When you’re craving something that’s fresh, flavorful, and ready in a flash, these BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps are here to save the day. Tender, shredded chicken drenched in a tangy-sweet barbecue sauce meets the crisp bite of cabbage and carrots all folded into a wholesome whole wheat tortilla. In just about 15 minutes of hands-on time, you can whip up a lunch or dinner that feels anything but ordinary. There’s zero cooking time beyond reheating your chicken (or grabbing a store-bought rotisserie breast), and after a quick 30-minute chill, you’ll have a wrap that’s perfectly melded—crisp, saucy, and downright delicious. At roughly 400 calories per serving, it’s a smart, satisfying option for anyone looking to balance nutrition with big, bold flavors.
I have vivid memories of a sun-drenched park afternoon when I first packed these wraps for a family picnic. My nieces loved the crunch of the slaw, my brother couldn’t get enough of that smoky BBQ tang, and I reveled in how effortlessly everything came together on the cutting board. Whether you’re feeding a crowd at a tailgate, packing school lunches, or just jazzing up your weeknight meal routine, this recipe has your back. Feel free to play around—add a splash of hot sauce for heat, swap in gluten-free tortillas, or toss in extra cilantro for an herbal pop. This is the sort of easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that you’ll want to bookmark, print, and share with friends because everyone could use a little more sunshine and crunch in their lives.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN BBQ CHICKEN COLESLAW WRAPS
Before you roll up your sleeves, let’s talk about the lineup of stars that make these wraps so crave-worthy. Each ingredient brings its own personality to the party—from creamy binders to zesty crunch—so gather them all before you get started.
- Cooked Chicken Breast
Shredded chicken breast is the protein powerhouse of these wraps. It soaks up that luscious BBQ sauce, keeping each bite juicy and satisfying without weighing you down.
- BBQ Sauce
This tangy-sweet saucy goodness is the heart and soul of the chicken mixture. Choose your favorite brand or homemade recipe to dial up the smoky, savory notes.
- Coleslaw Mix
A pre-shredded blend of cabbage and carrots delivers instant crunch and color. It’s the refreshing contrast to the saucy chicken, making every mouthful interesting.
- Mayonnaise
A creamy binder that brings the coleslaw together. It smooths out the acidity of the vinegar and coats each cabbage ribbon for a silky texture.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Bright and tangy, this vinegar cuts through the richness of the mayo and BBQ sauce, balancing flavors and waking up your taste buds.
- Honey
Just a hint of sweetness to round out the vinegar’s bite. It ensures the slaw keeps a harmonious sweet-sour dance in every forkful.
- Salt and Pepper
The simplest seasoning but absolutely vital. A dash of salt and a twist of black pepper elevate all the other ingredients, bringing out their best qualities.
- Whole Wheat Tortillas
These wraps add a nutty flavor and extra fiber. They’re flexible enough to fold snugly around the filling without tearing.
- Red Onion
Thinly sliced, it adds a mild pungency and a pop of purple color. Its fresh crunch also takes the wraps to the next level.
- Fresh Cilantro (Optional)
For those who love a bright herbal note, chopped cilantro provides an aromatic finish that livens up every bite.
HOW TO MAKE BBQ CHICKEN COLESLAW WRAPS
Time to transform these ingredients into lunch magic! Follow these straightforward steps to build your wraps, layering flavors and textures so each bite is a perfect balance of saucy, crunchy, and herby goodness.
1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce. Use a sturdy spoon or clean hands to mix thoroughly until every strand of chicken is coated in that smoky-sweet sauce. Once it’s evenly glazed, set this bowl aside to let the flavors meld.
2. In another bowl, prepare the coleslaw by adding the coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the mayonnaise envelops the cabbage and carrots in a creamy dressing. Taste your slaw and tweak the seasoning—add more honey for sweetness or an extra pinch of salt if it needs a lift.
3. Lay out the tortillas on a clean surface, spacing them evenly. Spoon an even layer of the BBQ chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla, leaving enough room around the edges for folding.
4. Top the chicken with a generous helping of the coleslaw mixture, spreading it out so every bite will include crunchy slaw and saucy chicken.
5. Scatter a few slices of red onion over the coleslaw, making sure the zingy rings are evenly distributed.
6. If you’re using cilantro, sprinkle the chopped herb across the top for an extra burst of freshness and color.
7. To wrap, first fold the sides of the tortilla inward over the filling, then roll tightly from the bottom up. This technique locks in all the ingredients and prevents leaks.
8. Once all wraps are secured, use a sharp knife to slice each one in half at a slight diagonal. This not only makes them easier to handle but also gives you that polished, restaurant-style presentation.
