Oh my gosh, let me tell you about my latest lunch obsession - BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps! I stumbled onto this combo one lazy Sunday when I had leftover grilled chicken and a half-empty bag of coleslaw mix staring at me from the fridge. Fifteen minutes later? Magic happened. The sweet smokiness of BBQ sauce, the crunch of coleslaw, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla - it's like summer picnic vibes in every bite.
What I love most is how ridiculously easy these wraps are. No cooking required (unless you count shredding chicken), minimal cleanup, and totally customizable based on what's in your fridge. They're perfect for quick lunches, picnics, or those nights when you just can't deal with turning on the oven. Plus, kids go crazy for them - mine always asks for seconds!
Why You'll Love BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps
- No-cook magic: Seriously, the hardest part is shredding the chicken (and even that's optional if you grab a rotisserie bird!).
- Flavor fireworks: Sweet BBQ + tangy coleslaw + creamy avocado (if you're fancy) = a party in your mouth.
- Weeknight hero: From fridge to table in 15 minutes flat-even faster than takeout.
- Kid-approved: My picky eater devours these, especially when I let her add extra cheese.
- Endlessly adaptable: Swap in Greek yogurt for mayo, add jalapeños for heat, or go gluten-free with lettuce wraps.
- Picnic perfection: These travel like a dream-just wrap 'em tight in parchment paper.
Trust me, once you try these, you'll be making them on repeat all summer long. They're that good.
Ingredients You'll Need
- For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (I swear by Sweet Baby Ray's, but use your fave)
- 2 cups coleslaw mix (the pre-shredded kind saves so much time)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt if you're feeling healthy)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (trust me, it makes the slaw pop)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don't skip-it balances the sweetness)
- For Assembly:
- 4 large flour tortillas (warm them slightly for extra pliability)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional but SO good)
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced (because everything's better with avocado)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (omit if you're dairy-free)
See? Nothing fancy-just pantry staples and a few fresh bits. Pro tip: Double the chicken mixture if you want leftovers for tomorrow's lunch. You'll thank yourself later!
Step-by-Step Instructions for BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps
Okay, let's get wrapping! I promise this is so easy you could do it half-asleep (not that I've ever done that... ahem). Here's exactly how I put these beauties together:
Mixing the BBQ Chicken
- Grab a big bowl and toss in your shredded chicken. Pro tip: If your chicken's a little dry, sprinkle a teaspoon of water over it first-makes the BBQ sauce cling better.
- Pour that glorious BBQ sauce over the chicken. Use a rubber spatula to fold it all together until every single shred is coated. You want it saucy but not swimming-think "perfectly dressed salad" vibes.
Preparing the Coleslaw
- In a separate bowl (trust me, mixing separately is key!), combine the coleslaw mix, mayo, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir gently-you want everything coated but not mushy. Taste it! Need more tang? Add another splash of vinegar. Too sharp? A pinch of sugar balances it out.
Assembling the Wraps
- Lay out your tortillas. Microwave them for 10 seconds if they're stiff-warm tortillas won't crack when rolling.
- Divide the BBQ chicken evenly down the center of each tortilla, leaving about 2 inches at the edges. Top with coleslaw-don't skimp! The crunch is everything.
- Add your extras: cilantro for freshness, avocado for creaminess, cheese for... well, because cheese.
- Fold the sides in first, then roll from the bottom up tightly (like a burrito). If it's messy, no worries-that's what parchment paper is for! Just wrap it up like a little present.
See? Told you it was easy. Now try not to eat all four wraps in one sitting-though I won't judge if you do!
Variations for BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps
Oh, the fun part-making these wraps your own! Here are my favorite ways to mix things up:
- Lighter twist: Swap mayo for Greek yogurt in the coleslaw-still creamy but with extra protein.
- Spicy kick: Toss in diced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha to the BBQ chicken. Warning: addictive!
- Crunch factor: Add crushed tortilla chips or sunflower seeds for extra texture.
- Low-carb love: Use butter lettuce leaves instead of tortillas-so refreshing!
- Southern style: Mix a spoonful of pickle juice into the coleslaw. Sounds weird, tastes amazing.
The best part? No matter how you tweak them, they'll still come together in minutes. Play around and find your perfect combo!
Serving and Storage Tips
These wraps are best served fresh-that crispy coleslaw and warm tortilla combo is everything! But if you're packing them for lunch (smart move), here's how to keep 'em perfect:
- On-the-go packing: Wrap each one tightly in parchment paper, then foil or a reusable bag. The paper keeps the tortilla from getting soggy.
- Fridge storage: Store assembled wraps in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The coleslaw will soften a bit, but still tasty!
- Meal prep hack: Keep the chicken mixture and coleslaw separate in the fridge for up to 3 days-assemble wraps fresh each day.
- No reheating needed: They're meant to be eaten cold or room temp-perfect for summer picnics!
Pro tip: If your avocado tends to brown, add it right before eating or squeeze a little lime juice over the slices first. Happy wrapping!
Helpful Notes for Perfect BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps
Okay, let me share my hard-earned wrap wisdom so yours turn out flawless every time:
- Soggy wrap SOS: If your coleslaw seems extra juicy, let it drain in a colander for 5 minutes before assembling. Nobody wants a drippy wrap!
- Tortilla truth: Stale tortillas crack-always check the date. Warming them slightly makes rolling way easier.
- Chicken shortcuts: No time to cook? Grab a rotisserie chicken! Just remove the skin and shred-it's juicier than breast anyway.
- Diet-friendly tweaks: Use sugar-free BBQ sauce for lower carbs, dairy-free cheese alternatives work great, and gluten-free tortillas hold up surprisingly well.
- Texture tip: If your slaw mix seems too fine, chop up some extra cabbage for bigger crunch.
Remember-even if your first wrap looks messy (mine always do!), it'll still taste incredible. Practice makes perfect!
Frequently Asked Questions
I get asked about these wraps ALL the time-here are the answers to the biggies:
- Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! That's my go-to shortcut. Just skip the skin and shred the meat-it's juicier than plain breast anyway. - How do I make these gluten-free?
Easy peasy-use your favorite GF tortillas or swap in large lettuce leaves. Just check your BBQ sauce label too! - Will the coleslaw make the wrap soggy?
Not if you assemble right before eating! For meal prep, keep components separate and combine when ready. - Can I freeze these?
Honestly? I wouldn't-the coleslaw gets weirdly watery when thawed. Better to freeze just the BBQ chicken mixture. - What's the best BBQ sauce for this?
Pick one you love! I prefer sweet-smoky styles, but spicy or honey-based sauces work great too.
Got more questions? Drop 'em in the comments-I'm happy to troubleshoot your wrap adventures!
Final Thoughts
Honestly, these BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps are my no-brainer meal for busy days-they never disappoint! The combo of smoky, tangy, and crunchy is just *chef's kiss*. Give them a try this week, play with the ingredients, and make them your own. I bet they'll become your new go-to lunch too. Happy wrapping, friends!

BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps
Equipment
- mixing bowls
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 2 cups coleslaw mix pre-packaged or homemade
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly
- 4 large flour tortillas
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro optional
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced optional
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese optional
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until well coated.
- In another bowl, combine coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Lay out the tortillas and divide the BBQ chicken evenly among them.
- Top with coleslaw mixture, cilantro, avocado slices, and cheese if using.
- Roll up the tortillas tightly and serve.






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