Name: BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps: 5 Mouthwatering Ways to Grill
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: — BBQ Chicken —; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for drizzling); ; — Coleslaw —; 2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix; 1/3 cup shredded carrots; 2 tbsp mayonnaise; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tsp honey; Salt and pepper, to taste; ; — Wraps —; 4 large flour tortillas; 1/4 cup sliced green onions; Optional: shredded cheese or avocado slices

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BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps have completely transformed how our team at Cooks Foody approaches weeknight dinners. I remember the first time Elizabeth Harper brought this concept to our Portland test kitchen we’d been struggling with the same old chicken routine, and honestly, we were tired of bland, uninspiring meals that left everyone reaching for takeout menus.

“What if we could create something that’s smoky, fresh, and completely satisfying in under 30 minutes?” Elizabeth challenged us. That’s exactly what these BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps deliver a perfect marriage of tender, flavor-packed grilled chicken with crisp, tangy coleslaw wrapped in your choice of tortilla or lettuce cups.

As the team behind Cooks Foody, we’ve spent countless hours perfecting these five distinct grilling methods, testing everything from marinade timing to wrap assembly techniques. Our collaborative approach means every recipe has been refined through trial, error, and plenty of delicious discoveries.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover our favorite chicken selection tips, five foolproof grilling techniques, coleslaw variations that complement each style, and assembly secrets that prevent soggy wraps. Whether you’re a grilling novice or a seasoned pitmaster, these methods will elevate your BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps game.

Why This BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps Recipe Works

Our BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps recipe has become a Cooks Foody favorite because it solves three major weeknight cooking challenges: flavor, convenience, and versatility.

• Uses affordable, easy-to-find chicken cuts Boneless thighs and breasts work perfectly, and you can often find them on sale
• Marinate in just 15 minutes for maximum tenderness Our quick-acting marinades penetrate quickly, perfect for busy schedules
• Perfect for weeknights or weekend feast. Scale up easily for parties or keep simple for family dinners
• Fresh coleslaw adds crunch and nutrition Balances the rich BBQ flavors with crisp vegetables
• Customizable for dietary preferences Swap tortillas for lettuce wraps, adjust sauce heat levels, or modify coleslaw ingredients

Choosing the Right Chicken for BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps

Selecting the perfect chicken cut makes all the difference in your BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps success.

Best Cuts for This BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps Recipe

Chicken Thighs (Bone-in or Boneless): Our top recommendation for BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps due to higher fat content that stays juicy during grilling. The natural marbling prevents overcooking, and the flavor is more robust than breast meat.

Chicken Breasts: Work beautifully when not overcooked. Choose thicker breasts and pound to even thickness for consistent cooking in your BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps.

Chicken Tenderloins: Quick-cooking option perfect for last-minute BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps. They grill in under 10 minutes and shred easily.

Buying Tips

Look for chicken with a pinkish color and firm texture. Avoid any pieces with gray spots or strong odors. Ask your butcher to butterfly thick breast pieces for faster, more even cooking. For the best BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps, buy chicken the day you plan to cook or within 24 hours.

Substitutions

Swap chicken thighs for breasts in any of our BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps variations. Turkey breast works excellently with longer cooking times. For a different twist, try chicken wings deboned and flattened – they grill quickly and offer incredible flavor.

Ingredients & Prep for BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps

BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps: 5 Mouthwatering Ways to Grill

Proper preparation is crucial for exceptional BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps that deliver every time.

Chicken Prep Essentials for BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps

Trimming: Remove excess fat and any silverskin from chicken pieces. For breasts, trim the tenderloin if still attached and reserve for quick appetizers.

Tenderizing: Pound chicken breasts to ¾-inch thickness using a meat mallet. This ensures even cooking for your BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps.

Dry-Brining: Salt chicken pieces 30 minutes before marinading. This draws out moisture initially, then reabsorbs for more concentrated flavor in your finished BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps.

