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Did you know that most of home cooks spend over 45 minutes preparing dinner, yet crave meals that take half that time without sacrificing flavor? Enter BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps – the game-changing recipe that delivers restaurant-quality taste in just 20 minutes. These protein-packed wraps combine smoky barbecue chicken with crisp, tangy coleslaw, creating a satisfying meal that challenges the notion that quick cooking means compromising on nutrition or taste.

Ingredients List

Transform your kitchen into a flavor powerhouse with these carefully selected ingredients for your BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps:

For the BBQ Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or rotisserie chicken for time-saving)
• ½ cup high-quality BBQ sauce, divided
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Coleslaw:

• 3 cups pre-shredded cabbage mix (or 2 cups green cabbage + 1 cup purple cabbage, finely shredded)
• 1 large carrot, julienned
• ¼ cup mayonnaise (Greek yogurt works as a lighter substitute)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ½ teaspoon celery seed

For Assembly:

• 4 large flour tortillas (whole wheat or spinach tortillas for added nutrition)
• 1 cup fresh lettuce leaves
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Timing

This recipe delivers maximum flavor in minimal time – just 20 total minutes, which is more than half of faster than traditional barbecue chicken preparations. Break it down as follows:

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes
• Assembly time: 5 minutes

Perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast without compromising on taste or nutrition.

Step 1: Prepare the Coleslaw Base

Begin by whisking together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and celery seed in a large mixing bowl. This tangy-sweet dressing creates the perfect flavor foundation. Add the shredded cabbage and julienned carrots, tossing until every strand is beautifully coated. Let this mixture rest while you prepare the chicken – the flavors will meld beautifully.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

Pat chicken breasts dry and season generously with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. The key is achieving that perfect golden-brown exterior while maintaining juicy tenderness inside.

Step 3: Create the BBQ Magic

Remove cooked chicken from heat and let rest for 2 minutes before slicing into thin strips. Toss immediately with ¼ cup BBQ sauce while the chicken is still warm – this ensures maximum flavor absorption. Reserve the remaining sauce for serving.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

Heat tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side or wrap in damp paper towels and microwave for 20 seconds. Warm tortillas are more pliable and enhance the overall eating experience.

Step 5: Assemble Your Masterpiece

Lay each tortilla flat and create a flavor symphony: spread a thin layer of remaining BBQ sauce, add fresh lettuce leaves, pile on the tangy coleslaw, top with sliced BBQ chicken, red onion, and fresh cilantro. Roll tightly, tucking in the sides for a professional presentation.

Nutritional Information

Each BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wrap provides approximately:

• Calories: 385
• Protein: 28g (more than half of daily value)
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 890mg
• Vitamin C: 45mg (more than half of daily value from cabbage)

These wraps deliver an excellent protein-to-calorie ratio, making them ideal for active individuals and families seeking balanced nutrition.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Reduce Calories by nearly some of :

• Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise in the coleslaw
• Use whole wheat or cauliflower tortillas
• Choose sugar-free BBQ sauce

Boost Nutrition:

• Add shredded Brussels sprouts to the coleslaw mix
• Include diced bell peppers for extra vitamin C
• Use organic, free-range chicken

Accommodate Dietary Restrictions:

• Gluten-free: Use corn tortillas or lettuce wraps
• Dairy-free: Ensure BBQ sauce contains no dairy
• Low-carb: Serve in large lettuce leaves instead of tortillas

Serving Suggestions

Transform your BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps into a complete dining experience:

Perfect Pairings:

• Serve with baked sweet potato fries for added fiber
• Pair with fresh corn salad for a summer barbecue theme
• Add pickle spears for extra tang and crunch

Presentation Ideas:

• Cut wraps diagonally and secure with colorful toothpicks
• Serve on wooden boards with small bowls of extra BBQ sauce
• Garnish plates with lime wedges and fresh herbs

Make It a Party:

• Set up a wrap bar with various toppings
• Offer different BBQ sauce varieties for customization
• Include options for different wrap styles and sizes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Soggy Wrap Syndrome: Don’t overdress the coleslaw or use too much sauce. Excess moisture makes tortillas soggy within minutes.

Overcooked Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F. Overcooked chicken becomes dry and tough, compromising the entire wrap experience.

Poor Rolling Technique: Don’t overfill wraps. Use approximately ¾ cup of filling per tortilla for optimal rolling and eating experience.

Temperature Mismatch: Serve warm chicken with cool coleslaw for the best textural contrast. Room temperature chicken loses its appeal quickly.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Meal Prep Success:

• Store cooked chicken and coleslaw separately in refrigerator for up to 3 days
• Keep tortillas in original packaging until ready to assemble
• Prepare coleslaw up to 24 hours ahead – flavors actually improve overnight

Leftover Management:

• Assembled wraps stay fresh for 4-6 hours when wrapped tightly in plastic
• Store extra BBQ sauce in refrigerator for up to 1 week
• Freeze cooked, seasoned chicken for up to 3 months

Freshness Hacks:

• Add a paper towel to coleslaw container to absorb excess moisture
• Warm tortillas just before serving for best texture
• Keep ingredients chilled until assembly time

BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps prove that exceptional flavor doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. This 20-minute recipe delivers restaurant-quality results while providing balanced nutrition for your busy lifestyle. The combination of smoky barbecue chicken and crisp, tangy coleslaw creates a satisfying meal that works for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.

Ready to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine? Try these wraps tonight and discover why they’re becoming a favorite among home cooks who refuse to compromise on taste or health. Share your creations on social media and tag us – we love seeing your delicious variations!

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken reduces prep time to just 10 minutes. Simply shred the chicken, warm it with BBQ sauce, and proceed with assembly.

How far ahead can I make the coleslaw?
Coleslaw actually improves when made 2-24 hours ahead. The flavors meld beautifully, and the vegetables maintain their crunch when properly stored.

What’s the best way to prevent wraps from falling apart?
Use room temperature tortillas, don’t overfill (¾ cup filling maximum), and roll tightly while tucking in the sides. Secure with toothpicks if needed.

Can these wraps be frozen?
We don’t recommend freezing assembled wraps due to texture changes in the coleslaw. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months.

What BBQ sauce works best for this recipe?
Choose a thick, smoky BBQ sauce with balanced sweetness. Avoid thin, vinegar-based sauces that may make the wraps soggy.