Summer beach dinner ideas are flavorful, portable meals perfect for lazy summer evenings. BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps combine tender barbecue chicken, creamy, tangy coleslaw, and a soft flour tortilla for a satisfying bite. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is ideal for quick meals or manageable meal prep.
My love for bold Southern barbecue flavors led me to create these wraps, inspired by the smoky and sweet balance I’ve perfected over the years during trips across the South.
Table of Contents
- Why Are BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps So Popular?
- What Ingredients Do You Need for BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps?
- How Do You Make BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps Step by Step?
- Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps
- Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Serving Suggestions and Pairings
- The History and Origin of This Recipe
- Expert Tips for Making This Wrap
Why Are BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps So Popular?
BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps are loved for their balance of textures and flavors, quick preparation, and versatility. They combine smoky barbecue chicken, crunchy coleslaw, and soft tortillas in a satisfying meal.
- Perfect for hot days, as they require minimal cooking.
- Ideal for meal prep or grab-and-go lunches.
- Customizable with spices, sauces, or herbs.
- Kid-friendly and easy to adapt for picky eaters.
The combination of creamy coleslaw and smoky barbecue chicken creates a bold yet refreshing bite, making these wraps unforgettable.
What Ingredients Do You Need for BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps?
BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps require simple ingredients for bold flavors. You’ll need shredded chicken, barbecue sauce, fresh vegetables, and tortillas.
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1/2 cup grated carrots
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
The barbecue sauce ties the flavors together with a smoky sweetness, while apple cider vinegar elevates the coleslaw with a crisp, tangy profile.
How Do You Make BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps Step by Step?
Making BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps is easy and involves mixing, warming, and assembling. You’ll have a delicious meal in minutes!
Step 1 — Mix the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce until evenly coated. Set aside.
Step 2 — Prepare the Coleslaw
In a separate bowl, mix together the green cabbage, purple cabbage, and grated carrots.
Step 3 — Make the Dressing
Whisk the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until fully coated.

Step 4 — Warm the Tortillas
Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for flexibility during assembly.
Step 5 — Assemble the Wraps
Place a scoop of barbecue chicken in the center of each tortilla. Top with coleslaw and a sprinkle of cilantro, if desired.
Step 6 — Fold and Roll
Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it tightly to secure the filling.
Step 7 — Serve
Serve the wraps immediately or wrap them in parchment paper for portable meals.
Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps
Can I use store-bought coleslaw?
Yes, store-bought coleslaw can save time. Just make sure it’s freshly prepared for optimal flavor.
How long do BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps stay fresh?
They stay fresh for up to 2 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
Can I make these wraps gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free tortillas to adapt this recipe for gluten-free diets.
What’s the best barbecue sauce for this recipe?
Choose a flavorful, smoky barbecue sauce with balanced sweetness and tanginess for the best results.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and adds convenience to the recipe.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Avoid soggy wraps by draining excess dressing from the coleslaw before assembly. Warm tortillas gently to prevent cracking.
Overfilling can cause wraps to fall apart; keep portions manageable for easy rolling.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Pair BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps with baked sweet potato fries or fresh fruit salad for a balanced summer meal.
Serve alongside iced tea or lemonade to complement the smoky and tangy flavors.
For a heartier option, pair with our honey BBQ chicken rice that or a side of black bean salsa.
The History and Origin of This Recipe
Southern barbecue traditions inspired the flavors in BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps. Tangy coleslaw is a classic pairing with smoky meats, found at barbecue joints across the South.
Tortilla wraps emerged as portable street food, combining global influences for convenience and versatility. This dish reflects both traditions beautifully.
Expert Tips for Making This Wrap
Shred chicken finely for even coating with barbecue sauce. A uniform texture improves each bite.
Chill coleslaw for 10 minutes before assembly to keep wraps crisp and cool.
Warm tortillas in a damp towel to prevent them from drying out and cracking.
For added smokiness, try grilling or lightly charring the chicken before shredding.
BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Skillet
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 2 cup cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 cup shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1/2 cup grated carrots
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce until evenly coated. Set aside.
- In another bowl, prepare the coleslaw by combining the green cabbage, purple cabbage, and grated carrots.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until fully coated.
- Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave to make them more pliable.
- To assemble the wraps, place a generous scoop of the barbecue chicken in the center of each tortilla.
- Top the chicken with a scoop of coleslaw. If desired, add a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
- Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it up tightly to form a wrap.
- Serve immediately or wrap each in parchment paper for an easy grab-and-go meal.
Notes

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