This is a simple handheld meal built from cooked chicken tossed in a sweet-spicy sauce and wrapped with fresh vegetables in a soft tortilla. It is quick to assemble and fits busy evenings, packed lunches, or casual meals when you want something filling without long prep. The flavor balances sweet heat and crisp vegetables with a neutral tortilla. Sweet Chili Chicken Wraps are suitable for cooks of all levels and for people packing lunches, serving small groups, or making a fast family dinner. You can scale quantities, use leftovers, and choose warm or cold service depending on time and preference.
This recipe is a straightforward wrap that combines sauced chicken, raw or lightly cooked vegetables, and a tortilla for a handheld meal. The taste leans toward sweet and mildly spicy, with crunch from fresh veggies and softness from the tortilla. It fits as a main for lunch or a casual dinner. It pairs well with simple sides like a small salad or chips. For a related idea that uses similar flavors but a creamier sauce, see creamy Thai peanut chicken wraps for contrast.
When this recipe works well
This dish is a good choice when you need a fast main that is easy to portion and serve. It works for packed lunches because it holds together and travels well when wrapped tightly. It also serves as a quick weeknight dinner when time is limited. Skill level needed is low: basic shredding and mixing are the main tasks. The recipe is flexible for scaling up for a small gathering or making single servings for meal prep. It works when you have cooked chicken on hand or when you want a partly no-cook option.
Cooking overview
Start by combining the cooked, shredded chicken with the sauce, then move to assembly. The heat element is optional: you can serve cold or warm the filled wrap briefly in a skillet. Timing is mostly in prep—mixing and arranging—so the active work is short. If you choose to heat, a quick skillet turn takes about one to two minutes per side to warm and seal the tortilla. Allow any hot fillings to settle briefly before wrapping tightly to avoid soggy tortillas. For another simple chicken-based idea, see a related chicken chili recipe for different textures.
Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded – 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce – 1 cup mixed veggies (lettuce, bell peppers, carrots) – 4 large tortillas – Salt and pepper to taste
The chicken provides the main protein and works well as leftover or rotisserie meat. The sweet chili sauce is the primary flavoring; adjust amount for sweetness or heat. Mixed veggies add crunch and freshness; use thin slices for easier rolling. Large tortillas are the container; choose ones that bend without cracking. Salt and pepper are minor seasonings—add sparingly if the sauce is already salty. This version can be adapted with different greens or pre-shredded carrots for convenience. For another white-chicken style, consult a creamy white chicken chili recipe.
Directions
1. In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with sweet chili sauce until well coated. Make sure all pieces are evenly sauced; the chicken should look glossy and not dry. 2. Lay a tortilla flat and place a portion of the chicken mixture in the center. Use about one quarter of the filling per large tortilla for balanced portions. 3. Add mixed veggies on top of the chicken. Keep the pile narrow and centered so the wrap rolls without tearing. 4. Fold in the sides of the tortilla and then roll it up tightly from the bottom. A tight roll keeps fillings inside and reduces leaks. 5. Repeat with remaining tortillas and stuffing. Press each seam down briefly to seal. 6. Serve immediately or heat in a skillet for a warm option. If heating, grill seam-side down first and cook until the tortilla is lightly browned and fillings are warmed through.
How to serve this recipe
Serve these wraps as individual portions; one wrap is a standard main for many adults. Cut in half on the diagonal for easier eating and presentation. Pair with simple sides like a crisp green salad, vegetable sticks, or a small serving of fries or chips. For gatherings, arrange cut halves on a platter so people can pick them up. Offer extra sauce on the side for dipping. If serving cold, keep them chilled until just before serving to preserve crunch in the vegetables.
How to store this recipe
Store wrapped or unwrapped fillings separately for best texture. In the refrigerator, keep finished wraps in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic; they stay best for 2–3 days. If you plan to store longer, assemble without wet ingredients and add sauce and fresh veggies before serving. For freezer storage, freeze filling only in sealed containers for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before assembling. To reheat refrigerated wraps, warm briefly in a skillet or microwave until heated through, checking that vegetables remain acceptable for your preference.
Tips for better results
Use moderate sauce so the tortilla does not become soggy. If your sauce is thin, drain excess liquid or mix with a small binder like a spoon of mayo to stabilize it. Slice vegetables thin to make rolling easier and to keep each bite balanced. When heating in a skillet, press lightly to seal seams and to get a light crust on the tortilla. If the tortilla tears, use a second tortilla as a holder. For milder heat, reduce the sauce amount or blend with plain yogurt to soften the spice. Sweet Chili Chicken Wraps work best with cooked chicken that is not overly wet.
Variations and adjustments
Substitute shredded turkey or tofu for the chicken for a different protein. Swap sweet chili sauce for a teriyaki glaze for less heat, or add a squeeze of lime for brightness. Use whole-grain or spinach tortillas for a different base. If crunchy texture is preferred, add thinly sliced cucumber or cabbage. Keep in mind that watery ingredients like sliced tomatoes can make the wrap soggy; add them just before serving. Some swaps change flavor balance significantly, so adjust sauce amount and seasoning to keep the wrap cohesive.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these ahead for lunch? A: Yes. Keep fillings and tortillas separate until ready to eat to prevent sogginess.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Thaw fully and drain any excess liquid before shredding and mixing.
Q: Is reheating safe?
A: Yes. Reheat in a skillet until warmed through or microwave briefly; check temperature before serving.
Q: How long do they last in the fridge?
A: Assembled wraps last 2–3 days; keep in airtight containers.
Conclusion
This preparation is a dependable, fast option for a main meal that suits busy schedules and simple entertaining. It works well for people who want a clear, repeatable method and easy portioning. The approach is flexible: you can use leftovers, adjust flavors, and serve warm or cold. For a similar take with lime and citrus notes, see Sweet Chili Chicken Wraps with Lime – Crunch Time Kitchen, and for a crunch-focused variation with Thai flavors, try Thai Chicken Crunch Wraps Recipe | Mel’s Kitchen Cafe.
Print
Sweet Chili Chicken Wraps
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A quick and easy handheld meal with cooked chicken in a sweet-spicy sauce wrapped in fresh vegetables and a soft tortilla.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 cup mixed veggies (lettuce, bell peppers, carrots)
- 4 large tortillas
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with sweet chili sauce until well coated.
- Lay a tortilla flat and place a portion of the chicken mixture in the center.
- Add mixed veggies on top of the chicken.
- Fold in the sides of the tortilla and then roll it up tightly from the bottom.
- Repeat with remaining tortillas and stuffing.
- Serve immediately or heat in a skillet for a warm option.
Notes
Store wrapped or unwrapped fillings separately. Use moderate sauce to avoid soggy tortillas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Assembly
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wrap
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg