BBQ Chicken Wraps

I first encountered BBQ chicken wraps at a small food truck during a summer festival, and I was instantly hooked by the brilliant combination of flavors and textures. The vendor had this incredible technique of grilling the wraps after filling them, which created this amazing crispy exterior that contrasted with the tender chicken inside. When I got home, I was determined to recreate that experience in my own kitchen. I experimented with different BBQ sauces, tried various slaw combinations, and finally landed on this version that I think is even better than the original. What makes this recipe special to me is how it transforms simple, everyday ingredients into something that feels truly special. The key is in the details – getting that perfect char on the chicken, making sure your slaw is crispy and well-dressed, and grilling those tortillas just right so they hold everything together without falling apart. Every time I make these wraps, I'm transported back to that sunny festival day, but now I can enjoy them whenever the craving hits. The recipe has evolved over time based on feedback from family and friends, and it's become one of my most requested dishes.

Why I love this recipe

I love this recipe because it perfectly balances convenience with incredible flavor. In less than an hour, you can have restaurant-quality wraps on your table that satisfy every craving – sweet, savory, tangy, and crunchy all in one bite. The versatility is another huge plus; you can easily adjust the spice level, swap out vegetables based on what's in your fridge, or even use leftover rotisserie chicken to make it even quicker. What really makes my heart happy is watching my family's faces light up when I serve these wraps. There's something universally appealing about handheld food that just makes meals more fun and interactive. The recipe also scales beautifully – I've made it for just two people and for parties of twenty, and it always impresses. The make-ahead potential is fantastic too; you can prep the chicken and slaw separately, then assemble and grill the wraps when you're ready to eat. Beyond the practical aspects, these wraps represent comfort food at its finest – they're satisfying without being too heavy, flavorful without being overwhelming, and they bring people together around the table. Every time I make them, I'm reminded that the best recipes are the ones that combine simplicity with spectacular results.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

• Chicken breast: Dice into bite-sized pieces and season with spices before cooking until golden and tender.
• BBQ sauce: Use half for coating the cooked chicken and reserve the rest for spreading on tortillas and serving.
• Flour tortillas: Warm slightly before assembling to make them more pliable and easier to roll without tearing.
• Green and purple cabbage: Shred thinly and combine with carrots for a colorful, crunchy slaw base.
• Carrots: Julienne or shred for the slaw mixture to add sweetness and vibrant color.
• Mayonnaise: Mix with vinegar and honey to create a creamy, tangy dressing for the slaw.

Let's Make These Together

Cook the Chicken Perfectly

Start by seasoning your diced chicken with garlic powder and smoked paprika for maximum flavor. Heat your skillet until it's nice and hot before adding the chicken – this ensures you get that beautiful golden sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Once the chicken is cooked through, toss it with BBQ sauce and let it caramelize slightly for that irresistible sticky glaze everyone loves.

Create the Fresh Slaw

The slaw is what takes these wraps from good to absolutely incredible. Combine your shredded green and purple cabbage with julienned carrots for a rainbow of colors and textures. Whisk together the creamy dressing with mayo, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of honey – this combination creates the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and creamy that complements the smoky BBQ chicken beautifully. Let it sit for a few minutes so the flavors can really come together.

Assemble with Care

This is where it all comes together! Lay out your tortillas and spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce down the center as your flavor foundation. Add your glazed chicken pieces, then top generously with the crisp, tangy slaw. The key here is not to overfill – you want to be able to fold and roll these babies up nice and tight so nothing falls out when you take that first delicious bite.

Grill to Crispy Perfection

Here's the secret that elevates these from regular wraps to restaurant-worthy masterpieces: grilling them after assembly. Place your filled wraps seam-side down in a hot grill pan and resist the urge to move them around. Let them sit for 2-3 minutes until you get those gorgeous grill marks and the tortilla turns golden and crispy. Flip carefully and repeat on the other side. This step creates the most amazing textural contrast – crispy outside, tender and juicy inside.

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Switch Things Up

I first made these wraps on a random Tuesday night when I was craving BBQ but didn't want to fire up the grill for hours. I had some chicken in the fridge, tortillas in the pantry, and decided to experiment. The moment I took that first bite of the crispy, grilled wrap with the sweet BBQ chicken and cool slaw, I knew I'd created something special. Now, every time I make them, I remember that spontaneous weeknight cooking session that turned into a new household staple. The beauty of this recipe is how forgiving it is – sometimes I add extra sauce, other times more slaw, and it always turns out fantastic. My family now requests these wraps at least twice a month, and I've taught several friends how to make them. There's something so satisfying about creating restaurant-quality food at home with simple ingredients. The leftovers are amazing too – I often make extra chicken just so I can have these for lunch the next day.

Perfect Pairings

These BBQ Chicken Slaw Wraps pair beautifully with classic BBQ sides. Serve them alongside crispy sweet potato fries or regular French fries for that perfect comfort food combination. A simple corn on the cob with butter and herbs complements the smoky flavors wonderfully. For a lighter option, try pairing with a fresh cucumber and tomato salad or some pickles to cut through the richness of the BBQ sauce. Coleslaw on the side (even though there's slaw in the wrap) is never a bad idea for BBQ lovers. Beverage-wise, these wraps go perfectly with iced tea, lemonade, or a cold beer. For dessert, keep it simple with fresh fruit or a light sorbet to cleanse your palate after the bold BBQ flavors.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these wraps ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and slaw separately up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator. However, it's best to assemble and grill the wraps just before serving to maintain the crispy texture of the tortilla. If you need to make them completely ahead, wrap them tightly in foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

→ What's the best type of BBQ sauce to use?

Any BBQ sauce you love will work great in this recipe! Sweet and smoky sauces are classic choices, but you can also use spicy, tangy, or honey-based BBQ sauces depending on your preference. For the best results, choose a thicker sauce that will cling to the chicken rather than a thin, runny one.

→ Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. You can substitute pulled pork, grilled shrimp, or even plant-based chicken alternatives. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on your protein choice. Leftover rotisserie chicken also works wonderfully and saves time.

→ How do I prevent my wraps from getting soggy?

The key is not to overload the wraps with too much sauce or slaw. Pat the slaw dry slightly before adding it to remove excess moisture. Also, make sure to grill the wraps immediately after assembling them – this creates a barrier that helps keep the tortilla crispy. Serving them right away also prevents sogginess.

→ What can I serve alongside these wraps?

These wraps pair beautifully with classic BBQ sides like coleslaw (extra!), corn on the cob, sweet potato fries, regular fries, potato salad, or baked beans. For lighter options, try a simple green salad, cucumber salad, or fresh fruit. Don't forget beverages like iced tea, lemonade, or your favorite cold drink!

→ Are these wraps suitable for meal prep?

Yes, with some modifications! Cook the chicken and prepare the slaw, then store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you're ready to eat, simply assemble a wrap and grill it fresh. This way you get the best of both worlds – convenience and that perfect crispy texture.

Conclusion

These BBQ Chicken Slaw Wraps bring together everything you love about BBQ in one convenient, delicious package. The combination of smoky, sweet chicken with crisp, tangy slaw creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. They're incredibly versatile – great for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or meal prep for the week ahead. The wraps hold up beautifully and taste even better the next day. Give them a try and watch them become a family favorite!