Zesty Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe: Fresh & Fun Bites

Crisp and zesty thai chicken lettuce wraps burst with vibrant flavors that dance across your palate.

Fresh ingredients mingle to create a delightful symphony of taste and texture.

Crunchy lettuce leaves cradle perfectly seasoned chicken, promising a light yet satisfying meal.

Herbs and spices weave together, crafting an experience that feels both exotic and comforting.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, these wraps deliver a punch of authentic southeast asian cuisine.

Lean protein and crisp vegetables combine in a handheld delight that will quickly become your new favorite dinner option.

Thai Lettuce Wraps Packed With Flavor And Crunch

• Quick and Effortless Meal Prep: Whip up these Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when time is short and hunger is high.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Mix and match ingredients like adding extra spice, swapping protein, or including different vegetables to make the recipe uniquely yours and keep things exciting.
• Healthy Low-Carb Delight: Ditch traditional bread wraps for crisp lettuce leaves, reducing carbohydrates while boosting vegetable intake and creating a light, refreshing meal that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults will love building their own lettuce wraps, making mealtime interactive and enjoyable with a build-your-own station that encourages everyone to participate in dinner preparation.

Ingredients for Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein base for the filling, best when fresh and not too fatty.
• Peanuts: Crunchy topping that adds texture and nutty flavor, optional but recommended.

• Soy Sauce, Fish Sauce, Hoisin Sauce: Complex flavor builders with umami and sweet-salty notes, key to authentic Thai taste.
• Sesame Oil: Provides deep, rich aromatic flavor, use toasted version for more intensity.
• Honey: Balances and slightly sweetens the savory sauce, helps with caramelization.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds gentle heat and spice, adjust according to preference.
• Peanut Butter: Optional ingredient that enriches sauce with creamy texture and nutty depth.

• Onion, Garlic, Ginger: Classic aromatic base that builds foundational flavor, fresh is always best.
• Bell Pepper, Carrots: Adds color, crunch, and nutritional value to the filling.
• Cilantro, Green Onions: Fresh garnish that provides brightness and herbal notes.

• Lettuce Leaves: Crisp, light wrap that serves as a fresh, low-carb alternative to traditional tortillas, butter lettuce works well.
• Lime: Fresh citrus element for serving, adds bright acidic finish to the dish.

Lettuce Wrap Instructions for Thai Chicken Flavor

Step 1: Whip Up Flavor-Packed Sauce

In a small mixing bowl, blend together soy sauce, fish sauce, hoisin sauce, peanut butter, sesame oil, honey, and red pepper flakes.

Stir until ingredients are smoothly combined and set aside to let flavors mingle.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add ground chicken and break it into small crumbles while cooking.

Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the meat turns golden brown and is fully cooked through.

Step 3: Toss in Vibrant Vegetables

• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Diced bell pepper
• Shredded carrots

Sauté for 3-4 minutes, keeping the vegetables crisp and colorful.

Step 4: Marry Sauce with Filling

Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture.

Stir thoroughly to ensure even coating.

Let the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken and infuse deep flavors.

Step 5: Build Delicious Lettuce Cups

Gently separate crisp lettuce leaves.

Spoon the aromatic chicken mixture into the center of each leaf.

• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced green onions
• Crushed peanuts

Serve with fresh lime wedges for an extra zesty kick.

Lettuce Wrap Rolling Tips for Thai Chicken Flare

• Adjust the sauce's heat and sweetness by tweaking red pepper flakes and honey amounts to match your personal flavor preference.
• Swap ground chicken with ground turkey, tofu, or plant-based meat substitutes for diverse dietary needs without compromising taste.
• Chop vegetables and mix sauce in advance to streamline cooking process, making weeknight meal preparation quick and effortless.
• Keep vegetables slightly crisp by adding them later in cooking to maintain fresh texture and prevent overcooking.
• Choose sturdy lettuce varieties like butter or romaine for better wrap stability and reduced likelihood of tearing during serving.

