Step by Step Recipe – BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps

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Welcome to NaiyaRecipe.com, where we’re always cooking up delicious and easy-to-follow recipes that are perfect for any occasion! Today, we’re diving into a dish that’s bursting with flavor, incredibly satisfying, and surprisingly simple to make: BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps. These wraps are a game-changer for meal prep, a fantastic option for a quick weeknight dinner, or a crowd-pleasing addition to any picnic or potluck.
The beauty of these BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps lies in their perfect balance of textures and tastes. You’ve got the smoky, sweet, and tangy BBQ chicken, the cool, creamy, and crunchy coleslaw, all nestled together in a soft, warm tortilla. Each bite is an explosion of flavor that will leave you wanting more. Plus, we’ve made sure this recipe is free from any alcohol, pork, or related products, making it suitable for a wider range of dietary preferences.

Why You’ll Love These Wraps

  • Flavorful & Satisfying: The combination of savory BBQ chicken and refreshing coleslaw is simply irresistible.
  • Easy to Make: With a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
  • Versatile: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as an appetizer.
  • Customizable: Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.
  • Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch of chicken and coleslaw, and assemble wraps throughout the week.

The Stars of the Show: BBQ Chicken and Coleslaw

Let’s break down the two main components that make these wraps so special.

The BBQ Chicken

For our BBQ chicken, we’re focusing on creating tender, juicy shredded chicken coated in a rich, flavorful BBQ sauce. You can use chicken breasts or thighs, depending on your preference. Chicken thighs tend to be a bit more forgiving and offer a richer flavor, while breasts are leaner.

Choosing Your BBQ Sauce: The BBQ sauce is crucial here. Look for a good quality, store-bought BBQ sauce that you love. There are countless varieties out there – sweet, smoky, tangy, spicy – so pick one that appeals to you. Alternatively, you can easily make your own BBQ sauce from scratch if you have a favorite recipe. Just ensure it aligns with our dietary guidelines.
Cooking Methods for the Chicken:

  1. Slow Cooker: This is perhaps the easiest method. Simply place your chicken breasts or thighs in a slow cooker with a little chicken broth or water, and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is easily shreddable. Drain any excess liquid, then add your BBQ sauce and stir to coat.
  2. Instant Pot: For a quicker option, the Instant Pot works wonders. Add chicken and a small amount of liquid, cook on high pressure for about 10-15 minutes (depending on thickness), then natural release for 5 minutes before quick releasing. Shred and mix with BBQ sauce.
  3. Stovetop/Oven: You can also poach, boil, or bake your chicken until cooked through, then shred it and toss it with the BBQ sauce in a skillet over low heat until warmed and well-coated.

Regardless of the cooking method, the goal is tender, easily shreddable chicken that thoroughly absorbs the delicious BBQ sauce.

The Creamy Coleslaw

The coleslaw provides a much-needed textural contrast and a refreshing element to the wrap. It’s cool, creamy, and crunchy, cutting through the richness of the BBQ chicken beautifully.

Coleslaw Mix: To keep things simple, we recommend using a pre-packaged coleslaw mix, which typically contains shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots. If you prefer to shred your own vegetables, go for it! A combination of green and red cabbage adds great color and a slightly different texture.
The Dressing: The dressing is what brings the coleslaw to life. Our recipe calls for a classic creamy coleslaw dressing.

  • Mayonnaise: The base of our creamy dressing. Use a good quality mayonnaise.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a tangy brightness that is essential for balancing the richness of the mayo and the sweetness of the BBQ chicken.
  • Sugar/Sweetener: A touch of sweetness helps to balance the acidity of the vinegar and the bitterness of the cabbage. You can use granulated sugar, honey, or a sugar substitute.
  • Dijon Mustard: A small amount of Dijon adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: Seasoning is key to bringing out all the flavors.

Making the Coleslaw: In a large bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until smooth. Add the coleslaw mix and toss gently until all the vegetables are evenly coated. It’s best to let the coleslaw sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to slightly soften, though it should still retain a good crunch.

