Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Thai Peanut Sauce:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 2-4 tablespoons water (to thin to desired consistency)
For the Wraps:
- 6-8 large tortillas (flour or whole wheat)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
- Sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional, for extra spice)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Get Started with the Chicken:
- In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is nicely coated.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook the chicken in batches.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Amazing Peanut Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, lime juice, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined.
- Gradually add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. It should be smooth and easily drizzled. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add a touch more honey for sweetness or lime juice for tang.
Assemble Your Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps:
- Warm the tortillas according to package instructions. This will make them more pliable and less likely to tear. A quick zap in the microwave (covered with a damp paper towel) or a few seconds on a hot griddle works perfectly.
- Lay a warm tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a generous amount of Thai peanut sauce over the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edge.
- Add a layer of cooked chicken pieces on top of the sauce.
- Sprinkle with shredded carrots, red cabbage, cilantro, green onions, and chopped peanuts (if using).
- Drizzle with extra Thai peanut sauce and a touch of sriracha or chili garlic sauce, if desired.
- Fold in the sides of the tortilla and then roll it up tightly from the bottom.
- Cut the wrap in half, if desired, and serve immediately.
The Secret to the Best Thai Peanut Sauce
I’ll let you in on a little secret – the peanut sauce can make or break this recipe! The key is finding the *right* balance of sweet, savory, and tangy. I always recommend starting with good quality creamy peanut butter. Natural peanut butter works too, but you might need to add a bit more honey or maple syrup to compensate for the lack of added sugar. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ratios of the ingredients until you find a flavor that you absolutely love. And the ginger and garlic? *Freshly* grated and minced makes a world of difference in flavor! This is one of the reasons I Love Food!Perfecting Your Wrap Technique
Let’s talk wrap technique. We’ve all been there – the wrap that falls apart, leaks sauce everywhere, or is just plain awkward to eat. Here are my top tips for wrap success:- Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to pile on all the delicious fillings, but resist the urge! Too much filling will make the wrap difficult to roll and more likely to burst open.
- Warm Tortillas are Key: As mentioned earlier, warming the tortillas makes them much more pliable and less prone to tearing.
- Fold and Roll: First, fold in the sides of the tortilla to create a little pocket. This helps to keep the fillings contained. Then, tightly roll the wrap from the bottom up, tucking in the fillings as you go.
- Secure with a Toothpick (Optional): If you’re making the wraps ahead of time or want extra security, you can secure them with a toothpick.
Make Ahead Magic: Prep Tips for Busy Weeknights
One of the things I love most about these Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps is how easily they can be prepped ahead of time. This makes them a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you’re short on time.- Chicken: You can cook the chicken up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it briefly in the microwave or skillet before assembling the wraps.
- Peanut Sauce: The peanut sauce can also be made up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You may need to add a tablespoon or two of water to thin it out before using, as it tends to thicken as it sits.
- Veggies: Chop the carrots, red cabbage, cilantro, and green onions a day ahead of time and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator.
- Assembly: While you *can* assemble the wraps ahead of time, they are best when eaten fresh. If you do assemble them ahead of time, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
Variations & Substitutions to Make It Your Own
Don’t be afraid to get creative and customize these wraps to your liking! Here are a few ideas to get you started:- Protein: Not a fan of chicken? No problem! You can easily substitute shrimp, tofu, or even chickpeas. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Veggies: Add or substitute any of your favorite veggies. Sliced bell peppers, cucumbers, bean sprouts, or even shredded lettuce would all be delicious.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or sriracha to control the spice level. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the peanut sauce for an extra kick.
- Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more honey or maple syrup.
- Nut-Free: If you have a peanut allergy, you can substitute sunflower seed butter or tahini for the peanut butter.
Why These are the Perfect Summer Dinner
These Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps are a perfect Summer Dinner option! They are light, refreshing, and packed with flavor. Plus, they require minimal cooking, which is always a bonus when it’s hot outside. Serve them with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad for a complete and satisfying meal. And, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good Wrap Recipes? They are so versatile and easy to customize. Looking for more Chicken Dinner Recipes? You’ve come to the right place.Level Up Your Meal with These Serving Suggestions
Want to take your Thai Peanut Chicken Wrap experience to the next level? Here are a few serving suggestions that will wow your taste buds:- Serve with a side of mango salsa: The sweetness of the mango pairs perfectly with the savory peanut sauce.
- Add a drizzle of coconut milk: This adds a touch of richness and creaminess.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds: This adds a nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch.
- Serve with a side of rice noodles: This makes it a more substantial meal.
Can I prepare the Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps in advance?
Yes! The chicken can be cooked up to 2 days in advance, the peanut sauce up to 3 days, and the veggies can be chopped a day ahead. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. While you can assemble the wraps ahead, they are best when eaten fresh.
What are some substitution ideas for the Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps?
You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas. Feel free to add or substitute your favorite veggies like sliced bell peppers or cucumbers. For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter or tahini instead of peanut butter.
What makes the peanut sauce so important in this recipe?
The peanut sauce can make or break the recipe! The key is finding the right balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Freshly grated ginger and minced garlic are also essential for the best flavor.
What are some tips for perfecting the wrap technique to prevent them from falling apart?
Don’t overfill the tortillas, warm them before rolling, fold in the sides to create a pocket, and roll tightly from the bottom up. You can also secure the wraps with a toothpick if needed.
Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps
Equipment
- Medium bowl
- Large Skillet or Wok
- Whisk
- Grater
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Microwave or griddle (for warming tortillas)
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon ginger, grated
- 2-4 tablespoons water to thin to desired consistency
- 6-8 large tortillas flour or whole wheat
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts optional
- Sriracha or chili garlic sauce optional, for extra spice
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is nicely coated.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook the chicken in batches.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, lime juice, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined.
- Gradually add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. It should be smooth and easily drizzled. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add a touch more honey for sweetness or lime juice for tang.
- Warm the tortillas according to package instructions. This will make them more pliable and less likely to tear. A quick zap in the microwave (covered with a damp paper towel) or a few seconds on a hot griddle works perfectly.
- Lay a warm tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a generous amount of Thai peanut sauce over the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edge.
- Add a layer of cooked chicken pieces on top of the sauce.
- Sprinkle with shredded carrots, red cabbage, cilantro, green onions, and chopped peanuts (if using).
- Drizzle with extra Thai peanut sauce and a touch of sriracha or chili garlic sauce, if desired.
- Fold in the sides of the tortilla and then roll it up tightly from the bottom.
- Cut the wrap in half, if desired, and serve immediately.