These Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are fresh and fun to eat! With juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and a zesty sauce, they make a tasty meal that’s light yet satisfying.
Who knew eating healthy could feel this good? I love to pile on the toppings and make a mini taco out of each wrap. Plus, cleanup is a breeze—just toss the lettuce leaves when you’re done!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is a lean option, but you can also use ground turkey or beef for a different flavor. If you’re going for a vegetarian option, try crumbled tofu or tempeh instead! They soak up the sauce nicely.
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter works best but if you have a nut allergy, almond butter or sunflower seed butter can substitute. You can even skip it completely and use tahini for a different twist!
Vegetables: Feel free to mix in other veggies like zucchini or mushrooms to enhance texture. I love adding water chestnuts for an extra crunch! If you want to boost the health factor, throw in some broccoli slaw too.
Lettuce Leaves: Butter lettuce is soft and holds the filling well. If you can’t find it, use Romaine or even collard greens for a sturdier wrap. Kicking it up a notch, rice paper wraps can also offer a fun twist.
How Do I Cook Ground Chicken Perfectly?
Cooking ground chicken is simple but requires a few tips for the best results! Start by heating your pan properly and using a non-stick skillet if possible. Here are steps to get it right:
- Preheat your skillet on medium heat and add oil before cooking chicken.
- Crumble the chicken evenly in the skillet to ensure it cooks properly.
- Cook until fully browned, around 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally—this helps it cook evenly!
- Drain excess fat if necessary, especially if using a fattier meat.
Following these tips will give you perfectly cooked ground chicken every time, ready for your wraps!
Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp peanut butter (creamy)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional, for heat)
- Water to thin the sauce as needed
For Serving:
- Butter lettuce or Bibb lettuce leaves, whole and washed
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and about 15 minutes of cooking time. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, healthy meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey, grated ginger, and sriracha until it’s smooth and well combined. If you need to thin it out, add water one tablespoon at a time until it reaches a pourable consistency. Set this tasty sauce aside.
2. Cook the Chicken Filling:
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. This step adds great flavor!
3. Brown the Ground Chicken:
Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Keep cooking until it’s fully cooked through and starts to brown, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Veggies:
Next, stir in the finely diced red bell pepper and shredded carrots. Continue cooking this mixture for another 2-3 minutes, just until the vegetables are tender but still have a little crunch.
5. Mix in the Sauce:
Pour about two-thirds of your prepared peanut sauce into the skillet with the chicken and veggies. Stir everything well to combine and let the flavors meld. Remove the skillet from heat once mixed.
6. Assemble the Wraps:
Now it’s time to serve! Take your washed lettuce leaves and arrange them on a platter. Spoon the warm chicken and veggie mixture into each leaf, packing them generously!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Drizzle the remaining peanut sauce over the filled wraps. Finish them off with a sprinkle of sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, and chopped peanuts for that brilliant crunch!
8. Enjoy Your Wraps!
Dig in right away! These Thai chicken lettuce wraps are fantastic as a light lunch or a fun dinner.
These wraps offer a delightful mix of savory, tangy, and nutty flavors! The contrast between the tender chicken and crunchy veggies, all wrapped in crisp lettuce, creates a satisfying meal everyone will love. Feel free to customize the ingredients according to your taste—you can easily make them spicier or sweeter!
FAQ About Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Can I Make These Lettuce Wraps Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken mixture and the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat the chicken mixture before assembling the wraps to enjoy them fresh!
What Can I Use Instead of Ground Chicken?
If you don’t have ground chicken on hand, you can substitute it with ground turkey, ground beef, or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option. Each will provide a unique flavor while still fitting wonderfully into the wraps!
How Should I Store Leftover Wraps?
For best storage, keep the chicken mixture separate from the lettuce leaves. Store the filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The lettuce can last a little longer—just wash and keep it dry!
Can I Add More Vegetables to the Filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to add any additional vegetables you enjoy, such as shredded zucchini, diced water chestnuts for crunch, or even mushrooms. Customize the filling according to your taste and what you have on hand!
