Chef Mitchell preparing Barbecue Chicken Coleslaw Wraps
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered the joy of Barbecue Chicken Coleslaw Wraps during a summer picnic and knew I had to recreate them. The combination of flavors and textures was unforgettable, prompting me to perfect my recipe over time. Each bite brings back memories of sunny days and family gatherings. Now, I love sharing this easy and delicious dish with others."

As a chef with over a decade of experience in American cuisine, I specialize in creating approachable and delicious lunch recipes. My passion lies in bringing families together through wholesome meals that are easy to prepare and full of flavor.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Barbecue Chicken Coleslaw Wraps served on a plate

Why This Barbecue Chicken Coleslaw Wraps Recipe Works

This recipe stands out because it combines the smoky, savory flavors of barbecue chicken with the refreshing crunch of coleslaw. The contrast of textures, along with the creamy dressing, creates a satisfying bite. Plus, it's quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy days.

The technique of cooking the chicken until tender and then tossing it in barbecue sauce ensures maximum flavor. The coleslaw dressing adds tang and creaminess that perfectly balances the richness of the chicken. Wrapping everything in a tortilla ensures easy handling and enjoyment.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, let the cooked chicken marinate in the barbecue sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making the chicken even more delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and coleslaw mixture in advance. Store each component separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply warm the chicken and assemble the wraps. This makes for a quick and convenient meal later on.

You can easily substitute coleslaw mix with shredded cabbage and carrots. Alternatively, use a mix of other crunchy vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for a different flavor profile. Just ensure to add a creamy dressing to maintain the essence of the coleslaw.

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is tender. The coleslaw should be well mixed and fresh, providing a crunchy texture. Wrapping and serving promptly will ensure freshness and flavor.

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken. However, it’s best to assemble the wraps fresh, as the tortillas may become soggy after freezing. Store the chicken in an airtight container for up to three months, then thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy.

These wraps pair well with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh garden salad. You might also serve them with extra barbecue sauce for dipping or a refreshing fruit salad for a light dessert.

When stored properly in an airtight container, the Barbecue Chicken Coleslaw Wraps can last in the fridge for about 3-4 days. It’s best to keep the components separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and coleslaw ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge. For the best experience, wrap them just before serving to keep the tortillas from becoming soggy.

The best way to reheat the wraps is to place them in a microwave for 20-30 seconds. If you prefer them crispy, you can heat them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your chicken turns out dry, it's likely overcooked.

Solution: To prevent dryness, use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F. Also, marinating the chicken in barbecue sauce helps retain moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: The coleslaw may lack crunch.

Solution: To enhance the crispness, use fresh, crunchy vegetables and ensure they are well-drained after washing. Consider adding chopped apples or nuts for extra texture.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked chicken can become tough.

Prevention: Prevent overcooking by monitoring the cooking time closely and removing the chicken as soon as it’s cooked through. Allowing it to rest before shredding also helps retain moisture.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the chicken is undercooked in the center, it can be unsafe to eat.

Recovery: Ensure the chicken is cooked evenly by cutting it into smaller pieces and cooking thoroughly. Use a meat thermometer to check that it has reached the safe temperature.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: If the exterior of your chicken is burnt, the heat may have been too high.

Prevention: Cook the chicken on medium heat and check frequently. If you notice it starting to brown too much, lower the heat to avoid burning.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the dish is too sweet, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to cut the sweetness.

Too Salty: If too salty, adding more coleslaw can help dilute the flavor.

Bland: If the wraps are bland, try adding extra spices or a dash of hot sauce to enhance the flavor.

Fresh ingredients for Barbecue Chicken Coleslaw Wraps

Essential Ingredients for Barbecue Chicken Coleslaw Wraps

The core ingredients in this recipe include tender chicken, which should be juicy and well-seasoned. The barbecue sauce not only flavors the chicken but also adds moisture. For the coleslaw, fresh cabbage and carrots provide a crisp bite that complements the softness of the wraps.

Using high-quality sauces and fresh produce makes a significant difference in flavor. Opt for a barbecue sauce that you love and ensure your coleslaw mix is fresh and crunchy for the best results.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness and flavor. They tend to remain moist during cooking, making them ideal for this recipe.
  • Barbecue Sauce: Choose a barbecue sauce that matches your taste preference. Whether it's smoky, sweet, or spicy, the sauce will define the flavor profile of your wraps.
  • Coleslaw Mix: Fresh coleslaw mix should be crisp and vibrant. If you make your own, consider adding a splash of lemon juice to keep the cabbage from wilting.
Cooking process for Barbecue Chicken Coleslaw Wraps

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for Barbecue Chicken Coleslaw Wraps is straightforward, starting with cooking the chicken until it's fully cooked and tender. After seasoning, the chicken is simmered with barbecue sauce to absorb all the flavors.

Assembling the wraps is the fun part! By layering the barbecue chicken and fresh coleslaw, you create a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Ensuring the wraps are tightly rolled helps them hold together while serving.

Key Technique for Perfect Barbecue Chicken Coleslaw Wraps

The key technique for making these wraps is to ensure the chicken is cooked properly and adequately coated with barbecue sauce. This not only enhances flavor but also keeps the chicken moist. Wrapping them securely ensures that every bite is filled with deliciousness.

Barbecue Chicken Coleslaw Wraps

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
    Your favorite brand
  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
    For tanginess

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs chicken
    Cut into pieces
  • 2 cups coleslaw mix
    Freshly shredded
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
    For creaminess
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    For flavor
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    For depth
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    For seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    To taste
  • 6 large tortillas
    For wrapping

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken

    In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

  2. Cook Chicken

    Cook chicken for 25-30 minutes or until fully cooked, stirring occasionally.

  3. Add Barbecue Sauce

    Once the chicken is cooked, drain excess liquid and add barbecue sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.

  4. Prepare Coleslaw

    In a bowl, mix coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

  5. Warm Tortillas

    Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds until pliable.

  6. Assemble Wraps

    Place a generous amount of barbecue chicken in the center of each tortilla, followed by coleslaw.

  7. Add Cheese and Cilantro

    If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese and chopped cilantro on top.

  8. Wrap and Serve

    Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll tightly from the bottom. Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store leftover wraps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To maintain freshness, it's best to keep the chicken and coleslaw separate until ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Barbecue Chicken Coleslaw Wraps with a side of sweet potato fries or a light salad to balance the meal. For a refreshing drink, consider iced tea or lemonade.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to customize the wraps with different proteins like shredded pork or tofu. You can also experiment with various sauces or add ingredients like avocado or jalapeños for an extra kick.