These Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are fresh, crunchy, and filled with yummy chicken goodness! Juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and a tasty sauce come together for a delightful bite.
Who knew you could eat your dinner with your hands and still feel fancy? I love piling high all the fillings and munching away. It’s like a little flavor party in every wrap! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the main protein in the wraps. If you’re looking for alternatives, ground turkey or pork work well too! For a vegetarian option, try using crumbled tofu or tempeh instead.
Lettuce: Butter lettuce is my favorite because it’s soft and holds the filling nicely. You could also use romaine or little gem lettuce for a sturdier wrap. Just make sure whatever you choose has large leaves for easy folding.
Sauces: Soy sauce gives a salty flavor, while fish sauce adds depth. If you’re avoiding fish, you can use more soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce. For a gluten-free version, opt for tamari instead of soy sauce.
Peanuts: These add a lovely crunch! If you have nut allergies, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can be great substitutes. You can also skip them entirely for a nut-free dish.
How Do I Get My Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking ground chicken is straightforward, but it’s essential to get it just right. Follow these tips for a perfect result:
- Use medium-high heat to cook the chicken evenly. It should brown nicely.
- Break the meat apart with a spatula, ensuring even cooking and no big clumps.
- Check there’s no pink color left in the chicken; it should be fully cooked.
- Don’t rush when adding vegetables! Giving them a minute to soften brings out their sweetness.
Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (plus more for garnish)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 1 tsp sriracha or chili sauce (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 8 to 10 large butter lettuce leaves (or romaine/little gem lettuce)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking, for a total of about 30 minutes. You can quickly whip up these delicious wraps for a healthy meal that’s ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Skillet:
Start by heating the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger (if you’re using it) to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic is fragrant but not browned—watch closely to avoid burning!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Next, add the ground chicken to the skillet. Using a spatula, break the chicken apart, and cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked, which will take about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3. Add Veggies:
Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the diced red bell pepper and shredded carrots. Let them cook together for another 2 minutes to soften slightly and mix the flavors.
4. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar (or honey), and sriracha (if you like a little heat). This sauce is going to add a wonderful flavor to your filling!
5. Combine Everything:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and veggies in the skillet. Stir well to make sure everything is thoroughly combined. Let it cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes so that all the flavors meld together beautifully.
6. Finishing Touches:
Once done, remove the skillet from heat and gently stir in the sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and chopped peanuts. This will add a fresh crunch and flavor to your wraps.
7. Serving:
To serve, take a large lettuce leaf and spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into the center. You can garnish with additional peanuts and cilantro if desired. Finally, fold the lettuce around the filling like a taco, and enjoy every delicious bite!
This recipe yields about 8 to 10 wraps and is perfect for a light, fresh meal packed with authentic Thai flavors. Enjoy!
FAQ
Can I Use a Different Protein Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or pork are great substitutes if you’re looking for variety. For a vegetarian option, crumbled tofu or tempeh can work wonderfully too!
How Do I Make These Lettuce Wraps Spicier?
If you like heat, you can add more sriracha or chili sauce to the filling. Additionally, consider topping your wraps with sliced fresh jalapeños or adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
Can I Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken filling in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat gently and assemble the wraps with fresh lettuce leaves.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the lettuce leaves fresh, store them separately. Reheat the filling on the stove or in the microwave before serving again.
