BBQ Chicken Wraps with Coleslaw Recipe
If you’re craving something that’s both fresh and packed with flavor, you’re in for a real treat with this BBQ Chicken Wraps with Coleslaw Recipe. It’s one of those meals that’s quick to make yet feels totally special — perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a casual get-together. Trust me, once you try this combo of tender BBQ grilled chicken, zesty coleslaw, and melty cheddar wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Why This Recipe Works
- Bold Flavors in Every Bite: The smoky BBQ, creamy Greek yogurt, and crisp coleslaw create a perfect harmony of taste and texture.
- Balanced and Nutritious: Whole wheat tortillas and lean chicken make this wrap a filling yet health-conscious choice.
- Quick to Prep and Customize: Ready in about 30 minutes, and easy to tweak to your flavor preferences or dietary needs.
- Family Friendly and Crowd Pleasing: This is the kind of recipe that both kids and adults will happily eat — no fuss, just delicious.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each element in this BBQ Chicken Wraps with Coleslaw Recipe plays an important role, from the spices on the chicken to the crunchy slaw and creamy cheese. I always suggest picking fresh ingredients where possible to elevate the whole experience.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: They cook quickly, are lean, and soak up the spice rub beautifully.
- Olive oil: Adds healthy fats and helps keep the chicken juicy on the grill.
- Spices (paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, cayenne): These bring smoky, aromatic warmth and a bit of zing.
- Whole wheat tortillas: A heartier, fiber-filled alternative that holds up well as a wrap.
- Plain 0% Greek yogurt: Offers creaminess without extra fat, blending wonderfully into the BBQ sauce and slaw.
- Low sugar BBQ sauce: Adds tangy sweetness without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
- Coleslaw mix (I recommend broccoli slaw): Brings crunch and a fresh, green veggie boost.
- Cilantro & green onion: Fresh herbs that brighten up the filling with a pop of color and flavor.
- Cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly, adding rich creaminess and a salty bite.
- Romaine lettuce & tomatoes: These provide crisp, juicy layers to the final wrap, balancing heat and richness.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love how versatile this BBQ Chicken Wraps with Coleslaw Recipe is — it’s really a great fix-your-own-meal kind of dish. Feel free to play around with the spice levels or switch up the veggies based on what you and your family love.
- Variation: When I want a bit more heat, I sometimes add a dash of hot sauce or swap regular BBQ sauce for a chipotle version — it brings a smoky kick I adore.
- Dietary swap: Turn it vegetarian by replacing chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu — same great textures and flavor layering.
- Cheese alternatives: If you’re watching dairy, mozzarella or a dairy-free cheese works well, too.
- Extra crunch: Toss in some toasted nuts or seeds for a fun, unexpected crunch addition.
Step-by-Step: How I Make BBQ Chicken Wraps with Coleslaw Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
The first step is all about getting your chicken ready for that perfect grill. I like to flatten the chicken breasts gently with a meat mallet or rolling pin so they cook evenly and stay juicy. Rubbing olive oil over the chicken helps the spices stick and keeps it moist. Don’t skim on those spices — paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and just a pinch of cayenne bring this to life. Letting the chicken marinate for 10-15 minutes, if you’ve got the time, boosts that flavor big time.
Step 2: Grill to Perfection
Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high — you want it hot enough to get those lovely grill marks but not so hot that the chicken dries out. Cook the chicken about 6-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F inside to be safe. After removing it, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This step is key for juicy meat and easier slicing.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
While the chicken rests, chop everything up and combine the sliced chicken with Greek yogurt, BBQ sauce, coleslaw mix, cilantro, green onions, and half the cheddar cheese in a large bowl. Toss it gently so every bite has creamy, tangy, and crunchy elements. I love how the broccoli slaw adds a sweet veggie twist that feels lighter than traditional cabbage slaw.
Step 4: Build and Roll Your Wrap
Lay your tortilla flat, and start with a base of romaine lettuce leaves — this prevents sogginess and adds crunch. Spoon half the filling down the center, then add three tomato slices on top. Sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese to get that cheesy finish. When wrapping, fold the sides in first, then tuck up from the bottom and roll tightly so everything stays put. Slice it in half, and voila — you’re ready to dig in.
Pro Tips for Making BBQ Chicken Wraps with Coleslaw Recipe
- Even Thickness Matters: Flattening the chicken ensures it cooks evenly and stays tender rather than drying out.
- Rest Your Meat: Give your grilled chicken at least 5 minutes to rest; it keeps the juices locked in when you slice.
- Lighten Up the Sauce: Mixing Greek yogurt into BBQ sauce makes the filling creamy without overpowering the fresh slaw flavors.
