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BBQ chicken coleslaw wraps are my answer to busy weeknights when I crave something both hearty and fresh The smoky tangy chicken combined with cool crunchy coleslaw all bundled in a soft tortilla makes for a meal everyone wants seconds of These wraps come together quickly are full of flavor and always deliver big on satisfaction whether served at a casual dinner or packed up for a picnic
When I first threw these together with leftover rotisserie chicken I was simply trying to clean out my fridge Now my family happily requests them for quick dinners or backyard gatherings They never last more than a few minutes on the table
Gather Your Ingredients
- Cooked chicken: about two cups shredded Leftover rotisserie chicken adds unbeatable depth and convenience
- BBQ sauce: one cup Use your favorite brand or a homemade version for a personal touch Look for sauces with clean ingredients and a balance of sweet and tang
- Large tortillas: four Choose flour for softness or corn for a toasty bite Warm before using for flexibility
- Green cabbage: two cups finely shredded Crisp and fresh cabbage is key for crunch Seek vibrant and firm heads
- Carrots: one cup grated Adds natural sweetness and color Opt for firm carrots without splits
- Apple cider vinegar: one tablespoon Lends a tangy kick Choose unfiltered for added depth
- Salt and pepper: to taste These season your coleslaw and bring all the flavors together Always taste as you go
- Diced bell peppers: one cup For an extra pop of color and crunch Go for brightly colored firm peppers
- Hot sauce: one teaspoon Optional for heat but it perks up the entire dish Use your go-to favorite
How to Make It
- Prepare the BBQ Chicken:
- Shred cooked chicken finely Toss it with BBQ sauce in a skillet over medium heat Let it simmer about 3 to 4 minutes until well heated and the sauce coats every piece This soaks the chicken in smoky tangy flavor
- Make the Coleslaw:
- Mix shredded cabbage and grated carrots in a large bowl Whisk mayonnaise apple cider vinegar salt and pepper in a smaller bowl Pour dressing over veggies tossing gently until everything is coated The mix should look creamy but never soupy
- Warm and Prep Tortillas:
- Heat each tortilla in a dry skillet for about one minute per side This softens them making them easier to roll and less likely to break Set aside covered with a towel to keep them warm
- Assemble the Wraps:
- Place a warmed tortilla on a flat surface Spoon a generous amount of BBQ chicken onto the center Top with a handful of creamy coleslaw Scatter diced bell peppers for a boost of texture and flavor If you like a little heat drizzle on some hot sauce
- Fold and Roll:
- Fold in the sides of the tortilla Bring the bottom edge up and over the filling Roll tightly upwards tucking the filling in as you go Slice in half for a neat presentation if desired Serve immediately with extra BBQ sauce or your favorite dip
Green cabbage is my favorite ingredient in these wraps It brightens up every bite and stays crisp even when made ahead My kids love helping me mix the slaw and claim these wraps taste even better when we picnic together in the backyard
Flavor Boosters
Wrap leftovers tightly in foil or parchment and place in an airtight container Refrigerate wraps for up to two days For longer storage keep chicken and coleslaw in separate containers and assemble fresh when ready If you want to freeze build the wraps without fresh veggies then thaw and add coleslaw just before serving
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crisp sweet potato fries or a light summer salad Pair with chilled watermelon wedges on warm days For a fancier meal drizzle extra BBQ sauce and sprinkle with cilantro or chives
Creative Twists
No tortillas on hand Try butter lettuce leaves for a lighter variation Swap rotisserie chicken for grilled or poached chicken breasts Use a vinegar-based BBQ sauce for less sweetness or try teriyaki for an Asian twist Dairy free mayo can make this coleslaw vegan-friendly
These BBQ wraps are perfect for picnics and quick meals They’re always gone in a flash and make leftovers you look forward to eating
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → What type of chicken works best for this dish?
Leftover rotisserie chicken or freshly cooked shredded chicken both provide great flavor and texture for these wraps.
- → How should I prepare the coleslaw for the wraps?
Combine finely shredded cabbage and grated carrots with a creamy apple cider vinegar dressing, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste for a fresh crunch.
- → Can I use alternatives for the tortillas?
Lettuce leaves such as romaine or butter lettuce make excellent low-carb substitutes, providing a fresh crunch while holding the filling together.
- → How can I add more texture to the coleslaw?
Adding toasted nuts or seeds like sliced almonds or sunflower seeds gives an extra crunch and nutty flavor to the coleslaw.
- → What are some flavor variations for the sauce?
Swap BBQ sauce for teriyaki and add sesame oil to the dressing for an Asian-inspired twist. Adjust hot sauce to your preferred spice level.