Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps

This Thai peanut chicken wrap recipe transforms ordinary weeknight meals into something extraordinary with minimal effort. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and creamy peanut dressing creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will satisfy your craving for takeout without leaving home.

I started making these wraps after a trip to Thailand where I fell in love with their perfect balance of sweet savory and spicy flavors. Now these wraps are my go to when I want to impress dinner guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Peanut butter creates the creamy base for the dressing use natural for best results
• Soy sauce adds that umami depth look for low sodium to control salt levels
• Brown sugar or honey provides just the right sweetness adjust to your preference
• Rice vinegar brings necessary acidity that balances the rich peanut flavor
• Fresh garlic and ginger are non negotiable for authentic Thai flavor
• Sriracha sauce adds customizable heat use more or less based on spice tolerance
• Coleslaw mix saves precious prep time while adding essential crunch
• Cilantro brings brightness that cuts through the rich sauce
• Roasted peanuts add texture contrast and enhance the peanut flavor
• Tortillas choose flour tortillas that are at least 10 inches for easy rolling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dressing

Combine peanut butter soy sauce brown sugar vinegar minced garlic ginger and sriracha in a bowl. Whisk thoroughly until smooth ensuring no peanut butter lumps remain. This may take a full minute of whisking. If the mixture is too thick add water one tablespoon at a time until it reaches a pourable consistency. The dressing should coat the back of a spoon but still flow easily.

Assemble the Filling

In a large mixing bowl add your coleslaw mix chopped cooked chicken grated carrots cilantro and chopped peanuts. Make sure your chicken is cut into bite sized pieces for easy eating. Gently toss these ingredients together to distribute evenly before adding any dressing.

Combine and Marinate

Pour three quarters of your prepared peanut dressing over the filling mixture. Use tongs or two large spoons to toss everything together ensuring every piece gets coated. Reserve the remaining dressing for drizzling or dipping. Allow the mixture to sit for at least 5 minutes so the flavors can meld and the cabbage slightly softens from the dressing.

Warm and Fill Tortillas

Heat your tortillas by placing them directly over a gas flame for 10 seconds per side or microwave between damp paper towels for 30 seconds. This makes them pliable and prevents cracking when rolling. Place a generous half cup of filling slightly off center on each tortilla leaving a one inch border around the edges.

Roll and Serve

Fold the bottom of the tortilla up over the filling then fold in the sides and continue rolling away from you creating a tight cylinder. Place seam side down and cut diagonally if desired. Serve immediately with extra dressing on the side for dipping.

Bookmark

The fresh ginger in this recipe completely transforms the flavor profile. I learned from a Thai cooking class that crushing rather than mincing the ginger releases more essential oils creating a more aromatic and flavorful sauce. My husband who claimed to dislike ginger now requests these wraps weekly.

Make Ahead Options

These wraps are perfect for meal prepping. You can prepare the filling and dressing up to three days in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. This approach keeps the vegetables crisp while allowing the flavors to develop. When ready to eat simply warm your tortilla assemble your wrap and enjoy. The peanut sauce actually deepens in flavor after a day which makes these wraps even better as leftovers.

Customization Ideas

The beauty of these Thai chicken wraps lies in their adaptability. For a lower carb option replace tortillas with large lettuce leaves creating fresh spring roll style wraps. Vegetarians can substitute the chicken with firm tofu marinated in a bit of soy sauce and sautéed until golden. For extra vegetables consider adding thinly sliced bell peppers cucumber matchsticks or avocado slices. Each variation maintains the core Thai flavor profile while allowing for personal preferences.

Serving Suggestions

These wraps shine as a complete meal on their own but can be elevated with thoughtful accompaniments. Serve with a side of fresh pineapple chunks for a sweet contrast that complements the savory peanut sauce. For a more substantial meal pair with a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and a touch of sugar. If serving at a gathering cut the wraps into pinwheels secured with toothpicks for an impressive appetizer that showcases the colorful filling.

Cultural Context

This recipe represents a westernized adaptation of Thai flavors rather than a traditional Thai dish. The peanut sauce draws inspiration from Thai satay dipping sauces while the wrap format makes it accessible for American palates and busy lifestyles. In Thailand similar flavors would typically be found in dishes like larb served with sticky rice or in fresh spring rolls. This fusion approach honors the complex flavor profile of Thai cuisine while creating something uniquely suited to modern home cooking.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and sauce up to 2 days ahead. For best results, toss with the vegetables just before serving to maintain crispness. Assembled wraps can be stored in the refrigerator for a few hours, but the tortillas may become soggy if left too long.

→ What can I substitute for the peanut butter?

Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter make excellent substitutions for those with peanut allergies. Each alternative will provide a slightly different flavor profile but will work well with the other ingredients.

→ How can I make these wraps vegetarian or vegan?

For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas. For a vegan version, also ensure your brown sugar is vegan and use agave nectar or maple syrup instead of honey. The rest of the ingredients are plant-based.

→ What's the best way to cook the chicken for these wraps?

You can poach, grill, or sauté the chicken breasts. For extra flavor, season with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder before cooking. Rotisserie chicken also works well as a time-saving option. Ensure the chicken is cooled before mixing with other ingredients.

→ What can I serve with these Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps?

These wraps pair wonderfully with fresh fruit, a light cucumber salad, or crispy rice crackers. For a more substantial meal, serve with a side of simple steamed rice or a clear broth soup with Asian flavors.

→ How spicy are these wraps?

With 1 teaspoon of sriracha, these wraps have a mild to medium heat level. You can adjust the spiciness by adding more sriracha for extra heat or reducing/omitting it for a milder flavor. The peanut butter and sweetener help balance the spice.