BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps

Name: BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.); 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (Choose your favorite smokey flavor.); 4 large flour tortillas (Also consider whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas.); 2 cups coleslaw mix (Pre-packaged mix saves time.); 1/4 cup mayonnaise (Adjust to taste.); 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (Add a touch of tang.); 1 tablespoon sugar (Balances the tanginess.); to taste Salt and pepper (Enhances overall flavor.); 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (Adds freshness.); 1/4 cup sliced green onions (Gives an extra punch of flavor.)

Posted on January 21, 2026

Delicious BBQ chicken wraps served with fresh coleslaw

Chicken Recipes

Easy BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps: Your New Favorite Comfort Food

Imagine a cozy evening after a long day, the comforting aroma of BBQ wafting through your kitchen, and the promise of a delicious meal waiting just for you. That’s the scene that unfolds every time I whip up these BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps. Honestly, I can’t remember exactly when I stumbled upon this magical combination, but it quickly became a staple in our household. Sometimes it takes just one easy weeknight dinner recipe to reignite your love for cooking, and this one did the trick for me.

I’ll never forget the first time I tried making these wraps. I had just gotten off work, feeling exhausted and slightly frazzled—arriving home to a mountain of laundry and an empty fridge. Somehow, I had managed to grab a rotisserie chicken on my way home, and that’s when the gears started turning in my head. Little did I know this was the beginning of a heartfelt love affair with BBQ chicken and the crunchy goodness of coleslaw.

As I mixed that sad little bag of pre-shredded coleslaw with BBQ sauce, mayonnaise, and a touch of vinegar, the chaos of my day melted away. My kitchen transformed into a haven, filled with the light and brightness of summer evenings, even if it was the middle of winter. These wraps felt like hugging a warm blanket on a cold day—each bite bursting with juicy flavors and crunchy textures, making all my culinary mishaps and “oops” moments worthwhile.

Now, don’t get me wrong—this recipe isn’t just food on a plate. It’s a story, a connection to cozy nights in with my favorite rom-coms playing in the background, and a round of giggles with friends. That’s what makes these BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps so special: it’s not just a meal; it’s comfort food that wraps you in warmth, nostalgia, and a hint of adventure.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Weeknight Dinners: Seriously, if you’re juggling a busy schedule, this recipe won’t add another thing to worry about. You can whip it up in under 30 minutes—now that’s a win!
Healthy Comfort Food: You can easily check the boxes for both delicious and nutritious. The shredded chicken adds protein, while coleslaw brings some good crunch.
Budget-Friendly Recipes: Using pre-cooked chicken and simple ingredients keeps your wallet happy, proving that a delightful meal doesn’t have to break the bank.
Quick Family Meals: It’s a hit with both kids and adults. The flavors meld together, which means even picky eaters might just give in (I mean, who can say no to BBQ?).
Meal Prep Winner: Make a big batch on Sunday, and they’ll be ready to grab and go for lunches or quick dinners during the week—a lifesaver for busy lives!
Feels Like a Hug in a Bowl: Honestly, every bite provides that familiar warmth and joy—perfect for those nights when you just need something comforting but not heavy.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

What puts a spin on these wraps, you ask? It’s not just the tantalizing marriage of BBQ sauce and coleslaw; it’s the love and creativity that go into making them your own. You can get adventurous with those flavors—mixing in fresh herbs like cilantro or a bit of sliced green onion makes all the difference. Memories surge back of nights spent chatting over these wraps, the smiles shared around the table while the world outside churned on.

Also, can we talk about how versatile these wraps are? Swap the chicken for pulled jackfruit if you’re feeling plant-based or throw in some crunchy veggies to amp up the textures. There’s room for improvisation, which I totally adore. It’s about creating an experience not just a meal; food should feed your heart just as much as your stomach.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
4 large flour tortillas
2 cups coleslaw mix
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Optional: 1/4 cup sliced green onions

Let’s break this down a bit, shall we?

The shredded chicken is the hero of this meal—a star that could shine by itself, but the addition of BBQ sauce elevates it into something absolutely divine. I usually lean towards a smokier sauce, but feel free to choose your favorite!

Flour tortillas—always a good choice—provide a soft and chewy vessel for all those delicious ingredients, making it easier to fold and devour.

Now, we can’t forget the coleslaw mix! I love the crunch of cabbage, and let’s be honest, the pre-packaged mixes save a boatload of time. That crunch gives these wraps a fresh, lively texture.

Now for the magic mix: mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar create a simple dressing that ties it all together beautifully. There’s a little sweet, a touch of tang, and a creamy element that turns this whole dish into a flavor explosion.

As for those optional goodies—oh boy—adding a bit of chopped fresh cilantro and green onions? That’s the cherry on top, my friend. These could add layers of flavor that elevate your wraps from mundane to magical.

Pro tip: Don’t skip the salt and pepper—it really rounds out all those flavors! And remember, if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some spice for kick—think jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you want a little heat.

There’s always space for experimentation, but please, for the love of tacos, don’t drown the coleslaw in mayo. Trust me on this one; balance is key!

How to Make It Step-by-Step

Are you ready? Let’s jump into the deliciousness! Get your apron on (or don’t; I won’t judge), and let’s transform our ingredients into something gorgeous.

First things first, grab your cooked chicken breast. I sometimes shred my chicken with my trusty hands—messy yet effective. But if you want to look all chef-y, using two forks works like a charm too. Toss the chicken into a medium bowl.

Next is the combo of BBQ sauce. Honestly, there’s something incredibly satisfying about glopping that sauce all over the chicken and stirring it together until everything is coated. The aroma starts to fill the kitchen, and I swear, my stomach begins to growl with anticipation.

