There is something incredibly satisfying about a Crispy BBQ Chicken Wrap that combines tender, smoky chicken with a refreshing, tangy coleslaw all wrapped snugly in a warm, toasted tortilla. This recipe brings together the crunchy texture of perfectly cooked chicken, the vibrant flavors of homemade coleslaw, and a hint of sweetness from BBQ sauce that will have you craving this wrap for lunch, dinner, or even a hearty snack. It’s simple to make but packed with layers of taste that feel both comforting and exciting at the same time.

Crispy BBQ Chicken Wrap Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together effortlessly, each one playing a crucial role in creating the perfect Crispy BBQ Chicken Wrap. From spices that bring warmth and depth to the sweet and tangy coleslaw, every element adds to the dish’s balance of flavor and texture.

Chicken breast: Sliced lengthwise for even cooking and great texture.
Sea salt and ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing natural flavors.
Garlic powder and smoked paprika: Add smoky warmth and a subtle kick to the chicken.
BBQ sauce: Brings that signature sweet and smoky tang perfect for the wrap.
Coleslaw mix: Provides a crunchy, fresh contrast to the tender chicken.
Red onion: Adds a pop of color and sharp flavor to the coleslaw.
Avocado oil mayo: Creates creamy richness without overpowering the other ingredients.
Lemon juice and honey: Build a bright and slightly sweet dressing for the slaw.
Dijon mustard: Introduces a gentle tang that balances the honey and lemon.
Flour tortillas: Soft and pliable, perfect for wrapping everything up.
Fresh spinach: Adds a mild, leafy green element for color and nutrition.
Avocado oil cooking spray: For a light, healthy coating in the pan.

How to Make Crispy BBQ Chicken Wrap

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

Start by butterflying your chicken breast to ensure it cooks evenly and quickly. Season both sides with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika — these spices build a deep, smoky base flavor. Heat a pan lightly coated with avocado oil spray over medium-high heat, then cook the chicken breast for 4 minutes on each side until it develops a golden crust. Brush both sides generously with BBQ sauce, then continue cooking for another 4 minutes to let the sauce caramelize and infuse the meat.

Step 2: Make the Homemade Coleslaw

While the chicken cooks, mix together your coleslaw ingredients. Toss the coleslaw mix and diced red onion in a bowl, then dress with avocado oil mayo, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, plus salt and pepper to taste. This creamy, tangy slaw is the perfect foil for the smoky chicken and helps keep the wrap fresh and bright.

Step 3: Toss Together the Sweet Potato Fries (Optional)

If you want to add a side or even some crispy sweet potato fries inside the wrap, cut a large sweet potato into wedges. Toss the wedges in avocado oil, cornstarch for extra crispiness, and seasonings including salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and tender.

Step 4: Assemble and Toast the Wrap

Lay your large flour tortilla flat, place a handful of fresh spinach leaves on the bottom layer, then add a generous scoop of the tangy coleslaw. Top that with strips of the BBQ chicken, making sure to include plenty of that luscious sauce. Fold the wrap tightly, then place it seam-side down in a heated pan. Toast for a few minutes on each side until the outside is golden and crunchy — this step is what really brings the crispy magic to the Crispy BBQ Chicken Wrap.

How to Serve Crispy BBQ Chicken Wrap

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or sliced green onions brightens any Crispy BBQ Chicken Wrap, adding fresh herbal notes. A wedge of lemon on the side is great for squeezing over, which adds an extra layer of zing that complements the BBQ flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair your wrap with air-fried sweet potato fries for a perfectly balanced meal, or opt for a light cucumber salad to keep things refreshing. Crispy kale chips or even a simple fruit salad can bring welcome textural and flavor contrasts alongside the hearty wrap.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress at a casual get-together? Slice your Crispy BBQ Chicken Wrap into pinwheel rounds for easy, bite-sized appetizers. Alternatively, serve the wrap halved diagonally on a wooden board with individual dipping bowls of extra BBQ sauce or ranch for guests to personalize their experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, separate the chicken strips and coleslaw from the tortilla if possible, and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps textures intact and prevents the tortilla from getting soggy overnight.