Store Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

• Store leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping the crisp flavors intact.
• Keep lettuce leaves separately wrapped in damp paper towels to prevent wilting and maintain their fresh crunch.
• Warm chicken mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.
• When ready to eat, quickly reheat filling and reassemble wraps with fresh, crisp lettuce leaves for the best texture and taste.

Sides and Drinks for Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

• Spice Up with Crisp Riesling: A light, slightly sweet Riesling balances the dish's bold Asian flavors, cutting through the heat while complementing the chicken's richness.
• Pair with Fresh Cucumber Salad: Create a cool, refreshing side salad with thinly sliced cucumbers, rice vinegar, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to provide a crisp contrast to the warm, spicy chicken filling.
• Crunch with Asian Slaw: Develop a tangy cabbage slaw with julienned carrots, green onions, and a rice vinegar dressing that echoes the lettuce wrap's Asian profile and adds extra textural variety.
• Boost with Sparkling Ginger Mocktail: Mix sparkling water, fresh ginger juice, a touch of honey, and lime to create a zesty, effervescent non-alcoholic drink that cleanses the palate and matches the wrap's vibrant flavors.

Thai Lettuce Wrap Adjustments

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground chicken with crumbled extra-firm tofu or plant-based meat alternatives like Beyond Meat for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap lettuce wraps with large cabbage leaves or use cauliflower rice as a base for those following ketogenic or low-carbohydrate diets.
• Spicy Thai Remix: Increase red pepper flakes or add sriracha sauce for heat lovers who want an extra kick in their chicken mixture.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure hoisin sauce is gluten-free to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.

FAQs

• What makes this sauce unique?

The sauce combines soy sauce, fish sauce, hoisin, and optional peanut butter, creating a complex, sweet-savory flavor profile that perfectly balances Thai-inspired tastes.

• Is ground chicken the only protein option?

You can easily substitute ground chicken with ground turkey, pork, or even finely chopped shrimp for different protein variations while maintaining the dish’s core flavor.

• How spicy are these lettuce wraps?

The red pepper flakes provide a mild heat, but you can adjust the spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of pepper flakes to suit your personal taste preference.

• What type of lettuce works best for wrapping?

Butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce are ideal because they have large, sturdy leaves that hold the filling well without tearing and provide a crisp, fresh base for the chicken mixture.

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor Thailand’s culinary magic with these zesty Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps, packed with fresh herbs and bold flavors. Crisp lettuce leaves cradle spicy, fragrant chicken, inviting you to enjoy a quick, delightful meal that brings Southeast Asian street food right to your plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground chicken
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1/2 cup carrots, grated or julienned
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Serving Accompaniments:

• Butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce leaves
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant, umami-rich sauce by whisking together soy sauce, fish sauce, hoisin sauce, peanut butter, sesame oil, honey, and red pepper flakes in a petite mixing vessel. Reserve the aromatic blend for later integration.
2. Heat a skillet with sesame oil over medium-high temperature, introducing ground chicken and fragmenting the protein with a wooden utensil. Sauté until the meat transforms into a golden-brown, thoroughly cooked state, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Incorporate a medley of aromatics and vegetables: finely diced onion, minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, diced bell pepper, and julienned carrots. Toss into the sizzling chicken, allowing the ingredients to meld and vegetables to soften while maintaining a delightful crispness.
4. Stream the previously prepared sauce over the chicken-vegetable ensemble, ensuring comprehensive coating. Allow the mixture to simmer briefly, permitting the sauce to thicken and permeate the filling with complex flavors.
5. Gently separate crisp lettuce leaves, creating natural, verdant vessels for the savory filling. Spoon the chicken mixture into each leaf’s center with precision.
6. Elevate the presentation by garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, and crunchy roasted peanuts. Accompany with zesty lime wedges to provide a bright, citrusy counterpoint to the rich, spiced filling.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by adjusting red pepper flakes, allowing everyone to enjoy their preferred spiciness.
• Swap ground chicken with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for dietary flexibility and diverse protein options.
• Toast sesame seeds or peanuts briefly before adding for enhanced nutty flavor and extra crunch in the wraps.
• Prep all ingredients beforehand to ensure quick cooking and seamless assembly of these delightful lettuce wraps.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg