Make Ahead Bbq Chicken Tacos With Slaw For Weekly Meal Prep Success
Meal prepping is a game-changer for busy individuals and families looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing flavor or variety. One of the most versatile and satisfying options for weekly meal prep is BBQ chicken tacos with slaw. They are easy to make, can be customized to your taste, and stay fresh throughout the week. This recipe will guide you through making these delicious tacos ahead of time, ensuring you have a quick, healthy meal ready to go whenever hunger strikes.
In this article, we will cover everything from the preparation of the BBQ chicken, the fresh slaw, and assembling the tacos, to tips for storing and reheating them. So let’s dive into the world of meal prep tacos that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished!
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Coat the chicken breasts with the spice mixture, ensuring they are evenly covered.
- Place the chicken in a baking dish and pour BBQ sauce over the top, reserving some for later.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Shred the chicken using two forks, mixing it with the BBQ sauce in the baking dish.
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the slaw. In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage and carrots.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and chopped cilantro, if using.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots, tossing to combine until all the vegetables are coated.
- Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side until warm and pliable.
- To assemble the tacos, place a generous amount of the BBQ chicken mixture onto each tortilla, followed by a scoop of slaw.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos.
Storing Your Make Ahead BBQ Chicken Tacos
These BBQ chicken tacos are perfect for meal prep, and the best part is how easily they can be stored. To keep them fresh throughout the week, follow these simple storage tips.
First, store the shredded BBQ chicken and slaw separately from the tortillas. This will prevent the tortillas from getting soggy. You can use airtight containers to keep everything fresh. The BBQ chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, while the slaw can last for about 3 days. Make sure to consume them in a timely manner to ensure their freshness.
When you’re ready to enjoy your tacos, simply warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave, then fill them with the BBQ chicken and slaw as described above. This way, you can enjoy fresh and delicious tacos every time!
Reheating Tips
When reheating your meal prep, it’s important to do so safely and effectively. For the BBQ chicken, you can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. If you’re using the microwave, place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
If reheating on the stovetop, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or additional BBQ sauce to keep it moist, stirring until heated through.
For the slaw, it’s best to eat it fresh. If you have leftover slaw that you wish to eat later, you can always add a little extra dressing to revive it. Just be cautious not to dress it too early, as it may wilt over time.
Customizing Your Tacos
One of the best aspects of tacos is their versatility. Feel free to customize your BBQ chicken tacos with slaw based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas:
- Different Proteins: Substitute chicken with shredded beef, pulled pork, or even jackfruit for a vegetarian option.
- Additional Toppings: Add sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Different Slaws: Mix up the slaw by using red cabbage, adding sliced bell peppers, or even using a vinegar-based dressing instead of mayonnaise.
- Cheese: Sprinkle some crumbled feta, cotija, or shredded cheddar on top for added flavor.
FAQ
Can I freeze BBQ chicken tacos?
Yes! You can freeze the cooked BBQ chicken and tortillas separately. Just be sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn. However, it is best to assemble the tacos fresh when you are ready to eat them.
How do I make the slaw vegan?
To make the slaw vegan, substitute mayonnaise with a vegan alternative or use a vinaigrette made from olive oil, vinegar, and seasonings.
Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?
Absolutely! Using store-bought BBQ sauce can save you time. Just choose a flavor that you enjoy to enhance the overall taste of your tacos.
How long do the tacos last in the fridge?
The BBQ chicken will last for about 4 days in the refrigerator, while the slaw can stay fresh for about 3 days. Always check for freshness before consuming.
With this recipe for make ahead BBQ chicken tacos with slaw, you are well on your way to achieving meal prep success! Enjoy the convenience of delicious, ready-to-eat meals throughout the week. Happy cooking!
