Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a fresh, flavorful, and healthy dish perfect for lunch or dinner. Packed with lean ground chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a savory-sweet Thai-inspired sauce, these wraps are served in crisp lettuce leaves for a light yet satisfying meal. They offer a delightful balance of textures and flavors, making them a popular choice for anyone seeking a low-carb, protein-packed option.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
ground chickenlettuce leaves (like butter, romaine, or iceberg)garlicgingeronioncarrotred bell peppergreen onionssoy saucefish saucehoisin saucesriracha (optional for heat)lime juicebrown sugarsesame oilchopped peanutsfresh cilantro
directions
Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add minced garlic, ginger, and diced onions, sauté until fragrant.
Add ground chicken and cook until no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles.
Stir in grated carrot and diced red bell pepper, cook for a few minutes until tender.
Mix in soy sauce, fish sauce, hoisin sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and brown sugar.
Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken mixture.
Stir in chopped green onions and remove from heat.
Spoon the chicken mixture into lettuce leaves.
Top with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes
Variations
Substitute ground turkey or tofu for chicken for a different protein option.
Add water chestnuts for extra crunch.
Serve with a side of jasmine rice for a more filling meal.
Include shredded cabbage or bean sprouts for added texture.
Use a peanut sauce drizzle for a nutty twist.
storage/reheating
Store the chicken mixture separately from the lettuce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat the chicken mixture in the microwave or on the stovetop before assembling wraps.Serve with fresh lettuce leaves for best texture.
FAQs
What type of lettuce is best for wraps?
Butter lettuce is ideal due to its soft, cup-like shape, but romaine or iceberg also work well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the filling in advance and store separately from the lettuce until ready to serve.
Is this dish spicy?
It can be mild or spicy depending on how much sriracha you add.
Can I freeze the chicken mixture?
Yes, freeze the cooked filling for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before using.
What can I use instead of hoisin sauce?
A mix of soy sauce and a little honey or brown sugar can substitute hoisin sauce in a pinch.
Are Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and hoisin sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
Can I add noodles?
Yes, adding rice noodles can make the wraps more filling.
What veggies go well in these wraps?
Bell peppers, carrots, cabbage, and bean sprouts all work well.
How do I keep lettuce crisp?
Store it dry in the fridge and use right before serving.
Can kids eat this?
Yes, just reduce or omit the spicy ingredients.
Conclusion
Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a quick, wholesome, and flavor-packed meal that’s easy to customize and fun to eat. Whether you’re looking for a light weeknight dinner or a party appetizer, these wraps are sure to impress with their balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes. Enjoy them fresh, and you’ll keep coming back for more.
PrintThai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Flavorful Thai-inspired ground chicken served in crisp lettuce cups for a light, fresh, and healthy meal.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 10 oz ground chicken
- 1/4 cup tamari or soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp Thai sweet red chili sauce
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tsp maple syrup or honey
- 1/3 cup cashews, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- Butter lettuce leaves, for serving
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add ground chicken, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together tamari, sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and maple syrup.
- Add chopped cashews to the pan and pour in the sauce mixture. Stir well and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded carrots, green onions, and cilantro.
- Spoon the chicken mixture into lettuce leaves and garnish with sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use tamari for a gluten-free option or soy sauce if gluten is not a concern.
- You can substitute ground turkey or tofu for chicken.
- Add chopped bell peppers or water chestnuts for extra crunch.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wrap
- Calories: 158
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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