Chickpeas: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the drained and rinsed chickpeas in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and even roasting.
- Make Buffalo Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, olive oil, maple syrup, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create a well-balanced spicy and slightly sweet buffalo sauce.
- Coat Chickpeas: Pour the buffalo sauce over the chickpeas, tossing well to coat every chickpea evenly with the sauce, then spread them back out in an even layer on the baking sheet.
- Roast Chickpeas: Roast the chickpeas in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring once halfway through to ensure they crisp up evenly. They should be lightly browned and crunchy when done.
- Warm Tortillas: While the chickpeas roast, warm the tortillas in a microwave for 20 seconds or on a skillet until soft and pliable to prevent tearing when wrapping.
- Assemble Wraps – Vegetables First: Lay each warm tortilla flat and place a layer of chopped lettuce as the base for added freshness and crunch.
- Add Chickpeas and Additional Veggies: Evenly divide the roasted buffalo chickpeas among the tortillas. Top with shredded red cabbage, julienned carrots, and diced celery for a colorful, crisp texture.
- Add Optional Dressing and Cilantro: Drizzle blue cheese or ranch dressing over the filling, if using, for creaminess. Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro for an herbaceous finish.
- Wrap it Up: Fold in the sides of each tortilla and tightly roll from the bottom up to secure all ingredients inside, making a neat wrap.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately while the chickpeas are warm and crispy for the best taste experience. Enjoy your spicy and satisfying buffalo chickpea wraps!
Notes
- For extra crunch, roast the chickpeas a bit longer but monitor to avoid burning.
- Use gluten-free tortillas to make this recipe gluten-free if needed.
- The optional blue cheese or ranch dressing can be omitted or substituted with vegan alternatives for a dairy-free option.
- Maple syrup balances the heat; adjust to your preferred spice level.
- These wraps can be prepared ahead by roasting chickpeas in advance and assembling just before serving.
