If you love vibrant, bold flavors wrapped up in a cozy, handheld delight, then this Portuguese-Style Chilli Chicken Wrap Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to meal. Juicy, tender chicken schnitzels are infused with a fragrant blend of spices and a fiery yet tangy chilli sauce that wakes up your taste buds. Wrapped inside warm pita breads with melty gouda, crisp iceberg lettuce, and creamy mayonnaise, each bite delivers a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and fresh that feels like a party in your mouth. This recipe is a fantastic way to bring a little Portuguese-inspired sunshine and spice to your weeknight dinners or casual lunch gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients sets the foundation for an unforgettable Portuguese-Style Chilli Chicken Wrap Recipe. Each component plays a vital role, whether adding zest, texture, or richness that transforms this dish from ordinary to outstanding.
- 600 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Sliced thin for quick cooking and tender bites.
- 1 tsp sweet paprika: Adds a warm, smoky undertone that’s signature to Portuguese flavors.
- ½ tsp onion powder: A subtle sweetness that deepens the savory profile.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Boosts aroma and gives a classic pungent kick.
- 1 tsp sea salt flakes: Enhances all the flavors with a clean salty touch.
- ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper: Provides gentle heat and complexity.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For marinating and searing the chicken with a silky finish.
- ½ cup chilli paste (Italian or sambal oelek): The spicy heart of the sauce, bringing punch and character.
- ¼ cup olive oil: Blends with the chilli paste for a luscious and smooth sauce.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Offers a sharp citrus zing that balances the heat beautifully.
- ½ tsp freshly minced garlic & ½ tsp minced ginger: Fresh aromatics that uplift the spicy sauce.
- ½ tsp caster (superfine) sugar: Just a touch to round out the tart and spicy notes.
- Sea salt flakes and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste: To perfect seasoning in the chilli sauce.
- 4 pita bread wraps (or preferred wraps): Soft, warm carriers for all that delicious filling.
- â…“ cup whole-egg mayonnaise: Creamy richness to contrast the spicy chicken.
- 4 slices gouda: Melty cheese adds indulgence and a mild nutty flavor.
- 2 cups finely shredded iceberg lettuce: Crisp freshness to lighten each bite.
- Optional fries (air-fryer, oven, or freezer chips): The perfect crispy, salty sidekick.
How to Make Portuguese-Style Chilli Chicken Wrap Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by placing the thinly sliced chicken in a large bowl. Sprinkle the sweet paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, sea salt flakes, and freshly cracked black pepper evenly over the chicken. Drizzle in the olive oil and toss everything together until each piece is beautifully coated with spices and oil. This marinade not only infuses the chicken with deep layers of flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat, making every bite juicy and aromatic.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a heavy-based frying pan over medium-high heat, adding a touch of olive oil if needed. Cook the marinated chicken schnitzels for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked through. If you’re using an air fryer, preheat it to 200°C (400°F), arrange the chicken in a single layer, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even cooking. Barbecue fans can grill the chicken similarly, for that irresistible smoky char. Whatever your cooking method, get ready for tender, flavorful chicken that forms the heart of this wrap.
Step 3: Make the Chilli Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the chilli paste, olive oil, lemon juice, freshly minced garlic, minced ginger, caster sugar, sea salt flakes, and freshly cracked black pepper in a small bowl. This fiery yet tangy sauce is the secret star of the Portuguese-Style Chilli Chicken Wrap Recipe. It’s bright, spicy, and just sweet enough to make your taste buds sing every time you drizzle it over the chicken.
Step 4: Assemble the Wraps
Warm your pita or preferred wraps briefly in a dry frying pan or the microwave—just enough to soften them for folding. Spread a generous dollop of whole-egg mayonnaise on each wrap, then lay down a slice of gouda cheese. Immediately place the hot chicken on top so the cheese melts slightly, adding a luscious texture and flavor. Top with shredded iceberg lettuce and a good drizzle of the chilli sauce, plus an extra spoonful of mayo if you crave even more richness. Roll them tightly and serve while warm for maximum enjoyment.
How to Serve Portuguese-Style Chilli Chicken Wrap Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your wrap with fresh, vibrant garnishes like a sprinkle of chopped coriander or a few slices of ripe avocado. These fresh elements add extra color, texture, and a cooling contrast to the spicy chicken, making each mouthful even more exciting.
Side Dishes
Classic air-fryer chips or oven fries are the ultimate match for this wrap, adding crispy, salty vibes that complement the juicy chicken and spicy sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, try a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some pickled vegetables for a tangy crunch alongside your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut your wraps in half and serve in a basket with parchment paper, so everyone can dig in easily. Alternatively, place the wraps on a large serving platter with small bowls of extra chilli sauce and mayo for dipping, making it perfect for sharing with friends or family at casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Portuguese-Style Chilli Chicken Wraps, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to two days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to avoid the wraps becoming soggy. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
Freezing complete wraps is not recommended because the lettuce and mayo won’t hold up well after thawing. Instead, freeze the cooked chicken and chilli sauce separately in airtight containers for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and assemble fresh wraps for best quality.
