Delicious Chicken Wrap with Coleslaw

Looking for a quick lunch that doesn’t skimp on flavor? I can’t count how many times my chicken wrap with coleslaw has saved me during busy weekdays. It’s the kind of meal that comes together in minutes but tastes like you spent way more time in the kitchen. As someone who packs lunches for my family regularly, I’ve learned that simple ingredients often make the best meals.

I started making these wraps back when my kids first started school, and they’ve been a lunchbox favorite ever since. The combination of crispy coleslaw and tender chicken wrapped in a soft tortilla just works. And the best part? You can prep everything ahead of time – I usually get it ready while I’m cleaning up after dinner, so lunch the next day is a breeze.

Whether you’re packing lunch for work, need something quick between meetings, or just want an easy meal that doesn’t require turning on the oven, this wrap has got you covered. Trust me, once you try this combination, it’ll become your go-to lunch too.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For wraps, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are your best bet since they’re lean and easy to slice after cooking. You can use either fresh or frozen chicken breasts (just make sure they’re completely thawed if frozen), and either conventional or organic will work fine. If you’re looking to save some prep time, you could even use chicken tenderloins instead of full breasts – they cook a bit faster and are already the perfect size for wraps. Just make sure your chicken is at room temperature before cooking, as this helps it cook more evenly and stay juicy.

Options for Substitutions

This wrap recipe is super adaptable and you can make several swaps based on what you have in your kitchen:

• Chicken breasts: You can easily swap chicken breasts with chicken thighs, or even turkey breast. For a vegetarian version, try grilled portobello mushrooms or firm tofu – just make sure to press the tofu well before cooking.
• BBQ sauce: Out of BBQ sauce? Mix equal parts ketchup and honey, then add a splash of worcestershire sauce and a dash of smoked paprika. You’ll get a similar sweet and smoky flavor.
• Cabbage mix: Feel free to use any cabbage combo you like – all green, all red, or even pre-made coleslaw mix. No cabbage? Try shredded lettuce, though it won’t be as crunchy.
• Mayonnaise and sour cream: Greek yogurt works great as a replacement for both mayo and sour cream. For a vegan option, try plant-based mayo and coconut yogurt.
• Flour tortillas: Whole wheat tortillas, corn tortillas, or even large lettuce leaves work well here. Just warm the tortillas slightly before using to make them more pliable.
• Apple cider vinegar: White vinegar or rice vinegar can step in for apple cider vinegar in the coleslaw dressing. Lemon juice works too – just use a bit less.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest mistake when making chicken wraps is slicing the chicken before it has had a chance to rest – waiting 5-10 minutes after cooking helps keep all those tasty juices locked inside instead of running all over your cutting board. Another common error is overcrowding the pan when cooking the chicken breasts, which leads to steaming instead of that golden-brown crust we’re after – give each piece enough space to develop a nice sear. Making coleslaw right before serving can leave you with a watery mess, so it’s best to prepare it at least 30 minutes ahead (or up to 24 hours) to let the flavors meld and allow the vegetables to release their excess moisture. For the perfect wrap assembly, avoid overfilling your tortillas and make sure to warm them slightly first – cold tortillas are more likely to crack and tear when rolling.

What to Serve With Chicken Wraps?

These BBQ chicken wraps are pretty filling on their own, but they’re even better with some tasty sides! French fries or sweet potato wedges are my go-to choices – they’re perfect for dipping in any extra BBQ sauce you might have. If you want to keep things lighter, a simple bowl of corn chips and fresh salsa or guacamole works great, or try a cup of tortilla soup for a Mexican-inspired meal. For a healthier option, a mixed green salad with ranch dressing or some fresh fruit salad adds a nice balance to the smoky, creamy wrap.

Storage Instructions

Keep Components Separate: For the best results, store the cooked chicken, coleslaw, and tortillas separately. Keep the chicken and coleslaw in different airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The tortillas will stay fresh in their original packaging or wrapped in foil at room temperature.

Make Ahead: You can prep all the components a day or two before you need them. The coleslaw actually tastes even better after sitting for 24 hours as the flavors blend together. Just give it a quick stir before using. The chicken can be cooked and sliced ahead too – just keep it covered in the fridge.

Assemble Fresh: For the best eating experience, wait to assemble your wraps until you’re ready to eat them. This prevents the tortillas from getting soggy. If you need to pack them for lunch, wrap them tightly in foil and eat them the same day – they’re best fresh!

Preparation Time	15-20 minutes
Cooking Time	10-15 minutes
Total Time	25-35 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1800-2100
• Protein: 100-120 g
• Fat: 100-120 g
• Carbohydrates: 150-170 g

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (for a little kick)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand, like Sweet Baby Ray’s)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 large chicken breasts
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the coleslaw:

• 1/2 medium white onion
• 1/4 red cabbage
• black pepper
• 1 tbsp sour cream (gives extra creaminess)
• 4 tbsp full-fat mayonnaise (I prefer Hellmann’s)
• salt
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/4 green cabbage
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 large carrot (shredded or finely julienned)

For the wrap assembly:

• 4 small handfuls spinach
• 4 large flour tortillas

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by butterfly slicing your two chicken breasts in half to create 4 even-sized pieces.

In a small bowl, mix 1 heaped teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon each of black pepper and cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference).

Coat the chicken breasts evenly with this spice mixture, then drizzle with olive oil to ensure they’re well-covered.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat.

Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the pan and fry for 3-4 minutes on one side.

Flip them over and coat the tops generously with BBQ sauce.

Continue frying for an additional few minutes until cooked through.

Remove the chicken from the pan and place sauce-side-down on a chopping board.

Brush the other side with more BBQ sauce and allow it to rest for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing and Coleslaw

While the chicken is resting, in a small bowl, mix 4 tablespoons of mayo, 1 tablespoon of sour cream, 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon of sugar.

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

In a larger bowl, combine this dressing with your prepared carrot, onion, and cabbage to make coleslaw.

Mix well to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated.

Step 4: Slice the Chicken

After the chicken has rested, slice it into strips, ensuring you slice at an angle and against the grain for tender pieces.

This technique helps create juicy strips ideal for wraps.

Step 5: Assemble the Wrap

Lay your wrap flat on a work surface.

Place a small handful of spinach, or your choice of greens, in a strip near the center-bottom of the wrap.

Layer the coleslaw over the spinach, followed by the sliced chicken.

Fold the wrap as you would a burrito (or simply roll it up) to encase all the fillings neatly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

With the wrap tightly rolled, it’s ready to enjoy.

Serve immediately while the chicken is still warm, savoring the combination of spicy chicken, creamy coleslaw, and fresh greens.

Enjoy your delicious homemade chicken wrap!