These Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are fresh and fun! With tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and a tasty sauce, they’re perfect for a quick meal or snack.
Who knew eating healthy could be this enjoyable? I love using crispy lettuce leaves as a wrap. It’s like a little boat of deliciousness! Give it a try—you’ll want seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the main protein in the wraps. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey works well too. For a vegetarian twist, consider using tofu or tempeh, crumbled and sautéed until golden.
Vegetables: Red bell pepper and shredded carrots add color and crunch. You can swap in other veggies like zucchini or cucumber for variety. Fresh herbs like basil or mint can also bring a unique flavor.
Cilantro: This herb adds freshness to the dish. If you’re not a fan, parsley is a great alternative. Some people even enjoy fresh mint instead!
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter is a key flavor in the sauce. If you have nut allergies, use sun butter or tahini as a substitute for a similar texture.
How Can I Make Sure My Chicken is Cooked Just Right?
Cooking ground chicken properly is crucial for both safety and flavor. Follow these steps for great results:
- Use medium heat to give the chicken time to brown evenly.
- Break up the meat as it cooks so it browns well and cooks through. Aim for no pink pieces.
- Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure; ground chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe.
Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Filling:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup crushed peanuts
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp peanut butter (creamy)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1-2 tsp sriracha (optional, for heat)
- 2 tsp honey or brown sugar
- Water to thin sauce as needed
For Serving:
- 1 head butter lettuce or Bibb lettuce, leaves separated and washed
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 15-20 minutes for cooking, totaling approximately 30-35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and flavorful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Garlic:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Keep an eye on it—it cooks quickly!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Now, add the ground chicken to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up and cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Make sure it’s cooked all the way through!
3. Add Veggies:
Next, stir in the diced red bell pepper and shredded carrots. Cook together for an additional 3-4 minutes until the veggies are just tender but still have some crunch. It’s all about that fresh texture!
4. Prepare the Peanut Sauce:
While the chicken and veggies are cooking, you can whip up the tasty peanut sauce. In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, lime juice, sriracha (if you like it spicy), and honey. Add a little water, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the thickness you prefer for drizzling.
5. Mix in the Fresh Ingredients:
Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the sliced green onions and half of the chopped cilantro. This adds a lovely burst of freshness!
6. Assemble Your Wraps:
Ready to serve? Spoon the chicken and veggie mixture into individual lettuce leaves. These leaves will be your tasty wrap!
7. Drizzle with Sauce:
Drizzle the peanut sauce evenly over the filling in each lettuce wrap. Don’t hold back—it’s delicious!
8. Garnish:
Top each wrap with crushed peanuts and the remaining chopped cilantro. This adds a delightful crunch and a pop of color.
9. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve the wraps immediately so they stay crisp, and enjoy the fresh crunch of the lettuce combined with the savory-sweet chicken filling. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative that provides a similar texture and flavor. Just make sure to cook it until fully cooked through, as you would with chicken.
How Can I Make the Peanut Sauce Spicier?
If you like heat, you can increase the amount of sriracha in the peanut sauce. Alternatively, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of chili oil for an extra kick!
Can I Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can cook the chicken filling and prepare the peanut sauce in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just assemble the wraps when you’re ready to eat!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Wraps?
If you have leftovers, store the chicken filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain their crispness!
