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Easy Leftover BBQ Chicken Tacos with Coleslaw
Leftover BBQ chicken tacos are an easy way to turn one slow-cooker recipe into a dinner with a completely different personality. Warm tortillas, crisp cabbage, red onion, lime and a creamy finish balance the sweet and smoky chicken, so the meal feels bright and fresh instead of repeated.
These tacos are the second dinner in Allie’s Cook Once, Remix Twice plan, featured on WFAA Good Morning Texas’ “Money Monday: Budget Friendly Meals.” The slow-cooker chicken is prepared once, then reheated only in the amount needed for taco night. Set out the toppings and let everyone build their own tacos for a flexible meal with minimal extra cooking.
Why It Works
Fresh cabbage and lime cut through the richness of the BBQ sauce.
Warm tortillas and cool toppings create a new texture profile.
The meal uses a measured portion of chicken, preserving the rest for another dinner.
A build-your-own setup gives family members control over heat and toppings.
Allie’s Tips
Reheat only the chicken needed for taco night so the remaining portion stays fresh.
Warm tortillas before filling so they bend without tearing.
Use cabbage for maximum crunch; creamy slaw gives a richer taco.
Add lime immediately before serving for the brightest flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with black beans, corn, cilantro-lime rice, avocado, pico de gallo or a simple salad. Affordable sides can stretch the chicken while keeping the meal satisfying.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate the cooked BBQ chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours and use it within 3 to 4 days. Keep tortillas, cabbage, cheese and sauces separate. Reheat chicken to 165°F and assemble tacos immediately before eating. Freeze only the chicken, not the assembled tacos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use corn tortillas?
A: Yes. Warm corn tortillas well before filling; using two tortillas per taco can help prevent tearing.
Q: Is coleslaw or plain cabbage better?
A: Either works. Plain cabbage is lighter and crunchier, while prepared coleslaw adds creaminess and sweetness.
Q: How can I make the tacos less sweet?
A: Use plain cabbage, extra lime, sliced jalapeño and a tangy crema to balance a sweet BBQ sauce.
