Thai Peanut Chicken Wrap

Why Make This Recipe

Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make them a hit for lunch or dinner. They are not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Critics agree that Thai cuisine offers many layers of taste, blending the savory, sweet, spicy, and sour notes seamlessly. This recipe embraces those elements with creamy peanut sauce, tender chicken, and fresh crunchy vegetables.

One of the great things about this wrap is its versatility. You can serve it as a quick meal for busy weeknights, healthy lunches for work or school, or even as a fun party dish. Plus, you can customize the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs. If you’re looking for a dish that’s nourishing, tasty, and simple to make, look no further than these Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps.

How to Make Thai Peanut Chicken Wrap

Making Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps is a straightforward process that can be broken down into a few simple stages: marinating the chicken, preparing the peanut sauce, making the slaw, cooking the chicken, and finally assembling the wraps. If you follow these steps, you’ll have a delightful meal ready in no time.

Ingredients

• For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)

• For the Peanut Sauce:

  • 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1–2 tbsp warm water (adjust for consistency)

• For the Slaw:

  • 2 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 1 cup julienned carrots
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Salt to taste

• For Assembling:

  • 4 large flour tortillas or flatbreads
  • Chopped peanuts and extra cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   Start by preparing the chicken. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, lime juice, garlic powder, ground ginger, and chili flakes if you want some spice. Add the chicken thighs into the marinade and make sure each piece is well-coated. Seal the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Let the chicken marinate anywhere from 20 to 240 minutes. Marinating helps to infuse flavor deeply into the chicken.

2. Prepare the Peanut Sauce:
   While your chicken marinates, it’s time to prepare the peanut sauce. In another bowl, add creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger. Use a whisk to blend all the ingredients together. Gradually mix in warm water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches a creamy consistency that you enjoy. Set the peanut sauce aside; you’ll be using it later.

3. Make the Slaw:
   Now you can prepare the slaw. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, julienned carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, scallions, and chopped cilantro. Drizzle lime juice, rice vinegar, sugar, and salt over the mixture. Toss everything together gently but well, making sure all the ingredients are coated in the dressing. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes; this rest time helps the flavors meld together.

4. Cook the Chicken:
   It’s time to cook the marinated chicken. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it into the hot pan. Cook the chicken thighs for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes. After resting, slice the chicken into thin strips.

5. Assemble the Wraps:
   Warm the tortillas or flatbreads briefly in a dry skillet or microwave. Take one warm tortilla and spread a layer of peanut sauce on it. Next, layer on some of the prepared slaw and then add a generous amount of sliced chicken. If you like, drizzle a bit more peanut sauce on top. Garnish with chopped peanuts and extra cilantro if desired. Finally, wrap the tortilla tightly around the filling. Repeat this for the remaining tortillas.

How to Serve Thai Peanut Chicken Wrap

Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps are best served fresh. You can plate them beautifully for a family meal or evening gathering. Serve them with extra peanut sauce on the side for dipping. Adding a fresh side salad or some sliced fruit can make for a well-rounded meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, pair your wraps with refreshing Thai iced tea to enhance your dining experience.

For casual eating, cut the wraps in half and serve them on a platter. This makes them easy for guests to grab and enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a party or just having a cozy dinner at home, these wraps will impress everyone.

How to Store Thai Peanut Chicken Wrap

If you happen to have leftover wraps or filling, you can store them in the fridge. Place the wraps in an airtight container to keep them fresh. The wraps will last about 2-3 days in the refrigerator. However, if premade wraps are stored, note that the tortillas may become soggy over time due to the moisture from the slaw and peanut sauce.

For best results, it’s advisable to store the filling components separately if you plan to make them ahead of time. Keep the chicken, slaw, and peanut sauce in separate containers to maintain their texture and freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply warm the chicken and reassemble the wraps!

Tips to Make Thai Peanut Chicken Wrap

1. Marinate Longer for Enhanced Flavor: If you have time, let your chicken marinate for a longer time (up to 240 minutes). This will help enhance the flavors more deeply.

2. Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer milder flavors, omit the chili flakes altogether from the marinade or use a smaller amount. On the other hand, if you enjoy a spicy kick, feel free to add more!

3. Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables for the slaw. The crunch from fresh cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers is crucial for texture and flavor.

4. Experiment with Proteins: If you’re not a fan of chicken or want to try something different, you can substitute with tofu, shrimp, or even beef. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

5. Fresh Herbs Matter: Don’t skip the cilantro, as it adds a freshness that rounds out the flavors in this dish. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, feel free to use parsley instead.

6. Make It a Salad: If you want a lighter version, consider making a salad instead of wraps. Simply serve the cooked chicken, slaw, and peanut sauce over a bed of greens.

Variations

One of the best aspects of Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps is their adaptability. Here are some variations to explore:

1. Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with marinated tofu or chickpeas. Simply follow the same marinating and cooking method for tofu as you would for chicken.

2. Add More Veggies: Feel free to mix in additional vegetables like sliced cucumbers, avocados, or even edamame for an extra crunch and nutrition boost.

3. Different Sauces: If peanut butter is not available or you have allergies, you can make a sunflower seed butter sauce as an alternative.

4. Low-Carb Option: For a low-carb version, use large lettuce leaves, like romaine or butter lettuce, as the wrap instead of tortillas.

5. Spicy Peanut Sauce: For an extra kick, blend some Sriracha or chili paste into the peanut sauce to spice things up.

FAQs

1. Can I make the peanut sauce in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the peanut sauce ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using.

2. Can I freeze the chicken wraps?

While it’s best to eat the wraps fresh, you can freeze the components separately. The chicken can be cooked, cooled, packed in an airtight container, and frozen. When ready to eat, defrost in the fridge overnight and assemble the wraps before serving.

3. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The best way to ensure chicken is cooked all the way through is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken; it should be white with no pink remaining.

4. What can I serve with the Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps?

You can serve them with a side of fresh fruit, a Thai-style cucumber salad, or even spring rolls. These options will complement the wraps beautifully.

5. Is this recipe gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in this recipe, the thai peanut chicken wraps can easily be made gluten-free. Just be sure to check the labels on all packaged ingredients.

Following this guide will have you whipping up tasty and enjoyable Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps with ease. So, grab your ingredients and prepare to indulge in this mouthwatering dish today!

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