These Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a fun and tasty meal! You’ll enjoy tender chicken with crunchy veggies, all wrapped up in fresh lettuce leaves.
Making these wraps is a breeze! I love how they are light yet satisfying—perfect for a quick dinner or a snack. Plus, they make a mess-free way to eat. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the star of the dish! Ground chicken is lean and cooks quickly. If you prefer a different protein, ground turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option works well too.
Vegetable Oil: It helps sauté the garlic and chicken. Feel free to swap it for olive oil or sesame oil for extra flavor, but keep in mind sesame oil has a stronger taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds wonderful flavor. If you’re short on time, garlic powder in a pinch can be used; just add less since it’s more concentrated.
Sauces: Soy sauce and fish sauce are crucial for umami flavor. For a gluten-free option, look for tamari. If you’re vegetarian, omit the fish sauce and use more soy sauce with a dash of vinegar.
Peanut Butter: This ingredient adds creaminess to the sauce—it ties everything together! If you have nut allergies, sunflower seed butter can be a good substitute.
How Do I Avoid Soggy Lettuce Wraps?
A common issue is that the lettuce can get soggy. Here are some tips to prevent this:
- Use fresher, thicker leaves from butter or romaine lettuce, which hold up better.
- Drain excess liquid from the cooked chicken mixture before spooning it into the lettuce.
- Serve the chicken mixture warm but allow it to cool slightly so it doesn’t steam the leaves before eating.
These steps will help keep your lettuce wraps crisp and enjoyable to eat! Happy cooking!
Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Filling:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup crushed roasted peanuts
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or Thai chili sauce (adjust to taste)
- Butter lettuce or romaine leaves for wrapping
For the Peanut Sauce Drizzle:
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons water to thin as needed
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick, easy, and you can have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant but not burnt.
2. Brown the Chicken:
Add the ground chicken to the skillet and cook it while breaking it apart with a spoon. Continue cooking until it’s fully cooked and browned, which will take about 6 to 8 minutes.
3. Add the Veggies:
Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the chopped red bell pepper, shredded carrots, and green onions. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables just start to soften.
4. Create the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar (or honey), and sriracha. Pour this sauce over the chicken and veggies in the skillet, stirring everything together well for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
5. Finish the Filling:
Remove the skillet from heat, then stir in the chopped cilantro and half of the crushed peanuts for added flavor and crunch.
6. Make the Peanut Sauce:
In another small bowl, prepare the peanut sauce by whisking together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, and enough water to reach your desired consistency. It should be smooth and drizzlable.
7. Assemble Your Wraps:
To put these delicious wraps together, spoon the chicken mixture into individual butter lettuce leaves. They’ll serve as the perfect, crisp wrap!
8. Drizzle and Garnish:
Drizzle your homemade peanut sauce over the filling, and then generously sprinkle some additional crushed peanuts, chopped green onions, and cilantro on top for extra flair and flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve these vibrant wraps immediately. They are perfect as a healthy appetizer or light meal. Enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!
This recipe delivers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, perfect for a refreshing meal or snack! Enjoy your Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps!
FAQ for Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will work just as well in this recipe. It has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it an easy swap.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply substitute ground chicken with crumbled tofu or tempeh. You can also add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or chickpeas for added texture and flavor.
Can I Prepare the Filling in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken filling ahead of time! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the filling on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
What Type of Lettuce Works Best for Wrapping?
Butter lettuce is a popular choice for wraps because it is soft and flexible, making it easy to fold. Romaine is also a great option if you prefer a bit more crunch. Just ensure the leaves are large enough to hold the filling!
