When the weather heats up and you want a meal that’s light, fresh, and packed with flavor, BBQ chicken coleslaw wraps are your best friend. This recipe offers a quick twist on a classic picnic favorite, combining smoky barbecue chicken with crunchy, creamy coleslaw wrapped in soft tortillas. It’s a perfect grab-and-go meal for summer lunches or casual dinners.
This version simplifies the process by using pre-cooked chicken and a no-mayo coleslaw dressing, making it lighter and faster to prepare. Whether you're packing a lunch for work or hosting an outdoor gathering, these wraps deliver on taste and ease.
What makes these BBQ chicken coleslaw wraps especially easy is the minimal cooking involved. You can whip them up in under 30 minutes, and the combination of flavors means everyone will keep coming back for more. Plus, they’re ideal for customizing with your favorite toppings or sauces.
Keep reading to discover why you’ll love this recipe, the ingredients needed, and some handy tips to make the best BBQ chicken coleslaw wraps for your next summer meal.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between convenience, flavor, and nutrition. Here’s why it’s a winner:
- Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy days
- Uses simple, fresh ingredients that you can find anywhere
- Combines tangy BBQ chicken with crisp, refreshing coleslaw
- Customizable with your favorite wraps and toppings
- Great for picnics, lunches, or light dinners
Ingredients
Gather these easy-to-find ingredients to make your BBQ chicken coleslaw wraps. You can prep most of this ahead of time too.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/3 cup barbecue sauce (your preferred style)
- 3 cups coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 large flour tortillas or wraps
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)
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If you prefer, you can swap the Greek yogurt for mayonnaise or a vegan alternative, and use corn or whole wheat tortillas instead of flour wraps. For the chicken, rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken works great.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 wraps
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
How to Make BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps Picnic Perfection
Follow these simple steps to assemble your wraps quickly and easily.
- In a medium bowl, toss the shredded chicken with barbecue sauce until fully coated and set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper to create a light coleslaw dressing.
- Add the coleslaw mix to the dressing and toss until all the veggies are well coated and slightly softened.
- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side or until pliable and lightly toasted.
- To assemble, spread a generous layer of BBQ chicken down the center of each tortilla, then top with a scoop of the creamy coleslaw and sprinkle with chopped cilantro if using.
- Fold the sides over and roll tightly to form wraps.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing over the top, or wrap them up for an outdoor picnic.
You’ll know these wraps are perfectly done when the chicken is evenly coated with the tangy barbecue sauce, and the coleslaw is creamy but still crunchy. The tortillas should be warm and soft, holding everything together without tearing.
Tips for the Best Results
Here are some tips to ensure your BBQ chicken coleslaw wraps turn out fantastic every time.
- Use warm tortillas to prevent cracking and make wrapping easier.
- For extra flavor, grill the chicken before shredding if you have time.
- Adjust the honey in the coleslaw dressing to balance the tanginess based on your taste.
- Let the coleslaw sit for 5 minutes after mixing to soften slightly without losing crunch.
- Wrap tightly and secure with parchment paper for easy transport if packing for a picnic.
Serving Suggestions
These wraps pair wonderfully with a side of fresh fruit or crunchy veggie sticks like celery or cucumber for a light, balanced meal. A cold glass of iced tea or lemonade complements the smoky and tangy flavors perfectly.
They’re ideal for casual summer dinners, quick lunches, backyard barbecues, or on-the-go meals during outdoor adventures. Their portability and fresh taste make them a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store the wraps in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the tortillas from getting soggy, you can store the chicken and coleslaw separately and assemble just before eating.
Reheat the chicken separately in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm, then add fresh coleslaw and wrap. Avoid microwaving the assembled wrap to maintain the crisp texture of the coleslaw.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these wraps ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and coleslaw in advance and store them separately. Assemble the wraps just before serving to keep the tortillas from getting soggy.
What kind of barbecue sauce works best?
Use your favorite barbecue sauce, whether it’s sweet, smoky, or spicy. Adjust the quantity to suit your preferred flavor intensity.
Can I use other types of wraps?
Absolutely! Flour tortillas work best for their softness, but corn, whole wheat, or gluten-free wraps are great alternatives based on your dietary needs.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s a great option for meal prep since the components store well separately. Just combine them when you’re ready to eat for a fresh, tasty meal.
Give these quick BBQ chicken coleslaw wraps a try for your next summer meal. They’re easy to make, delicious, and guaranteed to become a favorite for picnics and busy days alike.