Get ready to meet your new go-to for busy weeknights and quick lunches. These BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps are the perfect blend of savory, tangy, and crunchy, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. This recipe is incredibly simple, requires minimal cooking, and is packed with flavor that the whole family will love. Forget complicated meals; this is your ticket to a delicious and satisfying dinner on the table in under 20 minutes.
Why This BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps Recipe is a Winner
In the world of quick meals, these wraps are a true champion. Here’s why you’ll find yourself making them again and again:
- Incredibly Fast: Using precooked or rotisserie chicken, this meal comes together in minutes. It’s the ultimate time-saver.
- Flavor Explosion: Smoky BBQ chicken paired with creamy, tangy coleslaw creates a perfect flavor harmony.
- No-Fuss Cleanup: With minimal cooking involved, you’ll have fewer dishes to worry about.
- Customizable: This recipe is a fantastic base. Feel free to add your favorite ingredients like avocado, bacon, or different cheeses.
The Essential Ingredients for Perfect Wraps
The magic of these BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps lies in their simplicity. We’re using straightforward, easy-to-find ingredients to create something truly special.
For the BBQ Chicken
- Shredded Chicken: To make this recipe lightning-fast, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand.
- BBQ Sauce: Your favorite brand will work perfectly. Whether you like it smoky, sweet, or spicy, choose what you love.
For the Creamy Coleslaw
- Coleslaw Mix: A bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix is the ultimate shortcut.
- Mayonnaise: This forms the creamy base of our dressing.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a crucial tangy kick to balance the richness.
- Sugar: Just a touch to balance the vinegar and enhance the flavors.
- Salt and Pepper: For seasoning.
For Assembling the Wraps
- Large Flour Tortillas: Use the large, burrito-style tortillas to ensure you can fit all the delicious fillings.
- Shredded Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Colby Jack blend are all excellent choices.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps (Step-by-Step)
Making these wraps is as easy as 1-2-3. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Shredded BBQ Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine your shredded chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated. If your chicken is cold, you can gently warm it in the microwave or a small saucepan for a minute or two.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Coleslaw
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Once the dressing is smooth, add the coleslaw mix and toss until everything is well-coated. For a similar, refreshing side, check out this Thai Cucumber Salad recipe.
Step 3: Assemble Your Wraps
Warm the tortillas slightly to make them more pliable. Lay a tortilla flat and layer your ingredients down the center. Start with a generous portion of the BBQ chicken, followed by a scoop of the creamy coleslaw, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up tightly like a burrito.
Pro Tips to Prevent Soggy Wraps
A soggy wrap is a sad wrap. Here are the best ways to ensure yours stay crisp and delicious:
- Don’t Overdress the Coleslaw: Use just enough dressing to coat the cabbage. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away.
- Serve Immediately: These wraps are best enjoyed right after they are assembled.
- Create a Barrier: If you need to make them slightly ahead, you can place a large lettuce leaf on the tortilla before adding the fillings to act as a moisture barrier.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this classic combination is fantastic, feel free to get creative! Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
- Add Bacon: Crumbled bacon adds a salty, smoky crunch.
- Include Avocado: Creamy avocado slices or a dollop of guacamole are excellent additions.
- Spice It Up: Add a few dashes of hot sauce to your BBQ chicken or some sliced jalapeños to the wrap.
- Try a Different Protein: This recipe works wonderfully with pulled pork. For another easy pork recipe, try this simple pork tenderloin.
What to Serve with Your Wraps
These BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps are a complete meal on their own, but if you want to round them out, they pair well with simple sides. Consider serving them with sweet potato fries, a simple green salad, or a cup of soup like this delicious roasted tomato soup.
Storage and Meal Prep Instructions
For the best results, it’s recommended to store the components separately. Keep the BBQ chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The coleslaw can also be stored separately for 1-2 days, though it’s best when fresh. When you’re ready to eat, simply assemble the wraps as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions
These wraps are best served fresh to prevent them from getting soggy. However, you can prepare the BBQ chicken and the coleslaw dressing ahead of time. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator and assemble just before serving.
Absolutely! Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that makes this recipe even faster. Simply shred the meat and toss it with your favorite BBQ sauce.
The key is to not overdress your coleslaw and to serve the wraps immediately after assembling. You can also try adding a large piece of lettuce to the tortilla first to act as a moisture barrier between the fillings and the tortilla.
They are great on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with sweet potato fries, a simple side salad, corn on the cob, or potato chips.
A creamy, mayonnaise-based coleslaw works best as it complements the smoky BBQ sauce perfectly. Our recipe includes a simple and quick creamy coleslaw dressing that is ideal for these wraps.
Share Your Creations!
We are sure these BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps will become a staple in your meal rotation. If you make them, we’d love to see! Snap a photo and share it on Pinterest. Happy cooking!
BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps Recipe
BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps: Your New Favorite 20-Minute Meal
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce. Stir well to ensure the chicken is completely coated. Warm slightly in the microwave if desired.
- In a separate, larger bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until you have a smooth dressing.
- Add the bag of coleslaw mix to the dressing. Toss everything together until the cabbage and carrots are evenly coated.
- Warm the tortillas for about 10-15 seconds in the microwave to make them more pliable. Lay one tortilla flat. Spoon a quarter of the BBQ chicken mixture down the center, followed by a quarter of the coleslaw, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
- Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then tightly roll it from the bottom up to enclose the fillings. Serve immediately for the best texture.
Notes
Store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