While you’re mixing away, let’s tackle the coleslaw. In another bowl, dump your coleslaw mix. Next, plop in the mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar—now is the moment when science meets food magic. Sprinkle in the sugar, salt, and pepper. The colors are vibrant, crunch is dancing around, and all we need to do now is stir, stir, stir until all those ingredients are well combined.

If you’re feeling fancy (and why not), you can add in that optional cilantro and green onions to truly take this to the next level. It smells incredible!

Now comes the fun part! Take a flour tortilla and lay it out on a flat surface. Here’s my tip: don’t try wrapping it like an expert right off the bat; it takes practice! A generous portion of BBQ chicken should go right in the center, followed by a heap of that creamy coleslaw. I like to pile it on; more is more, right?

Once you’ve got your fillings in there, fold the sides over, tucking them in as you roll from the bottom up, enclosing that delicious filling completely. It may look messy at first, but hey, beautiful food doesn’t have to be perfect!

After you’ve repeated this process with the remaining tortillas, don’t forget the final touch—slice each wrap in half. It’s easier to handle, and let’s face it, it also looks super cute on a plate.

Now for the serving! You can enjoy these wraps right away, which is always the best option. However, if you’re prepping ahead of time, feel free to wrap them up and store them in the fridge for a short period. I’ve made these for friends and wrapped them in foil—it keeps them warm for a bit longer and adds a charming touch to your presentation.

Tips for Best Results

Here are a few simple tricks to ensure your BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps turn out spectacularly:

Quality Ingredients: Invest in a good-quality BBQ sauce that you love. It makes a world of difference.
Don’t Skip the Dressing: The coleslaw dressing is essential for bringing the flavors together. Adjust the sweetness and tang based on your taste.
Experiment with Wraps: Flour tortillas are delicious, but don’t be shy to try whole wheat, spinach, or even gluten-free options if that’s your jam.
Keep It Fresh: Adding the coleslaw at the last possible moment keeps it crunchy and fresh. You definitely don’t want soggy wraps.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

Now, if you’re in a pinch or just trying to mix things up, here are some easy swaps to give your wraps a unique twist:

Chicken Alternatives: Swap shredded chicken for shredded pork or even a can of seasoned black beans for a meatless option.
Vegan or Vegetarian: Use shredded jackfruit in place of chicken for a delightful texture and keep the mayo dressing entirely plant-based.
Seasonal Veggies: Try adding shredded carrots or diced bell peppers to the coleslaw mix based on what’s in season or what you enjoy.
Flavored Tortillas: Experiment with flavored tortillas—tomato basil, garlic herb, or spicy varieties can bring a whole new layer of taste.

Directions

In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken with BBQ sauce. Stir until the chicken is well coated.
In a separate bowl, prepare the coleslaw by mixing coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Optional: Add chopped cilantro and sliced green onions to the coleslaw and stir to incorporate.
Lay out a flour tortilla on a flat surface. Place a portion of the BBQ chicken mixture in the center, followed by a generous scoop of the coleslaw.
Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll tightly from the bottom to enclose the filling completely.
Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Once all wraps are assembled, cut each in half for easier handling and serving.
Serve immediately for the best texture, but wraps can be stored in the refrigerator for a short time if preparing in advance.

Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)

These wraps are yummy on their own, but a crispy cucumber salad or a chilled glass of lemonade makes a delightful companion! If you’re a smoothie lover, a mango or berry smoothie pairs wonderfully too.

And not to forget dessert! Anything chocolatey and rich will counterbalance the savory BBQ flavors, so whip up some chocolate chip cookies or a slice of apple pie. Trust me; these wraps and a rom-com are perfection!

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which might be a long shot because they’re so good), store the wraps in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep in mind that while they still taste great, the texture isn’t quite as fresh after a day. Just be sure to eat them within two days.

To reheat, you can pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up, but I suggest using an oven or air fryer for that delicious crispiness to return. Wrap them in foil and place them in the preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Ahh, the warmth and gooey goodness waiting for you!

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

Planning ahead? You can prep the BBQ chicken and coleslaw a day in advance, which keeps things simple. Just assemble the wraps when you’re ready to eat. If you want to freeze them, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. When it’s time for a quick meal, thaw them in the fridge overnight, then reheat as mentioned above.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Soggy Fillings: Don’t add too much sauce to the chicken or coleslaw; a little goes a long way.
Overstuffing the Wraps: This can lead to messy “oopses” while trying to fold them. Stick to a hearty portion, not a mountain!
Not Preparing Ahead: Take my advice, if you’re running short on time, placing non-messy and prepped ingredients can save you confusion and chaos.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use raw chicken?
You can, but it’ll add significantly to your cooking time! Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to go quickly.

How do I keep the coleslaw from getting mushy?
Store it separately from the wraps and mix in just before filling. Freshness is key!

Can I use a different type of sauce?
Absolutely! This is a versatile recipe—experiment with ranch or a yogurt-based sauce if you prefer.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! Most kids love BBQ flavors, and making wraps can be a fun activity to engage them in the kitchen.

Final Thoughts

Every bite of these BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps brings me back to those cozy nights filled with laughter, warmth, and a pinch of nostalgia. They encapsulate everything I love about cooking: the happy accidents, the memories forged, and the joy of sharing meals with those I love.

I invite you to explore this recipe, make it your own, and weave it into your own family traditions. Whether you’re trying it for the first time or revisiting it as an old friend, it’s sure to bring a smile. If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend! Happy cooking!