Craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor but won’t keep you tethered to the kitchen? These BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps are the answer, offering a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and creamy in every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying and approachable meal.
Key Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce, plus extra for serving if desired
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 8-10 large flour tortillas or wraps
- 1/4 head of green cabbage, thinly sliced or shredded
- 1/4 head of red cabbage, thinly sliced or shredded
- 1 medium carrot, shredded
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
- Optional toppings: crumbled feta cheese, chopped red onion, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños
How to Make BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps
Whip up these incredibly satisfying BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps in under 30 minutes! This recipe is a winner because of its straightforward preparation, vibrant flavors from the smoky BBQ chicken and zesty slaw, and its incredibly creamy, delightful texture. It’s the perfect quick fix for lunch or a light dinner, proving that delicious doesn’t have to be complicated.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a medium saucepan or Dutch oven, combine the chicken breasts or thighs, BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the saucepan. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces directly in the saucepan with the BBQ sauce. Stir to ensure the shredded chicken is well coated. Set aside, keeping it warm.
- Prepare the Coleslaw: While the chicken is cooking, in a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced green cabbage, red cabbage, and shredded carrot.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey or maple syrup (if using). Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Slaw Ingredients: Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrot mixture. Toss gently until all the vegetables are evenly coated.
- Assemble the Wraps: Lay out your tortillas or wraps on a clean surface. Spoon a generous amount of the BBQ chicken mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Top with a heaping spoonful of the prepared coleslaw.
- Add Your Favorite Toppings: Sprinkle with any desired optional toppings such as crumbled feta cheese, chopped red onion, fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Wrap and Serve: Fold in the sides of the tortilla and then roll it up tightly from the bottom. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps!
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps
You’ll be absolutely delighted by the explosion of flavors and textures in these BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps. The star of the show is the tender, smoky BBQ chicken, perfectly complemented by the crisp, zesty coleslaw that provides a refreshing counterpoint. Unlike other wraps that can feel heavy, this dish offers a beautiful balance, reminiscent of a pulled pork sandwich but with the added brightness of fresh slaw.
Furthermore, these wraps are a fantastic budget-friendly option for feeding a crowd or your family. Making them at home significantly cuts down on the cost compared to buying pre-made wraps or eating out, without sacrificing taste or quality. The combination of the sweet and savory BBQ sauce, the tangy vinegar-based slaw dressing, and the optional savory toppings creates a truly memorable and satisfying meal that’s both economical and incredibly delicious. Give these BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps a try today – your taste buds will thank you!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To store any leftover BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps, it’s best to separate the components to maintain their texture and freshness. If you have leftover cooked BBQ chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Similarly, the prepared coleslaw can be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days as well. Avoid storing assembled wraps for extended periods, as the tortillas can become soggy and the slaw will wilt.
For reheating, if you plan to enjoy the BBQ chicken and coleslaw again, gently reheat the chicken on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. You can then re-assemble the wraps with fresh tortillas and the chilled coleslaw for the best experience. If you wish to freeze components, the cooked BBQ chicken freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The coleslaw is best enjoyed fresh and is not ideal for freezing.
Final Thoughts
These BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps are a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. They’re incredibly adaptable, wonderfully delicious, and surprisingly quick to pull together, making them a weeknight savior. We encourage you to gather your ingredients and whip up a batch – you won’t be disappointed!
BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan or Dutch oven, combine the chicken breasts or thighs, BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the saucepan. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces directly in the saucepan with the BBQ sauce. Stir to ensure the shredded chicken is well coated. Set aside, keeping it warm.
- While the chicken is cooking, in a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced green cabbage, red cabbage, and shredded carrot.1/4 head green cabbage, 1/4 head red cabbage, 1 medium carrot
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey or maple syrup (if using). Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, salt and pepper
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrot mixture. Toss gently until all the vegetables are evenly coated.
- Lay out your tortillas or wraps on a clean surface. Spoon a generous amount of the BBQ chicken mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Top with a heaping spoonful of the prepared coleslaw.8-10 large flour tortillas or wraps
- Sprinkle with any desired optional toppings such as crumbled feta cheese, chopped red onion, fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.crumbled feta cheese, chopped red onion, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños
- Fold in the sides of the tortilla and then roll it up tightly from the bottom. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps!