Ultimate BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps | Dinner Made Simple

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Bbq Chicken Coleslaw Wraps

Oh my goodness, get ready to meet your new favourite obsession: Bbq Chicken Coleslaw Wraps! I'm so thrilled to share this recipe with you because it perfectly captures everything I love about a comforting, flavourful meal, all wrapped up in one convenient package. This isn't just any wrap; it's a symphony of tastes and textures that will make your taste buds sing.

What makes these wraps so incredibly special? It's the magical combination of tender, smoky BBQ chicken paired with a vibrant, creamy, and wonderfully crunchy coleslaw. Every bite offers that perfect balance: the sweet and savoury notes of the chicken, the tangy coolness of the slaw, and the soft embrace of the tortilla. It's like a summer picnic in your hands, no matter the season!

You are absolutely going to adore these wraps for so many reasons. They’re super quick to put together, especially if you have some leftover cooked chicken on hand, making them ideal for a speedy weeknight dinner or a delightful lunch. Plus, they’re far less messy than a traditional BBQ sandwich, and packed with so much flavour, you'll forget you're eating something so simple. They’re satisfying, fresh, and just plain delicious.

So, what exactly are we diving into? Imagine succulent, shredded chicken generously coated in your favourite BBQ sauce, then piled high with a refreshing homemade coleslaw featuring crisp cabbage and carrots in a tangy dressing. All of this goodness is then snugly tucked into a soft tortilla or, if you prefer, a crisp lettuce cup for an even lighter option. It's a complete, handheld meal that brings joy with every single bite.

Ingredient Notes

There’s something incredibly satisfying about sinking your teeth into a wrap bursting with flavor, and my BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps are no exception. The magic truly lies in a few key ingredients that, when combined, create a symphony of sweet, tangy, and savory notes. Let me walk you through what you’ll need and some handy substitutions I often use!

The Star: BBQ Chicken

• Cooked Chicken: I usually opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. You can cook them yourself by baking, grilling, or poaching, then shredding or dicing. My go-to shortcut is a store-bought rotisserie chicken; it’s already cooked, super flavorful, and shreds beautifully, making prep a breeze!
• BBQ Sauce: This is where you can truly personalize your wraps. I love a good smoky, slightly sweet BBQ sauce, but feel free to pick your favorite! Whether it’s a spicy Kansas City style, a tangy Carolina mustard sauce, or a rich Memphis-style, it all works. Don’t be shy about trying different brands to find your perfect match.
• Substitutions: If you’re looking for an alternative to chicken, cooked shredded beef (think slow-cooked pot roast leftovers) tossed in BBQ sauce is a fantastic option that brings a similar hearty texture and flavor profile.

The Tangy Crunch: Creamy Coleslaw

• Coleslaw Mix: To save time, I always grab a bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix, which typically contains green and red cabbage and carrots. It’s convenient and consistently good.
• Mayonnaise: This forms the creamy base of our dressing. I prefer a full-fat mayo for richness, but a light version works too if you’re watching calories.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: It’s crucial for that essential tangy kick that balances the richness of the mayo and the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
• Sweetener: A touch of sugar, honey, or maple syrup helps balance the acidity and enhance the overall flavor. Adjust to your preference!
• Dijon Mustard: A small spoonful adds a lovely depth and a subtle zing to the dressing.
• Celery Seeds: Don’t skip these! They provide that classic coleslaw flavor and a hint of earthy spice that ties everything together.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Always season to taste!
• Optional Add-ins: Finely diced red onion or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro can add extra layers of flavor and freshness to your slaw.
• Substitutions: If you’re feeling ambitious, you can definitely shred your own cabbage and carrots. For a lighter dressing, you could try using Greek yogurt mixed with a little mayo.

The Vehicle: Wraps

• Large Flour Tortillas: I use large, soft flour tortillas (about 10-12 inches) because they are pliable and can hold a generous amount of filling without tearing. Whole wheat tortillas are also a great choice for added fiber.
• Substitutions: For a low-carb option, large lettuce cups (like butter lettuce or romaine hearts) make excellent crunchy, refreshing wraps. You could also use lavash bread or even serve the filling in pita pockets.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Crafting these BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps is incredibly straightforward, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend lunch. Here’s how I bring them to life:

Step 1: Prepare the BBQ Chicken

• Cook and Shred/Dice Chicken: If you’re starting with raw chicken, cook it using your preferred method (bake, grill, pan-fry, or even use an Instant Pot). Once cooked, let it cool slightly, then shred it with two forks or dice it into small pieces. If you’re using a rotisserie chicken, simply remove the skin and bones, then shred the meat.
• Combine with BBQ Sauce: Place the shredded or diced chicken in a medium bowl. Pour in your favorite BBQ sauce and toss until the chicken is thoroughly coated.
• Warm (Optional): For a warm wrap, you can gently heat the BBQ chicken in a saucepan over medium-low heat or in the microwave for a minute or two, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. I sometimes skip this if I’m going for a cooler, refreshing wrap.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Coleslaw

• Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sweetener (sugar, honey, or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, celery seeds, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – I often add a little more vinegar for extra tang!
• Add Coleslaw Mix: Add the pre-shredded coleslaw mix to the dressing. If you’re using any optional add-ins like finely diced red onion or fresh cilantro, toss them in now.
• Combine: Using tongs or a large spoon, gently toss the coleslaw mix with the dressing until all the vegetables are evenly coated. I like to let it sit for about 10-15 minutes in the fridge before assembling the wraps; this allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly, making it even more delicious.

Step 3: Assemble the Wraps

• Lay out Tortillas: Lay a large flour tortilla flat on a clean work surface.
• Add BBQ Chicken: Spoon a generous amount of the BBQ chicken mixture down the center of the tortilla, leaving some space around the edges. I usually aim for a strip about 2-3 inches wide.
• Top with Coleslaw: Next, spoon a hearty portion of the creamy coleslaw over the BBQ chicken. Don’t be shy; the slaw is a critical component of the flavor and texture!
• Add Optional Toppings: If you like, this is the time to add extra goodies like bread and butter pickle slices for an extra tangy crunch, or a few thin slices of jalapeño for a bit of heat.
• Fold and Roll: To assemble the wrap, first fold the short sides (left and right) of the tortilla inward over the filling. Then, starting from the bottom edge closest to you, tightly roll the tortilla upwards, tucking in the filling as you go, until you have a secure, cylinder-shaped wrap.

Step 4: Serve Immediately

• Enjoy! I like to slice my wraps in half diagonally before serving; it makes them easier to handle and showcases the colorful layers inside. These wraps are best enjoyed fresh, right after assembly, to prevent the tortilla from becoming soggy from the coleslaw.

Tips & Suggestions

These BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps are already fantastic, but with a few extra tips and tricks, you can elevate them even further or adapt them to fit your needs. I’ve learned a few things over time that I love to share!

• Chicken Prep Versatility: While rotisserie chicken is my go-to for speed, don’t limit yourself! You can use leftover grilled chicken, chicken cooked in a slow cooker until it’s fall-apart tender, or even Instant Pot shredded chicken. For an extra smoky flavor, grill your chicken breasts before shredding and tossing with BBQ sauce.
• Coleslaw Creations: The coleslaw is incredibly adaptable.
  • Fruity Crunch: For a different twist, try adding finely diced apple (Granny Smith works wonderfully for tartness) or a handful of dried cranberries to your slaw mix.
  • Nutty Texture: Toasted pecans or walnuts can add a lovely crunch and richness to the coleslaw.
  • Lighter Dressing: If you want to cut down on richness, swap out half the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt. It still offers creaminess but with a brighter, tangier profile.
  • Herbaceous Freshness: Beyond cilantro, finely chopped fresh parsley or chives can also add a nice lift to your coleslaw.
• Spice it Up: If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to your BBQ chicken mixture, or finely dice some jalapeños (remove seeds for less heat) and toss them into the coleslaw.
• Toasted Tortillas: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, lightly toast your tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side before assembling. This makes them a bit more pliable and adds a subtle roasted flavor.
• Beyond the Wrap: These ingredients are so versatile! If you’re looking for alternatives to a tortilla wrap, consider these:
  • Salad Bowls: Serve the BBQ chicken and coleslaw over a bed of mixed greens for a hearty, satisfying salad.
  • Lettuce Cups: For a low-carb option, use large, crisp lettuce leaves (like butter lettuce, romaine, or iceberg) as cups for the filling.
  • Sliders: Serve the BBQ chicken and coleslaw on small slider buns for mini sandwiches, perfect for parties.
  • Over Baked Potatoes: Spoon the BBQ chicken and coleslaw over a hot baked potato or sweet potato for a complete meal.
• Make-Ahead Magic: You can definitely prep the components ahead of time. Make the BBQ chicken mixture and the coleslaw dressing up to 2-3 days in advance. Keep them stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Dress the coleslaw mix about an hour before serving for the best texture.

Storage

Proper storage is key to enjoying your culinary creations, and with these BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps, it’s all about keeping the components separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain freshness and texture.

• Assembled Wraps: I strongly recommend eating these wraps fresh, immediately after assembly. The coleslaw dressing will start to seep into the tortilla, making it soggy and less enjoyable after a short time. If you absolutely must store an assembled wrap for a very short period (say, an hour or two), wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator. However, I truly believe they are at their best right when they’re made.
• BBQ Chicken Mixture:
  • Refrigeration: The cooked BBQ chicken mixture stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes it fantastic for meal prepping!
  • Freezing: If you’ve made a larger batch of BBQ chicken, it freezes very well. Transfer the cooled mixture to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, removing as much air as possible. It will keep in the freezer for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the BBQ chicken in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce if it seems dry, or microwave it in short bursts until heated through.
• Coleslaw Components:
  • Undressed Coleslaw Mix: The pre-shredded cabbage and carrot mix can be stored in its original bag or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
  • Coleslaw Dressing: The prepared coleslaw dressing can be stored separately in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
  • Dressed Coleslaw: Once the coleslaw mix is dressed, it’s best consumed within 1-2 days. After that, the cabbage will start to release a lot of water, and the slaw can become limp and watery. If you’re preparing for a crowd or anticipating leftovers, I always recommend keeping the dressing separate and only dressing the portion of coleslaw you plan to eat.

Final Thoughts

There you have it! I truly believe these Bbq Chicken Coleslaw Wraps are a must-try for anyone looking for a burst of flavor in a convenient package. The way the smoky, sweet BBQ chicken harmonizes with the cool, crisp, and tangy coleslaw is simply irresistible. It’s a perfect balance of textures and tastes, making each bite an absolute delight. Whether you’re whipping them up for a quick and satisfying lunch, a no-fuss dinner, or even a fun appetizer for friends, these Bbq Chicken Coleslaw Wraps are guaranteed to impress with their deliciousness and ease. I can’t wait for you to experience this fantastic combination – I’m confident they’ll become a new favorite in your kitchen!