BBQ Chicken Wraps Recipe

If you’re searching for a meal that tastes like sunshine and summer BBQs any time of year, look no further than these BBQ Chicken Wraps. This recipe brings juicy, spice-kissed chicken together with a crisp homemade coleslaw, all bundled inside a warm, soft tortilla. Every bite is packed with tangy sauce, fresh veggies, and the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. Whether you’re feeding the family, prepping make-ahead lunches, or simply treating yourself, BBQ Chicken Wraps are a downright crowd-pleaser that always disappear fast!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients truly shine in this recipe, each one adding a special pop of flavor, color, or crunch. The beauty of BBQ Chicken Wraps is that you can easily find everything at your local market, and they all work together to create something unforgettable.

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is easy to cook and perfect for soaking up all those BBQ flavors.
• BBQ Sauce: The heart of these wraps; pick your favorite brand or homemade for sweet, smoky goodness.
• Smoked Paprika: Lends deep smokiness and gorgeous color to your chicken.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a punchy, aromatic base note that makes the chicken sing.
• Salt: Brings out the flavor in every bite—don’t skip it!
• Cayenne Pepper: For just a gentle kick of heat; adjust to your spice preference.
• Black Pepper: Balances out the smoky and sweet elements beautifully.
• Olive Oil: Helps the spices stick and keeps the chicken juicy as it cooks.
• Carrot: Grated for sweet crunch and bright color in your homemade slaw.
• Red Cabbage: Adds color and a peppery bite to balance the wrap.
• Green/White Cabbage: Classic slaw base for the ultimate crispy texture.
• White Onion: Just the right amount of sharpness and zing in your slaw.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy and full-bodied, it’s the classic slaw essential.
• Sour Cream: Cuts through the richness for the ideal tang.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds complexity and a subtle zip to your coleslaw dressing.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: For brightness and a little bit of that mouthwatering bite.
• Sugar: Just a touch rounds out the dressing without making it overly sweet.
• Salt & Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing your coleslaw—taste and adjust as you go.
• White Flour Tortilla Wraps: Soft, pliable, and ready to wrap up all your delicious fillings.
• Spinach (or greens of choice): A hit of fresh, leafy green for color and nutrients.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Wraps

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by pulling your chicken breasts out of the refrigerator about 10 to 15 minutes early. This quick step helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Butterfly slice each breast in half—a super easy trick to ensure your chicken cooks quickly and evenly, and you get the perfect thickness for wraps. Coat the chicken with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne, and a drizzle of olive oil. Massage all those flavors in with your hands until each piece is evenly coated.

Step 2: Cook and Glaze the Chicken

Place the seasoned chicken in a hot skillet over medium-high heat. Sizzle for 3 to 4 minutes until the underside is golden and fragrant, then flip and slather the cooked side with a generous brush of BBQ sauce. Let it cook for another few minutes, allowing those flavors to caramelize beautifully. Once done, transfer the chicken (sauce side down!) to a cutting board and brush the other side with a bit more BBQ sauce. Let it rest for a few minutes to soak up all that saucy flavor.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Slaw

While the chicken rests, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of sugar in a bowl. Taste for seasoning, then toss in your grated carrot, sliced onion, and both cabbages. Mix it all together until the slaw is perfectly coated and vibrantly colorful. This crunchy, creamy mixture will be the hero within your BBQ Chicken Wraps.

Step 4: Slice Chicken and Fill the Wraps

Slice the rested chicken into strips, making sure to cut at an angle and against the grain. This not only makes every strip super tender, but it also looks gorgeous inside the wrap. Lay out your tortillas, pile a small handful of spinach or greens down the center, add a scoop of slaw, layer on the chicken strips, and get ready to roll. Fold in the sides, then roll from the bottom like a burrito—this keeps all that saucy, slaw-filled goodness right inside where it belongs.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Wraps

Garnishes

Top your BBQ Chicken Wraps with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra color and fresh flavor. If you love a tangy hit, sliced pickles or pickled red onions make a fantastic finishing touch. For spice seekers, a dash of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños takes things up a notch!

Side Dishes

BBQ Chicken Wraps play nicely with so many sides, it’s almost impossible to choose just one. Serve them with classic kettle chips, crunchy coleslaw, oven-baked sweet potato fries, or even a simple mixed green salad. For a picnic or game day spread, add a side of corn on the cob or cool, fresh watermelon for that real summer feel.

Creative Ways to Present

Nobody says you have to keep things classic! Try slicing your BBQ Chicken Wraps into thick pinwheels and securing with toothpicks for party-ready appetizers. Or, wrap them in parchment paper and tie with twine for a fresh, picnic-worthy look—the presentation is half the fun for kids and adults alike. These wraps are also fantastic cut in half and served in a basket alongside your favorite dipping sauces.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftover BBQ Chicken Wraps (a rare occasion!), wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days, and the slaw still keeps its crunch surprisingly well.

Freezing

For best texture, it’s a good idea to freeze just the cooked chicken, not the assembled wraps or slaw. Let the chicken cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When ready to eat, whip up fresh slaw and enjoy a BBQ Chicken Wrap that tastes newly made.

Reheating

Reheating the chicken strips is simple—pop them in a skillet over low heat with a lid to retain moisture, or zap them briefly in the microwave. If reheating assembled wraps, place them unwrapped in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes per side; this crisps them up and brings everything back to life. Add extra sauce or a little fresh slaw after heating for the best flavor.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken for BBQ Chicken Wraps?

Absolutely! Rotisserie or leftover chicken works great—just slice or shred it, toss with BBQ sauce and spices, and follow the rest of the directions. It’s a fantastic shortcut for busy nights.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

Use your favorite! Whether you go sweet, spicy, smoky, or tangy, any high-quality BBQ sauce will taste delicious. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different brands or homemade versions.

Are BBQ Chicken Wraps good for meal prep?

Definitely! Prep the chicken and slaw ahead of time, store them separately, and assemble fresh wraps when you’re ready to eat. It’s a perfect grab-and-go lunch or light dinner that holds up well throughout the week.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Simply choose gluten-free tortillas, and double-check your BBQ sauce and mustard are gluten-free. Everything else in BBQ Chicken Wraps is naturally gluten free.

What other veggies can I add?

Feel free to get creative with your veggies! Try adding thinly sliced bell peppers, cucumber, avocado, or even a handful of sweet corn for extra crunch and flavor. These wraps are super flexible.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these BBQ Chicken Wraps enough: they’re the ultimate flavorful, fast, and satisfying meal that brings everyone running to the table. Whether you’re planning a party or just need a new weeknight dinner, give these wraps a try—you’re in for a real treat!

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