Coconut Lime Peanut Chicken Wraps With Toasted Coconut Garnish

Craving a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal? Look no further! These Coconut Lime Peanut Chicken Wraps are bursting with vibrant tropical flavors – creamy peanut butter, tangy lime, and fragrant coconut – all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a casual lunch, or even a fun party appetizer. The combination of savory chicken, a luscious sauce, and a delightful crunch from toasted coconut is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s easily customizable to your spice preference! Let’s get started on creating this culinary escape.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 300 g (10 oz) skinless halal chicken breast: We’re using halal chicken breast for its quality and tenderness. Ensure it’s skinless to reduce fat content. Slicing it into strips allows for even cooking and easy wrapping.
• 2 Tbsp (30 ml) olive oil: Olive oil provides a healthy fat for sautéing the chicken and adds a subtle fruity flavor. You can use other neutral oils like avocado or canola oil if preferred.
• 1 tsp (5 g) salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing all the other flavors. We recommend using fine sea salt.
• ½ tsp (2 g) freshly ground black pepper: Freshly ground pepper offers a more robust and aromatic flavor than pre-ground.
• 3 Tbsp (45 g) creamy peanut butter: The star of the sauce! Choose a creamy peanut butter for a smooth and luscious texture. Natural peanut butter works well, but you may need to stir it thoroughly.
• 60 ml (¼ cup) full‑fat coconut milk: Full-fat coconut milk provides richness and creaminess to the sauce. Light coconut milk can be used, but the sauce won’t be as decadent.
• 30 ml (2 Tbsp) fresh lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is crucial for that bright, zesty flavor. Bottled lime juice doesn’t compare!
• 15 ml (1 Tbsp) soy sauce (halal certified): Adds umami and saltiness to the sauce. Make sure to use halal-certified soy sauce if you require it.
• 15 ml (1 Tbsp) honey: Balances the savory and tangy flavors with a touch of sweetness. Maple syrup can be used as a vegan alternative.
• 5 ml (1 tsp) grated fresh ginger: Fresh ginger adds a warm, spicy, and aromatic note.
• 1 clove garlic, minced: Garlic provides a pungent and savory flavor base for the sauce.
• 4 large flour tortillas (≈8‑inch / 20 cm diameter): Flour tortillas provide a soft and pliable wrap for the chicken and sauce. You can use whole wheat tortillas for a healthier option.
• 25 g (¼ cup) toasted coconut flakes: Toasted coconut flakes add a delightful crunch and enhance the coconut flavor. Toasting them brings out their natural sweetness.
• 30 g (2 Tbsp) fresh cilantro leaves, chopped: Cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
• Optional: ½ avocado, sliced: Avocado adds a creamy texture and healthy fats. It’s a delicious addition, but not essential.

Let’s Build Your Coconut Lime Peanut Chicken Wraps: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Coconut-Lime Peanut Sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, full-fat coconut milk, fresh lime juice, halal soy sauce, honey, grated fresh ginger, and minced garlic. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk vigorously until the sauce is smooth, glossy, and well combined. The coconut milk helps thin the peanut butter, creating a luscious texture. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – a little more lime juice for tang, or honey for sweetness.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced chicken breast strips. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté the chicken for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until it’s browned on all sides and cooked through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
3. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Pour the prepared coconut-lime peanut sauce over the cooked chicken. Toss the chicken to ensure it’s evenly coated in the sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly and clings beautifully to the chicken, creating a shiny glaze. This simmering step allows the flavors to meld together.
4. Warm the Tortillas: This step is crucial for pliability! Place each flour tortilla in a dry skillet (no oil needed) over medium heat. Warm for approximately 20 seconds per side, or until they become soft and pliable. Avoid overheating, as this can make them brittle and prone to cracking. Alternatively, you can briefly warm them in the microwave, wrapped in a damp paper towel.
5. Assemble the Wraps: Lay a warmed tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon a generous portion of the coconut-lime peanut chicken onto the center of the tortilla. Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro and toasted coconut flakes. If desired, add slices of avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
6. Roll and Slice: Fold the sides of the tortilla inward over the filling. Then, starting from the bottom, roll the tortilla tightly to create a neat wrap. Using a sharp knife, slice each wrap diagonally in half to reveal the beautiful swirl of the pink-orange sauce inside.
7. Plate and Garnish: Arrange the sliced wraps on a serving plate. Drizzle any remaining coconut-lime peanut sauce over the plate for extra flavor and visual appeal. Scatter a few extra toasted coconut flakes and cilantro leaves around the wraps for a pop of color and texture. Serve immediately.

The Secret to Perfectly Toasted Coconut

Toasting the coconut flakes elevates this dish. Simply spread the coconut flakes in a single layer on a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Watch closely and stir frequently, as they burn easily. Toast for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant. Alternatively, toast them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, checking frequently. Let cool completely before using.

Why Coconut and Peanut Butter are a Match Made in Heaven

The combination of coconut and peanut butter isn’t just delicious; it’s a flavor synergy rooted in complementary fats and aromatic compounds. Both ingredients contain medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easily digested and provide a quick energy boost. The creamy texture of peanut butter pairs beautifully with the subtle sweetness and tropical aroma of coconut, creating a harmonious balance that’s both satisfying and exotic. The lime juice cuts through the richness, adding a bright, zesty counterpoint.

Halal Considerations and Ingredient Sourcing

This recipe is designed with halal cooking in mind, utilizing halal-certified soy sauce and halal chicken breast. When sourcing ingredients, always check labels to ensure they meet your dietary requirements. Using high-quality ingredients, especially fresh lime juice and good peanut butter, will significantly impact the final flavor of the wraps.

Variations and Customization

Feel free to customize these wraps to your liking! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick. Substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option. Include shredded carrots, lettuce, or bean sprouts for added crunch and nutrients. For a sweeter wrap, add a drizzle of maple syrup to the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the coconut-lime peanut sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You may need to add a splash of water to thin it out before using.

Can I use different types of tortillas?

Whole wheat or spinach tortillas are great alternatives to flour tortillas. Just be sure to warm them properly to maintain their pliability.

What if I don’t have fresh ginger?

In a pinch, you can use ½ teaspoon of ground ginger, but fresh ginger provides a much brighter and more vibrant flavor.

Wrap it Up!

These Coconut Lime Peanut Chicken Wraps are a delightful explosion of flavors and textures. They’re perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a fun party appetizer. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest board for easy access later! [Pinterest Save Button/Link]

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