Reheating
To reheat the chicken without drying it out, gently warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel. Then quickly assemble your wrap with fresh lettuce and mayo as usual. This keeps the chicken juicy and the waffles fresh tasting.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chicken cuts for this recipe?
Absolutely! While thin schnitzels work best for quick cooking and even spice coverage, sliced chicken thighs or even chicken tenders can be used for a more tender and juicy result. Just adjust your cooking time accordingly.
What if I don’t have gouda cheese?
No worries! Gouda is great for its melting quality and mild flavor, but you can substitute with mozzarella, cheddar, or any mild, melty cheese you enjoy. For a dairy-free version, simply skip the cheese and double up on a dairy-free mayo.
How spicy is this wrap? Can I make it milder?
The Portuguese-Style Chilli Chicken Wrap Recipe has a noticeable but balanced spiciness thanks to the chilli paste and spices. If you prefer milder heat, reduce the amount of chilli paste or substitute it with a milder chili or roasted red pepper paste. The lemon juice and sugar help balance the heat beautifully.
Can I prepare the chilli sauce ahead of time?
Definitely. The chilli sauce can be made up to three days in advance and stored in the fridge in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it even more delicious when served.
What types of wraps work best for this recipe?
Pita bread is traditional and works wonderfully, but you can also use soft flour tortillas, lavash, or even flatbreads. Choose ones that are pliable enough to roll without tearing and sturdy enough to hold the filling.
Final Thoughts
This Portuguese-Style Chilli Chicken Wrap Recipe is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. From the tender, spice-kissed chicken to the lively chilli sauce and melty cheese, it’s a wrap that brings friends and family together with every bite. Give it a try and add a little Portuguese flair to your meal rotation that rains warmth and zest on your table. You’ll be hooked from the very first delicious wrap!
Print
Portuguese-Style Chilli Chicken Wrap Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Portuguese
Description
This Portuguese-style chilli chicken wrap is a flavorful and spicy meal featuring tender, thinly sliced chicken schnitzels marinated with paprika and garlic powders, then cooked to golden perfection. Layered with creamy mayonnaise, melty gouda cheese, crisp iceberg lettuce, and a zesty homemade chilli sauce, all wrapped in warm pita bread. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, with optional fries on the side for an extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 600 g (1 lb 5 oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced horizontally to make thin schnitzels about 5 mm–1 cm (¼–½ inch) thick
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp sea salt flakes
- ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Chilli Sauce
- ½ cup (125 g) chilli paste (Italian chilli paste, sambal oelek)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp freshly minced garlic
- ½ tsp freshly minced ginger
- ½ tsp caster (superfine) sugar
- Sea salt flakes, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Assembly
- 4 pita bread wraps (or any wraps you prefer, see note 1)
- â…“ cup (90 g) whole-egg mayonnaise
- 4 slices gouda (can be substituted with any melty cheese, or left off completely for a dairy-free option, but ensure the mayo you use is also dairy-free)
- 2 cups (140 g) finely shredded iceberg lettuce
- Air-fryer chips (fries), oven fries or freezer fries (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the sliced chicken breasts with sweet paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, sea salt flakes, and freshly cracked black pepper. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken mixture and toss everything together thoroughly so the chicken is evenly coated with the spices and oil. Set aside to marinate briefly while preparing other ingredients.
- Cook the chicken: Choose your preferred cooking method.
– Stovetop: Heat a large, heavy-based frying pan over medium–high heat. Place chicken schnitzels in the pan and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
– Air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Arrange the chicken in a single layer inside the basket. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until thoroughly cooked and crispy.
– Barbecue: Grill chicken over medium–high heat for 2–3 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through. - Make the chilli sauce: In a small bowl, combine the chilli paste, olive oil, lemon juice, freshly minced garlic, ginger, caster sugar, sea salt flakes, and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated into a smooth, flavorful sauce.
- Assemble the wraps: Warm the pita wraps lightly in a dry frying pan or microwave just so they become pliable. Spread a dollop of whole-egg mayonnaise on each wrap. Place one slice of gouda on top of the mayo, then add the hot cooked chicken to slightly melt the cheese. Top with finely shredded iceberg lettuce and generously drizzle the chilli sauce over the fillings. Add some extra mayonnaise if desired. Roll each wrap tightly and serve immediately. For a complete meal, serve alongside air-fryer chips, oven fries, or freezer fries as a side.
Notes
- You can substitute pita wraps with tortillas or any wrap you prefer for a different texture.
- Gouda cheese can be replaced with mozzarella, cheddar, or left out completely for a dairy-free option. Ensure the mayonnaise used is also dairy-free if avoiding dairy.
- This recipe offers flexibility in cooking methods to suit your kitchen equipment and taste preferences.
- Adding fries on the side turns this wrap into a hearty meal perfect for casual dining.
