These Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are fresh and fun! They’re made with tasty chicken, crunchy veggies, and a zingy sauce—all wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves.
They’re perfect for a light lunch or a playful dinner. I love making them with friends—everyone can grab their wraps and fill them just how they like! Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the main protein in the wraps. You can substitute it with ground turkey or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. I prefer chicken for its flavor and texture.
Vegetable Oil: Any light oil will work, like canola or grapeseed oil. I often use olive oil, but it’s worth noting that it may have a stronger flavor.
Red Bell Pepper: For sweetness and color! You can use yellow or orange peppers instead, or even snap peas for a different crunch.
Cilantro: It adds a fresh, vibrant flavor. If you’re not a fan, swap it out for parsley or omit it entirely. The dish will still taste great!
Peanut Butter: This gives the sauce its creamy texture. If you have a nut allergy, sunbutter is a great alternative or you can skip it and use tahini for a different flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken is Cooked Evenly?
Cooking the chicken evenly is key to a great texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Use medium heat to avoid burning the garlic and to allow the chicken to brown nicely.
- Break the chicken into smaller pieces with your spatula as it cooks. This helps it cook through evenly.
- Cook until there’s no pink left. About 5-7 minutes usually does the trick, but checking with a thermometer can help—aim for 165°F.
Taking your time on this step ensures juicy and perfectly cooked chicken in your wraps!
How to Make Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 head butter lettuce or Bibb lettuce, leaves separated
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional for heat)
- 2-3 tablespoons water to thin
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to cook. You’ll have a fantastic meal ready in about 30-35 minutes, making it perfect for a quick dinner or lunch!
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 for about 30 seconds or until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned and fully cooked. Make sure to break it apart with your spatula as it cooks to keep it nice and crumbly.
3. Add Veggies:
Next, stir in the diced red bell pepper, shredded carrots, and half of the sliced green onions. Cook this mixture for another 2-3 minutes until the veggies are slightly softened but still crisp. Yum!
4. Make the Sauce:
While the chicken and veggies are cooking, grab a small bowl and whisk together all the sauce ingredients: peanut butter, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, lime juice, honey, sriracha (if you like it spicy), and water. Mix until it’s smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Everything:
Pour the sauce over the chicken and veggie mixture in the skillet. Stir everything together to coat it evenly in that delicious sauce. Cook for another minute until everything is heated through.
6. Finish It Up:
Remove the skillet from heat and gently stir in the chopped cilantro and chopped peanuts, giving it a lovely crunch and flavor!
7. Serve:
To serve your wraps, spoon the chicken mixture into individual lettuce leaves. Garnish each wrap with the remaining sliced green onions and some extra chopped peanuts. It’s time to dig in!
8. Enjoy:
Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Thai-inspired wraps! They’re perfect for sharing and are packed with flavor!
This recipe yields around 8-10 lettuce wraps, each bursting with a delightful mix of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet taste, perfectly paired with crisp lettuce.
FAQ for Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and works well with the flavors in this recipe. Just be mindful that it may have a slightly different texture and flavor, but it remains delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Wraps?
If you have any leftovers, store the chicken mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the sauce separate from the lettuce to prevent wilting. Reheat the chicken mixture on the stove or in the microwave before serving again.
Can I Make the Chicken Filling Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the chicken filling a day ahead. Just bring it to room temperature before serving, or reheat it gently on the stove. Assemble the wraps just before serving for the freshest taste!
What Kind of Lettuce is Best for Wraps?
Bibb or butter lettuce works great because its leaves are soft and pliable, making them easy to wrap. However, you can also use romaine or even iceberg if you prefer a crunchier texture! Just choose leaves that are large enough to hold your filling comfortably.
