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Thai Chicken Wrap with Crunchy Asian Slaw Recipe

4.6 from 133 reviews

This Thai Chicken Wrap with Crunchy Asian Slaw is a vibrant, flavorful meal inspired by the popular Jimmy John’s style wraps. Marinated juicy chicken thighs are grilled and paired with a creamy, tangy peanut sauce and a crisp, fresh Asian slaw, all wrapped in soft tortillas. The balance of spicy, sweet, and savory elements makes it an addictive and satisfying dish perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs (you can also use chicken breast, but thighs stay juicier)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Peanut Sauce

  • ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 12 tablespoons warm water to thin out sauce to desired consistency

For the Asian Slaw

  • 2 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 1 cup julienned carrots
  • ½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt to taste

For Assembling the Wraps

  • 4 large flour tortillas or flatbreads (you can use low-carb or gluten-free if preferred)
  • Extra cilantro and chopped peanuts for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: Whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, lime juice, garlic powder, ground ginger, and chili flakes in a bowl. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature or up to 4 hours in the fridge to enhance flavor and tenderness.
  2. Make the Peanut Sauce: In a small bowl, combine creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Add warm water one tablespoon at a time to thin the sauce to your desired pourable consistency. This sauce is essential for tying the flavors of the wrap together.
  3. Prepare the Asian Slaw: In a large bowl, toss together shredded green cabbage, shredded red cabbage, julienned carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, scallions, and chopped cilantro. Add lime juice, rice vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and let the slaw sit for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld and the slaw softens slightly while remaining crunchy.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken thighs in the pan and cook for 5–7 minutes on each side, until the chicken is cooked through and nicely browned. Remove from heat, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly. Alternatively, use pre-cooked shredded chicken if preferred.
  5. Assemble the Wraps: Warm the tortillas briefly in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable. Lay each tortilla flat and spread a generous spoonful of peanut sauce on the bottom. Add a handful of the prepared Asian slaw followed by sliced chicken. Drizzle a little more peanut sauce on top, then garnish with extra cilantro and chopped peanuts if desired. Fold or roll the wraps tightly and slice in half to serve.

Notes

  • Marinating chicken longer intensifies flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
  • The peanut sauce is the key element to this dish and can be adjusted in sweetness or spiciness according to your preference.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, and use gluten-free tortillas.
  • The slaw can be prepared a few hours in advance to let flavors develop further.
  • You can substitute chicken thighs with breast pieces or pre-cooked shredded chicken for convenience.
  • Adding chopped peanuts on top adds a nice crunchy texture to complement the wrap.

Keywords: Thai chicken wrap, Asian slaw, peanut sauce, grilled chicken, healthy wraps, lunch recipe, quick dinner