BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wrap Delight is a fresh and tasty meal that combines tender BBQ chicken with crunchy coleslaw all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. The smoky, slightly sweet BBQ sauce pairs perfectly with the crisp, tangy slaw, making every bite a delicious mix of flavors and textures.
I love making these wraps for a quick lunch or a casual dinner because they’re so easy to put together and always hit the spot. One of my favorite things to do is add a little extra BBQ sauce inside the wrap for that extra punch of flavor. It’s such a crowd-pleaser, and everyone always asks for seconds!
These wraps are great when you want something light but filling, and I often like to serve them with some fresh fruit or a handful of chips on the side. They’re perfect for packing in lunch boxes or taking on picnics too, which makes them my go-to meal for busy days when I want something yummy without a lot of fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breast: Shredded cooked chicken is great here because it soaks up the BBQ sauce well. If you want a shortcut, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and adds extra flavor.
Barbecue sauce: This adds the main smoky flavor. You can swap it for a spicy or sweet BBQ sauce depending on your taste. Or try a smoky chipotle sauce for a little kick.
Coleslaw mix: The mix of green and purple cabbage with carrots gives the wraps a nice crunch and fresh taste. You could also shred your own veggies if you like them fresher or try adding thin slices of bell pepper.
Mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar: These create the creamy, tangy coleslaw dressing. Greek yogurt is a good substitute if you want it lighter, and lemon juice can replace the apple cider vinegar for a different tang.
Tortillas: I like using whole wheat for extra fiber and flavor, but any large flour or even corn tortillas will work well here.
How Can I Keep My Wraps From Getting Soggy?
One common challenge is soggy wraps from moist fillings like coleslaw and BBQ sauce. Here’s how to avoid this:
- Pat dry your chicken: Before mixing it with BBQ sauce, make sure the chicken isn’t too wet.
- Drain coleslaw well: Let the dressed coleslaw sit for a bit and then drain any excess liquid before adding it to your wrap.
- Layer carefully: Put the BBQ chicken down first, then the coleslaw on top so the wettest part doesn’t touch the tortilla directly.
- Wrap tightly but don’t overfill: This helps hold everything together without bursting the tortilla.
- Eat soon after assembling: Or wrap tightly in foil if you need to pack it up.
Following these tips will keep your wraps fresh and delicious longer, making your meal enjoyable every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – handy for tossing the coleslaw and coating the chicken with BBQ sauce.
- Whisk or fork – perfect for blending the coleslaw dressing smoothly.
- Sharp knife – helps chop or shred chicken and vegetables neatly.
- Cutting board – protects surfaces while prepping your ingredients.
- Measuring spoons – keep your dressing and seasoning balanced every time.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for pulled pork or shredded beef for a meatier, richer wrap.
- Add sliced avocado for creaminess and a bit of healthy fat.
- Mix in some chopped fresh cilantro or green onions to brighten the flavors.
- Use pepper jack cheese inside the wrap for a mild spicy twist.
BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wrap Delight
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Wraps:
- 2 large whole wheat or flour tortillas
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
For the Coleslaw:
- 1 cup coleslaw mix (shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, and carrots)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional:
- Ranch dressing or additional sauce for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a few minutes tossing together the BBQ chicken and coleslaw, then some quick assembly of the wraps. It’s a fast and tasty meal, ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the BBQ Chicken:
In a bowl, mix the shredded cooked chicken with the barbecue sauce until the chicken is evenly coated. Set this aside to let the flavors meld.
2. Make the Coleslaw:
In another bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth. Add the coleslaw mix and toss well to coat all the veggies in the dressing.
3. Assemble the Wraps:
Lay out the tortillas flat. Divide the BBQ chicken evenly between the tortillas, placing it in the center. Top each with a generous spoonful of the dressed coleslaw.
4. Roll and Serve:
Carefully roll each tortilla up, folding in the sides as you go to keep the filling inside. Optionally, slice the wraps diagonally to make them easier to eat. Serve with ranch dressing or extra BBQ sauce if you like.
Enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wrap Delight immediately, or wrap tightly in foil to take along as a tasty lunch!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw the chicken completely before shredding and mixing with BBQ sauce. Thaw in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quicker prep.
Can I Make the Coleslaw Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The coleslaw can be prepared a few hours in advance and stored in the fridge. Give it a quick toss before assembling the wraps to redistribute the dressing.
How Should I Store Leftover Wraps?
Wrap leftovers tightly in foil or airtight containers and keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days. To avoid sogginess, it’s best to store the BBQ chicken and coleslaw separately and assemble fresh before eating.
What Are Some Good Wrap Variations?
Try swapping the chicken for pulled pork or even grilled veggies for a vegetarian option. Adding sliced avocado or pepper jack cheese can also give your wrap extra creaminess and flavor.
