As the sun begins to set and the enticing aromas of grilled food start to fill the air, I can’t help but think of summer nights spent with friends and family. That’s when I first created these BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps—a quick and delightful dish that perfectly marries savory and crunchy in every bite. With smoky, tender chicken coated in rich BBQ sauce paired with a refreshingly creamy coleslaw, this recipe is a feast for the senses.
Whether it’s for a casual dinner on a busy weeknight or a fun backyard gathering, these wraps come together in just 30 minutes, ensuring you spend more time enjoying your meal than preparing it. Plus, with the flexibility to adapt the ingredients to your taste—think pulled pork or even tofu for a meat-free option—you can truly make these wraps your own. Dive into these BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps and enjoy a casual feast that’s loaded with flavor!
Why Will You Love BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps?
Simplicity: This recipe requires minimal effort, letting you whip up dinner in just 30 minutes.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of smoky chicken with tangy BBQ sauce and crisp coleslaw creates a taste that’s both rich and refreshing.
Customizable: Feel free to swap ingredients—try pulled pork or tofu, or add jalapeños for a spicy kick!
Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for gatherings or family meals, it caters to various preferences, ensuring everyone is satisfied.
Healthy Option: Each wrap is balanced, providing protein while keeping it light and fresh—ideal for those warm summer nights!
BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps Ingredients
For the Chicken
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – Tender and juicy, these are the backbone of your BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps.
- BBQ Sauce – Choose your favorite brand for a sweet and tangy kick; homemade adds a personal touch.
- Olive Oil – Keeps the chicken moist while cooking; vegetable oil is a fine substitute if needed.
- Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning; always adjust to taste for the best flavor.
For the Coleslaw
- Coleslaw Mix – Provides the perfect crunch; fresh shredded cabbage and carrots will give a lovely texture.
- Additional Dressing – A splash of extra BBQ sauce or a creamy dressing works wonders for flavor; feel free to get creative!
For Serving
- Tortillas – The soft, warm vessel for wrapping up all the deliciousness; both flour and corn tortillas work great here.
These BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps are not only easy to make but also completely customizable, so you can experiment with ingredients to fit your taste. Enjoy!
How to Make BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps
-
Season Chicken: Generously season your boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper to enhance flavor. This step is crucial for bringing out the best taste in your chicken!
-
Heat Oil: Warm olive oil in a grill pan over medium heat. Let the oil shimmer for about a minute; this ensures a perfect sear on your chicken.
-
Sear Chicken: Cook the seasoned chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat!
-
Add BBQ Sauce: Brush the cooked chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce. Allow it to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing those scrumptious flavors to soak in.
-
Prepare Coleslaw: In a large bowl, toss the coleslaw mix with a bit more BBQ sauce or a dressing of your choice until every piece is well coated. This adds a delightful creaminess and tang!
-
Assemble Wraps: Slice your flavorful chicken into strips. Place them onto warm tortillas, generously add the coleslaw mixture, and roll tightly to enclose all that goodness.
-
Serve: Enjoy your BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps immediately for the best flavors, or wrap them up for a delicious meal later on!
Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced jalapeños for an extra flavor boost.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps
-
Room Temperature: It’s best to enjoy BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps immediately after assembly to savor their freshness; any leftovers should not be left out for more than 2 hours.
-
Fridge: Store any leftover wraps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If possible, keep the coleslaw separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain crunchiness.
-
Freezer: If you need to freeze wraps, assemble them without coleslaw and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
-
Reheating: To reheat, microwave the wraps for 30-60 seconds. For best results, reheat chicken separately and then reassemble with fresh coleslaw. Enjoy maximum flavor from your BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps!
Expert Tips for BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps
-
Check Temperature: Always ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety. Invest in a meat thermometer for accuracy.
-
Rest Your Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking; this helps the juices redistribute, keeping your BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps moist.
-
Avoid Sogginess: Keep your coleslaw separate from the chicken until serving; this prevents the tortillas from getting soggy and maintains their integrity.
-
Tortilla Options: Experiment with different tortillas—corn for gluten-free or whole wheat for a healthier twist. Choose what you love most!
-
Adding Crunch: Consider adding toasted nuts or seeds to your coleslaw for an unexpected crunch that complements the BBQ Chicken perfectly.
BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps Variations
Customize your BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps to fit your taste and imagination for an even more delightful experience!
-
Gluten-Free: Swap regular tortillas with gluten-free versions made from corn or brown rice for a safe alternative.
