BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps: The Ultimate Quick Meal for Busy Families
If you’re searching for a recipe that blends convenience, bold flavor, and family-friendly appeal, look no further than BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps. These wraps are everything a weeknight meal should be: fast, satisfying, customizable, and made with ingredients most home cooks already have in the refrigerator. Whether you’re packing lunchboxes, prepping dinner after a long day, or planning a casual weekend gathering, these wraps deliver smoky, sweet barbecue flavor paired with crispy, refreshing coleslaw wrapped inside a soft tortilla — and the whole thing comes together in minutes.
This recipe is a lifesaver for parents, meal-preppers, and anyone who loves a delicious handheld meal. With minimal cooking, simple prep, and maximum taste, BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps have become a go-to in many homes, and today you’ll learn exactly how to make them FoodieMoms-style: approachable, flavorful, and perfect for real life.
Why BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps Are So Popular
There’s a reason wraps continue to dominate weeknight menus: they’re portable, versatile, budget-friendly, and universally loved. When you combine shredded or chopped chicken with a rich BBQ sauce and cool, crunchy coleslaw, you end up with a flavor pairing that’s both nostalgic and fun. The warm savory chicken contrasts beautifully with the chilled slaw, creating the perfect bite every time.
Even better, these wraps can be made with leftover rotisserie chicken, freshly grilled chicken breasts, or even meal-prepped shredded chicken that you’ve stored for the week. No matter what method you choose, the result tastes like something you bought at a gourmet deli — at a fraction of the cost.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps is the short and simple ingredient list. Every item is easy to find, flexible, and customizable based on what your family prefers.
For the Chicken
- Cooked shredded or chopped chicken (rotisserie works perfectly)
- Your favorite BBQ sauce (sweet, smoky, spicy — your choice)
- A splash of honey or apple cider vinegar for added flavor (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Coleslaw
- Shredded cabbage mix (pre-bagged coleslaw mix saves time!)
- Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- Vinegar or lemon juice
- A pinch of sugar
- Salt and pepper
- Optional add-ins: shredded carrots, minced red onion, chopped cilantro
For the Wraps
- Soft flour tortillas (8-inch or burrito size)
- Optional fillings: sliced avocado, pickles, shredded cheese, jalapeños, fresh herbs
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these wraps is simple enough that even new cooks feel confident. Here’s how to bring everything together:
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start with cooked chicken — this can be fresh, leftover, or store-bought rotisserie. Chop or shred it into bite-sized pieces. Warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, then stir in generous spoonfuls of BBQ sauce. You want the chicken well-coated but not soupy. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar if you prefer tangy barbecue flavor.
2. Mix the Coleslaw
In a medium bowl, combine the coleslaw mix with mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice, a pinch of sugar, and salt and pepper to balance the flavors. The slaw should be cool, creamy, and lightly dressed — not overly wet.
3. Warm the Tortillas
Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15–20 seconds. Warming them prevents tearing and makes rolling much easier.
4. Assemble the Wraps
Lay a tortilla flat. Spoon a line of BBQ chicken down the center. Add a layer of cool coleslaw on top. If desired, add avocado slices, shredded cheese, or extra herbs. Fold in the sides, roll tightly from the bottom up, and slice in half for serving.
5. Serve Immediately
These wraps are best enjoyed fresh, when the chicken is warm and the slaw is crisp. Serve with chips, fruit, potato salad, or roasted veggies.
Flavor Variations
One of the reasons BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps have gone viral on social media is how endlessly adaptable they are. Try these variations to keep things exciting:
• Spicy Southwest Style
Add jalapeños, chipotle BBQ sauce, and pepper jack cheese.
• Hawaiian BBQ Wrap
Include pineapple tidbits and a sweeter BBQ sauce.
• Ranch BBQ Chicken Wrap
Mix ranch dressing into the slaw for a creamy twist.
• Low-Carb / Keto Version
Use a low-carb tortilla or wrap the filling inside large lettuce leaves.
• Vegan / Vegetarian Adaptation
Use shredded jackfruit or crispy tofu with vegan BBQ sauce and slaw.
Tips for the Best Wraps
1. Don’t Overfill
This is the #1 mistake — too much filling leads to tears and leaks. Use just enough chicken and slaw for a snug, secure roll.
2. Use Good BBQ Sauce
Since the sauce is the star flavor, choose one with depth: smoky, tangy, or sweet depending on your preference.
3. Keep Ingredients Balanced
The slaw should be cool and crisp, balancing the warm, saucy chicken.
4. Meal Prep Friendly
Store chicken and slaw separately. Assemble wraps when ready to eat so they don’t get soggy.
5. Grill the Wrap
For restaurant-style crispness, pan-grill the wrap on both sides for 1–2 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps pair wonderfully with:
- Sweet potato fries
- Corn on the cob
- Fresh fruit salad
- Pickles or dill spear
- Roasted vegetables
- Simple green salad
These wraps also make excellent lunchbox meals when left uncut and tightly wrapped in foil.
Why This Recipe Works
This dish succeeds because it brings together opposing textures and temperatures — a signature FoodieMoms balance. Warm + cool, creamy + crunchy, sweet + smoky. It also uses versatile, family-friendly ingredients, making it suitable for picky eaters, busy parents, and healthy eaters alike. It looks beautiful, tastes amazing, and takes no culinary expertise to master.
BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Warm shredded chicken in a skillet over medium heat and stir in BBQ sauce until fully coated.
- In a bowl, mix coleslaw ingredients until well combined.
- Warm tortillas in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to soften.
- Layer BBQ chicken down the center of each tortilla.
- Top with a generous scoop of coleslaw and optional avocado slices.
- Fold and roll each tortilla tightly into a wrap. Slice and serve immediately.