Marinades & Rubs for BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps

Classic BBQ Marinade:

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Asian-Inspired Marinade:

3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

Marinate chicken for minimum 15 minutes, maximum 4 hours for tender BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps.

Pantry Staples

Keep these essentials stocked for spontaneous BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps: neutral oil for grilling, apple cider vinegar for both marinades and coleslaw, quality BBQ sauce, mayonnaise for coleslaw binding, and a variety of spices including smoked paprika, garlic powder, and celery seed.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps

Follow these detailed steps for perfectly executed BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps every time.

Pre-Cooking Prep for BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps

Remove marinated chicken from refrigerator 20 minutes before grilling to bring to room temperature. Pat chicken completely dry with paper towels – this is crucial for proper searing and prevents sticking. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired. Prepare your grill by cleaning grates and preheating to medium-high heat (375-400°F). Oil the grates just before cooking to prevent your BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps chicken from sticking.

Cooking Method for BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps

Direct Heat Grilling: Place chicken on hottest part of grill. Cook thighs 6-7 minutes per side, breasts 5-6 minutes per side. Create attractive grill marks by positioning chicken diagonally to grates, then rotating 45 degrees halfway through each side.

Two-Zone Grilling: Start chicken over direct high heat for 2-3 minutes per side to develop color, then move to indirect heat to finish cooking. This method prevents burning while ensuring your BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps chicken cooks through completely.

Doneness Check for BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps

Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of chicken. Target internal temperature: 165°F for all chicken cuts used in BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps. Juices should run clear, and meat should feel firm but not hard when pressed.

Resting for BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps

Let grilled chicken rest on cutting board for 5-7 minutes before slicing. This crucial step allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring your BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps stay moist and flavorful. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm.

Pro Tips for Perfect BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps

Master these professional techniques for restaurant-quality BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps at home.

Avoiding Tough, Dry Chicken in BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps

Temperature Control: Never cook over flame-ups or excessive heat. Move chicken to cooler zones if flare-ups occur during your BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps preparation.

Basting Technique: During last few minutes of cooking, baste with reserved marinade (never use marinade that touched raw chicken) or butter mixed with herbs.

Moisture Retention: Don’t move chicken unnecessarily while cooking. Let it develop proper sear before flipping for optimal BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps results.

Tool Recommendations for BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps

Essential Tools: Instant-read thermometer for accurate doneness, long-handled tongs for safe flipping, silicone brush for basting, and large cutting board for safe resting and slicing.

Upgrade Options: Grill basket for easy turning of smaller pieces, cedar planks for smoky flavor infusion, or cast-iron grill pan for stovetop BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps when outdoor grilling isn’t possible.

Storage & Reheating BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps

Store cooked chicken separately from coleslaw and wraps. Refrigerate grilled chicken up to 4 days in airtight containers. Freeze cooked chicken in meal-sized portions up to 3 months. Reheat gently in 325°F oven with splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Assemble your BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps fresh for best texture.

For more delicious chicken inspiration, check out our Instant Pot White Chicken Chili recipe that saves weeknight dinners!

Flavor Variations for BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps

Discover exciting ways to customize your BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps with these globally-inspired variations.

Spicy Twist BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps

Transform your standard BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps into fiery favorites by incorporating chipotle peppers in adobo sauce into your marinade. Add 1-2 minced chipotle peppers plus 1 tablespoon of the smoky adobo sauce. For extra heat, sprinkle cayenne pepper into your coleslaw dressing or add sliced jalapeños as a wrap filling. Hot sauce lovers can drizzle their favorite varieties directly onto assembled BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps.

Keto & Paleo BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps

Create diet-friendly BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps by swapping traditional tortillas for large lettuce leaves or coconut wraps. Use sugar-free BBQ sauce or make your own with tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and stevia. Replace mayonnaise-based coleslaw with avocado-oil mayo or make a vinegar-based slaw. These modifications keep your BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps compliant while maintaining incredible flavor.

