Super-speedy BBQ Chicken Tacos with Slaw are your answer to a delicious, no-fuss dinner, ready in minutes! These vibrant tacos feature warm, saucy BBQ chicken, crisp coleslaw, and sweet corn, all nestled in perfectly charred tortillas. It’s a flavor explosion that comes together incredibly fast, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a casual gathering.
Super-Speedy BBQ Chicken Tacos with Slaw: The Ultimate Weeknight Delight
My love affair with BBQ Chicken knows no bounds. Whether it’s the savory goodness of BBQ Chicken Wraps, the satisfying layers of a BBQ Chicken Sandwich, or the fresh appeal of a BBQ Chicken Salad, this classic flavor always hits the spot. And now, these incredible BBQ Chicken Tacos with Slaw have joined my list of absolute favorites!
While I’ve shared BBQ Chicken Tacos before, this version offers a distinct and delightful twist. My previous recipe leaned into Southwestern flavors with black beans, peppers, and a zesty cilantro-lime sauce. This new rendition, however, keeps things gloriously classic, celebrating the timeless pairing of smoky BBQ chicken with a cool, creamy coleslaw. It’s a nostalgic combination that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
The beauty of these BBQ Chicken Tacos with Coleslaw lies in their sheer simplicity and speed. They come together in mere minutes, making them a lifesaver on those hectic evenings when time is short but you crave a satisfying, home-cooked meal. Trust me, the entire family will be asking for these delicious tacos again and again!
Why You’ll Adore This BBQ Chicken Taco Recipe
- Unbeatable Speed: With rotisserie chicken and pre-made coleslaw mix, dinner can be on the table in under 20 minutes!
- Flavor Harmony: The smoky sweetness of BBQ chicken perfectly complements the tangy crunch of coleslaw and the fresh pop of sweet corn.
- Simple Ingredients: A short list of easily accessible ingredients means less shopping and more cooking enjoyment.
- Family Favorite: These tacos are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, appealing to both kids and adults with their familiar and comforting flavors.
- Customizable: Easily adjust flavors, spice levels, and toppings to suit individual preferences.
Essential Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Tacos with Slaw
Crafting these sensational tacos requires just a handful of straightforward ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some helpful tips:
- Sweet Corn: Fresh sweet corn, cut right off the cob, adds a delightful burst of natural sweetness and a satisfying texture. If fresh corn isn’t in season or available, thawed frozen corn or well-drained canned corn make excellent substitutes without compromising flavor.
- Coleslaw Mix: To keep things super speedy, a basic store-bought packaged coleslaw mix (typically shredded cabbage and carrots) is your best friend. It provides the perfect crunchy base without any chopping.
- Coleslaw Dressing: The dressing is key to that classic tangy, creamy slaw. My personal favorites for store-bought options are Litehouse® and Marie’s®. Alternatively, whip up your own homemade coleslaw dressing for a personalized touch.
- Rotisserie Chicken: This is the ultimate time-saver! Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is juicy, flavorful, and ready to shred. Many grocery stores even offer it pre-shredded or diced for maximum convenience. This ingredient transforms a longer cooking process into a quick assembly.
- BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce – this is where you can truly personalize the flavor! Whether you prefer a smoky, sweet, or spicy profile, any good quality BBQ sauce will work. Sweet Baby Ray’s® (original) and Stubb’s Original® are consistently excellent choices.
- Corn Tortillas: The foundation of our tacos! We’ll delve deeper into preparing these for optimal flavor and texture below.
Variations to Elevate Your Tacos
While delicious as is, these tacos are also incredibly versatile! For an extra layer of richness and creamy texture, add thinly sliced, ripe avocado. Its buttery notes perfectly complement the smoky chicken and crisp slaw. A few sprigs of fresh cilantro also introduce a bright, contrasting, and herbaceous flavor that truly elevates these BBQ Chicken Tacos with Coleslaw. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other toppings like pickled red onions for a tangy kick, a drizzle of hot sauce for heat, or even a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese.
Choosing and Preparing Your Tortillas
The right tortilla makes all the difference! I particularly love the authentic flavor and texture that corn tortillas bring to these saucy slaw and BBQ chicken tacos. However, corn tortillas can sometimes be a bit delicate, prone to breaking easily, and can dry out quickly if not handled properly.
The secret to perfect corn tortillas for tacos is charring them lightly. This simple step not only adds a fantastic smoky flavor but also makes them more pliable and less likely to break when folded. When working with corn tortillas, it’s best to char them one at a time, keeping the remaining tortillas in their bag or wrapped to prevent them from drying out.
For these tacos, I generally prefer thin corn tortillas. Brands like Mission® extra-thin corn tortillas are a personal favorite for their ideal texture and pliability, providing a great balance to the fillings.
How to Char Tortillas for Optimal Flavor and Texture:
- Prepare: Lightly spray both sides of each corn tortilla with cooking spray (olive oil or canola oil spray works great). This helps them char evenly and prevents sticking.
- Char: Using tongs, place one tortilla directly over an open gas flame on your stovetop for about 10-15 seconds per side, or heat it in a hot, dry skillet over medium-high heat. You’re looking for light char marks and a softened, pliable texture, not burnt.
- Warm & Fold: Immediately after charring, gently fold the tortilla in half. This helps it retain its taco shape. Place the folded tortilla under a clean kitchen towel to keep it warm and pliable while you char the rest.
- Repeat: Continue this process until all your tortillas are lightly charred, warm, and ready to be filled with your delicious BBQ chicken and slaw.