Freezing

While BBQ chicken can freeze well on its own, the wrap as a whole does not freeze well because of the fresh coleslaw and tortilla texture. For best results, freeze chicken strips separately and assemble fresh wraps when ready to eat.

Reheating

Reheat chicken strips gently in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness, and warm tortillas quickly in a dry pan or microwave. Add fresh coleslaw after reheating to maintain its crisp and tangy character for that unbeatable Crispy BBQ Chicken Wrap experience.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chicken for the Crispy BBQ Chicken Wrap?

Absolutely! While chicken breast is ideal for its quick cooking and lean texture, you can use chicken thighs if you prefer juicier meat. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is it possible to make this wrap gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap flour tortillas for gluten-free wraps or large lettuce leaves. The combination of smoky chicken and vibrant slaw works wonderfully regardless of the wrap choice.

How spicy is this Crispy BBQ Chicken Wrap?

This recipe leans more on smoky and sweet flavors rather than heat. You can easily add more chili powder or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce if you want a spicy kick.

Can I prepare the coleslaw in advance?

Definitely! The coleslaw can be made a few hours ahead and kept refrigerated. Just give it a good stir before assembling the wrap to redistribute the dressing.

What’s the best way to keep the wrap from getting soggy?

To avoid soggy wraps, keep the components separate until you’re ready to eat. Toasting the assembled wrap right before serving seals it and adds that signature crispy texture.

Final Thoughts

Making a Crispy BBQ Chicken Wrap at home is one of those cooking adventures that rewards you with a perfect blend of flavors and textures every single time. It’s fresh, smoky, tangy, and truly satisfying—making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. I can’t wait for you to try this wrap and enjoy the delightful crunch and burst of flavor that only a homemade wrap can deliver!

Crispy BBQ Chicken Wrap Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 27 reviews

A delicious and crispy BBQ chicken wrap featuring tender BBQ chicken breast, creamy homemade coleslaw, fresh spinach, and perfectly toasted flour tortillas. Served alongside crispy air-fried sweet potato wedges, this recipe offers a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors for a satisfying meal.

Author: Cleo
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 2 wraps 1x
Category: Lunch, Dinner
Method: Pan Frying, Air Frying, Assembling
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale

For BBQ Chicken:

1 large chicken breast, sliced lengthwise
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 cup BBQ sauce

For Coleslaw:

1/2 cup coleslaw mix
1/4 cup red onion, diced
1/4 cup Primal Kitchen avocado oil mayo
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembling the Wrap:

2 large flour tortillas
1 handful fresh spinach

For Sweet Potato Fries:

1 large sweet potato, cut into wedges
1 1/2 teaspoon Primal Kitchen avocado oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

Prepare the BBQ Chicken: Butterfly the chicken breast by slicing it in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces. Season the chicken with sea salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika evenly on both sides. Heat a pan lightly coated with avocado oil cooking spray over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Then, brush each side with BBQ sauce and continue cooking for another 4 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through. Finally, brush with additional BBQ sauce and slice the chicken into thin strips for the wrap.
Make the Coleslaw: In a mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, diced red onion, avocado oil mayo, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed and the dressing coats the vegetables evenly. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
Prepare Sweet Potato Fries: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Peel and cut the sweet potato into wedges. Toss the wedges in avocado oil, cornstarch, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until they are evenly coated. Arrange the wedges in a single layer inside the air fryer basket and air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking or turning them halfway through cooking to ensure crispiness.
Assemble the Wrap: Lay each flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Place a handful of fresh spinach leaves in the center, followed by a generous layer of the prepared coleslaw and sliced BBQ chicken strips. Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll it up tightly to enclose the ingredients.
Toast the Wrap: Heat a dry pan over medium heat. Place the assembled wrap seam-side down and cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom turns golden brown and crispy. Flip and toast the other side similarly. Remove from heat, slice in half if desired, and serve immediately with the air-fried sweet potato wedges.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
Adjust the BBQ sauce quantity according to your taste preference for sweetness or smokiness.
Air fryer times may vary depending on the model; check sweet potato fries occasionally to avoid burning.
Leftover chicken can be refrigerated and used within 2 days.
To make the wrap spicier, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the coleslaw.