There are certain smells that act like time machines, pulling you back to a specific, tactile moment. For me, the sweet, smoky scent of good barbecue sauce simmering with slow-cooked chicken is often tied directly to the sound of laughter echoing off the back porch. It reminds me of the summers when Ethan Wallace, my husband, would try (and fail) to convince the kids that eating outdoors prevented dishwashing. This recipe for BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps, specifically the homemade Barbecue Chicken Coleslaw Wrap, is a testament to that casual comfort, that feeling of everything being exactly right for that moment, without trying too hard.
We have always been a family of wrap enthusiasts. There’s just something inherently fun about taking a simple flour tortilla and filling it with textures and temperatures that shouldn’t belong together, but magically do. The way the warm, sticky bbq sauce chicken hugs the crisp, cold crunch of the slaw, it’s a beautiful dance of opposites. Today, I’m sharing our family’s favorite way to make these portable pockets of happiness, ensuring you get that perfect balance of smoky sweetness and vibrant tang with minimal kitchen effort. We’re transforming everyday home cooking into a sweet, simple memory, one homemade BBQ chicken wraps with coleslaw at a time.
My philosophy in the kitchen has always been connection, not perfection. This recipe certainly lives that truth. Whether you use leftover rotisserie chicken BBQ wraps style or cook up some fresh chicken breasts, the process is streamlined for the busy home cook. Let’s get these wraps rolled!
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps
- Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps
- How to Make BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps
- Pro Tips & Variations
- BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps Serving Suggestions
- BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps Storage & Reheating
- FAQ about BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps
- Final Thoughts
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps
The beauty of this recipe isn’t just in the taste, it’s in the effortless way it brings everyone to the table, and the joy of eating something seriously delicious that took barely any time to prepare. I remember the first time I made a large batch of these BBQ Chicken Wraps for a neighborhood potluck. They vanished before the sun even set. The blend of textures is what truly captivates, offering a satisfying bite every single time.
Here in Bend, Oregon, we value hearty, approachable food that fuels our outdoor adventures, and these wraps fit the bill perfectly. They are substantial without being heavy, and intensely flavored without being overwhelming. We’re talking rich, smoky, tangy, and crunchy, all nestled together. If you are searching for a fantastic, quick weeknight meal or a great solution for meal prepping, this recipe is a must. The specific balance of the warm, saucy bbq chicken recipe against the chilled homemade coleslaw is the secret to success.
A major reason to love this recipe is its adaptability. We can transform shredded chicken leftovers instantly into something brand new and exciting. You can utilize fresh chicken breasts, quick-cooked in a skillet, or simply grab that budget-friendly rotisserie chicken from the store. This flexibility is key to minimal waste cooking, a core part of the MisterRecipes philosophy. Furthermore, by making your own coleslaw dressing, which utilizes simple ingredients like Greek yogurt coleslaw BBQ chicken, rather than heavy mayo, you keep the whole dish feeling fresh and vibrant.
- Speed and Simplicity: This dish can realistically be on your table in under 30 minutes, especially if you use precooked chicken. It’s the ultimate antidote to the 5:00 PM frantic rush.
- Texture Contrast: The magic lies in the symphony of textures, the tender, sticky chicken contrasting with the ultra-crisp cabbage and crunch of the slaw. This contrast makes every bite satisfying.
- Kid-Approved Comfort Food: My kids, Adams and Jana, request this regularly. They love the hands-on fun of eating a wrap, and the flavor of the BBQ sauce chicken is universally appealing. It’s robust flavor in a portable package.
- Affordable & Uses Leftovers: Perfect for using up leftover chicken or that shredded chicken you batch-cooked earlier in the week. It’s a wonderful way to minimize food waste.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: The slaw and the chicken can be prepared separately up to three days in advance, making assembly lightning fast during the week. This means you can have a low calorie BBQ chicken wraps option any day you need it.
- Elevated Weeknight Dining: Instead of a standard sandwich, you get an elevated, flavor-packed Barbecue Chicken Slaw Wrap experience.
Remember, the goal is simple, delicious, and family-friendly food. We are finding connection, not perfection, in this simple meal.
Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps
Gathering the ingredients for these wraps is straightforward. We are focusing on fresh, whole components that deliver big flavor without the need for fancy tricks.
- For the BBQ Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken (this is crucial for speed).
- 1 cup of your preferred BBQ sauce (use homemade or a high-quality store-bought option).
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth).
- For the Creamy Coleslaw:
- 4 cups coleslaw mix (cabbage, carrot, onion), or a combination of shredded green and red cabbage.
- 1/2 cup mayo or, for a lighter version, plain full-fat Greek yogurt.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard.
- 1 tablespoon sugar or honey (to balance the vinegar).
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- 1/4 cup finely diced green onion (substitution for white onion, if preferred).
- For Assembly:
- 8 medium/large flour tortillas (softened).
- Optional Fillings: Sliced avocado, chopped lettuce/spinach, or crumbled bacon.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps
Making the perfect crispy BBQ chicken coleslaw wraps recipe involves two distinct parts, preparing the savory warm chicken and making the tangy cold slaw, and then bringing them together in a harmonious union.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Shredded BBQ Chicken
- Shred the Chicken: Ensure you have two cups of pre-cooked, shredded chicken. If starting with raw chicken breasts, simply sauté them until cooked and shred them using two forks or a hand mixer (a genius shortcut!).
- Sauce the Chicken: In a medium saucepan or skillet, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce and smoked paprika, if using. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is thoroughly warmed through and completely coated in the sticky, beautiful sauce. You want the sauce to slightly bubble and glossy. The scent filling your kitchen right now should be deeply comforting, a preamble to the meal to come.
- Hold Warm: Turn the heat off and keep the chicken covered while you prepare the slaw.
2. Mix the Homemade Coleslaw
- Whisk the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayo (or Greek yogurt for a healthy coleslaw), apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and sugar or honey until completely smooth and emulsified. Taste it. Does it need a little more tang? Add a splash more vinegar. Need a bit more sweetness? Add a pinch more sugar. This is where you make it your own.
- Combine with Cabbage: Add the coleslaw mix and the diced green onion to the dressing.
- Toss Gently: Use tongs or large spoons to gently fold the dressing into the cabbage mixture until everything is lightly coated. You don’t want to overmix, as this can make the cabbage wilt too fast. We are aiming for maximum crunch. Season generously with salt and pepper. Set aside.
3. Assemble the Wraps
- Warm the Tortillas: This step is non-negotiable for a flexible, luxurious wrap. Briefly warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet for about 10–15 seconds per side, or microwave them slightly under a damp paper towel. Soft, warm tortillas are much easier to roll and less likely to crack.
- Fill the Base: Place a warmed tortilla on a clean surface. Start with a layer of your optional fillings, like lettuce/spinach or maybe a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese, leaving a border around the edges.
- Add the Chicken: Scoop a generous amount of the warm, saucy BBQ chicken mixture down the center of the tortilla.
- Top with Slaw: Place a dollop of the cold, crunchy homemade coleslaw directly on top of the chicken. The temperature contrast is the star here.
- Fold and Roll: To roll, fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then starting from the bottom, tightly roll the wrap upward. Slice in half diagonally to show off the beautiful filling inside. Serve immediately and watch them disappear! The entire process from start to finish is steeped in the care we show when we cook for the people we love.
Pro Tips & Variations
Over the years of making these BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps, I’ve discovered a few tricks that elevate them from good to truly great. These tips ensure the best texture and flavor while also providing great options for different dietary needs.
- Tip 1: The Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut (A Time Saver): For an ultra-fast prep, always opt for shredded rotisserie chicken. It’s already moist and seasoned, cutting the chicken preparation time to about 5 minutes flat. Remember, part of healthy living is maximizing time so you can actually enjoy the meal with your family.
- Tip 2: Toast the Tortillas for Structure: Even if you only toast them lightly in a dry pan, the warmth increases pliability, making the tortillas less likely to tear. But a genius trick is to lightly butter and pan-fry the exterior AFTER they are rolled for a few seconds per side. This creates a superior, crispy BBQ chicken coleslaw wraps recipe experience, offering that satisfying crunch you crave.
