Chicken wraps are one of the most versatile meals you can make, offering a healthy yet hearty option that can suit virtually any taste or dietary preference. Whether you’re enjoying a spicy chicken wrap, a grilled option, or even something as simple as a classic barbecue chicken wrap, the right side dishes, beverages, and dips can elevate the meal experience to something truly exceptional.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into what goes well with a chicken wrap. From side dishes to beverages and creative pairings, we’ve covered every option to help you make your next chicken wrap meal a standout!
Popular Side Dishes for Chicken Wraps
A chicken wrap on its own is delicious, but pairing it with the right side dish can take the meal to the next level. Whether you’re serving grilled chicken wraps at a casual family gathering or a spicy chicken wrap for lunch, these sides are sure to complement the flavors and textures of your wraps perfectly.
1. French Fries
It’s hard to think of a side dish more iconic than French fries. The crispy exterior and soft interior of French fries make them the perfect match for chicken wraps of all kinds. Whether you prefer shoestring, curly fries, or classic steak fries, the texture of fries complements the softness of the wrap, adding a satisfying crunch.
- Pro Tip: You can elevate your fries by sprinkling them with herbs like rosemary or thyme, or even a dusting of parmesan cheese.
2. Sweet Potato Fries
If you’re looking for a slightly healthier option that still delivers on taste, sweet potato fries are a great alternative to regular French fries. The natural sweetness of sweet potato fries pairs well with savory chicken wraps, offering a contrast that pleases the palate.
- SEO Tip: Sweet potato fries are also a popular choice because of their lower glycemic index, making them a good option for those looking for healthier sides for chicken wraps.
3. Onion Rings
Onion rings are another favorite side dish that pairs beautifully with chicken wraps. The light, crunchy coating and slightly sweet onion inside add a depth of flavor and texture that complements wraps. Whether baked or fried, onion rings offer a satisfying bite that contrasts with the soft, juicy chicken.
Grilled Chicken Wrap Recipe can provide you with more wrap ideas that pair well with onion rings.
4. Coleslaw
For a side that offers both crunch and creaminess, coleslaw is a fantastic option. The slight tang of coleslaw can balance out the richness of a BBQ chicken wrap or complement the spice of a jalapeño chicken wrap. It’s light, refreshing, and adds another layer of flavor to your meal.
- Pro Tip: Opt for a coleslaw that uses a vinegar-based dressing if you’re looking to cut back on calories but still want that tangy, refreshing bite.
5. Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob is another great side to pair with chicken wraps. Its smoky sweetness works well, especially if your wrap features barbecue chicken. Whether you’re grilling it or boiling it, corn on the cob offers a delightful textural contrast to your wrap, and the flavors meld together beautifully.
Healthy Side Dish Options
For those who are health-conscious, you don’t have to sacrifice taste when pairing sides with your chicken wrap. These healthier alternatives offer delicious options without the guilt, making them ideal for those on low-carb or high-protein diets.
1. Greek Salad
A fresh and flavorful Greek salad is a perfect light side dish for your wrap. Made with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese, this salad is packed with vitamins and nutrients. The zesty dressing (typically olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano) adds a refreshing brightness to your meal, making it a perfect pairing for grilled chicken wraps.
2. Veggie Pasta Salad
A cold veggie pasta salad is both hearty and nutritious. Use whole grain pasta for added fiber and mix in vegetables like cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers. A light vinaigrette dressing will keep this side dish healthy while offering bold, fresh flavors that pair well with any chicken wrap.
- SEO Tip: Veggie pasta salads are perfect for meal prepping, making them a convenient option for those looking to enjoy their chicken wraps throughout the week.
3. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers are simple, healthy, and packed with flavor. Drizzle with olive oil, season with herbs like thyme or rosemary, and roast them in the oven until they’re tender and slightly caramelized. These vegetables add a hearty, nutrient-rich side to your wrap.
Healthy Side Dishes for Wraps offers even more ideas for nutritious wrap accompaniments.
