There’s something incredibly comforting about BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps. They evoke memories of sunny days spent at backyard barbecues, laughter ringing out as my family piled high their plates with all sorts of delicious food. I can still picture my grandmother, her hands deftly mixing the tangy coleslaw in a big bowl, her smile warm and welcoming like the summer sun. Each bite of those wraps transports me back in time, reminding me of carefree afternoons and the joy of good food shared with loved ones.
What I love most about this recipe is the incredible combination of flavors and textures. The smoky sweetness of the barbecue sauce hugs the tender, juicy chicken, while the crunchy, cool coleslaw adds just that right amount of zing. Honestly, it’s a little masterpiece of flavors, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or simply a cozy dinner at home. And the best part? They’re ridiculously easy to make. You’ll feel like a culinary whiz without worrying about chef-level precision.
I remember the first time I tried making these wraps. I was hosting a small gathering, thinking I could impress my friends with my cooking skills. Little did I know, improvisation would be my biggest ally. It was a bit of a scramble at first – I found myself reaching for the BBQ sauce, only to discover I had used almost the last of it in a previous endeavor. So, after a brief moment of panic, I created my own mix with some ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and a dash of smoked paprika. Turns out, it was a happy accident because those wraps became a hit! Life in the kitchen is usually less about perfection and more about being open to serendipity. Here’s how you can create your own memory-filled wraps.
What Goes Into BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps?
Let’s break this recipe down, ingredient by ingredient. It’s the little things that make such a big difference, don’t you think?
1. **Chicken**: Sure, you can use any type of chicken you have on hand, but I prefer boneless skinless chicken thighs. They are super tender and flavorful. Honestly, they’re like the underdog of the chicken world. Plus, thighs tend to stay juicy, even when cooked a bit longer! Sometimes, in my rush, I’ve used leftover rotisserie chicken—and let me tell you, it’s a game changer. Feeling lazy? Just shred that chicken, and you’re halfway there!
2. **BBQ Sauce**: Here’s where your flavor profile can really shine! I always have a bottle of my favorite smoky BBQ sauce on hand—it just makes everything taste better. I swear by a local artisanal brand my dad always buys, but really, go with what you love! If you’re feeling adventurous, mix a bit of homemade sauce to tailor it to your taste. I’ve even added a touch of honey for sweetness or hot sauce for a kick—a culinary adventure, right there!
3. **Coleslaw Mix**: Do I chop my own cabbage and carrots sometimes? Sure, when I’m feeling good about my salad skills. But most weeks, I opt for that convenient bag of cole slaw mix at the grocery store. It’s a time saver, and nobody will judge you for it—hands up if you love shortcuts! You can absolutely shred your own if you’re feeling ambitious, but hey, baby steps.
4. **Dressing**: For the coleslaw dressing, I usually blend together **mayonnaise**, **apple cider vinegar**, a sprinkle of **sugar**, and a pinch of **salt and pepper**. It’s creamy but has that necessary zing from the vinegar. You could use Greek yogurt for a lighter twist, but I think creamy is the way to go here. There’s just something about it that makes the whole dish sing.
5. **Tortilla Wraps**: Any tortillas will do, but I gravitate toward soft flour tortillas because they hold everything together like a warm hug. Can I recommend heating them up in a skillet? Just a quick minute on each side makes them pliable and fresh tasting—you won’t regret it!
6. **Optional Extras**: I like to toss in extras occasionally, like sliced **avocado**, or **cilantro** for that fresh layer of flavor if I have it lying around. Sometimes I even sneak in some finely diced jalapeños for that extra zing. And hey, why not add a slice of cheese if you’re feeling it? It’s all about customizing to your own taste.
Is BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps Actually Good for You?
Let’s get real here. These wraps may not be the epitome of health—but they’re also not a guilty pleasure you need to feel bad about. I mean, there are vegetables, right? The coleslaw packs in some fiber and vitamin C, so you’re not entirely derailing your health goals. **Chicken** is an excellent source of protein, and if you use whole grain or low-carb tortillas, you’re lightening things up even more.
Let’s not forget that it’s about balance! We shouldn’t deprive ourselves now and then. Enjoying food that’s not just good for us, but also makes us feel happy is a part of being human, don’t you think? You can always swap for healthier versions of the dressing or load up on extra greens! At the end of the day, it’s all about enjoying a great meal that feels like a big hug—both from a taste and health perspective.
