These Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are fresh, crispy, and full of flavor! Ground chicken is mixed with tasty sauces and served in crunchy lettuce leaves for a fun meal.
I love how light and healthy they are. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy eating with their hands? Just grab a wrap and munch away—it’s an instant hit at dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: I recommend using ground chicken for its mild taste. If needed, you can substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option, or even use tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Vegetable Oil: Any cooking oil works here, but I prefer coconut oil for a hint of tropical flavor. Olive oil is also a good choice.
Peanut Butter: Smooth peanut butter gives a great texture, but chunky adds fun crunch. Feel free to swap it out with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for nut-free wraps!
Butter Lettuce: Butter lettuce has a soft texture perfect for wrapping. You can use romaine or iceberg if they are more accessible, just keep in mind that they may not be as pliable.
How Do I Make the Chicken Mixture Flavorful and Juicy?
Getting the chicken mixture right is key! Start by cooking the garlic until fragrant before adding chicken. This boosts the flavor. Make sure to break the meat into small pieces, so it cooks evenly and absorbs more sauce.
- Cook chicken until there’s no pink left, letting it brown slightly for added flavor.
- Add colorful veggies like bell pepper and carrots just until tender to keep some crunch.
Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced (separate white and green parts)
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 head butter lettuce or Boston lettuce, leaves separated and washed
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts (plus extra for garnish)
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons peanut butter (smooth or chunky depending on preference)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1-2 teaspoons sriracha or chili sauce (optional, to taste)
- Water to thin sauce as needed
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes for cooking. In total, you can have these Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps ready in about 30 minutes. Quick and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peanut Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, lime juice, honey (or brown sugar), grated ginger, and sriracha (if using). Gradually add a tablespoon or two of water until the sauce reaches a drizzle-able consistency. Set the sauce aside for later.
2. Cook the Chicken Filling:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and the white parts of the sliced green onions. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then, add the ground chicken to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula until it’s fully cooked through and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
3. Add Veggies:
Stir in the diced red bell pepper and shredded carrots. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until the vegetables are slightly softened but still retain some crunch. Turn off the heat, then stir in the chopped cilantro and about half of the chopped peanuts into the chicken mixture.
4. Assemble the Wraps:
To assemble, spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf. Drizzle with the prepared peanut sauce, and sprinkle on extra chopped peanuts and the green parts of the green onions, along with some additional cilantro leaves for garnish.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the wraps immediately as finger food. To eat, simply wrap the lettuce around the filling and enjoy the burst of flavors!
These wraps are a delightful mix of crunchy and savory with a hint of sweetness, making them a perfect, healthy meal option. Enjoy your culinary creation!
FAQ for Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Beef Instead of Ground Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or even ground beef if you prefer. Just be sure to cook the meat until it reaches a safe temperature—ground turkey should be cooked to 165°F.
What Can I Substitute for Peanut Butter?
If someone has a nut allergy or you prefer an alternative, try using sunflower seed butter or tahini. These options will still provide a creamy texture, although the flavor profile will differ slightly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate and wrap them right before eating to maintain their crispness.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the peanut sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good stir or whisk again when you’re ready to use it, as it may thicken up in the fridge.
