Looking for a fun and tasty meal idea? Try these Tangy Barbecue Chicken Wraps with Coleslaw! You’ll love how simple they are to make. With juicy chicken, zesty barbecue sauce, and fresh coleslaw, these wraps are perfect for lunch or dinner. Plus, I’ll share tips to customize them just for you. Let’s dive into the deliciousness that awaits!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Combination: The tangy barbecue chicken paired with crunchy coleslaw creates a delightful flavor contrast.
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite toppings like jalapeños or avocado for extra flavor and texture.
- Healthy Option: Using whole wheat tortillas and fresh vegetables makes this wrap a nutritious meal choice.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite variety)
- 4 large whole wheat tortillas
- 1 cup green cabbage, finely shredded
- 1/2 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, avocado slices
Ingredient Substitutions
- For barbecue sauce, you can use a homemade version or a low-sugar option.
- If you want a lighter touch, try Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
- For a gluten-free choice, look for corn or rice tortillas at the store.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Chicken Preparation
Start by mixing the shredded chicken with your favorite barbecue sauce. Use a medium bowl for this. Stir well until the chicken is fully coated in the sauce. This step adds rich flavor to your wrap.
For shredding chicken, use two forks. Hold one fork in each hand. Pull the chicken apart in opposite directions. This method makes shredding easy. You can also use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time.
Coleslaw Preparation
Next, prepare the coleslaw. In a separate bowl, combine the finely shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, and grated carrot. These veggies add crunch and color.
For the dressing, mix mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey in another bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together well. The dressing should coat the veggies nicely.
Assembling the Wraps
Now it’s time to assemble the wraps. Heat the tortillas slightly in a pan or microwave. This makes them easier to fold.
Place a generous amount of the barbecue chicken in the center of each tortilla. Top it with a handful of coleslaw. You can add optional toppings like sliced jalapeños or avocado for extra flavor.
Fold in the sides of the tortilla. Then roll it tightly from the bottom to the top. This secures the filling inside the wrap.
Serving Suggestions
When serving, slice each wrap in half diagonally. This makes them easy to eat and looks nice on the plate.
For a complete meal, pair the wraps with sides like potato chips or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with extra barbecue sauce for dipping. Enjoy your delicious wraps!
Tips & Tricks
Enhancing Flavor
To make your Tangy Barbecue Chicken Wraps pop, try different barbecue sauces. Each sauce brings unique tastes. You might enjoy a smoky sauce or a sweet one. Experiment with spicy sauces for a kick too.
For your coleslaw, add spices for extra flavor. A pinch of celery salt or black pepper can make a big difference. You can also add a hint of paprika for warmth. These small changes can elevate your dish.
Ensuring the Perfect Wrap
To create a tight roll, don’t overfill your tortilla. Use just enough chicken and coleslaw to keep it manageable. Tuck in the sides before rolling to hold everything in place.
Prevent soggy wraps by heating your tortillas slightly before filling. This keeps them from absorbing too much moisture. You can warm them in a pan or microwave for a few seconds.
Quick Prep and Cleanup
Using pre-cooked chicken saves time. You can buy rotisserie chicken to simplify your prep. Just shred it, mix it with your sauce, and you are ready to go.
For chopping, use a sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board. Cut cabbage and carrots into small pieces. This makes mixing easier and helps with even flavor distribution. Clean up is a breeze with fewer dishes too.
Pro Tips
- Choose Quality Barbecue Sauce: Select a barbecue sauce that matches your taste preference; whether smoky, sweet, or spicy, it significantly enhances the flavor of the chicken.
- Crunchy Coleslaw: For extra crunch, add some sliced radishes or bell peppers to your coleslaw mix, making it even more refreshing.
- Warm Tortillas: Warming the tortillas before wrapping helps prevent them from tearing and makes them easier to roll.
- Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to incorporate other ingredients like grilled corn or black beans for added texture and flavor in your wraps.
Variations
Vegetarian Options
You can make tasty wraps without chicken. Use lentils or chickpeas instead. Cook lentils until soft, then mix them with barbecue sauce. For chickpeas, mash them slightly before adding sauce. This gives you a hearty and flavorful wrap.
BBQ Chicken Wraps with Different Veggies
You can spice up your wraps by adding veggies. Try bell peppers for crunch. Slice them thin and toss them in with the chicken. Corn is another great choice. It adds a sweet flavor. You can also use different greens, like spinach or arugula, for a fresh twist.
Flavor Infusions
Want to add more flavor? Try adding fruits like pineapple. It brings a sweet and tangy taste that pairs well with barbecue. You can also experiment with different sauces. Try spicy sauces or even a mango salsa for a fun kick. Mix and match to find your favorite flavor!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Tangy Barbecue Chicken Wraps fresh, wrap each one in plastic wrap. This helps seal in moisture and flavor. You can also store them in an airtight container. Place a damp paper towel in the container to prevent drying. Store in the fridge for up to three days.
Reheating Instructions
When you want to enjoy your leftovers, use these methods for the best results. You can microwave the wraps for about 30 to 45 seconds. Wrap them in a damp paper towel to help keep them soft. Another option is to heat them in a skillet over medium heat. This method helps maintain their crispness. Cook for about two minutes on each side until warmed through.
Freezing Options
If you want to save wraps for later, freezing is a great choice. Wrap each assembled wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze these wraps for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
What types of barbecue sauce work best?
You can choose from sweet, tangy, or spicy sauces. Sweet sauces often have brown sugar or honey. They add a nice glaze and a touch of sweetness to your chicken. Tangy sauces usually include vinegar or mustard. They give your dish a bright flavor that cuts through the richness. Spicy sauces add heat with peppers or hot sauce. They can make your wraps exciting and bold. For this recipe, I love a tangy sauce. It complements the coleslaw well.
Can I prepare the wraps in advance?
Yes, you can make wraps ahead of time. To keep them fresh, wrap each one tightly in plastic. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. If you want, you can prep the chicken and coleslaw a day before. Just mix them right before serving. This saves time when you're ready to eat. If you want a quick meal, it's a great choice.
How do I customize my coleslaw?
You can change up your coleslaw with fun add-ins. Try mixing in sliced apples or raisins for sweetness. Chopped nuts can add crunch and flavor. Different dressings can also change the taste. You might try a vinaigrette for a lighter option. Or, switch the mayo for yogurt for a tangy twist. The key is to find what you enjoy.
This blog post covered how to make delicious BBQ chicken wraps. You learned about the key ingredients like chicken, barbecue sauce, and coleslaw. We explored ingredient swaps and unique variations, plus tips for perfecting your wrap. Whether you're prepping for a meal or storing leftovers, there’s a method for you. Remember, these wraps are versatile and easy. Go ahead, experiment, and enjoy the flavors. Happy wrapping!