These Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a fun and tasty meal! With seasoned chicken and fresh veggies all wrapped in crispy lettuce, they’re light and satisfying.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a meal you can eat with your hands? I love to pile on the toppings like peanuts and sauces. It feels like a little party in each bite! 🎉
Making these wraps is super simple! I just cook the chicken, chop some veggies, and let everyone make their own wraps. Perfect for a cozy dinner or casual get-together!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This gives the wraps a great flavor and texture, but you can swap it out for ground turkey, beef, or even a plant-based protein if needed. I sometimes use turkey for a leaner option!
Vegetables: Red bell peppers and carrots add crunch and sweetness. Feel free to use other colorful veggies like zucchini or mushrooms based on what you have on hand!
Peanut Butter: This adds creaminess and flavor to the sauce. If you’re allergic to peanuts, try almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option!
Lettuce: Butter or bibb lettuce gives a nice cup-like shape. Romaine or even large spinach leaves are better choices if you can’t find these varieties.
How Do I Cook the Ground Chicken Perfectly?
Cooking chicken can be simple if you follow a few steps. The right heat and technique are key!
- Use a medium-high heat to get a good sear on the chicken, which means more flavor!
- Keep breaking it up as it cooks. This ensures even cooking and prevents large clumps.
- Make sure it’s no longer pink inside, about 5-7 minutes. Using a meat thermometer for safety? Aim for 165°F.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly cooked ground chicken ready for your wraps!
Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 small carrot, shredded or julienned
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts, plus extra for garnish
- 1 head butter lettuce or bibb lettuce, leaves separated and washed
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons peanut butter (creamy)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1-2 teaspoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon water (to thin the sauce as needed)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and cooking. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer for guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Garlic:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until you can smell that delicious garlic aroma!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Next, add the ground chicken to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Stir often until the chicken is browned and no longer pink inside, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the Veggies:
Stir in the diced red bell pepper and shredded carrot. Cook this mixture for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables start to soften up a bit. This adds great flavor and crunch!
4. Whisk the Sauce:
While the chicken and veggies cook, grab a small bowl. Whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, sriracha, and water until smooth. If it seems a bit thick, add a little more water to reach your desired consistency.
5. Combine Everything:
Now, pour the delicious sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the skillet. Stir it all together to ensure everything gets nicely coated. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes so all those flavors can blend.
6. Mix in the Fresh Herbs:
Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the sliced green onions and chopped cilantro. This adds a fresh taste to your filling!
7. Assemble the Wraps:
To serve, take a lettuce leaf and spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture right into the center. Sprinkle some chopped peanuts on top for a nice crunch.
8. Top and Fold:
If you like, drizzle some extra peanut sauce over the mixture. Then fold the lettuce around the filling like a wrap.
9. Enjoy:
Dig in and enjoy your fresh, flavorful Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps right away!
These wraps are light, tasty, and perfect for a quick meal or snack. Enjoy the bursts of flavor with every bite!
FAQ for Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Can I Use Different Meat in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground chicken is tasty, you can substitute it with ground turkey, beef, or even a plant-based protein if you prefer a vegetarian option. Just adjust cooking times as necessary!
What Can I Use Instead of Peanut Butter?
If you have a peanut allergy or prefer a different flavor, almond butter or sunflower seed butter are great alternatives. Just ensure they’re creamy for the best texture in the sauce.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce separately to maintain its crispness. When ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken mixture and assemble with fresh lettuce leaves!
How Can I Make These Lettuce Wraps Spicier?
For extra heat, increase the amount of sriracha or add fresh chopped chilies into the chicken mixture. You can also serve with a spicy dipping sauce on the side for even more kick!