Global Flavors BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps

Korean-Style: Marinate chicken in gochujang paste, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Top BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps with kimchi-style coleslaw featuring napa cabbage and Korean chili flakes.

Mediterranean-Style: Use herb marinades with oregano, basil, and lemon zest. Create coleslaw with olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs for bright, fresh BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps.

Mexican-Style: Incorporate cumin, chili powder, and lime into marinades. Add cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeños to coleslaw for zesty BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps.

Variation Style	Key Marinade Ingredients	Coleslaw Additions	Wrap Suggestions
Spicy	Chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, cayenne	Hot sauce, jalapeños	Flour tortillas
Korean	Gochujang, sesame oil, rice vinegar	Kimchi, napa cabbage, sesame seeds	Lettuce wraps
Mediterranean	Oregano, basil, lemon zest	Olive oil dressing, fresh herbs	Pita bread
Mexican	Cumin, chili powder, lime	Cilantro, lime juice, jalapeños	Corn tortillas
Keto/Paleo	Sugar-free BBQ sauce, herbs	Avocado oil mayo, vinegar base	Lettuce cups

Serving Suggestions for BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps

Elevate your BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps experience with these perfectly paired accompaniments.

Side Dish Pairings: Serve your BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps alongside grilled sweet potato wedges, crispy baked beans, or fresh corn salad. For lighter options, consider quinoa salad with herbs or grilled vegetable medley. Creamy potato salad provides a cooling contrast to spicy BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps variations.

Beverage Pairings: Cold iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling water with fruit complement the smoky flavors in BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps beautifully. For non-alcoholic craft options, try ginger beer or kombucha with tropical flavors.

Presentation Ideas: Arrange BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps on wooden serving boards with small bowls of extra BBQ sauce and coleslaw on the side. Garnish plates with fresh herbs, lime wedges, or pickled vegetables for restaurant-style presentation.

Looking for a sweet finish to your BBQ meal? Try our Candy Cane Brownie Bombs for a chocolatey dessert treat!

Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps

Can I use frozen chicken for BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps?

Yes, but thaw completely before marinating. Frozen chicken should be thawed in refrigerator 24 hours before preparing your BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps. Never thaw at room temperature, as this promotes bacterial growth. Pat thawed chicken extra dry before seasoning, as excess moisture can prevent proper browning during grilling.

How do I fix overcooked chicken in my BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps?

If chicken becomes dry during cooking, slice it thinly and toss with additional BBQ sauce or marinade while still warm. The thin slices will absorb moisture quickly. For future BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps, use a meat thermometer and remove chicken at exactly 165°F to prevent overcooking.

Are these BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps safe for pregnant women?

Yes, when chicken is cooked to proper internal temperature of 165°F and consumed promptly. Pregnant women should ensure all chicken is fully cooked with no pink areas. Store leftover BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps in refrigerator immediately and consume within 2 days for optimal safety.

How long can I store prepared BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps?

Store components separately for best results. Cooked chicken keeps 3-4 days refrigerated, while coleslaw stays fresh 3-5 days. Assemble BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps just before serving to prevent soggy tortillas. Pre-assembled wraps should be consumed within 24 hours for optimal texture and food safety.

Can I make BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely! Grill chicken and prepare coleslaw on Sunday for the week. Store in separate containers and assemble fresh BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps each day. This method ensures maximum freshness while saving time during busy weeknights.

Want more meal prep inspiration? Check out our Instant Pot White Chicken Chili another fantastic make-ahead option!

Conclusion

Fire up your grill tonight and discover why BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps have become such a beloved staple in kitchens everywhere! These five grilling methods we’ve shared represent years of testing, tweaking, and perfecting by our entire Cooks Foody team.

From Elizabeth’s initial inspiration in our Austin test kitchen to Daniel’s creative global flavor variations developed in Portland, these BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps embody everything we believe about cooking: it should be approachable, exciting, and full of heart.

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BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps: 5 Mouthwatering Ways to Grill