These Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are fresh, crunchy, and full of flavor! With ground chicken, veggies, and tasty seasonings, they make a fun and light meal.
They’re perfect for lunch or dinner, and I love how easy they are to prepare. Just cook the chicken, whip up the sauce, and grab some lettuce leaves—all done in a flash!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the main protein in the wraps. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute with ground turkey or even mushrooms for a vegetarian option. I love using chicken because it’s tender and absorbs flavors well.
Peanut Butter: It brings creaminess and richness to the sauce. If you have a nut allergy, tahini or sunflower seed butter work as good substitutes. Personally, I like chunky peanut butter for that extra texture in the sauce.
Butter Lettuce: Its leaves are perfect for wrapping. If you can’t find butter lettuce, romaine or green leaf lettuce also work nicely. Just make sure to choose sturdy leaves to hold the filling.
Fish Sauce: It adds that authentic umami flavor, but if you want a vegetarian option, try using soy sauce or tamari. This twist will still keep the flavors balanced!
How Do I Get the Chicken Cooked Just Right?
Cooking the chicken properly is important for both taste and texture. Here’s how to ensure it’s perfect:
- Start with a hot skillet to get a nice sear on the chicken. This helps lock in flavors.
- Break the chicken apart as it cooks with a spatula to avoid clumps, ensuring even cooking.
- Make sure there’s no pink remaining. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You want it fully cooked yet tender.
These simple steps will make sure your chicken is flavorful and not dry in the lettuce wraps. Happy cooking!
Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small carrot, shredded
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 head butter lettuce or bibb lettuce, leaves separated and washed
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 small red chili, finely chopped (optional, for heat)
Toppings:
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 10-15 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll be looking at around 20-25 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy meal that delivers big flavor without a lot of fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until you can smell the aroma. Then, add the ground chicken. Cook it, breaking it apart with a spatula until it’s fully cooked through and no longer pink—this should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add Vegetables:
Next, stir in the shredded carrot, diced red bell pepper, and half of the sliced green onions. Cook everything together for another 2 minutes to let the veggies soften slightly. Once that’s done, remove the skillet from heat.
3. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, and chopped red chili (if you’re using it). Mix until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of warm water to thin it out.
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and vegetable mixture in the skillet. Stir everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce. This is where all that delicious flavor comes in!
5. Assemble the Wraps:
Now it’s time to assemble! Take a lettuce leaf and spoon some of the chicken mixture into the center. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts, remaining green onions, and fresh cilantro for some extra crunch and flavor.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Drizzle with a little extra sauce if you like, then serve immediately as wraps. Just fold the lettuce over the filling like a little taco and enjoy your fresh, tasty Thai chicken lettuce wraps!
Enjoy these fresh, flavorful Thai chicken lettuce wraps as a healthy appetizer or a light meal!
FAQ for Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground chicken and will work just as well in this recipe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as turkey may take a minute or two longer to fully cook.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat them on the stove or in the microwave. Fresh lettuce leaves should be added just before eating for the best crunch!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the ground chicken with a mixture of finely chopped veggies, tofu, or mushrooms to create a delicious vegetarian version. Just sauté the veggies until they’re tender before adding the sauce!
What Should I Serve with These Lettuce Wraps?
These wraps are great on their own, but you can serve them with a side of jasmine rice or quinoa for a fuller meal. A simple cucumber salad or some spring rolls would also make a wonderful accompaniment!
