Imagine the sun shining down, the grill sizzling with perfectly cooked chicken, and a burst of flavors ready to come together for a delicious meal. That's the vibe I felt when creating these BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps. This recipe is my go-to for busy weeknights or casual gatherings because it merges the smoky sweetness of BBQ chicken with the crunch of fresh coleslaw in a soft tortilla—a combo that never fails to impress.
After a long day, I often find myself craving something more fulfilling than takeout. This dish is not just mouthwateringly good but also super easy to whip up. With just 20 minutes of your time, you can create a wholesome meal that's perfect for both family dinner and casual BBQs with friends. And who doesn’t love a meal that can be customized with your favorite toppings? Get ready to swap your fast food runs for a homemade experience that bursts with flavor!
Why You'll Love This BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps
- These BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps are incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to whip up a delicious meal in just 20 minutes.
- The combination of smoky BBQ chicken and crunchy coleslaw creates a flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds dancing.
- They're perfect for any occasion, whether it's a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends.
- Plus, the versatility of toppings means you can personalize each wrap to suit everyone's tastes, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- The vibrant colors of the ingredients also make for a visually appealing dish that you'll be proud to serve.
BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps Ingredients
For the Chicken
• Shredded cooked chicken – use leftover chicken for a quick option that adds great flavor.
• BBQ sauce – choose your favorite brand for a personalized taste.
• Honey (optional) – adds a touch of sweetness that balances the smokiness.
• Smoked paprika (optional) – enhances the BBQ flavor with a subtle smokiness.
For the Slaw
• Shredded cabbage – cabbage adds a crunchy texture; feel free to use a mix of green and purple for color.
• Shredded carrots – they add natural sweetness and vibrant color to the slaw.
• Mayo – provides creaminess that complements the crunchy veggies.
• Apple cider vinegar – adds brightness to the slaw dressing, cutting through the richness.
• Dijon mustard – a hint of tanginess that elevates the flavors.
• Salt – enhances all the flavors in the dish.
• Black pepper – adds a touch of heat to balance the sweetness.
For the Wraps
• Large flour tortillas – opt for whole wheat tortillas for a healthier twist.
Optional Toppings
• Avocado – creamy texture that adds a rich flavor component.
• Pickles – gives a nice crunch and tanginess to the wraps.
• Jalapeños – for those who love a spicy kick.
• Cilantro – adds freshness and a burst of flavor to each bite.
These BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps ingredients come together to create a meal that’s not only hearty but also fun to customize!
How to Make BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps
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Mix the Dressing: In a bowl, combine the mayo, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until smooth and creamy. This slaw dressing sets the foundation for your crunchy, flavorful coleslaw.
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Prepare the Slaw: Add the shredded cabbage and carrots to the dressing, tossing gently to ensure every piece is coated. Aim for a vibrant mix of colors and crunch; this should take about 2-3 minutes.
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Combine the Chicken: In a separate bowl, toss the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, honey (if using), and smoked paprika. Ensure every shred of chicken is evenly coated with the tangy, smoky goodness—this takes just a minute.
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Warm the Tortillas: Heat the flour tortillas in a dry skillet over low heat for about 30 seconds on each side. This helps them become pliable, making rolling easier and preventing tearing.
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Assemble the Wraps: Place a generous scoop of BBQ chicken in the center of each tortilla. The warm chicken creates a delightful contrast to the cool slaw you’ll add next, which is key for a balanced bite.
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Top with Slaw: Spoon the creamy coleslaw over the BBQ chicken. Add any optional toppings like avocado, jalapeños, or pickles as your heart desires. The flexibility here lets you create truly personalized wraps!
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Roll and Serve: Carefully roll the tortillas tightly around the filling, then slice each wrap in half to serve. Display them on a plate, and watch everyone enjoy the delicious creations you've made!
Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra touch of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can mix the slaw dressing and prepare the shredded cabbage and carrots up to 24 hours in advance; simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and crunch. The BBQ chicken can also be tossed together and refrigerated for up to 3 days, ensuring all those rich flavors meld beautifully. When you're ready to serve, warm the tortillas for flexibility, then quickly assemble the wraps by adding the BBQ chicken and coleslaw. Just roll them up tightly, and you'll enjoy a delicious, homemade meal in no time, making your busy weeknights a breeze!
How to Store and Freeze BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps
Fridge: Keep assembled wraps in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. To avoid sogginess, store the coleslaw separately and add just before eating.
Freezer: If you have leftovers, you can freeze the BBQ chicken filling for up to 2 months. Just cool it completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating: Thaw the chicken filling overnight in the fridge and reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Assemble your wraps with fresh ingredients for a delightful meal!
Assembly: For the best taste, avoid freezing the entire assembled BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps, as the tortillas can become soggy upon thawing.
BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps Variations
Feel free to explore these tasty twists and make this recipe your own!
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Spicy BBQ: Swap regular BBQ sauce for a spicy variant to kick up the heat and excitement. The fiery sauce mingles beautifully with the cool slaw.
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Greek Yogurt: Replace mayo with Greek yogurt for a tangy, healthier option that still maintains creaminess. Your wraps will have a zesty, fresh finish that's hard to resist.
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Tortilla Options: Use corn or spinach tortillas instead of flour for a different texture and flavor profile. This simple swap adds a pop of color and makes your wraps gluten-free!
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Add Crunch: Toss in some crushed tortilla chips or nuts within the wraps for an extra crunch that surprises and delights with every bite. The added texture brings joy to each wrap!
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Vegan Style: Substitute shredded chicken with jackfruit and use vegan mayo to create a plant-based version. This option provides a smoky flavor and is perfect for everyone at the table.
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Herb-Infused Slaw: Add fresh herbs like basil or dill to the coleslaw mixture to elevate the flavor. These herbs lift the dish with freshness, perfect for warm-weather meals.
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Sweetness Boost: Drizzle a bit of maple syrup over the chicken before assembling the wraps for a sweet contrast to the BBQ flavor. It’s a delightful surprise that pairs well with the slaw!
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Fruit Fiesta: Mix in diced apples or pineapple into the slaw for a fruity twist that adds not just flavor but also a refreshing element. It balances out the rich BBQ flavor beautifully.
What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps?
Let your taste buds dance as you explore these delightful side dishes, perfect for enriching your meal.
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Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy and slightly sweet, these fries add a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with the BBQ flavors.
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Corn on the Cob: Juicy, grilled corn brings a touch of summer sweetness, enhancing the smoky notes of your wraps.
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Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad complements the BBQ chicken, offering a comforting texture and balanced flavor.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, seasonal fruits lighten up the meal, providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the wraps.
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Grilled Veggies: Fire-roasted seasonal vegetables introduce smoky flavors and vibrant colors to your table, making for a visually appealing spread.
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Iced Tea: A refreshing glass of iced tea can elevate your BBQ experience, cutting through the richness while keeping you cool.
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Banana Pudding: Wrap up your meal with a sweet note—banana pudding offers a creamy, nostalgic finish that everyone loves.
Each of these pairings adds its unique charm, creating a well-rounded feast that will leave everyone feeling satisfied and happy!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps, always remember to use leftover chicken for a quick and flavorful option that adds depth to your wraps.
- Be sure to mix the slaw dressing thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined for a balanced flavor.
- Warm your tortillas in a skillet just enough to make them pliable, preventing any tearing while you roll your wraps.
- Lastly, for the best taste, enjoy the wraps immediately after assembling to maintain the freshness of your coleslaw.
BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken should I use for BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps?
Absolutely! I recommend using shredded cooked chicken for this recipe. Leftover rotisserie chicken works wonderfully, saving you time while adding great flavor. If you prefer, you can also quickly poach or grill chicken breasts to shred for this dish.
How should I store BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps?
Store any assembled BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh and crunchy, I suggest storing the coleslaw separately and adding it to the wraps just before eating.
Can I freeze the BBQ chicken filling?
Yes, you can! Just cool the BBQ chicken filling completely and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on medium heat in a skillet.
What if my tortillas tear while rolling?
Very! If your tortillas are tearing, it's likely they're not warm enough. Warm them in a skillet for about 30 seconds on each side to make them more pliable and easy to roll. This small step can make all the difference in keeping your wraps intact!
Are there any dietary concerns with this recipe?
Definitely! These wraps are quite versatile, but if you're concerned about allergens, be sure to check the labels of your BBQ sauce and mayonnaise. For gluten-free options, you can use gluten-free tortillas and ensure your barbecue sauce doesn’t contain gluten. If you're watching your sugar intake, consider using a low-sugar BBQ sauce or omitting the honey.
Can I customize the toppings for my BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps?
The more the merrier! Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Avocado adds creaminess, while jalapeños provide heat, and pickles give that extra crunch. You can swap or add veggies according to your taste. Just be mindful not to overstuff, as it can make rolling difficult!
BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, combine the mayo, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until smooth and creamy.
- Add the shredded cabbage and carrots to the dressing, tossing gently to ensure every piece is coated.
- In a separate bowl, toss the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, honey (if using), and smoked paprika.
- Heat the flour tortillas in a dry skillet over low heat for about 30 seconds on each side.
- Place a generous scoop of BBQ chicken in the center of each tortilla.
- Spoon the creamy coleslaw over the BBQ chicken. Add any optional toppings like avocado, jalapeños, or pickles.
- Carefully roll the tortillas tightly around the filling, then slice each wrap in half to serve.
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