- Wrap Tightly but Gently: Firm wrapping keeps everything together but be careful not to squash the tomatoes and let the cheese melt into place.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Wraps with Coleslaw Recipe
Garnishes
I love adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro on top after wrapping for an extra herbaceous pop. Sometimes, a light drizzle of extra BBQ sauce for dipping amps up the flavor. A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before eating can brighten the whole thing too — it’s a little trick I started doing lately, and it’s a game-changer.
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, I usually serve these wraps with baked sweet potato fries or a simple avocado salad. Fresh fruit like watermelon or pineapple also makes for an easy, refreshing contrast. When I’m feeling nostalgic, crunchy kettle chips and pickles make a fun crunchy sidekick.
Creative Ways to Present
These wraps make fantastic party bites when sliced into smaller pinwheels — just secure with a toothpick and serve on a platter. For picnics, I like wrapping each one tightly in parchment paper sprinkled with a little extra grated cheese so it feels extra indulgent on the go. If you’re making these for kids, arranging colorful veggies on the side always adds a fun vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually keep leftover filling separate from the wraps if I’m saving some for later — that way the tortillas don’t get soggy. Store the chicken and coleslaw mix in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready, just reheat the filling gently or enjoy cold for a quick lunch.
Freezing
Freezing whole assembled wraps isn’t my favorite because the lettuce and tomato get soggy, but you can freeze the cooked chicken breast before assembling. Just wrap chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and then assemble your wraps fresh!
Reheating
For reheating, I prefer warming the chicken filling on the stove or in the microwave, then assembling the wrap fresh with cold lettuce and tomato. If you’ve pre-assembled, a quick 20-30 second microwave spin can warm it, but watch out for sogginess.
FAQs
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Can I make BBQ Chicken Wraps with Coleslaw Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and coleslaw filling up to 1 day in advance and keep them refrigerated separately. Assemble the wraps just before serving to keep the tortillas fresh and avoid sogginess.
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What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can substitute with mayonnaise or sour cream for a creamier texture, though it will alter the nutrition slightly. I prefer 0% Greek yogurt for its tang and health benefits.
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Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using pre-grilled or rotisserie chicken works great for a quicker version. Just shred or chop it and mix with the other ingredients as instructed.
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How spicy is this BBQ Chicken Wraps with Coleslaw Recipe?
The spice level is mild, with just a hint of cayenne pepper for warmth. You can easily adjust the heat by reducing or increasing the cayenne or adding hot sauce to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken Wraps with Coleslaw Recipe has become one of my go-tos whenever I want something satisfying but not fussy. It strikes that perfect balance — smoky chicken, creamy slaw, and fresh toppings all wrapped up for easy eating. I have fond memories of making these for weekend lunches and watching everyone devour them with happy smiles. You’re going to love how versatile and delicious these wraps are, so I hope you give them a try soon and make them your own kitchen staple!
Print
BBQ Chicken Wraps with Coleslaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 wraps
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This BBQ Grilled Chicken Wrap recipe combines tender, flavorful grilled chicken with a tangy mix of Greek yogurt, low sugar BBQ sauce, and crunchy coleslaw, all wrapped in whole wheat tortillas. It’s a balanced, delicious meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts uncooked
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ⅛ teaspoon dried cayenne pepper
For the wraps:
- 2 10 inch large burrito sized whole wheat tortillas
- ¼ cup plain 0% Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup low sugar BBQ sauce
- 2 cups coleslaw mix (recommend broccoli slaw)
- ¼ cup cilantro
- 1 green onion finely sliced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded (divided)
- 1 cup romaine lettuce chopped
- 6 slices of tomatoes
Instructions
- Preheat grill: Preheat the grill or use a grill pan over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Prepare chicken: Flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking. Coat the chicken in olive oil and rub with paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper until fully coated.
- Grill chicken: Place the seasoned chicken on the grill or pan and cook on both sides until cooked through, ensuring the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes per side.
- Rest chicken: Remove the chicken from the heat and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. This helps retain the juices before slicing.
- Make filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cooked chicken breast, Greek yogurt, BBQ sauce, coleslaw mix, cilantro, green onion, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly to combine all flavors.
- Assemble wraps: Lay out each tortilla and add a layer of romaine lettuce leaves in the center. Top with half of the chicken mixture, then add 3 slices of tomato and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
- Wrap and serve: Fold in the sides of the tortilla, bring the bottom flap up, and roll tightly. Slice each wrap in half and serve immediately to enjoy.
Notes
- Pre-grilled chicken strips can be used instead of fresh chicken breasts for convenience.
- 2% Greek yogurt or mayonnaise can substitute 0% Greek yogurt if a richer texture is preferred.
- For extra spice, add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
- Broccoli slaw is recommended for a crunchy, fresh texture and added nutrition.
- Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F internally to guarantee safe consumption.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wrap
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg