Recreating a Classic: Schlotzsky’s Asian Chicken Wrap at Home

The year was 2008, and I was a broke college student, perpetually on the hunt for delicious and affordable eats. That’s when I discovered Schlotzsky’s Asian Chicken Wrap. The combination of savory grilled chicken, crisp veggies, and that tangy-sweet Tonkatsu sauce was pure magic. I can still remember the burst of flavor with every bite, the satisfying crunch of the toasted almonds, and the fresh pop of cilantro. It was a weekly indulgence that got me through countless late-night study sessions. Now, years later, I’m excited to share my version of this beloved wrap, allowing you to experience the same joy and satisfaction from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 55-60 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 4 wraps
• Dietary Type: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

• For the Tonkatsu Sauce (or use 1 cup store-bought)

  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ cup sake
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons mirin

• For the Asian Chicken Wrap

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 sandwich wraps (or 4 flour tortillas)
  • 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
  • ¼ cup julienned carrots
  • ¼ cup loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves
  • ¼ cup toasted almonds, roughly chopped
  • ¼ cup chopped red bell pepper

Equipment Needed

• Small saucepan
• Grill or grill pan
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Mixing bowls

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tonkatsu Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, sake, ginger, garlic, and sugar.
2. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Then, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. As the sauce simmers, skim off any foam that rises to the surface. This will create a smoother, clearer sauce. The sauce is ready when it has thickened slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
3. Cool and Store the Sauce: Remove the Tonkatsu sauce from the heat and let it cool completely. Once cooled, transfer the sauce to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. The sauce will keep for up to 4 weeks.
4. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Pour ½ cup of the prepared Tonkatsu sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours for a more intense flavor.
5. Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade (discard the used marinade). Grill the chicken for approximately 6-8 minutes per side, or until it is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
6. Chop the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, finely chop or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
7. Assemble the Wraps: Lay out the four sandwich wraps (or tortillas) on a clean work surface.
8. Layer the Ingredients: Down the center of each wrap, divide the chopped chicken evenly. Top the chicken with ¼ cup shredded romaine lettuce, ¼ cup shredded iceberg lettuce, a sprinkle of julienned carrots, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of toasted almonds, and a sprinkle of chopped red pepper.
9. Dress the Wraps: Drizzle approximately 2 tablespoons of Tonkatsu sauce over the ingredients on each wrap. Adjust the amount of sauce to your preference.
10. Roll the Wraps: To roll the wraps, first bring in the sides of the wrap, folding them inward towards the center. Then, starting from the bottom, tightly roll the wrap upwards, tucking in the ingredients as you go.
11. Serve Immediately: Serve the Asian Chicken Wraps immediately. You can cut them in half for easier handling, if desired.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Homemade Tonkatsu Sauce Variation: For a spicier Tonkatsu sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce while it’s simmering.
• Chicken Cooking Hack: To ensure the chicken cooks evenly and remains juicy, pound it lightly with a meat mallet before marinating. This will create a more uniform thickness.
• Toasting Almonds: Toasting almonds enhances their flavor and adds a satisfying crunch to the wrap. To toast, spread the almonds on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden and fragrant. Watch them carefully, as they can burn quickly.
• Make-Ahead Tip: The Tonkatsu sauce can be made several days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also chop the vegetables ahead of time and store them in separate containers. This will make the assembly process quicker and easier.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Asian Chicken Wraps immediately for the best flavor and texture. These wraps are a great option for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a picnic.

If you have any leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 24 hours. However, keep in mind that the lettuce may become slightly wilted over time.

Reheating is not recommended, as the lettuce will become soggy. It is best to enjoy the wraps cold or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	377 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	137 g	36%
Total Fat	15.3 g	23%
Saturated Fat	3.1 g	15%
Cholesterol	61.9 mg	20%
Sodium	802.5 mg	33%
Total Carbohydrate	31.6 g	10%
Dietary Fiber	2.7 g	10%
Sugars	22 g	88%
Protein	24.4 g	48%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortillas or lettuce wraps for a gluten-free version. Ensure the Worcestershire sauce is also gluten-free.
• Vegetarian/Vegan: Substitute the chicken with marinated and grilled tofu or tempeh.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the Tonkatsu sauce for a spicy kick.
• Different Nuts: If you don’t have almonds on hand, you can substitute them with other toasted nuts like cashews or peanuts.
• Alternative Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the wrap, such as shredded cabbage, bean sprouts, or sliced cucumbers.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make the Tonkatsu sauce ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The Tonkatsu sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This is a great way to save time when you’re ready to assemble the wraps.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken, to save time. Just make sure to chop or shred it into bite-sized pieces.

Q: What if I can’t find sake for the Tonkatsu sauce?
A: If you can’t find sake, you can substitute it with dry sherry or rice vinegar. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Q: How can I prevent the wraps from getting soggy?
A: To prevent the wraps from getting soggy, avoid overfilling them and don’t add the Tonkatsu sauce until just before serving. Also, be sure to drain any excess moisture from the lettuce.

Q: Can I freeze the Asian Chicken Wraps?
A: Freezing the assembled wraps is not recommended, as the lettuce and sauce will become soggy upon thawing. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken and Tonkatsu sauce separately.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe allows you to recreate the magic of Schlotzsky’s Asian Chicken Wrap in your own kitchen. The vibrant flavors and satisfying textures make it a perfect meal for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and variations to make it your own. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your feedback – I’d love to hear how it turns out! Pair it with a side of sweet potato fries or a refreshing iced tea for a complete and satisfying meal. Happy cooking!