Pin It The first time I made these wraps, my kitchen smelled like honey and caramelized spices, and my roommate wandered in asking what restaurant I'd ordered from. There's something about that sweet-spicy honey chili crisp combo that makes people stop what they're doing and migrate toward the stove. I've since learned to double the batch because these disappear faster than I can assemble them.
Last summer, I made these for a beach picnic with friends, and we ended up eating them sitting in the sand because nobody could wait until we spread out the blanket. The combination of warm, saucy chicken against crisp, cool vegetables just works in a way that feels like summer in your hands.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: Thinly slicing them against the grain means every bite stays tender and cooks quickly without drying out
- Smoked paprika: This adds a subtle earthy depth that plays beautifully with the honey and heat
- Honey chili crisp sauce: The honey creates a sticky glaze that clings to the chicken while the chili crisp brings texture and layers of spice
- Romaine lettuce: Use sturdy leaves that won't wilt when they hit the warm chicken
- Tortillas: Large flour wraps fold more easily than corn and hold everything together without tearing
Instructions
- Season and sear the chicken:
- Pat the sliced chicken dry before seasoning so the spices cling to the meat, then listen for that satisfying sizzle when it hits the hot pan
- Whisk the sauce:
- Combine honey, chili crisp, soy sauce, and rice vinegar until the honey dissolves completely into a glossy, pourable glaze
- Coat the warm chicken:
- Toss the chicken immediately while it's still hot so the sauce melts into every nook and caramelizes slightly
- Warm the tortillas:
- A quick 20 seconds in a dry skillet makes them pliable enough to roll without cracking
- Layer and roll:
- Stack ingredients in the center, fold the sides in, then roll from bottom to top like a burrito
Pin It My sister now requests these whenever she visits, claiming they're the only thing I've ever made that she immediately wants to recreate at home. There's something about wrapping up all those contrasting textures and flavors that makes even a Tuesday lunch feel special.
Making It Vegetarian
Extra-firm tofu pressed until dry and cubed works beautifully here, or try tempeh for a nuttier flavor that stands up to the bold sauce. Crispy pan-fried either option until golden edges form, then toss with the same honey chili glaze.
Sauce Adjustments
If you're sensitive to heat, start with one tablespoon of chili crisp and add more to taste. For extra depth, a minced garlic clove or teaspoon of fresh ginger whisked into the sauce adds aromatic brightness.
Assembly Tips
Don't overstuff the wraps or they'll burst when you try to roll them. The trick is a thin layer of each ingredient distributed evenly across the center third of the tortilla.
- Have all ingredients prepped and lined up before you start assembling
- Roll wraps tightly but not so tight the tortilla tears
- Use a sharp knife to slice them in half cleanly
Pin It These wraps have become my go-to when I want something that feels indulgent but still leaves me energized instead of heavy. Hope they find a regular spot in your lunch rotation too.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce up to 2 days ahead. Store separately in the refrigerator and gently reheat the chicken before assembling the wraps. This makes for quick assembly during mealtime.
- → What's the best way to prevent the wrap from falling apart?
Warm your tortillas before assembling—this makes them pliable and less prone to cracking. Don't overfill; distribute ingredients evenly and fold in the sides tightly as you roll. Wrapping in foil or parchment paper helps hold everything together.
- → Is this wrap gluten-free?
Traditional flour tortillas contain wheat, so this wrap is not gluten-free as written. Use gluten-free tortillas as a direct substitution, and verify that your chili crisp and soy sauce are also gluten-free certified.
- → How spicy is the honey chili crisp sauce?
The sauce balances heat with sweetness from the honey. If you prefer milder heat, reduce the chili crisp to 1 tablespoon. For extra spice, increase it to 3 tablespoons or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- → What vegetables work well as substitutes?
Bell peppers, shredded cabbage, thinly sliced radishes, or snap peas all pair beautifully with the honey chili chicken. Pickled vegetables like red onions or jalapeños add tangy complexity without requiring cooking.
- → Can this wrap be made ahead for meal prep?
Assemble wraps up to 4 hours ahead and wrap tightly in foil or parchment. Store in the refrigerator to keep the tortillas soft and vegetables fresh. For best results, pack the sauce separately and add just before eating.