BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps are a delightful mashup of smoky chicken coated in sweet barbecue sauce and crisp, creamy slaw all tucked into a warm flour tortilla. With the cabbage’s crunch and tangy, honey-kissed dressing balancing that savory chicken, these handheld wraps make for an unbeatable lunch or light dinner. Give your tastebuds a treat—you’ll be reaching for these wraps on repeat!
Key Ingredients
Before you begin, make sure you have these crowd-pleasing components on hand:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken: Tender base soaked in rich barbecue sauce, providing smoky protein for each bite.
- 1 cup barbecue sauce: Sweet and tangy coating that infuses the chicken with that classic smoky flavor.
- 3 cups coleslaw mix: Crisp cabbage and carrots that add crunch and freshness to every wrap.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Creamy binder that brings the slaw together and adds delicious richness.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Zesty acid to brighten the slaw dressing with a tangy kick.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Natural sweetener that balances the vinegar’s sharpness in the slaw dressing.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential seasoning that enhances all the flavors in chicken and slaw.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Warm spiciness that rounds out the slaw’s flavor profile.
- 4 large flour tortillas: Soft, pliable wraps that hold the chicken and slaw together.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro: Bright herb garnish that adds a pop of color and fresh aroma.
How To Make BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps
Let’s roll up our sleeves and bring all these ingredients together. You’ll mix, dress, warm, and assemble in just a few straightforward steps—no culinary degree required!
1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and barbecue sauce, tossing until every piece is evenly coated in that tangy-sweet goodness.
2. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper to create a creamy, balanced slaw dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mix, then toss until the cabbage and carrots are thoroughly coated and glossy.
4. Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 10 seconds per side (or microwave until pliable) so they’re soft and easy to roll.
5. Lay each tortilla flat and place a quarter of the BBQ chicken mixture in the center, followed by a quarter of the dressed coleslaw on top.
6. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the filling, fold in the sides of the tortilla snugly, then roll up from the bottom to form a neat wrap.
Serving Suggestions
Serving BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps can be as simple or as festive as you like. These handheld delights pair beautifully with sides that echo the wrap’s sweet, smoky, and tangy notes. Whether you’re dishing them up for a casual weeknight dinner, a sunny picnic, or a laid-back game day spread, these combos will elevate the experience. Plus, they add color, texture, and extra flavor layers to every plate—making your meal feel thoughtfully curated without spending extra time in the kitchen.
- Spicy Honey Drizzle: Mix equal parts honey and sriracha for a sweet-heat topping that accentuates the barbecue flavors.
- Pickle Spears on the Side: Offer crisp dill or bread-and-butter pickles for a refreshing, tangy contrast.
- Creamy Avocado Spread: Mash ripe avocado with a squeeze of lime and a pinch of salt for a smooth, cooling layer inside the wrap.
- Corn and Black Bean Salad: Serve a side of zesty salad tossed with cilantro, lime, and a sprinkle of chili powder to echo the wrap’s flavors.
Tips For Perfect BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps
Mastering BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps is a breeze once you embrace a few simple swaps and tweaks that tailor each bite to your cravings. Start by swapping plain cooked chicken for smoked or grilled chicken, instantly introducing that rich, charred essence that makes each mouthful more satisfying. Next, play around with the sweetness and tang by adjusting the barbecue sauce and honey ratios in the dressing until it’s perfectly balanced. For extra texture and heat, mix in thinly sliced jalapenos, crisp pickles, or green onions folded into the slaw. And when you’re packing these for lunch or an outdoor gathering, wrap them tightly in foil or parchment paper to keep them mess-free and juicy until you’re ready to enjoy.
- For more flavor use smoked or grilled chicken instead of plain cooked chicken
- Adjust the amount of barbecue sauce and honey in the dressing to suit your taste
- Add sliced jalapenos, pickles, or green onions for extra crunch and kick
- Wrap tightly in foil or parchment for easy transport and serving
How To Store It
These wraps are as convenient to store as they are to make, so you can keep them fresh for quick meals on the go. Here are some simple methods to maintain their texture and flavor, whether you’re stashing leftovers for later or prepping in advance:
- Refrigerator (up to 2 days): Wrap each assembled tortilla tightly in foil or plastic wrap to lock in freshness and prevent the slaw from wilting.
