I got the idea for this ‘new’ down and dirty dinner concept from a slideshow post about quick left-over meals. But I saw SO much more potential in the idea than the author of the source post did! I present to you, the universal 5-minute wrap!
Three of ‘formula’ chicken wraps Jen and Liz came up with –
in minutes: Left to right: Club, Buffalo, and Asian…
The source post in question was titled: ‘4 Rotisserie Chicken Wrap Ideas That Save Your Sanity (and Your Weeknight)’. A long label for a ‘brief’ concept…
A ‘universal’ format
My immediate thought was, “Why limit the idea to rotisserie chicken?” You could apply the principle to any group of complementary ingredients, based on any protein. Or even a veggie approach…
The basic ‘recipe’
This approach to making a wrap from anything relies on a few basic conditions being met. You have to have a protein, a veggie and a sauce. After that, it’s all about what you have on hand, in the fridge and pantry.
‘Pretty Together’
… Is a duo consisting of food writer Jen and professional photographer Liz who’s stated mission is: “to inspire our readers to host more gatherings by sharing the ideas and event trade-secrets we’ve learned over the years. Most importantly, we want to take the stress out of planning time with family and friends. We believe planning a party should be as fun as attending it!”
Sounds good to me! But I thought, at first, their aim was a little over-ambitious, even for a tag-team…
What’s the deal?
“Here’s the deal,” says Jen: “Rotisserie chicken is the Beyoncé of time management. She shows up flawless, requires zero rehearsal from you, and makes everyone else look like they’re not even trying.”
“If you’re looking to feed people fast – and keep your cool while doing it – wraps are the answer,” she adds… “Quick assembly, no oven mitts, and absolutely no guilt when you drizzle dressing like you’re auditioning for Food Network.”
Their examples
Without going into too much detail, I’ll relate that Jen and Liz present 4 examples of their express wraps: The Club, the Asian, the Buffalo, and the Caesar. You can guess what’s in them…
A glance at the Buffalo version illustrates the simplicity of coordinating one of these super-quick sandwiches:
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- Rotisserie Chicken tossed in Buffalo Sauce
- Shredded Lettuce
- Crumbles of feta or bleu cheese
- Ranch or Bleu Cheese Dressing
You immediately discern the pattern… But I have some pointed, and poignant observations to make…
More variety called for…
I strongly believe even the briefest of wraps needs more than just two flavours to succeed. Three, if you count the lettuce.
Speaking of lettuce… I tend to use shredded Romaine exclusively for wraps. But there’s nothing to say you can’t use other leafy greens that complement the other contents. Even Nappa Cabbage, if you’re going with a Kimchi or Bulgogi theme…
But I do agree with the formula represented above. A protein, a veggie and a sauce is really all you need to create the dish. But the enhancements can go any which way you want!
And there is a dimension not yet explored in this – or the source post. I refer to the wrapper itself. You can endless fun and amusement experimenting with wrappers ranging from tortillas, to pitas (in all their pan-Mediterranean glory!), to Korean Street Toast or Bao buns, to Indian Naan or Paratha or Chapati, to Ethiopian Injera… Just to name a few…
Protein the anchor?
I had to think about this issue a bit before settling on an answer. And I decided that protein should be the first component you choose for your wrap. That dovetails nicely with the original post’s idea of using up leftover rotisserie chicken.
Once you have a protein and a flavour theme, you can choose your wrapper (if you’re not going with whatever you have on hand!). Any thin, flexible flatbread will work, functionally!
Your protein choice will guide your selection of additions. The example Buffalo Chicken Wrap ‘recipe’ is a great snapshot of how ‘Buffalo’ as the flavour theme almost dictates the sauces and toppings.
Sauces are crucial
The right sauce/dressing is crucial to a successful ‘formula’ wrap. And it’s the key to an infinite variety of flavours. For example… The basic chicken wrap can be transported anywhere in the world with the choice of an appropriate sauce.
Rather than the ‘Buffalo’ treatment in our example, above, try going Indian with a couple of spoon-fuls of Butter Chicken or Tikka masala cooking sauce. Or Indonesian with Satay, or Chinese with Hoi-sin or Oyster, or American with Texas BBQ, or authentic Mexican with Mole or Pico de Gallo… And your choices of additions and toppings just naturally follow once the theme is established…
My take
No matter what you have left over, you can make a great wrap! Just follow the ‘formula’ and indulge your flavour preferences…
And, for an extra-special touch, microwave your wrap for 30 or 40 seconds, until the contents are nicely warmed, the flavours are awakened, and the full potential of your creation is realized!
~ Maggie J.