BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps: Prepare to revolutionize your lunch game! Forget sad desk salads and boring sandwiches. We’re talking about a flavor explosion wrapped in a soft, pliable tortilla – a symphony of smoky, tangy, and crunchy textures that will have your taste buds singing. These aren’t just wraps; they’re a culinary adventure.

While the exact origins of combining BBQ chicken and coleslaw are a bit hazy, the pairing itself is a testament to American ingenuity. BBQ, deeply rooted in Southern tradition, offers a rich, smoky sweetness. Coleslaw, with its creamy or vinegar-based dressing, provides a refreshing counterpoint. Marrying the two in a wrap is a modern twist, perfect for on-the-go lifestyles.

What makes BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance. The tender, flavorful BBQ chicken, often pulled or shredded, is the star. The coleslaw adds a delightful crunch and a cool, creamy tang that cuts through the richness of the BBQ sauce. And the wrap? It’s the perfect vessel, holding everything together in a neat, portable package. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile! Use leftover BBQ chicken, pre-made coleslaw, and your favorite tortillas for a quick and easy meal. Or, get creative and experiment with different BBQ sauces and coleslaw variations. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the BBQ Chicken:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (I prefer a smoky-sweet variety!)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• For the Coleslaw:
• 1/2 head green cabbage, shredded
• 1/4 head red cabbage, shredded
• 1 large carrot, shredded
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Wraps:
• 8 large flour tortillas (10-12 inch)
• Optional: Shredded cheddar cheese, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions for garnish

Preparing the BBQ Chicken:

1. First, let’s get that chicken ready! Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. This is our dry rub that will give the chicken a fantastic flavor base.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts, making sure they’re evenly coated. Don’t be shy! Get in there and really massage it in.
4. Now, you have a couple of options for cooking the chicken. You can grill it, bake it, or even use a slow cooker. I’ll give you instructions for both grilling and baking.

Grilling Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grates are clean to prevent sticking.
2. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure! Overcooked chicken is dry chicken, and nobody wants that.
3. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

Baking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish. I like to lightly grease the dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Again, a meat thermometer is your best friend here.
4. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes.

5. While the chicken is resting, grab your favorite BBQ sauce. I’m using a smoky-sweet one today, but feel free to experiment!
6. Shred the chicken using two forks. This is the easiest way to get nice, even shreds.
7. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Make sure every piece of chicken is slathered in that delicious BBQ goodness!

Preparing the Coleslaw:

1. Now, let’s move on to the coleslaw. This is what will give our wraps that cool, crunchy contrast to the BBQ chicken.
2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, shredded red cabbage, and shredded carrot. You can buy pre-shredded cabbage mixes to save time, but I find that freshly shredded cabbage tastes best.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, celery seed, salt, and pepper. This is our coleslaw dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat evenly. Don’t overdress the coleslaw, you want it to be coated, not swimming in dressing.
5. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more honey for sweetness, or a little more vinegar for tang. It’s all about personal preference!
6. Cover the coleslaw and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This also helps the cabbage soften slightly. You can even make the coleslaw a day ahead of time.

Assembling the BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps:

1. Time to put it all together! Warm the tortillas according to package directions. This makes them more pliable and less likely to tear. You can warm them in a microwave, on a skillet, or even in the oven.
2. Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface.
3. Spoon a generous amount of BBQ chicken onto the center of the tortilla. Don’t overfill it, or it will be difficult to wrap.
4. Top the chicken with a generous amount of coleslaw. This is where the magic happens! The cool, crunchy coleslaw perfectly complements the warm, savory BBQ chicken.
5. Optional: Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions for extra flavor and visual appeal. I love the added sharpness of the cheddar and the fresh flavors of the cilantro and green onions.
6. Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up tightly from the bottom. Think of it like wrapping a burrito.
7. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, chicken, and coleslaw.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy! These wraps are best enjoyed fresh, but you can also wrap them individually in plastic wrap and refrigerate them for later.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce or coleslaw dressing for a little heat.
• Add some crunch: Sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips or crispy fried onions on top of the coleslaw for extra crunch.
• Use different protein: Substitute the chicken with pulled pork or shredded beef for a different flavor profile.
• Make it vegetarian: Use grilled halloumi cheese or black beans instead of chicken.
• Low-carb option: Use large lettuce leaves instead of tortillas for a low-carb version.
• Different coleslaw dressing: Try a creamy ranch dressing or a vinaigrette-based dressing for a different flavor.
• Add fruit: Add some diced pineapple or mango to the coleslaw for a tropical twist.

Make Ahead Tips:

• The BBQ chicken can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat before assembling the wraps.
• The coleslaw can be made up to 1 day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
• Do not assemble the wraps until you are ready to serve them, as the tortillas will become soggy.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve these BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps with a side of sweet potato fries, corn on the cob, or a simple green salad.
• They’re perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick and easy weeknight meal.
• These wraps are also great for lunchboxes! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to keep them fresh.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per wrap):

• Calories: 500-600
• Protein: 30-40g
• Fat: 20-30g
• Carbohydrates: 40-50g

Enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps! I hope you love them as much as I do!

Conclusion:

This BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wrap recipe isn’t just another lunch option; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! The tangy coleslaw perfectly complements the smoky sweetness of the barbecue chicken, all nestled in a convenient and satisfying wrap. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe because it’s quick, easy, and incredibly delicious – a trifecta that’s hard to beat, especially when you’re craving something flavorful but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different types of barbecue sauce to find your perfect match. A spicy chipotle BBQ sauce will add a kick, while a honey BBQ sauce will enhance the sweetness. You can also swap out the chicken for pulled pork or even grilled tofu for a vegetarian option. The possibilities are endless!

For serving suggestions, these wraps are fantastic on their own for a light lunch or snack. However, they also pair beautifully with a side of sweet potato fries, a crisp green salad, or even some corn on the cob for a more substantial meal. If you’re planning a picnic or potluck, these wraps are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to transport and require no utensils, making them the perfect grab-and-go option.

And don’t forget about the coleslaw! While I’ve provided a basic recipe, you can easily customize it to your liking. Add some chopped apples or cranberries for a touch of sweetness, or throw in some toasted pecans or walnuts for added crunch. A squeeze of lime juice can also brighten up the flavor and add a zesty twist.

This BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wrap is truly a game-changer. It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures, and it’s so easy to make that you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. I’ve made it countless times, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill (or use pre-cooked chicken – no judgment!), and get ready to experience the deliciousness of these wraps. I’m confident that you’ll love them as much as I do.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve had a chance to make these BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What kind of barbecue sauce did you use? What were your favorite toppings? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to create even better recipes in the future. Happy wrapping! I can’t wait to see what culinary creations you come up with! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to answer them. Enjoy!