BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps: A Flavor-Packed Meal for Any Day of the Week

Introduction

BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps are one of those recipes that feel both comforting and fresh at the same time. They combine smoky, saucy chicken with crunchy, tangy coleslaw, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla that makes every bite satisfying. I love recipes like this because they are quick enough for busy weekdays yet impressive enough to serve when friends or family come over. The contrast between warm BBQ chicken and cool, crisp coleslaw creates a balance of flavors and textures that never gets boring.

When I first made these wraps, I was surprised by how adaptable they were. I tried them with different BBQ sauces and even swapped the chicken cooking method, and the results were consistently delicious. These wraps are perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep, since everything can be made ahead and assembled when needed. If you enjoy meals that are simple, versatile, and full of flavor, this recipe is one you will want to keep in regular rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to prepare, highly customizable, and ideal for both quick meals and casual gatherings. The ingredients are simple and familiar, yet the final result tastes layered and well thought out. It is also a great way to use leftover chicken in a creative and satisfying way.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooked chicken is the heart of this recipe. Shredded or sliced chicken works equally well, and it absorbs the BBQ sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is flavorful and tender.

BBQ sauce adds the signature smoky and slightly sweet taste. Choosing a sauce you enjoy is important, as it defines the overall flavor profile of the wraps.

Coleslaw mix provides crunch and freshness. A blend of cabbage and carrots works best, adding both texture and a mild sweetness.

Mayonnaise forms the creamy base of the coleslaw dressing. It helps balance the acidity and brings everything together smoothly.

Apple cider vinegar gives the coleslaw a gentle tang. This brightness cuts through the richness of the BBQ sauce and mayonnaise.

Sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables and rounds out the dressing without making it overpowering.

Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning. They ensure that both the chicken and the slaw taste well balanced.

Tortilla wraps act as the vessel for all the fillings. Soft flour tortillas are ideal, as they fold easily without tearing.

Optional toppings such as sliced green onions or fresh herbs can add extra freshness and color if desired.

Directions

Start by preparing the BBQ chicken. If your chicken is not already cooked, grill, bake, or pan-cook it until fully done. Once cooked, shred or slice it into bite-sized pieces. Place the chicken in a pan over low heat and add the BBQ sauce, stirring gently until the chicken is evenly coated and warmed through. Set aside and keep warm.

Next, prepare the coleslaw. In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the vegetables are evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then refrigerate for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Warm the tortillas briefly in a dry pan or microwave to make them more pliable. To assemble, lay a tortilla flat and add a generous portion of BBQ chicken down the center. Top with a scoop of coleslaw, spreading it evenly. Add any optional toppings you like.

Fold the sides of the tortilla inward and roll it tightly from the bottom up. Serve immediately while the chicken is warm and the coleslaw is cool and crisp.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately four wraps, serving four people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with an additional 10 minutes for cooking or reheating the chicken, making the total time roughly 25 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover BBQ chicken and coleslaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat the chicken gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Assemble the wraps just before serving to keep the tortillas from becoming soggy.

Variations and Customizations

These BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps are incredibly flexible, which makes them perfect for experimenting. One simple variation is changing the protein. Pulled pork or grilled shrimp can easily replace chicken while still pairing well with BBQ sauce and coleslaw. For a vegetarian option, roasted chickpeas or grilled tofu tossed in BBQ sauce work surprisingly well.

You can also customize the coleslaw to suit your taste. Adding shredded red cabbage, thinly sliced apples, or even pineapple can introduce sweetness and extra crunch. For a lighter dressing, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.

The wraps themselves can be switched out too. Whole wheat tortillas add a nutty flavor, while lettuce wraps create a low-carb alternative. If you enjoy heat, mix a bit of hot sauce or chili powder into the BBQ sauce or coleslaw dressing.

Finally, consider playing with textures. Adding crispy fried onions, toasted nuts, or seeds can elevate the wraps and make them feel more substantial and gourmet.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

These wraps offer a balanced combination of protein from the chicken, fiber from the cabbage, and energy from the tortillas. By adjusting the sauce and dressing quantities, they can easily fit into a lighter or more indulgent eating plan. They can also be adapted to suit dairy-free or lower-sugar diets.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Choose quality BBQ sauce
A well-balanced sauce with smoky and tangy notes makes a noticeable difference in flavor.

Do not overdress the slaw
Too much dressing can make the wraps messy. Aim for lightly coated vegetables.

Warm the tortillas
This small step prevents tearing and makes rolling much easier.

Balance flavors
Taste both the chicken and coleslaw separately before assembling to ensure seasoning is spot on.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option and works very well with BBQ sauce.

Are these wraps good for meal prep?

Yes, as long as you store the components separately and assemble just before eating.

Can I make the coleslaw ahead of time?

Absolutely. It can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

What type of BBQ sauce works best?

Any style you enjoy works, but a smoky or slightly sweet sauce pairs best with coleslaw.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes, add hot sauce, chili flakes, or spicy BBQ sauce for extra heat.

Are corn tortillas suitable?

They can be used, but flour tortillas are more flexible and easier to roll.

Can I grill the chicken instead?

Grilled chicken adds extra smoky flavor and works beautifully in this recipe.

How do I keep wraps from getting soggy?

Assemble them just before serving and avoid adding too much sauce.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Yes, use dairy-free mayonnaise and check that your BBQ sauce is dairy-free.

Can I serve this as a bowl instead of a wrap?

Yes, simply serve the BBQ chicken and coleslaw over rice or greens.

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps are a simple yet satisfying meal that delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. Their versatility makes them suitable for countless occasions, from quick lunches to relaxed dinners. Once you try them, they are sure to become a reliable favorite in your recipe collection.

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