9. Serve these wraps immediately for the best contrast of warm chicken and crisp slaw. Or, if you prefer a cooler, more refreshing bite, chill them in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR BBQ CHICKEN COLESLAW WRAPS
When it comes time to plate these wraps, you can keep it simple or go all out with complementary sides and garnishes. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a laid-back picnic in the park, these ideas will ensure your BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps shine.
- Serve with a Fresh Fruit Salad
A colorful bowl of berries, melon, or sliced citrus brings a juicy, sweet counterpoint to the savory wraps. The natural juices from the fruit also act as a light, refreshing “sauce” that pairs beautifully with the BBQ flavor.
- Add Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
Bake or air-fry sweet potato sticks seasoned with a touch of paprika and sea salt. The sweet spud crunch echoes the honey in your slaw while adding volume and texture to the plate.
- Garnish with Extra Herbs and Lime Wedges
Display a small dish of chopped cilantro and lime wedges on the side. A quick squeeze of lime brightens each bite, and the extra cilantro adds a fresh herbal lift.
- Offer a Zesty Dipping Sauce
Whisk together Greek yogurt, hot sauce, a dash of lemon juice, and a pinch of smoked paprika. This creamy, tangy dip complements the BBQ chicken and gives guests a fun way to customize every wrap.
HOW TO STORE BBQ CHICKEN COLESLAW WRAPS
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or saving leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch, storing these wraps properly will help maintain their crunch and flavor. A little planning goes a long way in preventing limp tortillas or soggy slaw.
- Refrigerate Individually Wrapped
Wrap each assembled wrap in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in an airtight container. This prevents drying out and keeps the slaw crisp. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Store Components Separately
If you’re prepping ahead but not serving right away, keep the BBQ chicken mixture and coleslaw in separate sealed containers. Keep tortillas covered on a plate wrapped with a damp paper towel. Assemble right before eating.
- Use Airtight Containers for Longer Freshness
If you’re layering extra fillings (like avocado or tomatoes), place them in a sealed container with a piece of paper towel to absorb excess moisture. This prevents sogginess and maintains vibrant texture.
- Freeze Filling for Future Wraps
The chicken mixture freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then mix up fresh slaw and assemble on the day of serving.
CONCLUSION
Throughout this article, we’ve explored every flavorful detail of BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps—from the crisp cabbage ribbons dressed in tangy mayo to the tender chicken bathed in sweet-smoky sauce, all snugly wrapped in whole wheat tortillas. We covered key ingredients you’ll want to have on hand, walked through each step to assemble the perfect wrap, and shared serving ideas and storage tips to fit these wraps into any mealtime scenario. Whether it’s a beginner-friendly lunch, a quick dinner solution, or a fun picnic treat, these wraps deliver convenience without sacrificing taste. Don’t forget that this recipe only takes about 15 minutes of prep, zero actual cooking time, and a short 30-minute rest for chilling—perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend gathering.
Feel free to print this article and save it in your recipe binder or digital collection. You can revisit any section—whether you need a refresher on how to mix the coleslaw or creative serving suggestions—whenever you’re in the mood for a healthy, delicious wrap. Below, you’ll find a handy FAQ to troubleshoot common questions and offer further tips (check it out when you scroll down!). And of course, I’d love to hear from you: leave a comment with your own twists on the recipe, ask any questions if you hit a snag, or share feedback if you try these wraps for your next lunch or picnic. Happy wrapping!
BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps
Description
These wraps are bursting with tender BBQ chicken, crunchy coleslaw, and fresh toppings, all wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla. Quick to make and delightful to eat!
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce. Mix until the chicken is well coated with the sauce and set aside.
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In another bowl, prepare the coleslaw by combining the coleslaw mix with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
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Lay out the tortillas on a clean surface. Begin by spreading an even layer of the BBQ chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla.
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Top the chicken with a generous amount of the coleslaw mixture, ensuring an even spread.
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Add a few slices of red onion on top of the coleslaw, distributing evenly among the wraps.
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If using, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the ingredients in each wrap for added flavor.
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To wrap, fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll tightly from the bottom up to secure all ingredients inside.
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Once all wraps are assembled, use a sharp knife to slice each wrap in half at a slight diagonal for easy handling and a clean presentation.
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Serve the wraps immediately, or chill them in the fridge for about 30 minutes if you prefer a cooler, more refreshing option.
Note
- These wraps are perfect for a quick lunch or a picnic outing.
- You can easily substitute store-bought rotisserie chicken for home-cooked chicken to save time.
- For an extra kick, consider adding a splash of hot sauce to the BBQ chicken mixture.
- Whole wheat tortillas can be swapped for gluten-free tortillas if dietary restrictions require.
