Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Looking for a quick, healthy, and absolutely mouthwatering meal?
These Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are the answer. Packed with lean chicken, crisp veggies, and a rich, tangy sauce, they’re light yet satisfying, bursting with flavors that’ll have you coming back for more.
Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a busy weeknight or a fun dinner with friends—these wraps are an easy, tasty way to enjoy something a little different.
Get ready to fall in love with these refreshing, flavor-packed wraps!
For Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Chicken – I use 92% lean ground chicken for a healthier option, but you can also use ground turkey.
- Green Onions – Adds a bit of freshness and mild onion flavor. Be sure to keep the light and green parts separate.
- Garlic and Ginger – These two ingredients are packed with flavor and form the base of the dish’s savory profile.
- Olive Oil (or Vegetable Oil) – For sautéing the chicken and aromatics.
- Red Bell Pepper – Adds a slight sweetness and crunchy texture.
- Matchstick Carrots – These provide a nice crunch and a touch of natural sweetness to balance out the flavors.
- Cilantro – For a fresh, zesty note that brightens up the dish.
- Dry Roasted Unsalted Peanuts – Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor for garnish.
- Lettuce Leaves – Romaine, iceberg, or butter lettuce work best for wrapping the chicken mixture.
For Thai Chicken Sauce
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce – A key ingredient in this sauce, offering salty depth without overwhelming the dish.
- Fish Sauce – Adds a deep, savory umami flavor that makes the sauce irresistible.
- Brown Sugar – Provides sweetness that helps balance the saltiness of the soy and fish sauces.
- Lime Juice – Adds a tangy, refreshing citrus kick that brings everything together.
- Sesame Oil – Adds a subtle, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- Cornstarch – Used to thicken the sauce and give it a nice, glossy consistency.
Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
A delicious and savory Asian-inspired dish featuring lean chicken, fresh vegetables, a sweet and tangy sauce, and a variety of vibrant garnishes. These wraps can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or main course.
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 ½ tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp cornstarch
For the Filling
- 5 green onions, sliced (keep light and green parts separate)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 1 ½ lbs 92% lean ground chicken or turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, cored and diced
- 1 ½ cups matchstick carrots, roughly chopped
For Garnishing
- ⅓ cup chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup chopped unsalted dry roasted peanuts
- Lettuce leaves (e.g., Romaine hearts, artisan Romaine, iceberg, or butter lettuce)
- Hot sauce and/or peanut sauce (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Set the sauce aside.
- Cook the Filling: Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the light parts of the green onions, garlic, and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds. Then, add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until it's nearly cooked through (no need to drain).
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the diced red bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes until it softens slightly. Then, add the carrots to the skillet.
- Add the Sauce: Give the sauce a quick whisk again and pour it over the chicken mixture in the skillet. Toss everything together and cook for about 1 minute, or until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked. Taste and season with a little salt if necessary.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in the cilantro, green onion greens, and peanuts.
- Serve: Spoon the chicken mixture into whole lettuce leaves, and top with hot sauce, extra peanuts, and peanut sauce if desired.
Notes
- Lettuce options: Romaine hearts, artisan Romaine, iceberg lettuce, or butter lettuce work well for wrapping.
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Yes, you can easily swap out ground chicken for ground turkey. Both are lean options that will work wonderfully in this recipe! - Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Absolutely! You can cook the chicken filling ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready, just reheat it, and your wraps are good to go! - What kind of lettuce works best for wraps?
For the best wrap experience, use butter lettuce. Its soft, tender leaves are perfect for holding the filling. You can also use Romaine or iceberg lettuce as alternatives. - How can I make these wraps spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, try adding a small amount of red pepper flakes or some chopped fresh chilies to the chicken mixture. You can also drizzle some hot sauce on top when serving. - Can I add more veggies to the filling?
Definitely! You can add veggies like diced mushrooms, water chestnuts, or shredded cabbage to give the wraps an extra crunch and flavor. Just sauté them with the chicken to incorporate them smoothly into the filling.
