If you’re craving a deliciously satisfying handheld meal, BBQ Chicken Wraps are here to become your next obsession. Perfectly smoky chicken, creamy homemade slaw, crisp greens, and a generous slather of tangy BBQ sauce all snuggled inside soft flour tortillas—honestly, what more could you want? Whether you’re prepping an easy weeknight dinner or packing up lunch for the next day, BBQ Chicken Wraps deliver big flavor and a colorful crunch that always hits the spot. This is one of those crave-worthy recipes you’ll want to make again and again—for good reason!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in these BBQ Chicken Wraps plays a starring role, from adding smoky depth to delivering crunch, creaminess, or lively color. Gather your basics—you’ll be amazed how these simple additions combine into pure wrap magic!

Chicken Breasts: Let them rest at room temp before cooking for juicier, more evenly-cooked results.
BBQ Sauce: Go for a quality, smoky BBQ sauce—it’s the heart and soul of these wraps.
Smoked Paprika: Pump up that classic barbecue flavor with this subtly smoky, vibrant spice.
Garlic Powder: Adds depth and irresistible savoriness to your chicken.
Salt: Key for seasoning both chicken and slaw, enhancing every bite.
Cayenne Pepper: Just a hint brings gentle heat without overpowering excitement.
Black Pepper: Lends a sharp touch to balance the sweet and smoky notes.
Olive Oil: Helps the spices coat your chicken evenly and prevents sticking when pan-frying.
Carrot: Grated for crunch and a beautiful pop of orange in your homemade coleslaw.
Red Cabbage: Offers bold color and a lovely crisp texture for the slaw.
Green/White Cabbage: Milder in flavor, balances the slaw with juicy crunch.
White Onion: Finely slice for a subtle, zesty note in the slaw base.
Mayonnaise (Full Fat): The backbone of a creamy slaw—be generous here!
Sour Cream: A scoop for tang, giving the slaw irresistible richness.
Dijon Mustard: Two teaspoons bring the right amount of bite without overpowering.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings that classic coleslaw zing, so every forkful pops.
Sugar: Just a pinch—taste as you go, this brings harmony to the coleslaw flavors.
Salt & Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing the coleslaw’s creamy, tangy base.
White Flour Tortilla Wraps: Four large, soft tortillas to wrap all that goodness up.
Spinach (or Greens of Choice): Adds freshness and extra nutrition to every bite.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Wraps

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by butterfly-slicing your chicken breasts in half, creating four evenly-sized pieces that will cook up perfectly tender. Sprinkle each piece with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne (as spicy as you like), and a good drizzle of olive oil. This spice rub forms a gorgeous flavorful crust that will bring your BBQ Chicken Wraps to life.

Step 2: Cook and Glaze with BBQ Sauce

Heat a skillet over medium-high and fry your chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side. Once you flip them, slather generously with BBQ sauce—let that tangy, smoky sauce glaze onto the meat as it finishes cooking. After a few more minutes, transfer the chicken to a board, sauce-side down, then brush the top with even more BBQ sauce before letting it rest for five minutes for maximum juiciness and flavor infusion. Now, slice the chicken into strips, cutting against the grain for the most tender bites.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Slaw

While the chicken rests, stir together mayo, sour cream, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and a dash of sugar until smooth and taste for seasoning. Toss this luscious dressing with the grated carrot, sliced onion, and both cabbages in a large bowl, mixing until every shred is coated. Expect crunch and creaminess in every forkful—absolutely essential to great BBQ Chicken Wraps.

Step 4: Build and Wrap It All Up

Lay a tortilla flat and arrange a handful of fresh spinach or greens in a line just below the center. Pile on a scoop of creamy slaw, then top with juicy BBQ chicken strips. Now, fold up the bottom, tuck in the sides, and roll tightly into a plump burrito shape. Slice in half if you’re feeling fancy. Take a bite and prepare for major wrap bliss!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Wraps

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! Scatter a handful of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley over the wraps for bright flavor and color, or sprinkle with a little extra smoked paprika for a pretty, smoky finish. A few thinly sliced scallions or extra drizzle of BBQ sauce will make your BBQ Chicken Wraps totally irresistible.