Here’s What You’ll Need
– 2 cups shredded **cooked chicken** (about 2 chicken breasts or 4 thighs)
– ½ cup **BBQ sauce** (more if you love that BBQ flavor!)
– 1 bag (14 oz) of **colesaaw mix**
– ½ cup **mayonnaise**
– 2 tablespoons **apple cider vinegar**
– 1 tablespoon **sugar**
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 large **flour tortillas**
– Optional: **Sliced avocado**, **sliced jalapeños**, **fresh cilantro**, or any other toppings you fancy!
How to Make BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps Step-by-Step
1. **Cook the chicken**: If you haven’t yet roasted it, grill or sauté your chicken thighs until golden brown and thoroughly cooked through. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F. Let them cool for a bit, and then shred using two forks or, my secret weapon, your hands. It’s so satisfying, trust me.
2. **Mix the BBQ sauce**: Pour about ½ cup of your favorite BBQ sauce over the warm, shredded chicken. Toss it like nobody’s watching, ensuring every bit of chicken is coated in that smoky goodness. You can adjust the quantity based on how saucy you want it. More BBQ sauce equals more hugs!
3. **Prepare the coleslaw**: In a large bowl, combine the bag of coleslaw mix with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Give it a good toss, but don’t overmix, or you’ll turn it into a mushy mess—nobody likes mushy coleslaw.
4. **Warm the tortillas**: While savoring the heavenly scents wafting through your kitchen, heat a skillet over medium heat and warm each tortilla for about 30 seconds. If you’re feeling fancy, you can even char them a little for that smoky flavor. Just remember not to burn your fingers!
5. **Assemble the wraps**: Layer a generous amount of BBQ chicken on each tortilla, followed by that crunchy coleslaw. If you’re going for the optional toppings like sliced avocado or cilantro, now’s the time to add those too. It’s totally customizable, so go wild!
6. **Roll it up**: Here’s where you can get a little creative. Fold the edges of the tortilla in before rolling it up, burrito-style. There’s something about the perfect wrap that gives me life. Place them seam-side down on a plate for presentation.
7. **Dig in**: Slice them in half for the ‘gram if you’re feeling extra, or just go for it! Serve them with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping, and maybe a side of fresh fruit or some tortilla chips.
Little Extras I’ve Learned Along the Way
Over the years of making these wraps, I’ve learned a few nifty tricks and variations that take them from good to out-of-this-world fabulous. Let’s discuss!
– **Make it Ahead**: Prepping everything in advance is a lifesaver! You could shred the chicken and toss it in BBQ sauce earlier in the day, which saves you time when it’s finally time to eat. You can even make the coleslaw dressing the night before. Just keep everything in separate containers in your fridge until you’re ready to assemble.
– **Flavor Boost**: Feel free to experiment with different flavor profiles. Want something a bit more tropical? Try adding some **pineapple** to the coleslaw! The sweetness balances everything beautifully. My neighbor once made it with shredded apples and it blew my mind. So refreshing!
– **Spicy Twist**: If you’re a spice lover, add **sriracha** or **diced chipotle peppers** to the BBQ sauce. This adds a delightful smokiness along with heat. I often find myself reaching for some hot sauce when I’m building that BBQ chicken flavor.
– **Healthier Options**: Swap out the mayonnaise with **Greek yogurt** for a lighter variant. It gives the creamy effect you crave but with added protein. Believe me, nobody will notice the swap in flavors with all those vibrant ingredients!
– **Wrap It Up Differently**: Trying different types of wraps or even turning this into a salad bowl is fun! Just layer everything over a bed of fresh greens if you want a lighter option. I’ve even used pita bread when I was out of tortillas. Seriously, the heart wants what it wants!
As you can tell, I’m all about the little upgrades that keep this dish exciting and new. Don’t hesitate to throw in your own twist!
This one means a lot to me. Cooking is more than just a necessity; it’s a way of sharing love and joy. I hope these BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps bring as much warmth and happiness to your table as they do to mine. Give it a go and let me know how they turn out! I’d love to hear your spin on this nostalgic dish. Happy cooking, my friend!
