Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps

This Thai peanut chicken wrap recipe transforms everyday ingredients into an explosion of flavor that rivals your favorite takeout spot. The combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and that irresistible peanut sauce creates a perfect balance that will have you making these wraps on repeat.

I started making these wraps after a trip to Thailand left me craving those authentic flavors. My family now requests these at least twice a month, and the peanut sauce has become our go-to for everything from salads to dipping sauce.

Ingredients

• Peanut butter creates the creamy base for your sauce use natural varieties for best flavor
• Soy sauce provides umami depth look for low sodium to control the saltiness
• Brown sugar or honey adds necessary sweetness to balance the savory elements
• Rice wine vinegar brings brightness and acidity that cuts through the richness
• Fresh ginger and garlic form the aromatic foundation always use fresh for Thai recipes
• Sriracha sauce adds customizable heat adjust according to your preference
• Coleslaw mix saves prep time while adding crunch and vegetable nutrition
• Cooked chicken breast provides lean protein use rotisserie chicken for extra convenience
• Cilantro brings fresh herbaceous notes that are signature in Thai cuisine
• Roasted peanuts add textural contrast and reinforce the peanut flavor profile
• Tortillas hold everything together flour tortillas work best for their pliability

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare The Sauce

Combine peanut butter, soy sauce, sweetener, rice wine vinegar, minced garlic, ginger, and sriracha in a bowl. Whisk thoroughly until completely smooth, ensuring no peanut butter lumps remain. The sauce should have a pourable consistency that will coat the back of a spoon. If too thick, gradually add water one tablespoon at a time until you reach desired consistency. This step builds the foundation of flavor for your entire dish.

Mix The Filling

Place coleslaw mix, chicken, grated carrots, cilantro, and peanuts in a large bowl. Pour approximately three quarters of the prepared sauce over these ingredients. Using tongs or clean hands, toss everything thoroughly to ensure each component is evenly coated with sauce. Let this mixture rest for 3-5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to slightly soften and the flavors to meld together. This resting period makes a noticeable difference in the final taste.

Prepare The Tortillas

Wrap tortillas in a slightly damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds until warm and pliable. Properly warmed tortillas are much easier to roll and less likely to tear. If you prefer, you can also warm them individually in a dry skillet for about 15 seconds per side until they become flexible and develop light brown spots.

Assemble And Serve

Lay each warmed tortilla flat and place approximately 3/4 cup of filling slightly off-center, leaving a border around the edges. Fold the bottom edge up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll tightly away from you to form a secure wrap. Cut diagonally if desired and serve with remaining sauce on the side for dipping. The tight rolling technique prevents the filling from falling out while eating.

The peanut sauce is truly the star of this recipe. I discovered that letting the sauce rest for even just five minutes before using allows the garlic and ginger flavors to bloom beautifully. My daughter who typically avoids anything with vegetables now requests these wraps specifically for her lunchbox.

Make-Ahead Options

These wraps maintain their delicious flavor and texture when prepared in advance. Assemble the chicken mixture with sauce and store separately from the tortillas in airtight containers for up to three days. When ready to eat, simply warm the tortillas, fill, and roll. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight as the chicken and vegetables marinate in the sauce, making this an excellent meal prep option for busy weeks. You can also freeze the chicken mixture for up to one month just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

Sauce Variations

The peanut sauce recipe serves as an excellent foundation that welcomes customization based on your preferences. For those who enjoy more heat, double the sriracha or add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes. If you prefer a sweeter profile, increase the honey or brown sugar by a tablespoon. Almond butter can replace peanut butter for a different flavor profile, though you may need to adjust the consistency with additional water. For a more authentic Thai flavor, add a tablespoon of fish sauce and the juice of half a lime to the sauce mixture. Each variation creates a distinctly different experience while maintaining the core deliciousness of the dish.

Vegetarian Adaptation

This recipe transitions beautifully to a vegetarian meal with simple substitutions. Replace the chicken with 2 cups of baked tofu cubes or 1 can of drained, rinsed chickpeas. The protein alternatives absorb the peanut sauce wonderfully and provide substantial texture. You can also add avocado slices for creaminess and healthy fats. For an even more substantial vegetarian version, consider adding cooked quinoa or brown rice to the filling mixture. The peanut sauce works equally well with these plant based proteins, making this a versatile recipe for mixed dietary households.

Common Recipe Questions

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

You can prepare the filling mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. However, it's best to assemble the wraps just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy. If needed, you can also keep the sauce separate from the filling and combine them right before assembling.

→ What can I substitute for the chicken in these wraps?

These wraps are very versatile! You can substitute the chicken with tofu, shrimp, or thinly sliced beef. For a vegetarian option, try using roasted chickpeas, tempeh, or simply add extra peanuts and vegetables for protein and texture.

→ How spicy are these Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps?

With just 1 teaspoon of sriracha, these wraps have a mild heat level. You can adjust the spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of sriracha sauce. For a milder version, reduce or omit the sriracha. For more heat, add additional sriracha or include some thinly sliced fresh chili peppers in the filling.

→ What type of tortillas work best for these wraps?

Medium to large flour tortillas (8-10 inch) work best as they're pliable and hold the filling well. You can also use whole wheat tortillas for added nutrition. For a lower-carb option, try using large lettuce leaves like Boston or Bibb lettuce, or even large collard green leaves (blanched briefly to soften).

→ Can I freeze these Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps?

While the filling can be frozen for up to 3 months, assembled wraps don't freeze well as the vegetables will become watery and the tortillas soggy when thawed. If you want to prep ahead, freeze just the cooked chicken and sauce separately, then thaw and add fresh vegetables when ready to serve.

→ What side dishes pair well with these wraps?

These wraps are filling on their own, but pair beautifully with simple sides like cucumber salad, steamed edamame, or a light miso soup. For a more substantial meal, serve with Thai-inspired coconut rice or a simple green salad with ginger dressing.