Looking for a delicious and incredibly simple meal? These BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps are the perfect solution for a satisfying lunch or a light, speedy dinner. They combine the smoky sweetness of barbecue chicken with the creamy, tangy crunch of coleslaw, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. This recipe is a household favorite because it’s virtually no-fuss and packed with flavor. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, picnic lunches, or anytime you need a fast, crowd-pleasing option that tastes amazing.
10 minutes
5 minutes
15 minutes
4 servings
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 15 minutes for ultimate convenience.
- Perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors.
- Uses simple, readily available ingredients.
- A fantastic way to use leftover cooked chicken.
- Easily customizable with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients for these delicious BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps. The star of the show is the tender shredded chicken coated in savory barbecue sauce, perfectly complemented by a crisp and creamy coleslaw. These simple components come together rapidly to create a truly satisfying meal.
- For the Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite variety)
- For the Coleslaw:
- 2 cups coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For Assembly:
- 4 large flour tortillas or wraps
- Optional toppings: sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Feel free to adapt this recipe to your pantry and preferences. Using pre-cooked chicken, like rotisserie chicken, makes these BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps even faster. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white vinegar can be used sparingly.
- Chicken: Use leftover grilled chicken, baked chicken, or even canned chicken (drained well).
- Barbecue Sauce: Any brand or style works. For a spicier kick, use a spicy BBQ sauce.
- Mayonnaise: Full-fat mayonnaise provides the best creamy texture. Light mayonnaise can be used.
- Tortillas: Whole wheat or gluten-free wraps can be substituted.
- Veggies: Add finely chopped red onion or bell peppers to the coleslaw mix for extra crunch and flavor.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
In a medium bowl, toss the cooked shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce until evenly coated. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover grilled chicken if you have it on hand. The goal is to ensure every bit of chicken is infused with that delicious BBQ flavor.
Step 2: Make the Coleslaw
In another bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Stir in the coleslaw mix and combine until well coated. I like to let this sit for 5–10 minutes so the flavors meld and the cabbage softens just slightly. This step is key for the best coleslaw texture.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas
Gently warm the flour tortillas on a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or warm them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. This makes them more pliable and less likely to tear when you’re rolling them up.
Step 4: Assemble the Wraps
Lay each tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon a generous portion of the prepared BBQ chicken mixture into the center of the tortilla. Top the chicken with a hearty scoop of the prepared coleslaw. Add any extra toppings you like—sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, or chopped cilantro are excellent choices.
Step 5: Wrap and Serve
Fold in the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll it up tightly from the bottom. You should have a neat, compact wrap. Slice the BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps in half if desired and serve them immediately for the freshest taste and texture.
Pro Tips
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your coleslaw dressing before adding the mix. Adjust seasoning, sweetness (honey), or tanginess (vinegar) as needed.
- Don’t Overstuff: While tempting, overstuffing your wraps can make them difficult to roll and prone to tearing. A generous but manageable amount is best.
- Chill Before Serving: If you have a few extra minutes, letting the assembled coleslaw sit for 10 minutes can help the flavors meld beautifully and slightly soften the cabbage.
- Prep Ahead: Cook the chicken and make the coleslaw mixture a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps are a complete meal on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a few simple sides. They are fantastic for a quick lunch or a casual dinner.
- Serve alongside a bowl of kettle-cooked potato chips for extra crunch.
- A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing accompaniment.
- Consider pairing with sweet potato fries for a more substantial meal.
- Chilled cucumber salad offers a cool, crisp contrast.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The coleslaw may become softer over time. For best results, enjoy them fresh. If reheating is necessary, warm gently in a microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a skillet over low heat, being careful not to overcook the tortilla.
FAQs
Can I make the chicken and coleslaw ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the BBQ chicken mixture and the coleslaw separately up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator and assemble the wraps just before serving for the best texture.
What kind of chicken works best for these wraps?
Cooked shredded chicken breast is ideal. Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. You can also use leftover grilled chicken or even canned chicken, just be sure to drain it well.
Can I add other vegetables to the coleslaw?
Absolutely! Finely chopped red onion, bell peppers, or even shredded broccoli can be added to the coleslaw mix for extra flavor and crunch.
Are these BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps spicy?
The spice level depends on the barbecue sauce you choose. If you prefer a milder flavor, select a sweet or mild BBQ sauce. For more heat, opt for a spicy BBQ sauce.
Final Thoughts
These BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps are a testament to how simple ingredients can create incredibly satisfying meals. The delightful blend of savory, saucy chicken and crisp, tangy coleslaw is a flavor combination that simply works. Their speed and ease of preparation make them a go-to option for any meal occasion, from a quick personal lunch to a delightful picnic fare. Give these BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps a try – we’re confident they’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation!
PrintBBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps
These BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps combine smoky, tender chicken with a tangy coleslaw and soft tortillas for a fast, flavorful meal. Ready in 15 minutes and perfect for busy lunches or dinners.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 5
- Total Time: 15
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Easy Lunch Ideas
- Method: Stovetop Cooking and Assembling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite variety)
2 cups coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 large flour tortillas or wraps
Optional toppings: sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro
Instructions
Toss cooked shredded chicken with barbecue sauce until evenly coated.
In a bowl, combine coleslaw mix with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
Warm the tortillas slightly for easier wrapping.
Spread a generous layer of coleslaw onto each tortilla.
Add a portion of barbecued chicken to the center of each wrap.
Optionally, top with avocado, tomatoes, or cilantro.
Fold the tortillas tightly (roll or fold as preferred)
Serve immediately.
Notes
Use pre-cooked chicken like rotisserie chicken for maximum convenience.
Tortillas can be replaced with lettuce wraps or pita for a different texture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wrap
- Calories: 800
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 90mg