-
Pulled Pork: Replace chicken with tender pulled pork, perfectly paired with your favorite BBQ sauce for an indulgent twist.
-
Vegan: Use smoky, marinated tofu in place of chicken, and dress your coleslaw with a dairy-free sauce for a hearty plant-based option.
-
Extra Crunch: Add slivered almonds or toasted sunflower seeds to the coleslaw for a delightful crunch that elevates every bite.
-
Spicy Kick: Toss in sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to bring a fiery heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
-
Fruity Flair: Incorporate shredded apples or pineapple chunks into your coleslaw for a sweet, fruity surprise that will brighten your wraps.
-
Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs, like cilantro or mint, to your coleslaw for an aromatic lift, bringing a fresh taste to each wrap.
-
BBQ Sauce Variations: Experiment with different BBQ sauces—think spicy chipotle or tangy mustard BBQ—for unique flavor profiles that suit your mood!
What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps?
As you enjoy these flavor-packed wraps, consider these delightful companions to create a well-rounded meal.
-
Baked Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they add a hint of sweetness and a perfect crunch that pairs wonderfully with the savory wraps.
-
Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits such as watermelon, berries, and mint provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the BBQ chicken.
-
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled, the buttery sweetness of corn complements the smoky flavors of the wraps, evoking summer picnics and cookouts.
-
Greek Yogurt Dip: Smooth, tangy, and cool, a yogurt dip—perhaps seasoned with herbs—serves as a delightful contrast to the bold flavors of the wraps. Perfect for dipping!
-
Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil offers a satisfying yet refreshing side that balances the heaviness of the chicken.
-
Iced Lemonade: The bright and zesty flavors of iced lemonade add a refreshing kick, enhancing the overall summer vibe of your meal.
-
Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips paired with fresh salsa provide an easy, shareable side that mirrors the heartiness of the wraps without overshadowing them.
-
Coleslaw Variations: Try different coleslaw flavors or add-ins—like pineapple or nuts—for an extra layer of texture and taste, enriching the overall experience.
Enjoy crafting the perfect meal around your BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps and indulge in the delightful variety!
Make Ahead Options
These BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps are a fantastic time-saver for busy weeknights! You can prepare the chicken up to 24 hours in advance by seasoning and cooking it, then storing it in an airtight container in the fridge to keep each piece moist and flavorful. The coleslaw can also be mixed up to 3 days ahead; just keep it refrigerated and separate from the tortillas until you’re ready to serve. To maintain that delightful crunch, combine the coleslaw mix with the dressing only right before assembling the wraps. When ready to enjoy, simply slice the cold chicken, warm the tortillas, and wrap everything together for a delicious meal that’s just as good as when freshly made!
BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken should I use for BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal because they cook quickly and remain tender. You can also use thighs for a juicier option or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a shortcut!
How should I store leftovers from BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps?
Leftover wraps can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To retain the coleslaw’s crunch, I recommend keeping it separate and adding it right before you’re ready to eat.
Can I freeze BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps?
Yes! To freeze, assemble the wraps without coleslaw and place them in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in foil. They can be stored for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.
What should I do if my chicken is overcooked?
If you find your chicken is a bit dry, don’t worry! You can slice it and toss it back in a pan with a little BBQ sauce over low heat. This will help moisten it and add delicious flavor back into the chicken.
Are there any dietary considerations for BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps?
Very! For a gluten-free option, use corn tortillas instead of flour. Additionally, if you’re cooking for someone with allergies, it’s best to double-check the BBQ sauce ingredients, as some brands may contain allergens like soy or nuts. Always read the labels for safe cooking!
What can I substitute for the coleslaw mix if I want something different?
You can definitely customize your coleslaw! Try using shredded kale or apple slaw for a unique twist. Alternatively, you can whip up a quick homemade version using shredded cabbage, carrots, and a splash of your favorite dressing for that crunchy texture!
BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps: Your New Favorite Summer Meal
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season Chicken: Generously season your boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Heat Oil: Warm olive oil in a grill pan over medium heat.
- Sear Chicken: Cook the seasoned chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Add BBQ Sauce: Brush the cooked chicken with BBQ sauce and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Prepare Coleslaw: Toss coleslaw mix with extra BBQ sauce or dressing in a large bowl.
- Assemble Wraps: Slice chicken into strips, place onto tortillas with coleslaw, and roll tightly.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately or wrap for later.