Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with flavor-packed, irresistibly fresh Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps! This dish checks all the boxes: it’s light but filling, delivers a beautiful punch of Thai-inspired zest, and looks stunning when piled onto a platter. If you’re searching for something that feels both wholesome and a bit special, these wraps are exactly what you want—they come together quickly and always disappear in a hurry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps only require a handful of vibrant, easy-to-find ingredients, but each one plays a key role in building layers of taste and color. Pull together these simple building blocks, and you’ll be rewarded with a dish bursting with texture and excitement!
- Ground Chicken: Lean, absorbs flavors beautifully, and gives a satisfying bite without feeling heavy.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a toasty, nutty aroma and authentic depth to the filling.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings sharpness and irresistible savoriness.
- Fresh Ginger: Grating it ensures a gentle, peppery warmth that makes the filling sing.
- Red Bell Pepper: Diced for sweetness and crunch, plus a pop of cheerful color.
- Shredded Carrots: Sweet, juicy, and tender, offering a beautiful contrast in texture.
- Green Onions: Add a mild oniony kick and fresh green flair at the end.
- Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro brings brightness and a classic Thai note.
- Butter Lettuce or Romaine Leaves: Sturdy and crisp leaves create perfect bite-sized edible cups.
- Soy Sauce (Low-Sodium): The salty, umami backbone of your sauce, keeps things flavorful but not overly salty.
- Hoisin Sauce: Brings sweetness and just a hint of smokiness for signature Thai depth.
- Rice Vinegar: Delivers gentle acidity that balances richness and brings brightness.
- Lime Juice: A splash of tartness that makes every bite pop.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: A touch of natural sweetness that unites all the savory and spicy notes.
- Sriracha (Optional): For those who love a gentle kick, adds just the right amount of heat.
How to Make Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Step 1: Mix Up the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey, and sriracha (if using) until they’re well combined. I love tasting and tweaking at this stage—a little extra lime or honey if you want it brighter or sweeter. Set this fragrant sauce aside so the flavors mingle while you prep the filling.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, letting them sizzle for about 30 seconds. Breathe in that incredible aroma! This short burst of cooking wakes up their flavors without burning them.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the ground chicken to your skillet, breaking it up as you stir. Let it brown and cook through—about 6 to 8 minutes—making sure there are lots of little golden bits for maximum flavor. The meat should be crumbly and sizzling by the end.
Step 4: Add the Veggies and Sauce
Now, add in your diced red bell pepper and shredded carrots. Pour your sauce mixture over everything and give it a good toss. Let it all cook together for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the veggies are slightly tender and the sauce thickens and clings to each piece of chicken.
Step 5: Stir in Fresh Herbs
Take your skillet off the heat and quickly stir in the chopped green onions and cilantro. The residual warmth will soften their flavor and keep them vibrant, adding a last burst of color and freshness to your Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps.
Step 6: Assemble the Wraps
Gently spoon the savory chicken mixture into your lettuce leaves (go ahead and pile them high—you deserve it!). Serve immediately, since the warm filling against the crisp, cool lettuce is pure mealtime magic.
How to Serve Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Garnishes
These wraps truly shine with a few simple toppings: a sprinkle of chopped peanuts or cashews adds crunch and richness, while extra cilantro or a few thinly sliced green onions deliver extra color. If you like things zesty, add extra lime wedges for squeezing or a drizzle of sriracha. Each bite gets even more lively and memorable!
Side Dishes
Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with coconut rice, simple cucumber salad, or even some fresh mango slices. If you’re going for a party platter, add a side of steamed edamame or crispy wonton chips to round out the meal with fun textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Lay out the lettuce leaves, filling, and toppings as a DIY platter so everyone can build their own. Or, treat them like Thai-style tacos and assemble ahead for grab-and-go bites at a picnic or party. You could even add the filling to rice bowls as a delicious leftovers twist—Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are always ready to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any extra chicken filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate to ensure they stay crisp and fresh—combine them just before eating for best texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken filling for up to two months. Let it cool completely first, then spoon into a freezer-safe container. Freeze the filling only (not the lettuce), and thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps another day.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the chicken filling gently on the stovetop over medium heat, or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each. Just until it’s warm—don’t overdo it or you might dry it out. Freshen it up with extra cilantro or a squeeze of lime before serving in crisp lettuce.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground turkey or tofu for the chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic swap that keeps things lean and juicy, while crumbled extra-firm tofu can make the filling plant-based without sacrificing texture. Both options soak up the sauce beautifully in these Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps.
What’s the best lettuce to use for wraps?
Butter lettuce is my go-to for its tender, cup-shaped leaves, but romaine is equally great for a fresh crunch and sturdy support. Choose whatever looks freshest in the produce section—just be sure to pat them dry so your wraps don’t get soggy!
How spicy are these wraps?
On their own, Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are mildly sweet and tangy with the option to turn up the heat by adding more sriracha. The beauty is that you can easily customize the spice level to suit your crowd, from mild to fiery!
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! You can make the filling up to two days ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, just warm it up and pile into crisp lettuce for an instant, flavor-packed meal.
Are these wraps good for parties or potlucks?
They’re brilliant for gatherings! Arrange a platter with lettuce cups, filling, and all the toppings so guests can build their own Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps. They’re fun, interactive, and look gorgeous on any table.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that delivers on bold flavor, healthy crunch, and a touch of culinary adventure, Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a true crowd-pleaser. Make a batch soon—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!
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Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a flavorful and healthy meal option that’s perfect for a quick and easy dinner. The combination of ground chicken, fresh vegetables, and a delicious sauce wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves makes for a satisfying and light dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 head butter lettuce or romaine leaves, separated
Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium)
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
Instructions
- Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey, and sriracha. Set aside.
- Cooking: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks, about 6–8 minutes. Stir in diced red bell pepper, shredded carrots, and the sauce mixture. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until vegetables are tender and sauce is slightly reduced.
- Finishing: Remove from heat and stir in green onions and cilantro. Spoon the chicken mixture into lettuce leaves and serve immediately.
Notes
- Top with chopped peanuts or cashews for added crunch.
- You can substitute ground turkey or tofu for a different protein option.
- Leftover filling is great over rice or in a wrap.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 lettuce wraps
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