Assembling Your BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps

Once your BBQ chicken and coleslaw are ready, assembling the wraps is a breeze.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • Large Flour Tortillas: Choose soft, pliable tortillas that are large enough to hold a good amount of filling without tearing. Whole wheat tortillas are a great option for added fiber.
  • BBQ Chicken: Prepared as described above.
  • Creamy Coleslaw: Prepared as described above.
  • Optional Garnishes: Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for a burst of freshness and color. A drizzle of extra BBQ sauce never hurts!

Step-by-Step Assembly:

  1. Warm the Tortillas (Optional but Recommended): Briefly warming your tortillas makes them more flexible and less likely to crack when rolled. You can do this in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 15-30 seconds per side, in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or even wrapped in foil in a warm oven.
  2. Lay it Flat: Place a warm tortilla on a clean, flat surface.
  3. Add the Chicken: Spoon a generous amount of BBQ chicken onto the center of the tortilla, leaving some space around the edges. Don’t overfill, or it will be hard to roll!
  4. Top with Coleslaw: Add a good portion of the creamy coleslaw over the BBQ chicken.
  5. Roll it Up:
  • Fold in the opposite sides of the tortilla over the filling, just enough to cover the ends of the filling.
  • Starting from one of the unfolded edges closest to you, tightly roll the tortilla upwards, tucking in the filling as you go.
  • Continue rolling until you have a neat, compact wrap.
  1. Serve: You can serve the wraps whole or slice them in half diagonally for an attractive presentation, especially if serving as an appetizer. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Tips for Success

  • Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to cram in as much delicious filling as possible, but overfilling will make your wraps difficult to roll and messy to eat.
  • Chill the Coleslaw: Allow the coleslaw to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to deepen and the cabbage to soften slightly while still retaining its crunch.
  • Make Ahead: Both the BBQ chicken and the coleslaw can be made a day or two in advance, making these wraps perfect for meal prep. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble the wraps just before serving to prevent the tortillas from getting soggy.
  • Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to your BBQ chicken or coleslaw dressing.
  • Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in other shredded vegetables to your coleslaw, such as bell peppers, red onion, or even a handful of chopped spinach for extra nutrients and crunch.
  • Cheese Please: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese could be a delightful addition to the wraps, melting slightly with the warm chicken.

Variations and Substitutions

While the classic BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wrap is fantastic on its own, here are a few ideas to customize it to your liking:

  • Different Meats: While we’re focusing on chicken, you could adapt this recipe using shredded beef (like a pot roast or brisket) prepared with BBQ sauce.
  • Vegetarian/Vegan Option: For a plant-based version, consider using shredded jackfruit cooked in BBQ sauce, or grilled portobello mushrooms. You can also make a vegan coleslaw dressing using vegan mayonnaise.
  • Wrap Alternatives: If you’re looking for a low-carb option, serve the BBQ chicken and coleslaw in large lettuce cups (like butter lettuce or romaine hearts) instead of tortillas. You could also serve it as a bowl over rice or quinoa.
  • Sweet & Tangy Slaw: Experiment with different vinegars in your coleslaw dressing, such as rice vinegar for a slightly sweeter tang, or even a touch of lime juice for a zesty twist.
  • Crunch Factor: Add some toasted nuts (like pecans or walnuts) or sunflower seeds to your coleslaw for an extra layer of crunch and flavor.

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover BBQ chicken and coleslaw, store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The BBQ chicken will typically last for 3-4 days, and the coleslaw will last for 2-3 days. It’s best to assemble the wraps fresh just before eating to ensure the tortillas remain soft and the coleslaw stays crisp.

Conclusion

These BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps are a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly spectacular. They’re hearty, flavorful, and incredibly versatile, making them a fantastic addition to your recipe rotation. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, a packed lunch, or a delicious dish to share with friends and family, these wraps are sure to impress.
So, head into your kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the satisfying experience of biting into one of these amazing BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps. Don’t forget to visit NaiyaRecipe.com for more delicious recipes that are easy to make and guaranteed to please! Enjoy your cooking, and happy eating!

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