Flavor-Packed Lunch You'll Love

This simple sweet chili chicken wrap transforms leftover chicken into a vibrant lunch bursting with fresh vegetables and sweet-spicy flavor. The combination of crisp veggies, tender chicken, and the sticky sweet chili sauce creates a perfect balance that makes weekday lunches exciting again.

I created these wraps after growing tired of boring sandwiches for lunch. Now my family asks for these colorful wraps at least twice a week, and they've become our go-to solution for using up leftover chicken from dinner.

Ingredients

• Cooked chicken breasts: Provides lean protein and makes this recipe quick. Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here and adds extra flavor.
• Sweet chili sauce: Delivers that perfect sticky sweet heat that coats the chicken. Look for brands with visible chili flakes for the best flavor profile.
• Large tortillas: Create the foundation. Choose flour tortillas for classic texture or whole wheat for added nutrition and heartier flavor.
• Fresh vegetables: Add crunch, color, and nutrition. The combination of lettuce, cucumber, bell pepper, and carrots creates the perfect texture contrast.
• Optional toppings: Personalize each wrap. Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint brighten everything, while avocado adds creaminess.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare The Chicken:

If using raw chicken, season lightly with salt and pepper then cook in a skillet with a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat for 5 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F. The golden exterior adds flavor, while proper cooking ensures food safety. Allow chicken to rest before slicing to keep juices inside.

Slice And Season:

Cut chicken against the grain into thin strips about ¼ inch thick. Toss immediately with sweet chili sauce in a bowl until every piece is generously coated. The warm chicken will absorb the sauce better than cold chicken.

Prepare Vegetables:

Cut cucumber, bell pepper, and carrot into thin matchstick strips about 2 inches long. This uniform size ensures you get a bit of each vegetable in every bite and makes the wrap easier to roll. Keep vegetables crisp by preparing them just before assembly.

Warm The Tortillas:

Place tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 10 seconds per side or microwave for 10-15 seconds. This crucial step makes them pliable and prevents cracking when rolling. Watch carefully as they can burn quickly.

Assemble Your Wraps:

Lay warmed tortilla flat and arrange a line of sweet chili chicken down the center leaving about 2 inches free on each end. Layer vegetables starting with lettuce then adding colorful vegetables. Add any optional ingredients like cheese, avocado, or fresh herbs.

Roll Perfect Wraps:

Fold in both sides of the tortilla then roll from the bottom up, tucking in ingredients as you go. Roll tightly for a secure wrap that will hold together when cut. Slice diagonally through the middle for an attractive presentation that stays intact.

Save

The sweet chili sauce is truly the star ingredient in this recipe. I discovered it years ago at an Asian market and now keep multiple bottles in my pantry. My daughter once ate these wraps five days straight during a particularly busy school week, proving their versatility and appeal.

Storage Tips

These wraps hold up surprisingly well when prepared ahead. Assemble them completely, wrap tightly in parchment paper, then in foil, and refrigerate for up to two days. For longer storage, keep components separate with the sauce on the chicken, and assemble just before eating. The prepped ingredients will stay fresh for 3-4 days in airtight containers.

Make It Your Own

The beauty of these wraps lies in their flexibility. Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp, tofu, or even leftover steak. The sweet chili sauce works wonderfully with any protein. For a vegetarian version, try roasted sweet potatoes or chickpeas tossed in the sauce. Play with the vegetables based on what's in season or your preferences. Red cabbage adds beautiful color and crunch when available.

Serving Suggestions

These wraps shine on their own, but pair wonderfully with sides to round out the meal. Serve alongside a simple side salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil to complement the Asian flavors. For entertaining, cut into smaller portions and secure with toothpicks for elegant appetizers. During summer months, these make excellent picnic food when wrapped tightly in parchment paper.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these sweet chili chicken wraps ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and vegetables up to 2 days in advance and store them separately in airtight containers. Assemble the wraps just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy. For meal prep, you can also fully assemble the wraps, wrap tightly in parchment paper or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

→ What's the best type of tortilla to use for these wraps?

Large flour tortillas (10-12 inch) work best as they're flexible and less likely to tear. Whole wheat tortillas add extra fiber and nutrition. For a lower-carb option, you could use large lettuce leaves or lavash bread. Always warm your tortillas before assembling to make them more pliable and prevent cracking.

→ How can I adjust the spice level in sweet chili chicken wraps?

Sweet chili sauce typically has a mild heat level, but you can easily adjust to your preference. For less spice, mix the sweet chili sauce with a bit of honey or mayo to dilute the heat. For more spice, add sriracha, red pepper flakes, or a diced jalapeño to the chicken mixture. You could also look for different brands of sweet chili sauce as heat levels vary between products.

→ What sides pair well with these chicken wraps?

These wraps pair beautifully with sides like kettle chips, a simple green salad, fresh fruit, Asian slaw, or a small cup of miso or egg drop soup. For a heartier meal, serve with sweet potato fries or a grain salad. A cucumber-yogurt dip on the side also makes a refreshing complement to the sweet-spicy flavors in the wrap.

→ Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! This wrap works wonderfully with other proteins. Try cooked shrimp, thinly sliced steak, crispy tofu, or tempeh for vegetarian options. Leftover salmon also works beautifully with the sweet chili flavors. Just ensure whatever protein you choose is cooked thoroughly and sliced thinly enough to work in a wrap format.

→ How do I keep my wrap from falling apart when I eat it?

To keep your wrap intact, don't overfill it and be strategic about placement. Put firmer ingredients (like chicken) down first, followed by softer items. Fold in the sides before rolling from the bottom up, keeping it tight. Wrapping in parchment paper or aluminum foil helps hold everything together while eating. Cutting the wrap in half diagonally also makes it easier to handle.