
By Amelia
We reach for these bbq chicken wraps on busy days when we want something fast, fresh, and full of flavor. Smoky, saucy shredded chicken paired with a cool, crunchy coleslaw and rolled up in a soft tortilla, they come together in minutes and never disappoint. That is real food for real life, quick to make, easy to love, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or a packed meal on the go.
What makes these bbq chicken wraps so good is the contrast. Warm, tangy bbq chicken meets a creamy, crisp slaw for the perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite. With just a handful of simple ingredients and no cooking required if you use ready cooked chicken, this is the kind of easy recipe you will come back to again and again.
Smoky bbq chicken and cool, crunchy coleslaw rolled up in a soft tortilla, ready in minutes.
Why You Will Love These BBQ Chicken Wraps
- They come together fast. These bbq chicken wraps take just minutes to assemble, especially with ready cooked chicken.
- That perfect contrast. Warm, saucy chicken meets cool, crunchy slaw for a delicious mix of textures.
- They are meal prep friendly. Prep the components ahead for quick lunches and easy weeknight dinners.
- They are endlessly customizable. Adjust the sauce, the slaw, and the toppings to suit your taste.
- They please a crowd. Smoky bbq flavor makes them a hit with kids and adults alike.
What Makes These BBQ Chicken Wraps So Good
The star of these wraps is the bbq chicken. Tossing tender shredded chicken with a good bbq sauce coats every piece in smoky, tangy flavor, and using ready cooked or rotisserie chicken makes it a true time saver. A good quality sauce really lets the chicken shine, so reach for one you love.
The coleslaw is the cool, crunchy co-star. A simple mix of crisp slaw, mayonnaise, a splash of apple cider vinegar, and a little sugar creates a creamy, tangy bite that balances the richness of the bbq chicken. If you want to read about the side that inspired it, you can learn more about coleslaw and its many variations.
Wrapped up together in a soft flour tortilla, the warm chicken and crisp slaw make every bbq chicken wrap satisfying and fresh at once. A drizzle of extra bbq sauce or a sprinkle of fresh herbs is all it takes to make these bbq chicken wraps feel a little extra special.
Optional Pro Tip: Warm the Tortillas
For bbq chicken wraps that roll up neatly and never crack, warm the tortillas first. A quick 30 to 60 seconds in a dry skillet makes them soft and pliable, so they fold around the filling without tearing. Cold tortillas tend to split, letting all that good filling escape.
Once warm, roll the wraps tightly. Fold in the sides over the filling, then roll snugly from the bottom to keep everything secure. Slicing each wrap in half makes them easier to hold and shows off the colorful layers inside.
Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Wraps
- Use a good bbq sauce. The sauce carries the flavor, so choose one you really enjoy.
- Reach for ready cooked chicken. Rotisserie or leftover chicken makes these wraps come together in minutes.
- Taste the slaw. Adjust the vinegar, sugar, and salt so the coleslaw is bright and balanced.
- Warm the tortillas. A quick warm-up keeps them pliable and prevents tearing.
- Do not overfill. A generous but not overflowing scoop rolls up much more easily.
- Roll them tight. Fold the sides in and roll snugly so the filling stays put.
- Dress the slaw fresh. Toss the slaw with dressing close to serving so it stays crisp.
- Add a drizzle. A little extra bbq sauce on top adds a final burst of flavor.
Variations and Add Ins
This recipe is easy to make your own. Here are a few simple ways to put a spin on these bbq chicken wraps.
- Add heat. Stir a splash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeno into the slaw for a spicy kick.
- Make it creamier. Swap some of the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy slaw.
- Add avocado. Tuck in a few slices of avocado for a creamy, fresh layer.
- Add cheese. A sprinkle of shredded cheese melts nicely against the warm chicken.
- Sweet touch. Toss diced apple or a few raisins into the slaw for a sweet crunch.
- Switch the sauce. Try a smoky chipotle or tangy honey mustard bbq sauce.
- Brighter slaw. Use purple cabbage for extra color and crunch.
- Different wraps. Use whole wheat or spinach tortillas, or large lettuce leaves for a lighter option.
How to Store and Make Ahead
These bbq chicken wraps are wonderful for meal prep. For the best results, store the components separately. Toss the shredded chicken with bbq sauce and keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days, and prepare the slaw mix without the dressing so the vegetables stay crisp.
When you are ready to eat, dress the slaw, warm the tortillas, and assemble. Coleslaw tends to soften and release liquid if it sits dressed for too long, so dressing it close to serving keeps everything fresh. Assembled bbq chicken wraps can be stored in the refrigerator for a short time, but they are at their crisp, fresh best right after rolling.
Serving Suggestions for BBQ Chicken Wraps
These bbq chicken wraps are a meal on their own, but they shine even brighter with a few simple sides. For a classic cookout feel, pair them with crispy sweet potato fries or potato wedges and a tall glass of iced tea.
They are also perfect for packed lunches and casual gatherings. Set out the components and let everyone build their own wrap, or slice them up and serve them on a platter for an easy crowd pleasing spread.
- With fries. Serve with sweet potato fries or potato wedges.
- With a salad. Pair with a fresh green salad or grilled corn.
- For lunch. Pack one for a sturdy, satisfying midday meal.
- For a party. Slice and serve on a platter for a crowd.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, and it is a wonderful time saver. Just shred the cooked chicken and toss it with bbq sauce before assembling.
Why are my wraps falling apart?
The tortillas may be too cold or the wraps overfilled. Warm the tortillas and use a moderate amount of filling so they roll tightly.
Can I make these bbq chicken wraps ahead?
Yes. Prepare the bbq chicken and the undressed slaw ahead, then dress, warm, and assemble just before serving for the freshest texture.
How do I keep the slaw from getting watery?
Dress the slaw close to serving. The salt, sugar, and vinegar slowly draw moisture from the vegetables, so fresh dressing keeps it crisp.
What bbq sauce should I use?
Use any bbq sauce you love, from classic smoky to tangy or sweet. The sauce really shapes the flavor of the wrap.
Can I make them gluten free?
Yes. Use gluten free tortillas or large lettuce leaves, and check that your bbq sauce is labeled gluten free.
Can I serve them warm or cold?
Both work. Warming the chicken slightly before assembling adds cozy flavor, while a cold wrap is refreshing and great for lunches.
How many do these make?
The recipe makes a batch of hearty wraps, and you can easily scale it up or down based on how many you are feeding.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Absolutely. Bell peppers, shredded carrots, or fresh herbs all add color, crunch, and freshness to the wraps.
What can I serve on the side?
Sweet potato fries, a green salad, grilled corn, or iced tea all round out these bbq chicken wraps beautifully.
A Quick Meal You Will Make Again
Between the smoky bbq chicken and the cool, crunchy slaw, these bbq chicken wraps hit all the right notes for an easy, satisfying meal. They are fast, fresh, and endlessly adaptable, the kind of recipe that makes busy days a little more delicious.
If you love a good handheld meal, try pairing them with another favorite like our Mediterranean chicken wraps for a fun wrap night. However you serve them, we hope these wraps make mealtime easy and enjoyable.
Results vary by ingredients, equipment, and cooking conditions. Always taste and adjust as you go.
Bbq Chicken Wraps
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce. Stir until the chicken is well coated.
- In another bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- If desired, stir the chopped cilantro and sliced green onions into the coleslaw.
- Lay a flour tortilla on a flat surface. Add BBQ chicken followed by a generous scoop of coleslaw.
- Fold in the sides and roll the tortilla tightly to enclose the filling.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Cut each wrap in half for easier serving.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate briefly until ready to serve.
Nutrition
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