BBQ Chicken Crunch Wraps with Bacon & Slaw: A Flavor Explosion!

Hey there, fellow food fanatics! Jason Griffith here from Chefmaniac.com, and today we’re diving headfirst into a recipe that’s about to become your new obsession: BBQ Chicken Crunch Wraps with Bacon & Slaw. Forget everything you thought you knew about wraps, because this dish takes it to a whole new level of crispy, savory, and downright delicious.

Why I Love This Recipe

Seriously, what’s not to love? These wraps are a symphony of textures and flavors. You’ve got juicy BBQ chicken, salty crispy bacon, a tangy coleslaw, gooey melted cheese, and that incredible crunch from the tortilla chips, all nestled in a perfectly toasted tortilla. It’s like a party in your mouth with every single bite! Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover grilled chicken, making it a perfect weeknight warrior meal. It’s hearty enough to satisfy, yet fresh enough to keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to gather to create these masterpieces:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind!)
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 cups coleslaw mix (pre-shredded saves time!)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (for the coleslaw)
  • 6 large flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup crushed tortilla chips

Swaps and Notes

  • Chicken: No grill? No problem! You can bake, pan-fry, or even use a rotisserie chicken for ease. Just shred or slice it once cooked.
  • BBQ Sauce: Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors – smoky, spicy, sweet, or even a Carolina gold.
  • Bacon: If you’re vegetarian or want to skip the bacon, you can omit it or use a plant-based bacon substitute.
  • Coleslaw Mix: While pre-shredded is convenient, you can certainly shred your own cabbage and carrots.
  • Tortillas: Corn tortillas can be used for a gluten-free option, but they might not hold up as well to the folding and toasting.
  • Cheese: Monterey Jack, a Mexican blend, or even a spicy pepper jack would be fantastic in these wraps.
  • Tortilla Chips: Any kind of crunchy tortilla chip works! You can also use corn chips or even crushed potato chips for a different twist.

Steps for Success

Let’s get cooking!

  1. Prep the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Grill the chicken until it’s cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. During the last few minutes of grilling, brush both sides with 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Once cooked, remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
  2. Whip up the Slaw: In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, and the 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce. Give it a good mix until everything is well combined and the coleslaw is evenly coated.
  3. Assemble the Wraps: Lay out your large flour tortillas on a clean surface. Divide the sliced BBQ chicken evenly among them. Now, layer on the crumbled bacon, a generous spoonful of the BBQ coleslaw mixture, the shredded cheddar cheese, and finally, a good sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips for that essential crunch.
  4. Fold and Roll: This is where the magic happens! Fold in the two opposite edges of the tortilla towards the center, then tightly roll up the tortilla from the bottom, creating a neat, compact wrap. Make sure it’s snug so all those delicious fillings stay put.
  5. Crisp ’em Up: Heat a large skillet (cast iron works wonderfully here!) over medium heat. Place the wraps seam-side down in the hot skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re beautifully golden brown and crispy. This step is crucial for that satisfying “crunch wrap” experience!
  6. Serve and Devour! Serve your BBQ Chicken Crunch Wraps immediately and get ready to enjoy a burst of flavor and texture.

Tips for Success

  • Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to load them up, but overfilling your wraps can make them difficult to fold and prone to breaking apart.
  • Tight Roll: The tighter you roll, the better the wrap will hold its shape and crisp up evenly.
  • Medium Heat is Key: When toasting, use medium heat. Too high and the tortilla will burn before the cheese melts and the insides warm through.
  • Warm Tortillas: Slightly warming your tortillas before assembling can make them more pliable and easier to fold without tearing.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These BBQ Chicken Crunch Wraps are a meal in themselves, but they also pair wonderfully with a few sides. Consider a simple green salad, some sweet potato fries, or even a bowl of your favorite Crockpot Nacho Dip for an extra layer of indulgence. For a refreshing drink pairing, a crisp iced tea or a blueberry lemonade would be perfect.

Storage and Leftover Tips

While these wraps are definitely best enjoyed fresh and hot, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, I recommend popping them back into a skillet over medium heat to crisp them up again, or using an air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy. The coleslaw might soften a bit, but the flavors will still be there.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you’re a fan of easy, crowd-pleasing chicken dishes, you’ve got to check out some of these other fantastic recipes from Chefmaniac:


Final Thoughts

These BBQ Chicken Crunch Wraps with Bacon & Slaw are a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly spectacular. They’re fun to make, even more fun to eat, and are guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends. Give them a try this week, and let me know how they turn out! What are your favorite crunch wrap fillings? Drop a comment below and share your ideas! Don’t forget to follow Chefmaniac.com for more delicious recipes!