Thai Chicken Wraps are a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with fresh vegetables and a zesty Thai-inspired peanut sauce. The chicken is often grilled or sautéed and paired with crisp lettuce, shredded carrots, cucumber, and fresh herbs like cilantro and mint. The wraps are then drizzled with a savory-sweet peanut sauce made with peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and a hint of ginger, offering the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors.
I first made Thai Chicken Wraps when I wanted to try something a little different from the usual wraps, and the combination of Thai flavors really caught my attention. The peanut sauce paired perfectly with the chicken and veggies, creating a delightful wrap that was both refreshing and filling. It quickly became a favorite, especially for busy days when I wanted something flavorful but easy to prepare.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can add extra ingredients like chopped bell peppers, red cabbage, or even a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for extra crunch. For a spicier kick, you can add chili paste or Sriracha to the peanut sauce. Thai Chicken Wraps are a fresh, light meal full of bold flavors, and they’re perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep!
Perfect for:
- Light meals
- Appetizers
- Party platters
- Healthy eating
- Thai cuisine enthusiasts
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Thai Chicken Wraps will quickly become your go-to dish:
- Bold, Zesty Flavors: The combination of savory chicken, fresh herbs, and Thai-inspired sauces creates a perfect balance of bold flavors.
- Crisp and Fresh: The crisp vegetables and fresh herbs add crunch and freshness to each bite.
- Customizable Ingredients: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your taste—use tofu for a vegetarian option or different veggies for variety.
- Healthy and Light: With lean chicken and fresh veggies, these wraps are a light and nutritious meal.
- Simple to Prepare: With minimal cooking time, these wraps come together quickly for a weeknight dinner or party snack.
- Fresh, No-Cook Elements: Many of the ingredients, like lettuce and herbs, are fresh and don’t require cooking, making prep time even faster.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: These wraps are great for preparing ahead and keeping for a few days in the fridge.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve them as a starter for dinner parties or a light lunch for yourself and guests.
- Low-Carb Option: Wrap the filling in lettuce instead of rice paper for a low-carb version of the dish.
- Dipping Sauces Galore: Serve with different Thai dipping sauces like peanut sauce, sweet chili, or hoisin sauce to enhance the flavor.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 12g
Ingredients
the Chicken Filling:
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup cucumber, julienned
- ½ cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped
For the Wraps:
- 12 large lettuce leaves (butter lettuce or romaine)
- 10-12 rice paper wraps (optional)
For the Dipping Sauce:
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon water (adjust for consistency)
Ingredient Highlights
- Fresh Herbs: Cilantro and mint bring a refreshing burst of flavor that complements the savory chicken.
- Fish Sauce: Adds an authentic depth of umami that is characteristic of Thai cuisine.
- Peanut Butter in Sauce: Creates a creamy, nutty sauce with a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Chicken Filling:
- Prepare Chicken: If not already cooked, cook the chicken breasts by boiling, grilling, or pan-searing. Shred the chicken using two forks once cooked.
- Cook Garlic and Ginger: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine Sauces and Sugar: Add soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar to the skillet. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is heated through.
- Add Chicken and Vegetables: Add the shredded chicken, shredded carrots, cucumber, bell pepper, cilantro, and mint. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat everything through. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
- Make the Peanut Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, and water. Adjust the water to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
Assemble the Wraps:
- Prepare Lettuce or Rice Paper: If using lettuce, carefully separate the leaves. If using rice paper, soak them one at a time in warm water until soft and pliable.
- Fill the Wraps: Spoon a portion of the chicken filling onto each lettuce leaf or rice paper wrap.
- Roll the Wraps: Fold the sides of the rice paper or lettuce leaves over the filling, then roll tightly to secure. Repeat for each wrap.
Serve:
- Serve with Sauce: Arrange the wraps on a plate and serve with the peanut dipping sauce on the side.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Thai Chicken Wraps:
- As an Appetizer: Serve as a light starter for a Thai-inspired meal or dinner party.
- With Fresh Mango: Add fresh mango slices on the side for a sweet contrast.
- For Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy throughout the week as a healthy, portable lunch.
- With Rice Paper Rolls: Serve alongside Thai rice paper rolls filled with shrimp or veggies for a complete appetizer platter.
- With Green Papaya Salad: A tangy, crunchy green papaya salad pairs perfectly with these wraps.
- For Family Dinners: Serve as a fun, hands-on meal where everyone assembles their own wraps.
- With Thai Iced Tea: Pair with a refreshing Thai iced tea for an authentic meal experience.
- On a Picnic: Pack the wraps for a healthy and easy-to-transport picnic lunch.
- As a Snack: A great light snack when you want something fresh and flavorful.
- As a Wrap Platter: Serve a variety of wraps with different fillings, like tofu or shrimp, for a fun platter at parties.
Additional Tips
- Soften Rice Paper Properly: Ensure you soak the rice paper in warm water for a few seconds, but don’t leave it in too long or it will tear.
- Customize with Protein: Swap the chicken for shrimp, beef, or tofu for different variations.
- Make Extra Sauce: Prepare extra dipping sauce for those who love a little extra flavor with their wraps.
- Use a Mild or Spicy Sauce: Adjust the chili flakes in the filling and the dipping sauce to your heat preference.
- Add Crunchy Toppings: For extra texture, top the wraps with chopped peanuts or crispy fried shallots.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Thai Wraps: Replace the chicken with marinated tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Shrimp Thai Wraps: Swap the chicken for shrimp for a seafood variation of the wraps.
- Spicy Peanut Sauce: Add extra chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the peanut sauce for a spicy kick.
- Thai Basil Wraps: Use Thai basil instead of mint for an authentic herb flavor.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the rice paper and use extra lettuce leaves to make the wraps even lighter.
Special Equipment
- Skillet: For cooking the chicken filling and sautéing garlic and ginger.
- Small Bowl: For mixing the peanut dipping sauce.
- Large Plate or Tray: To serve the wraps on.
- Tongs: For easily handling the rice paper wraps during soaking.
FAQ Section
- Can I use a different sauce for dipping?
Yes, you can use sweet chili sauce or hoisin sauce as alternatives. - How long can I store the chicken filling?
You can store the chicken filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze these wraps?
It’s best to assemble and freeze the filling, but wrap them fresh when ready to serve. - Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option. - Can I skip the fish sauce?
Yes, you can substitute fish sauce with soy sauce for a vegetarian-friendly version. - How do I prevent rice paper from tearing?
Be gentle when soaking the rice paper and don’t over-soak to keep it from becoming too fragile. - How do I serve these wraps for a crowd?
Prepare the wraps ahead of time and cut them into halves or quarters for easy serving. - Can I make these wraps in advance?
Yes, assemble the wraps and store them in the fridge wrapped in damp paper towels to keep them fresh. - How can I add more flavor to the chicken filling?
Add more herbs like basil or lemongrass, or adjust the seasoning with additional soy sauce or lime juice. - Can I use a different kind of lettuce?
Yes, Romaine or iceberg lettuce can be used as a substitute for butter lettuce.
Conclusion
Thai Chicken Wraps are the perfect combination of fresh, vibrant flavors and light, healthy ingredients. The savory chicken filling, fresh vegetables, and fragrant herbs wrapped in crisp lettuce or soft rice paper make for a delightful meal or appetizer. With versatile ingredients and an easy-to-follow recipe, these wraps will become your go-to for any occasion—whether for a light lunch, a party platter, or a fresh dinner. Treat yourself to the delightful, zesty flavors of these wraps today!