Quick Tip: Flour Tortilla Alternative
Not a fan of corn tortillas, or simply prefer a softer bite? Flour tortillas are a wonderful alternative! They are naturally more flexible and less prone to breaking. Even with flour tortillas, I still recommend spraying and browning them lightly in a skillet or quickly over an open flame. This step enhances their flavor, adds a subtle crispness, and makes them even more inviting.
Quick Tip: Adjusting Sauces to Your Liking
This recipe is incredibly flexible when it comes to flavor intensity. Feel free to adjust the sauces to match your personal taste! If you prefer a really saucy chicken, simply add a little more BBQ sauce when warming it. For a creamier, richer coleslaw, incorporate an extra tablespoon or two of coleslaw dressing. Conversely, if you like things less saucy, use a bit less. Don’t hesitate to taste and tweak until it’s perfect for you!
Building Your Perfect BBQ Chicken Tacos
Once your components are ready, assembling these tacos is a joyful and swift process. Lay out your warm, charred tortillas, and get ready to create your masterpieces. Start with a generous scoop of the creamy, tangy coleslaw as the base – it provides a refreshing crunch and a cool contrast to the warm chicken. Next, pile on the flavorful BBQ chicken, ensuring each piece is coated in that delicious sauce. Finally, sprinkle a handful of fresh or thawed sweet corn over the top for a pop of color and natural sweetness. If you’re using avocado or cilantro, now is the time to add those finishing touches. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
One of the many advantages of this recipe is how well components can be prepared in advance, making meal prep even easier:
- Coleslaw: The coleslaw mix and dressing can be tossed together up to a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully, and it will remain crisp. Give it a quick toss before serving.
- BBQ Chicken: If you’re not using hot rotisserie chicken, you can shred your chicken and mix it with BBQ sauce a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, just until warmed through before serving.
- Tortillas: While charring tortillas fresh is ideal for texture, you can pre-char and fold them a few hours in advance. Keep them wrapped tightly in foil or a clean kitchen towel at room temperature. Reheat briefly in a skillet or microwave before serving if desired.
Storage for Leftovers: Store leftover BBQ chicken and coleslaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the textures optimal. Keep any remaining tortillas wrapped to prevent them from drying out. Reheat the chicken gently before serving, and assemble fresh tacos with the chilled slaw for the best eating experience.
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 639kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 126mg | Sodium: 1496mg | Potassium: 342mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 252IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 124mg | Iron: 3mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.
These BBQ Chicken Tacos with Slaw are more than just a quick meal; they’re a vibrant celebration of flavor and convenience. With their irresistible combination of tender, smoky chicken, crisp, tangy slaw, and sweet bursts of corn, all wrapped in a warm, charred tortilla, they’re sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Give them a try tonight and taste the simple joy of an effortlessly delicious meal!
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BBQ Chicken Tacos with Slaw Recipe
By Chelsea Lords
These super-quick BBQ Chicken Tacos with Slaw are packed with flavor! Toss coleslaw in dressing, pile it in a charred tortilla, and top with BBQ chicken and sweet corn for a fast, tasty meal!
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 servings
Equipment
- Small pot or skillet
- Tongs
- Large pan (for alternative tortilla warming)
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (or more to taste)
- 1 cup fresh sweet corn (cut from the cob, or frozen and thawed corn)
- 3 cups packaged coleslaw mix
- 1/2 cup coleslaw dressing
- 8 to 10 extra-thin corn tortillas
- Cooking spray (olive oil or canola)
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
- 1 ripe avocado (optional, thinly sliced)
Instructions
- Toss coleslaw mix and coleslaw dressing together thoroughly with tongs in a medium bowl. Adjust dressing to your preference for a saucier or less saucy slaw. Let it stand for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld, tossing once more before assembling the tacos.
- Shred a rotisserie chicken (or use pre-shredded chicken if available) and add it to a small pot or skillet. Add 1/2 cup of your chosen BBQ sauce (you can always add more later if desired). Gently stir the chicken and sauce over low heat with tongs until the chicken is coated and just warmed through. Avoid overheating, as the chicken is already cooked and can dry out.
- Lightly spray both sides of each corn tortilla with cooking spray. Char the tortillas one at a time directly over a gas flame for a few seconds per side, using tongs to flip them until they are lightly charred and soft. If you don’t have a gas stove, use a hot, dry skillet over medium-high heat. Immediately fold each tortilla in half (this helps them hold a taco shape) and place them under a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm and pliable.
- To assemble, divide the saucy coleslaw evenly among the warm tortillas. Top with the warmed BBQ chicken. Sprinkle the sweet corn (freshly cut or thawed) over the chicken. If you like, add fresh sliced avocado and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to each taco. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture!
Recipe Notes
- Warming the Chicken: Since rotisserie chicken is already cooked, the goal is just to warm it through and coat it in the BBQ sauce. Use low heat and stir gently. If you’re using a hot rotisserie chicken straight from the store, simply warm the BBQ sauce in a separate pan and then toss it with the already warm chicken.
- Alternative Tortilla Warming Methods: If charring isn’t an option, warm tortillas in a large pan over medium heat (in batches). Flip to warm each side and remove from heat once soft. Alternatively, warm them gently in the microwave, covered with a damp paper towel. Once warmed, immediately fold tortillas in half and place under a towel to keep them pliable.
- Storage: To maintain the best texture and flavor, store leftover BBQ chicken and coleslaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep tortillas well-wrapped to prevent them from drying out. Reheat the chicken before serving, and assemble fresh tacos as needed.
We hope you love these super-speedy and incredibly delicious BBQ Chicken Tacos with Slaw! If you try this recipe, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment below and let us know how your taco night went!