These Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a fun and tasty meal! They’re packed with juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and a tasty sauce all wrapped in crispy lettuce leaves.
Making these wraps is like building tiny flavor-packed boats! I love how they’re light yet satisfying. Just pile in your favorites and enjoy a fresh bite every time. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: A lean and tasty protein, I love ground chicken for its quick cooking time. If you want a healthier option, go for ground turkey or even a plant-based meat substitute like tofu crumbles for a vegetarian twist!
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter adds richness. If you have a nut allergy, feel free to swap it for sunbutter or tahini, which still provides a creamy texture and flavor.
Vegetables: Red bell pepper and shredded carrots give color and crunch. You can mix it up with other veggies like zucchini or cucumber for a fun twist. Just make sure to keep them finely diced for easy wrapping!
Lettuce: Butter lettuce is great because it has a nice shape for holding the filling. Romaine can also be used if you want something crunchier, but keep in mind it might be a bit harder to fold.
How Do I Get the Chicken Cooked Just Right?
Cooking ground chicken can be quick and simple, but there are a few points to keep in mind to ensure it’s perfectly cooked.
- Use medium-high heat to get the skillet hot. This will help the chicken brown nicely.
- Make sure to break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. This helps it cook evenly and also makes it easier to wrap later!
- Cook until there’s no pink left and the chicken is fragrant. It usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Don’t rush this process! You want that nice golden-brown color for added flavor. Enjoy your cooking! 😊
Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 cup chopped roasted peanuts, plus more for garnish
- Butter lettuce or Bibb lettuce leaves (about 8-10 leaves)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook, so you’ll have a delicious meal ready in about 25 minutes! Perfect for a quick dinner or a fun gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
Start by making the sauce! In a small bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, lime juice, honey or brown sugar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix until smooth and set aside. This sauce adds so much flavor!
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Next, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and the white parts of the green onions. Sauté for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant but not burnt!
3. Brown the Chicken:
Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Using a wooden spoon, break it up as it cooks. Keep stirring until the chicken is fully browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. It should be lovely and golden!
4. Add the Veggies:
Now it’s time to mix in the diced red bell pepper and shredded carrots. Cook these delicious veggies for another 3-4 minutes until they’re tender-crisp. We want crunch, but not raw!
5. Combine with Sauce:
Reduce the heat to low and pour about half of your prepared peanut sauce into the skillet. Stir well to coat the chicken and veggies evenly. Let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is hot and combined.
6. Add Fresh Ingredients:
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped cilantro and chopped peanuts for extra flavor and crunch. Yum!
7. Assemble the Wraps:
To make your wraps, spoon the warm chicken mixture into the center of each butter lettuce leaf. Drizzle with more peanut sauce, and add some chopped peanuts and cilantro for a beautiful garnish.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Thai chicken lettuce wraps immediately while they’re warm and fresh. Enjoy these tasty bites with family or friends!
These wraps are a fantastic blend of savory peanut flavor, vibrant veggies, and crisp lettuce—perfect for a light, healthy, and fun meal that’s easy to whip up! 🥗✨
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works great as a lean alternative. Just ensure it’s cooked thoroughly, just like you would with chicken. You’ll still get a delicious and healthy wrap!
How Can I Store Leftover Chicken Filling?
If you have leftover chicken filling, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can enjoy it cold in salads or warm it up for more lettuce wraps later!
What Can I Substitute for Peanut Butter?
If you’re allergic to peanuts or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute creamy sunbutter or tahini. Both will provide that creamy texture while adding their unique flavor to the wraps!
Can I Prepare These Lettuce Wraps Ahead of Time?
You can prep the chicken filling and sauce ahead of time! Just cook and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble the wraps just before serving for the freshest taste!
