Southern Fried Chicken Wrap with Jalapeño Slaw: A Bold, Flavor-Packed Favorite

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If you’re craving comfort food with a spicy Southern twist, this Southern Fried Chicken Wrap with Jalapeño Slaw is the meal you’ve been dreaming of. Crispy, golden chicken strips wrapped up in a soft tortilla alongside a crunchy, creamy, slightly spicy jalapeño slaw — all finished with a tangy dressing and punchy pickle slices. It’s the kind of meal that hits all the right notes: savory, spicy, creamy, and crispy in every bite.

This recipe is perfect for food lovers who appreciate a little heat, enjoy bold textures, and want something a little different from your standard wrap or sandwich. Whether you’re feeding your family, entertaining guests, or meal-prepping lunches for the week, this fried chicken wrap brings gourmet street food vibes straight to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Comfort food meets crunch: Golden fried chicken meets fresh, crunchy jalapeño slaw.
  • Easily customizable: Adjust the heat, swap ingredients, or make it lighter.
  • Meal prep-friendly: Components can be made ahead for easy lunch or dinner assembly.
  • Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for casual dinners, picnics, game days, or potlucks.

This recipe delivers on flavor, texture, and presentation — making it a standout option for anyone who loves Southern-inspired dishes with a fresh, spicy edge.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Southern Fried Chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into strips
  • 1 cup buttermilk 🥛
  • 1 tsp hot sauce (optional) 🌶️
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for added heat)
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the Jalapeño Slaw:

  • 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or mixed)
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots 🥕
  • 1–2 jalapeños, finely sliced 🌶️
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp honey 🍯
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Optional: chopped cilantro for freshness 🌿

For Assembly:

  • 2–4 large flour tortillas 🌯
  • Dill pickle slices 🥒
  • Spicy mayo or ranch dressing
  • Optional: sliced avocado 🥑, extra hot sauce

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

  • Mixing bowls (for marinating and slaw)
  • Whisk or fork (for mixing)
  • Deep skillet or cast iron pan (for frying)
  • Tongs or slotted spoon
  • Paper towels (for draining fried chicken)
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Frying thermometer (optional but helpful)
  • Plate or tray for dredging
  • Serving board or plate for assembling wraps

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken

Start by placing your chicken strips in a bowl with the buttermilk and hot sauce. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. The longer the marination, the more tender and flavorful the chicken.

Tip: Use a resealable bag to marinate for easy cleanup and even coating.

2. Make the Jalapeño Slaw

While your chicken marinates, whisk together the mayo, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir in the shredded cabbage, carrots, and sliced jalapeños. Add cilantro if you like a pop of freshness. Chill the slaw while you fry the chicken to let the flavors meld.

Shortcut: Use pre-shredded coleslaw mix to save prep time.

3. Fry the Chicken

Heat about 1 inch of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). In a shallow bowl, mix the flour with paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to get a good coating.

Fry each strip for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure crispiness.

4. Assemble the Wrap

Warm your tortillas slightly in a pan or microwave to make them more pliable. Spread spicy mayo or ranch dressing down the center of each tortilla. Add a layer of jalapeño slaw, followed by 2–3 fried chicken strips, pickle slices, and optional avocado.

Wrap burrito-style: fold in the sides, then roll tightly from the bottom.

Flavor Booster: Drizzle with hot sauce or sprinkle crushed tortilla chips inside for added crunch.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Slice the wraps in half on the diagonal and serve immediately while warm. Pair with extra slaw, fries, or a side salad.

Storage and Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the components separately:

  • Fried Chicken: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
  • Jalapeño Slaw: Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Stir before serving.
  • Wraps: Assemble fresh just before serving to prevent sogginess.

Freezing Tip: You can freeze fried chicken strips for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven until hot and crispy.

Suggested Pairings

Looking to make a full meal? Here are some delicious side and drink pairings:

Sides:

  • Sweet potato fries or curly fries
  • Grilled corn on the cob with chili lime butter
  • Southern-style baked beans
  • Macaroni salad or potato salad

Drinks:

  • Classic sweet tea or iced lemonade
  • Light beer or pale ale
  • Sparkling water with lime and mint
  • Spicy margarita for adults

Variations & Swaps

Make it your own with these creative twists:

  • Make it lighter: Skip frying and use grilled or air-fried chicken.
  • Go low-carb: Swap the tortilla for lettuce wraps or a low-carb flatbread.
  • Vegan option: Use crispy tofu or plant-based chicken and vegan mayo in the slaw.
  • Extra spicy: Add sriracha or hot honey to the slaw dressing for more kick.
  • Cheesy twist: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or pepper jack inside the wrap before rolling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make the chicken ahead of time?

Yes! Fry the chicken in advance and store in the fridge. Reheat in the oven or air fryer before assembling the wrap.

How do I reduce the spice level?

Skip the jalapeños or remove all the seeds. Use plain mayo instead of spicy dressing. You can also reduce or omit cayenne in the flour mix.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

You can, but you’ll miss out on the crunch and flavor of freshly fried chicken. For convenience, use frozen crispy chicken tenders and cook as directed.

What tortillas work best?

Large, soft flour tortillas are ideal for rolling. You can also try spinach or sun-dried tomato wraps for a color and flavor boost.

How can I meal prep this?

Marinate the chicken and prepare the slaw a day ahead. Fry the chicken and store it. Assemble wraps right before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Southern Fried Chicken Wrap with Jalapeño Slaw is bold, crispy, creamy, and totally irresistible. It’s a little bit Southern comfort, a little bit spice, and a whole lot of flavor. Perfect for impressing guests or elevating your weekday lunch routine.

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