- Airtight Containers: Store the chicken mixture and dressed slaw separately in sealed containers, then assemble wraps just before serving to keep tortillas soft and slaw crisp.
- Freezer (up to 1 month): Wrap individual unfilled tortillas and chicken mixture in freezer-safe bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge, warm tortillas, and assemble for a quick meal.
- Separate Pack & Go: For packed lunches, place wraps in parchment paper then foil. Store upright in an insulated lunch bag with a cold pack to maintain the slaw’s crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some quick answers to common questions—happy wrapping!
- Q: How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
A: It takes about 20 minutes to prepare. This includes mixing the shredded chicken with barbecue sauce, whisking and tossing the coleslaw dressing, warming the tortillas, and assembling the wraps.
- Q: Can I use store-bought rotisserie or smoked chicken instead of plain cooked chicken?
A: Yes. Using store-bought rotisserie or smoked grilled chicken adds extra flavor and saves time. Simply shred the chicken and proceed with coating it in barbecue sauce as directed.
- Q: How can I make components ahead of time for quick assembly later?
A: Prepare the barbecue chicken and coleslaw separately up to 1 day in advance. Store the chicken mixture in an airtight container in the fridge, and keep the dressed coleslaw in another. Warm tortillas and assemble wraps just before serving to keep them fresh and crisp.
- Q: What are some recommended variations to customize flavor and texture?
A: For extra kick, add sliced jalapenos or chopped green onions to the slaw. For crunch, include sliced pickles or shredded carrots. Adjust the barbecue sauce and honey quantities in both the chicken and slaw dressing to balance sweetness and tang to your taste.
- Q: How should I store leftovers and how long will they keep?
A: Wrap leftover assembled wraps tightly in foil or parchment and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days, though the slaw may soften slightly over time. Reheat in a warm skillet or enjoy cold as a quick snack.
- Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free or dairy-free?
A: To make it gluten-free, use certified gluten-free tortillas and check that your barbecue sauce and mayonnaise are gluten-free. For dairy-free, ensure the mayonnaise brand contains no dairy ingredients; the recipe as written contains no other dairy.
- Q: How can I adjust the sweetness, tang, or spice level?
A: Increase or decrease the honey to suit your sweetness preference. If you like more tang, add a splash more apple cider vinegar to the slaw dressing. For extra heat, stir a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the barbecue chicken mixture.
What Makes This Special
What’s not to love about BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps? The combination of smoky, saucy chicken with crisp, creamy slaw tucked inside a soft tortilla creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures that works every time. These wraps are easy to customize, meal-prep friendly, and hold up well for on-the-go lunches or casual gatherings. Feel free to print and save this recipe for later, and let me know in the comments how they turned out or if you have any questions—I’d love to hear your feedback!
Print
BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dishes
Description
Smoky chicken coated in sweet barbecue sauce nestles under crunchy, creamy coleslaw all wrapped in a warm tortilla—each bite bursts with tangy, sweet, and savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 3 cups coleslaw mix
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- In a bowl combine shredded chicken and barbecue sauce until the chicken is evenly coated.
- In a separate bowl whisk together mayonnaise apple cider vinegar honey salt and pepper to make the slaw dressing.
- Add coleslaw mix to the dressing and toss until the cabbage and carrots are well coated.
- Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
- Place a quarter of the BBQ chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla then top with a quarter of the coleslaw.
- Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the filling and fold in the sides then roll up each tortilla to form a wrap.
Notes
- For more flavor use smoked or grilled chicken instead of plain cooked chicken
- Adjust the amount of barbecue sauce and honey in the dressing to suit your taste
- Add sliced jalapenos pickles or green onions for extra crunch and kick
- Wrap tightly in foil or parchment for easy transport and serving