BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps are a flavorful, satisfying meal that combines the smoky sweetness of barbecue chicken with the fresh crunch of creamy coleslaw, all wrapped in a soft tortilla. Perfect for busy weeknights, outdoor picnics, or casual lunches, these wraps are as convenient as they are delicious. They bring together bold, comforting flavors with refreshing textures, making them a hit for both adults and kids alike. Whether you’re using leftover chicken or cooking from scratch, this dish is flexible, easy to prepare, and great for meal prep. You can make them ahead, wrap them tightly, and enjoy them on the go. With endless options for customization, these wraps cater to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. In just one bite, you get smoky BBQ flavor, creamy slaw, and soft, chewy tortilla — a truly satisfying combination that’s hard to resist.

WHAT MAKES THIS WRAP UNIQUE?

What sets BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps apart is the perfect balance of bold and fresh. The smoky, sweet BBQ chicken provides a rich, hearty base, while the coleslaw adds cool crunch and tanginess. Unlike standard wraps, this combination delivers a satisfying texture contrast and a flavor pairing that’s both comforting and vibrant. Plus, it’s endlessly versatile — you can make it spicy, low-carb, or dairy-free with simple swaps. It’s also a great way to use leftovers creatively, making it ideal for quick meals without sacrificing flavor.

INGREDIENTS BREAKDOWN

To make BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps, you only need a few simple, flavorful ingredients. The main component is cooked chicken, which can be grilled, pulled, or shredded and tossed in your favorite BBQ sauce — whether smoky, sweet, or spicy. The coleslaw can be store-bought for convenience or made at home using shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy or vinegar-based dressing. Wrap it all up in a soft tortilla — choose from flour, whole wheat, spinach, or gluten-free based on your preference. Optional add-ins can include sliced avocado for creaminess, jalapeños for heat, shredded cheese for richness, or pickles for an extra tangy crunch. This recipe is highly adaptable, making it perfect for tailoring to your taste or dietary needs.

HOW TO MAKE BBQ CHICKEN

You can prepare BBQ chicken in several ways, depending on your time and what you have on hand. If using leftover chicken, simply shred it and toss it in warm BBQ sauce until fully coated. For a fresh option, grill boneless chicken breasts or thighs until cooked through and brush them with sauce during the last few minutes of cooking to avoid burning the sugars. For a hands-off method, slow cook chicken with BBQ sauce on low for 4–6 hours, then shred and mix. Instant Pot users can cook chicken with a little broth, then stir in BBQ sauce after pressure cooking. When choosing a sauce, smoky varieties pair well with creamy slaw, while spicy versions add a bold kick. Always taste and adjust the seasoning — a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of chili flakes can elevate the flavor. Let the chicken rest slightly before assembling to keep the wrap from getting soggy.

HOW TO MAKE THE PERFECT COLESLAW

A great coleslaw is the refreshing contrast to the smoky BBQ chicken in your wrap. Start with a mix of shredded cabbage and carrots — you can slice them by hand, use a mandoline, or buy a pre-shredded mix for convenience. For a creamy slaw, combine mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, a touch of honey or sugar, Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper to taste. Prefer a lighter version? Use a vinegar-based dressing with olive oil and lemon juice. To build flavor, let the slaw sit in the fridge for at least 15–30 minutes before using. This resting time allows the cabbage to soften slightly and the flavors to meld. Make sure the slaw isn’t too wet — drain any excess liquid before adding it to your wrap to avoid sogginess. You can prepare coleslaw a day in advance and store it in an airtight container to save time during busy weekdays.

ASSEMBLING THE WRAPS

Putting your BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wrap together is simple, but technique matters for the best results. Start by warming your tortilla — a few seconds in the microwave or on a skillet makes it pliable and prevents cracking. Lay the tortilla flat and add a layer of BBQ chicken first; this helps prevent the wrap from becoming soggy. Next, spoon on the coleslaw, being careful not to overfill. If you’re adding extras like avocado slices, shredded cheese, or jalapeños, layer them evenly across the filling. To wrap, fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it tightly from the bottom up, securing all ingredients inside. Use parchment or foil to hold it together if you’re packing it to go. For a crispier texture, grill the filled wrap briefly in a skillet or panini press. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later — just be sure to keep the wrap tightly sealed.

VARIATIONS & SUBSTITUTIONS

BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps are incredibly versatile, making them easy to customize based on your taste preferences or dietary needs. For a vegetarian or vegan option, try using shredded jackfruit, tofu, or tempeh tossed in your favorite BBQ sauce. Pulled pork is a great alternative to chicken for a richer, smokier flavor. If you’re looking to reduce carbs, swap the tortilla for large romaine or iceberg lettuce leaves, or use a low-carb wrap option. For extra spice, add sliced jalapeños, hot BBQ sauce, or a drizzle of chipotle mayo. You can also add a layer of creamy avocado, pickled onions, or even grilled corn for added texture and flavor. Cheese lovers can sprinkle in shredded cheddar or pepper jack, while those avoiding dairy can opt for vegan cheese or leave it out entirely. The beauty of this wrap lies in its adaptability, so feel free to get creative with ingredients.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps pair perfectly with a variety of sides and beverages. For a casual meal, serve them with sweet potato fries, corn on the cob, or a side of baked beans. If you’re hosting a summer gathering, turn the wraps into smaller pinwheels and serve them as part of a picnic platter with fresh fruit, chips, and a tangy dipping sauce. They also work great in lunchboxes or picnic baskets, wrapped tightly in foil or parchment paper. As for drinks, try pairing the wraps with iced tea, lemonade, or even a cold craft beer for a refreshing contrast to the smoky BBQ flavor. A light cucumber salad or coleslaw on the side can also balance out the richness of the wrap. These wraps are great for casual dinners, on-the-go lunches, or as part of a buffet-style meal.

MEAL PREP & STORAGE TIPS

BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps are an excellent option for meal prep, especially if you store the components separately until you’re ready to eat. Prepare the chicken and coleslaw ahead of time and refrigerate each in airtight containers for up to 4 days. To assemble in advance, layer the ingredients into the wrap but keep the slaw on the drier side to avoid sogginess. You can also wrap them tightly in foil or parchment and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. For lunches, pack them in a lunchbox with an ice pack to keep them cool. If you prefer warm wraps, store the BBQ chicken separately and reheat before assembling. Freezing is not recommended once the wrap is assembled, but you can freeze cooked BBQ chicken in portions for future meals. These wraps are ideal for batch cooking — make once, enjoy multiple times throughout the week.

HEALTH & NUTRITION FACTS

BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps can be a balanced and nutritious meal with a good mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. A typical wrap contains around 350–450 calories, depending on the type of tortilla, amount of sauce, and optional add-ins like cheese or avocado. Using grilled chicken and a light slaw dressing like Greek yogurt or vinegar-based versions can reduce calories and fat. Tortilla choice also plays a big role — whole wheat or low-carb options add fiber and lower carbs. Coleslaw provides vitamins A and C from the cabbage and carrots, while lean chicken offers a high protein content to keep you full. Watch out for sugar content in BBQ sauces — opt for low-sugar or homemade versions to keep it healthier. Overall, these wraps offer a great way to enjoy comfort food while staying on track with nutrition goals.

BBQ CHICKEN COLESLAW WRAPS FOR SPECIAL DIETS

These wraps can be easily modified to fit a variety of special dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free tortillas or wrap everything in sturdy lettuce leaves like romaine or butter lettuce. To make it dairy-free, skip the cheese and use a vinegar-based coleslaw or a dairy-free mayo alternative for the dressing. For a keto or low-carb version, choose low-carb tortillas or lettuce wraps, and opt for a sugar-free BBQ sauce. Vegans can substitute the chicken with jackfruit or tofu, and use vegan BBQ sauce and mayo for the slaw. If you’re aiming for a high-protein meal, load up on grilled chicken breast and add extras like quinoa or hemp seeds into the slaw for a boost. Whether you’re meal prepping for specific goals or accommodating dietary restrictions, this recipe is flexible and easy to adjust.

COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID

One common mistake is overfilling the wrap, which makes it difficult to roll and causes ingredients to spill out. Using too much sauce can lead to soggy wraps, so always drain excess liquid from both the chicken and slaw. Another pitfall is skipping the step of warming the tortilla, which can cause cracking and make wrapping harder. If assembling ahead, avoid combining the slaw and chicken too early — keep them separate until you’re ready to eat. Lastly, using store-bought slaw without adjusting the flavor might result in a bland wrap, so season everything well.

FAQs

Can I make BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best to store the chicken and coleslaw separately to prevent sogginess. Assemble the wrap shortly before serving or eating.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of BBQ chicken?
Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Simply shred it and toss with your favorite BBQ sauce to get the same flavor without extra cooking.

How do you keep wraps from getting soggy?
Drain the coleslaw well and avoid over-saucing the chicken. Also, placing the chicken on the tortilla first helps create a barrier before adding slaw.

Is coleslaw eaten cold or hot in these wraps?
Coleslaw is typically served cold or at room temperature in BBQ wraps. This contrast enhances the flavor and texture against warm or room-temp chicken.

What’s the best BBQ sauce for wraps?
That depends on your preference. A sweet and smoky sauce works great for balance, while a spicy sauce adds a nice kick. Avoid overly runny sauces to prevent mess.

Are these good for kids or picky eaters?
Yes. Kids often enjoy the mild, slightly sweet BBQ flavor. You can skip the slaw or use a milder version and customize with familiar ingredients like cheese or plain chicken.

BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps

Author: Hamza

Print Recipe

Description

These BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps are a quick, flavorful meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Smoky BBQ chicken pairs perfectly with creamy, tangy coleslaw, all wrapped in a soft tortilla for a satisfying bite. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Use leftover or rotisserie chicken to save time, or cook it fresh for even more flavor. Whether you’re making them for a backyard picnic or packing lunch for the week, these wraps deliver comfort and crunch in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

¼ cup (50 mL) apple cider vinegar

2 tbsp (30 mL) Smoky Barbecue Rub
2 tbsp (30 mL) brown sugar
1 tsp (5 mL) Dijon mustard

1 small red onion
1½ lbs. (700 g) chicken tenderloins
¼ head cabbage (8 oz./250 g)

1 medium carrot, peeled
1 medium Granny Smith apple
¼ cup (50 mL) light mayonnaise

1 tbsp (15 mL) lemon juice
½ tsp (2 mL) black pepper
8 10″ (25-cm) flour tortillas

Instructions

Combine all the marinade ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
Slice the onion into a medium mixing bowl. Add the chicken and 2 tbsp (30 mL) of the marinade and toss to coat.
Heat the Nonstick Double Burner Grill and Grill Press over medium heat for 3–5 minutes. Add the chicken to one side of the pan and the onion to the other side. Cover the chicken with the grill press and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning the chicken once and stirring the onions occasionally.

Meanwhile, slice the cabbage to measure 3 cups (750 mL). Grate the carrot and apple.
Add the cabbage, carrot, and apple to the remaining marinade and stir to coat. In a separate small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and pepper.
To assemble the wraps, spread 2 tsp (10 mL) of the mayonnaise mixture onto each tortilla and top with about 1/4 cup (50 mL) of the coleslaw and 1–2 chicken tenders.

Notes

Make it ahead: Store chicken and coleslaw separately and assemble wraps just before eating to keep them from getting soggy.
Protein options: Swap chicken for pulled pork, tofu, or jackfruit to suit your diet.
Spice level: Adjust the BBQ sauce or add sliced jalapeños for heat.

Wrap alternatives: Use lettuce leaves for a low-carb or gluten-free version.
Meal prep tip: These wraps store well unassembled for up to 4 days. Keep tortillas wrapped and ingredients in airtight containers.
Coleslaw tip: Let slaw sit for at least 15 minutes before using to blend the flavors and soften the cabbage.