Save These BBQ Chicken Pickle Slaw Wraps are my answer to weeknight dinner ruts when I want something bright bold and easy that puts smiles on every face at the table. The sweet smoky barbecue chicken wrapped with tangy crunchy pickle slaw hits every flavor craving while staying wonderfully simple and fresh.
The first time I made these wraps my family devoured them so quickly I barely got a bite. Now they regularly appear after soccer or movie night whenever I need a meal that pleases everyone with zero complaints.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: Boneless skinless for quick even cooking Look for fresh chicken with no added solution or broth for best texture
- Smoked paprika: Gives a gentle smoky depth Opt for a Spanish or Hungarian paprika for top flavor
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Build a foundation of savory taste Go for fresh jars less than six months old
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning freshly ground black pepper will offer brighter punch
- Olive oil: Helps achieve a golden crust on the chicken Use extra virgin if possible for richer flavor
- BBQ sauce: Sweet and tangy coats the chicken beautifully Pick a sauce you love and check for hidden dairy if making dairy free
- Shredded green cabbage: Adds refreshing crunch Choose tight heavy heads with crisp leaves
- Shredded carrots: Bring color and subtle sweetness Look for firm carrots or pre-shredded in the produce section
- Dill pickles: Add brightness and zing Use cold crunchy dill pickles for best results Avoid limp jarred pickles if possible
- Pickle brine: Boosts tang and moistness Use from a jar of quality pickles with minimal additives
- Mayonnaise or dairy free mayo: Binds the slaw with creaminess Go for one with a rich yet neutral taste
- Apple cider vinegar: Enhances acidity and complexity Choose raw unfiltered for flavor depth
- Sugar: Balances the tartness Slightly offsets the vinegar and pickle brine
- Flour tortillas or wraps: Soft flexible ones wrap best Check for gluten free options if needed
- Cilantro or parsley leaves: Optional but great for herbal freshness Look for bright green leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Seasoning:
- Coat both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with smoked paprika garlic powder onion powder salt and pepper Press the seasoning in gently so it adheres well
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high Once shimmering add chicken breasts Cook each side two to three minutes until golden and lightly crusted This creates caramelized flavor that holds up under BBQ sauce
- Bake the Chicken:
- Transfer the seared chicken onto a parchment lined baking tray Place in a preheated 400 degree oven Bake ten to twelve minutes until the thickest part reads 165 degrees on a thermometer Proper baking keeps the chicken juicy
- Rest and Slice the Chicken:
- Remove chicken from oven and let it rest uncovered five minutes Slicing too early loses moisture Once rested cut into thin strips so every bite fits snugly in the wrap
- Toss Chicken with BBQ Sauce:
- Add the sliced chicken to a bowl Pour BBQ sauce over Top Toss until each strip is glossy and well coated Use a spoon to ensure all pieces get some sauce
- Mix the Pickle Slaw:
- In a large bowl combine shredded cabbage carrots thinly sliced pickles pickle brine mayonnaise apple cider vinegar sugar plus salt and pepper Toss thoroughly until vegetables are coated evenly Taste and adjust seasoning for balance
- Warm the Tortillas:
- Place tortillas on a dry skillet over low heat for about thirty seconds per side or microwave covered for twenty seconds Warm tortillas are more pliable and easier to roll
- Assemble the Wraps:
- Lay a warmed tortilla flat Spread plenty of pickle slaw down the center Top generously with BBQ chicken Sprinkle fresh cilantro or parsley leaves if you like
- Roll and Serve:
- Fold in the sides then roll up burrito style to keep filling intact Slice in half for easy serving Serve right away for best texture
Save My favorite part is the tangy pickle slaw Every batch tastes a bit different depending on the pickles I use and often sparks fun debates between the dill and bread and butter pickle fans in my family These wraps also bring back memories of summer picnics with homemade barbecue and jars of pickles from my grandma's garden
Storage Tips
Wrap leftover chicken and slaw separately Store chicken in an airtight container in the fridge up to three days Slaw keeps fresh and crunchy for up to two days tightly covered Warm tortillas only as needed and assemble wraps right before serving so nothing gets soggy
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap rotisserie chicken when short on time Try turkey or pork instead for a twist Use spicy pickles jalapenos or kimchi for extra brightness Gluten free wraps and vegan mayo mean everyone can enjoy
Serving Suggestions
Pair these wraps with kettle chips seasonal fruit or a cool cucumber salad for a complete meal They make a picnic friendly portable lunch or hearty dinner Serve extra pickle slaw on the side for crunch lovers
Cultural and Historical Notes
Wrapping smoky meat with slaw reflects classic American barbecue flavors but adding pickle brine takes inspiration from Southern delis and modern food trucks This mash up is a nod to communal eating and bringing new traditions into family kitchens
Seasonal Adaptations
Swap in shredded red cabbage or napa cabbage for color in winter Use hot honey BBQ sauce or add fresh jalapenos in summer Grate in a bit of apple during the fall for sweetness
Success Stories
Friends have raved about making these at backyard cookouts and letting everyone build their own The ability to customize spice slaw and wrap makes it fun for guests I have prepped them as freezer meals for busy weeks by keeping slaw and chicken in separate bags The result is always crave worthy
Freezer Meal Conversion
Slice and sauce the cooked chicken let cool then freeze in a zip bag Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently Slaw is best fresh but you can pre chop veggies and add dressing last minute Warm tortillas before serving for best texture
Save Make a batch and watch these wraps bring brightness to any table Whether for a fast dinner or a picnic lunch these slaw filled bites are sure to please
Recipe Questions
- → How do I make the chicken tender?
Sear chicken breasts for a few minutes, then finish baking in the oven until cooked through and juicy.
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for quicker assembly. Toss with barbecue sauce before wrapping.
- → What pickles work best in the slaw?
Dill pickles provide crunchy texture and tangy flavor. Spicy pickles or sliced jalapeños add heat if preferred.
- → How do I make these wraps gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortillas and check sauces for gluten-containing ingredients. Always verify label details.
- → Are these wraps suitable for dairy-free diets?
Yes, simply select dairy-free barbecue sauce and mayonnaise. Double-check packaged ingredients for hidden dairy.