Side Dishes

These wraps play well with so many sides. Serve with crispy sweet potato fries or kettle chips for a satisfying crunch, or light things up with a simple salad of cherry tomatoes and cucumbers. If you’re feeling a little extra, a classic corn on the cob or baked beans are natural, no-fuss partners to your BBQ Chicken Wraps feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For party bites, slice each wrap into thirds and secure with toothpicks for BBQ Chicken Wraps pinwheels! If you’re serving a crowd, set up a make-your-own station with all the fillings in bowls and let everyone assemble their own wraps just the way they like. For lunchboxes, slice the wraps in half diagonally and wrap tightly in parchment for easy grab-and-go meals.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you wind up with extra wraps or filling, you’re in luck—they keep surprisingly well. Store any leftover chicken, slaw, and wraps separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This helps prevent the tortillas from getting soggy and keeps everything tasting fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing

While the freshly assembled BBQ Chicken Wraps are best enjoyed within a day or two, you can freeze the cooked, sliced chicken for up to 2 months. Just let it cool, pop it into a freezer-safe container or bag, and thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready for a quick wrap fix. It’s best to make the slaw fresh, as cabbage doesn’t freeze very well.

Reheating

For warm wraps, reheat the chicken gently in a skillet with a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce until hot. If your wraps are already assembled, you can wrap them in foil and warm through in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. If you’re working from chilled ingredients, pull everything together just before serving for that just-made freshness every time.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Shred or slice your cooked chicken, toss with BBQ sauce and the seasoning blend, and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before building your wraps. It’s a fabulous shortcut for busy nights!

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

Choose a BBQ sauce you truly love—something balanced, a little smoky, and not overly sweet. If you like it spicier or tangier, mix in a little extra hot sauce or vinegar. Your favorite store-bought or homemade version both work perfectly in BBQ Chicken Wraps.

Can these wraps be made gluten-free?

Totally! Just swap the wheat tortillas for your preferred gluten-free wraps or lettuce leaves for a lighter, lower-carb option. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you won’t miss out on any flavor.

What can I add to make these wraps spicier?

If you’re craving a kick, add extra cayenne to your chicken marinade, or stir chopped pickled jalapeños or hot sauce into the coleslaw. A few slices of fresh chili or a sprinkle of chili flakes inside the wrap also take the heat up a notch.

Do BBQ Chicken Wraps work for meal prep?

They’re fantastic for meal prep! Prep the cooked chicken and slaw ahead, then assemble the wraps just before eating for best texture. Pack the fillings and tortillas separately, so you enjoy perfectly fresh, non-soggy wraps every single time.

Final Thoughts

Once you bite into these BBQ Chicken Wraps—with their juicy chicken, creamy coleslaw, and smoky tang—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. They’re satisfying, colorful, and full of irresistible flavor. Give them a try soon and watch them earn a spot in your regular meal rotation!

BBQ Chicken Wraps

★★★★★

4.8 from 12 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 wraps 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These BBQ chicken wraps are the perfect combination of smoky, tangy chicken with a crunchy coleslaw, all wrapped up in a soft flour tortilla. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, they are great for a quick lunch or dinner.

Instructions

Prepare the BBQ Chicken: Butterfly slice the chicken breasts in half. Coat with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and olive oil. Fry until cooked, then coat with BBQ sauce.
Rest and Slice: Let the chicken rest, then slice into strips at an angle.
Make the Coleslaw: Mix mayo, sour cream, mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, carrot, onion, and cabbage.
Assemble the Wraps: Place spinach on a tortilla, top with coleslaw and chicken, then fold into a wrap.