- Tip 3: Greek Yogurt Slaw for Lightness: If you find traditional coleslaw too heavy, swap out the full amount of mayo for Greek yogurt coleslaw BBQ chicken. It maintains creaminess while adding a lovely tang and a significant protein boost, contributing to a lower calorie profile. A splash of lemon juice enhances this lightened flavor profile.
Variations for Every Table:
Vegan Barbecue Chicken Coleslaw: This is easier than you think! Swap the chicken for seasoned, shredded soy curls for vegan chicken (soaked and simmered in the BBQ sauce) or firm marinated tofu. Use vegan mayonnaise (or a dressing based on tahini and vinegar) for the coleslaw. The texture and BBQ flavor still shine powerfully. You can achieve the same rich depth without any animal products.
Homemade Sauce Variation: While a good bottle of BBQ sauce is fine, making a quick homemade batch can revolutionize this wrap. Try blending tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, and smoked paprika. This guarantees the freshest, deepest flavors for your bbq sauce chicken.
Spicy Kick: For those who love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce (like Texas Pete or gochujang) directly into the BBQ chicken mixture. You could also mix a teaspoon of sriracha into the coleslaw dressing for a fiery contrast to the sweetness of the barbecue. This really cuts through the richness and adds complexity to the barbecue chicken and coleslaw tortilla wrap.
Add Piquant Pickles: Incorporating sliced pickles or pickled jalapeños provides a welcome burst of tanginess that further cuts through the sweetness of the BBQ. The acidity plays wonderfully against the creamy backdrop of the slaw, making this particular tip my personal favorite. As Don’t Go Bacon My Heart notes, adding extra flavor components like pickles or onions greatly enhances any wrap experience.
BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps Serving Suggestions
While these BBQ Chicken Wraps are a complete meal in themselves, a great pairing can turn a simple weeknight dinner into a celebratory spread. When I think of summer comfort food, I always look for pairings that are light, cool, or offer another layer of crispy texture.
- Crispy Oven Fries or Sweet Potato Wedges: You cannot go wrong with a classic side of salty, perfectly cooked fries. They offer a counterpoint to the sweetness of the BBQ and the cool creaminess of the coleslaw. Toss the wedges with a little garlic powder and paprika before baking for extra depth.
- Classic Corn on the Cob: Whether grilled, boiled, or roasted, corn on the cob just screams “summer picnic.” A light brushing of herb butter complements the smokiness of the chicken beautifully. This side is simple, affordable, and incredibly satisfying.
- Simple Cucumber & Tomato Salad: To maintain the feeling of lightness, serve a side salad dressed simply with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and oregano. The cool, refreshing crunch of the cucumber and the sweetness of the tomatoes are excellent palette cleansers between bites of the rich BBQ chicken slang wrap.
- Baked Beans with a Twist: For a hearty, traditional Southern pairing, serve a small bowl of homemade baked beans. The molasses and smoky bacon in the beans echo the flavor profile of the chicken, connecting the whole meal together seamlessly.
- Potato Chips or Crackers and Dip: Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best. A pile of crunchy kettle chips or even just basic saltines served alongside the wraps offers the necessary auditory crunch that makes lunch feel fun. This is especially good for Adams and Jana, who are always happy with a bit of extra crunch on the side. When planning a quick lunch, Land O’ Lakes suggests similar easy accompaniments that make the meal quick and satisfying, as seen on their recipe page.
Remembering the feeling of those long summer evenings, the goal with these pairings is to maximize enjoyment while minimizing stress. Simple sides mean more time talking and laughing at the table.
BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps Storage & Reheating
Successful storage and reheating often depend on separating the various components of the BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wrap. Because the coleslaw is moist, wrapping it together with the chicken for extended periods will result in a soggy experience, something we definitely want to avoid.
Storage:
- Components Separation is Key: Store the shredded BBQ sauce chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Do the same with the homemade coleslaw, which should also be kept airtight in the fridge. The crispness of the slaw is best maintained if you store the dressing and the cabbage/carrot mix separately, combining them just 1 hour before serving.
- Tortillas: Keep the tortillas in their original packaging or a resealable bag at room temperature.
- Freezing (Chicken Only): The prepared BBQ chicken mixture freezes beautifully. Place it tightly in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Do NOT freeze the coleslaw, as it will become watery and mushy upon thawing.
Reheating:
- Reheating the Chicken: The best way to reheat the BBQ chicken is low and slow in a skillet on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a tablespoon of water or extra BBQ sauce if it seems to be drying out. You can also microwave the chicken in 30-second intervals until hot.
- Assembly: Once the chicken is warm, warm your tortillas, and gather your components. Assemble the wraps with the freshly chilled slaw just before serving to ensure that wonderful hot-cold, crisp-soft contrast that makes this barbecue chicken and coleslaw tortilla wrap so spectacular.
FAQ about BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps
I get a lot of questions about making wraps, especially concerning texture and advanced preparation. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions regarding these satisfying BBQ Chicken Slaw Wraps:
- Q: Can I prepare the homemade BBQ chicken wraps with coleslaw ahead of time for a lunch box?
A: You can, but with a modification. Prepare the BBQ chicken and the coleslaw separately. When packing the lunch box, put the coleslaw in a small, separate container. Pack the chicken (warm or cold, though warm is preferred) and the tortilla. Assemble the wrap immediately before eating to prevent the coleslaw moisture from making the tortilla soggy. This works perfectly for a midday office lunch! - Q: What is the best type of chicken to use—breasts, thighs, or rotisserie chicken?
A: For the quickest and easiest meal, juicy rotisserie chicken is the winner. If cooking from scratch, I recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs offer a richer flavor and stay incredibly moist, holding up well to the thick BBQ sauce. Both work well, depending on your preference for lean meat versus flavor depth. - Q: How can I make my coleslaw extra crispy?
A: The secret to an ultra-crisp slaw is to salt the shredded cabbage briefly before dressing. Place the shredded cabbage in a colander, toss with 1 teaspoon of salt, and let it sit for 30 minutes. This draws out excess water. Rinse quickly, pat dry, and then dress. This step yields the best texture for a truly crispy BBQ chicken coleslaw wraps recipe. Another high-impact technique is to chill the prepared slaw for at least an hour before serving. - Q: Are there any good low-carb or low calorie BBQ chicken wraps options?
A: Absolutely! Replace the traditional flour tortillas with large lettuce cups (butter lettuce or romaine hearts work best) for a low-carb alternative. You can also significantly reduce calories by using lean chicken breast, making a homemade coleslaw dressing with full-fat Greek yogurt (instead of mayo), and choosing a sugar-free or low calorie BBQ sauce option.
Final Thoughts
Cooking is storytelling, and few recipes tell a better, more approachable story than these BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps. They are the epitome of modern comfort food, tying together the simplicity of an approachable weeknight meal with the deep, satisfying flavors of a backyard picnic. Whenever I make these, I think of Adams and Jana sitting at the counter, their faces smeared with barbecue sauce, fully absorbed in their food and their chatter. It’s in those small, fleeting moments of shared gratitude over a good meal that the true meaning of the kitchen reveals itself.
We don’t need complicated dishes to feel connected. We just need simple, flavorful food made with intention and love. I hope this recipe brings a moment of easy joy and deep connection to your table. Feel free to use the comments below to share your favorite substitutions, and please remember to save this recipe! Share your experience with finding connection, not perfection, in your own kitchen.
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BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Ensure you have 2 cups of pre-cooked, shredded chicken. If starting with raw chicken breasts, sauté them until cooked through and shred using two forks.
- In a medium saucepan or skillet, combine the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, and smoked paprika (if using). Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is warmed and coated in the sauce, about 5-7 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and keep covered while preparing the slaw.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayo (or Greek yogurt), apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and sugar (or honey) until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Add the coleslaw mix and diced green onion to the dressing. Toss gently until lightly coated. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet for 10-15 seconds per side or microwave under a damp paper towel until flexible.
- Place a tortilla on a clean surface. Add optional fillings like lettuce, spinach, avocado, or bacon.
- Scoop a generous amount of warm BBQ chicken down the center, top with a dollop of coleslaw.
- Fold the sides over the filling, then roll tightly from the bottom. Slice in half diagonally and serve immediately.
