Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Craving a dinner that’s fast, fresh, and absolutely bursting with bold flavors? These Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps hit every mark! They’re filled with juicy, savory ground chicken, loads of crisp veggies, and an irresistible sweet-and-spicy sauce—plus, they come together in a snap for the ultimate hands-on meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t worry, the ingredient list for Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps might look impressive, but it’s actually super simple! Each component plays a key role, adding flavor, crunch, color, or that signature Thai zing that makes these wraps irresistible.

• Olive oil (or vegetable/canola oil): Adds a subtle richness and helps everything cook evenly without sticking.
• Ground chicken: The lean, tender base for our filling—soaks up all the bold sauce and cooks up fast.
• Garlic: Four cloves, because you deserve that fragrant, aromatic punch!
• Sweet onion: Adds subtle sweetness and a gentle, savory background.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essentials for seasoning the chicken perfectly from the start.
• Carrot, shredded: For colorful crunch and hint of natural sweetness with every bite.
• Finely shredded cabbage: Brings extra crispness and subtly peppery flavor.
• Green onions: A pop of freshness and extra crunch, both cooked in and sprinkled on top.
• Fresh cilantro: Bright, herby flavor that ties everything together at the end.
• Sweet chili sauce: Found in most grocery stores, this is your shortcut to that classic sweet-heat Thai flavor.
• Chunky (or smooth) peanut butter: Creaminess and nutty richness that turns your sauce into magic.
• Freshly grated ginger: Adds warmth and zing—use fresh for the best result!
• Low-sodium soy sauce: For that essential salty, umami pop.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Sprinkle to taste for a hit of heat that won’t overwhelm.
• Boston Bibb lettuce or romaine leaves: Crisp, sturdy, and perfect for scooping up hearty spoonfuls of filling.

Variations

One of the best things about these Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps is how easy it is to make them your own. Whether you need to use up what’s already in your fridge, or you want to go low-carb, vegetarian, or full-on spicy—customizing is a breeze!

• Swap the protein: Ground turkey, pork, or even tofu can step in for chicken—each one lends its own delicious character.
• Make it vegetarian: Sauté crumbled firm tofu, tempeh, or even cooked lentils in place of chicken for a fabulous plant-based version.
• Boost the veggies: Add water chestnuts, bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for more texture, color, and crunch.
• Adjust the heat: Amp up the crushed red pepper or even drizzle with sriracha if you love things spicy, or keep it mild for little ones.

How to Make Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken and Aromatics

Begin by heating your oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken, minced garlic, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Stir occasionally and cook until the chicken is fully browned and no longer pink. The mixture should be fragrant—the garlic and onion do wonders at this stage!

Step 2: Add the Veggies

Next, stir in the shredded carrots, finely shredded cabbage, and green onions. Continue cooking for another 4–5 minutes, just until the veggies are tender but still have some bite. This gives every wrap that perfect crunch while melding the flavors together.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

While your chicken and veggies cook, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, chunky peanut butter, freshly grated ginger, low-sodium soy sauce, and a pinch of crushed red pepper in a small bowl until smooth and glossy. You’re creating a sauce that’s creamy, tangy, and just a little spicy—all at once.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and veggies in the skillet. Add the chopped fresh cilantro and stir to coat everything well. Cook for another minute or two—the filling will be gorgeously saucy and aromatic, ready for scooping into crisp lettuce leaves.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Spoon the hot chicken mixture into clean, dry lettuce leaves. Everyone can add extra green onions, cilantro, or a shake of chili flakes on top for their own perfect Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Grab, fold, and dig in!

How to Serve Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Garnishes

Take your Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps over the top with vibrant toppings! Extra chopped cilantro, a sprinkle of sliced green onions, crunchy chopped peanuts, or a squeeze of lime add the perfect fresh, zesty finish to every bite. Each wrap becomes a little masterpiece once you’ve added your favorite garnishes.

Side Dishes

Pair these bright lettuce wraps with sides like jasmine rice, coconut rice, or even a cooling cucumber salad for a full meal. For something heartier, try steamed edamame or light rice noodle salad—both play beautifully alongside all those bold, Thai-inspired flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Let everyone build their own Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps by arranging the chicken filling and toppings in small bowls—like a family-style, interactive feast! Or, roll them up tightly and slice them in half for an eye-catching party platter or appetizer tray that’s sure to wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep your lettuce leaves separate and unwashed until ready to use, so they stay extra crisp and fresh!

Freezing

The chicken filling for Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps actually freezes beautifully! Cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving with fresh lettuce.

Reheating

Reheat your filling in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it saucy and moist. Avoid microwaving the lettuce—warm the filling, then assemble fresh wraps for the best taste and texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps enough—they’re everything I want in a homemade meal: flavorful, healthy, fast, and just plain fun to eat. Give this recipe a try and you’ll see why it’s on constant rotation at my table! Enjoy every bright, delicious bite.

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