4. Avocado Fries
Avocado fries are a low-carb, healthy option for those looking for a fried treat without the guilt. Sliced avocado coated in almond flour or panko and baked until crispy makes for a delicious side that pairs well with spicy chicken wraps. The creaminess of the avocado contrasts beautifully with the crunch, creating a satisfying side dish.
Appetizers and Dips
Adding appetizers and dips can transform your chicken wrap meal into a feast. These starters and dips not only enhance the meal but also add a variety of textures and flavors to the table.
1. Hummus and Raw Vegetables
If you’re looking for a Mediterranean-inspired twist to your meal, serve your chicken wrap with hummus and raw vegetables like carrot sticks, cucumbers, and bell peppers. The rich, creamy hummus provides a delicious contrast to the fresh, crunchy veggies, making it a healthy and flavorful option.
- SEO Tip: Hummus is not only nutritious but also versatile, making it an excellent pairing for chicken wraps. Its high protein and fiber content make it a great addition to a balanced meal.
2. Salsa and Guacamole
For a Mexican-inspired option, you can never go wrong with salsa and guacamole. Whether your chicken wrap is spiced with Mexican flavors or you simply want to add a bit of zest to your meal, salsa adds freshness and guacamole offers creamy, rich flavors. The combination of the two dips works particularly well with spicy chicken wraps.
- Pro Tip: Add tortilla chips for dipping, or even use them to add a crunch inside the wrap itself.
3. Tzatziki Sauce
Tzatziki sauce is a classic Greek dip made from yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and fresh herbs. It’s refreshing, creamy, and has a hint of garlic that can enhance the flavors of a grilled or Mediterranean chicken wrap. It’s also light and cooling, making it a great contrast to a spicier wrap.
Perfect Chicken Wrap Recipe provides further inspiration for using sauces like tzatziki to perfect your meal.
Best Beverages to Pair with Chicken Wraps
What you drink with your meal is just as important as the sides and dips you choose. Whether you’re aiming for something refreshing, tangy, or alcoholic, here are some drinks that will go well with your chicken wrap meal.
1. Iced Tea
Iced tea is a refreshing beverage that pairs well with almost any type of chicken wrap. Whether it’s classic black tea or a fruit-infused version like peach or raspberry iced tea, it balances out the flavors in the wrap, especially if the wrap is on the spicier side.
- Pro Tip: Brew your iced tea with a hint of lemon or mint for a refreshing twist that cleanses the palate.
2. Lemonade
If you prefer a more citrusy beverage, lemonade is an excellent choice. The bright, tangy flavor of lemonade works particularly well with grilled or spicy chicken wraps, cutting through the richness of the chicken and adding a burst of freshness.
3. Light Beer or White Wine
For an adult beverage option, a light beer or a crisp white wine can complement your chicken wrap meal. A lager or pale ale can pair well with grilled or BBQ chicken wraps, while a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay can add a nice balance to a chicken wrap with creamy sauces or Mediterranean flavors.
Creative and Gourmet Side Dish Pairings
For those looking to go beyond the classic side dishes, there are plenty of gourmet options that pair beautifully with chicken wraps. These sides are perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a restaurant-quality meal at home.
1. Parmesan Truffle Fries
Add a touch of luxury to your meal with Parmesan truffle fries. By simply adding a drizzle of truffle oil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to classic fries, you can elevate this side dish to a gourmet experience. The earthy truffle oil enhances the richness of the chicken wrap, while the Parmesan adds a nutty, savory touch.
2. Baked Apple Slices
If you’re looking for something sweet to contrast your savory wrap, baked apple slices make for an excellent side dish. Lightly dusted with cinnamon and baked until tender, apple slices offer a naturally sweet side that pairs well with spicy or barbecue chicken wraps.
- SEO Tip: Baked apple slices are a healthier alternative to traditional dessert-like sides, making them a great addition for those looking to reduce sugar intake while still enjoying something sweet.
3. Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus brings an elegant touch to your chicken wrap meal. The smoky, charred flavor of grilled asparagus pairs particularly well with Mediterranean or barbecue-style wraps, adding a light, fresh, and crunchy element.
4. Savory Rice
For a heartier side dish, consider serving your wrap with a flavorful rice dish. A simple savory rice cooked with herbs and spices such as thyme, garlic, and lemon can complement your wrap and add an extra layer of satisfaction to the meal.
Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly Pairings
Vegetarian and vegan eaters don’t have to miss out on delicious sides to go with their chicken wraps. These plant-based options are flavorful, healthy, and perfectly suited for any wrap.
1. Quinoa Salad
Quinoa is a fantastic grain that’s rich in protein and fiber, making it a filling yet healthy side dish. Mix in veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes, and you have a nutritious quinoa salad that pairs well with a vegan chicken wrap or a vegetarian alternative like falafel wraps.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts add a crunchy, caramelized side dish that pairs well with almost any wrap. For an added twist, drizzle them with balsamic vinegar for a tangy, sweet flavor. These little cabbages are packed with nutrients and bring a deliciously savory side to the table.
3. Grilled Green Beans
Grilled green beans provide a healthy, fresh side dish that can be enjoyed by both vegans and meat-eaters alike. Lightly charred and seasoned with olive oil and garlic, these green beans add a crisp, refreshing bite that complements a wrap perfectly.
Global and Ethnic-Inspired Pairings
Why not take your chicken wrap on a global flavor journey? These ethnic-inspired sides will introduce exciting new flavors to your meal, expanding your culinary horizons.
1. Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Mexican street corn is grilled corn on the cob coated in a creamy mixture of mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and chili powder, finished off with a squeeze of lime. It’s a rich, flavorful side that pairs perfectly with spicy or BBQ chicken wraps. The smokiness of the grilled corn and the tangy lime make it a crowd-pleaser.
2. Mediterranean Couscous
For a light yet filling side, Mediterranean couscous is an excellent choice. Toss the couscous with fresh herbs like parsley and mint, along with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and a squeeze of lemon juice. This dish is ideal for pairing with Mediterranean-inspired chicken wraps.
3. Asian-Inspired Slaw
Asian slaw made with a dressing of soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar brings a refreshing, crunchy, and slightly tangy side to the table. Pair it with grilled or spicy wraps for a fusion of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
FAQs
What vegetables go best in a chicken wrap? Vegetables like lettuce, spinach, cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions work well in chicken wraps. These vegetables add crunch, freshness, and balance to the wrap, enhancing both flavor and texture.
What sauce complements a chicken wrap? The best sauces for chicken wraps include ranch dressing, tzatziki, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, and chipotle mayo. These sauces add moisture and flavor, taking your wrap to the next level.
Can chicken wraps be part of a healthy meal plan? Yes, chicken wraps can be very healthy, especially if you use whole-grain wraps, lean chicken, and plenty of vegetables. Opt for light sauces like tzatziki or a vinaigrette to keep calories in check.
What are the best chicken wrap recipes for meal prep? Grilled chicken wraps, buffalo chicken wraps, and Mediterranean-style chicken wraps are excellent options for meal prepping. These wraps store well and can be paired with sides like Greek salad or veggie pasta salad for a complete, balanced meal.
Conclusion
The beauty of a chicken wrap lies not only in its delicious fillings but also in the array of complementary sides, dips, and beverages you can pair with it. From classic French fries to healthy roasted vegetables, and from creative gourmet sides like Parmesan truffle fries to global-inspired options like Mexican street corn, there is no shortage of delicious pairings to elevate your meal.
Whether you’re planning a quick lunch or a more elaborate meal, there’s something in this guide for everyone. Explore different combinations and flavors, and let your next chicken wrap meal be a truly satisfying experience.
For more recipe inspiration and tips on how to create the perfect chicken wrap, visit the Perfect Chicken Wrap Recipe.