Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Ground Chicken: This is the star ingredient! If you prefer, you can swap it out for ground turkey or lean pork. For a vegetarian option, consider using finely chopped mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative.

Vegetables: Red bell pepper and carrots add crunch and color. Feel free to use green bell peppers or any other favorite veggies like zucchini or water chestnuts for different textures.

Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter gives the sauce its richness. You can substitute with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for nut-free options, just adjust the flavor if needed.

Sauces: For soy sauce, use low-sodium to control salt levels. If gluten-free, coconut aminos work well. Hoisin sauce can be replaced with a mix of soy sauce and a touch of honey.

How Do I Prepare the Filling Perfectly?

Getting the chicken filling just right is easy! The key is to cook the chicken fully and add flavors step-by-step.

• Start by heating oil in the skillet before adding chicken. This helps it brown nicely.
• Don’t rush the garlic and ginger—quickly cooking them enhances their flavors.
• When adding veggies, keep the heat up, so they stay crisp and colorful, rather than soft.
• Mix the sauce separately before combining it with chicken mix. This ensures even flavor distribution.

Enjoy assembling these wraps! Letting everyone customize their own makes it fun and engaging for everyone at the table.

Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup roasted unsalted peanuts, chopped

For the sauce:

• 3 tbsp peanut butter (creamy)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp honey or brown sugar
• 1 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional, for heat)
• 1-2 tbsp water (to thin the sauce)

For serving:

• Butter lettuce or Bibb lettuce leaves, washed and separated

Time Estimate:

This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook, totaling around 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken:

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and use a spatula to break it apart. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink and starts to brown, about 5-7 minutes. This creates a tasty base for your wraps!

2. Add Aromatics:

Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant. This will enhance the flavor of your filling.

3. Incorporate Vegetables:

Now, toss in the diced red bell pepper, shredded carrots, and half of the sliced green onions. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly but remain crisp. The colors will be so vibrant!

4. Make the Sauce:

While the chicken and veggies are cooking, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, lime juice, honey, sriracha (if using), and enough water to achieve a smooth, drizzle-able consistency. This sauce brings everything together beautifully!

5. Combine and Heat:

Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the skillet. Stir everything well to ensure the sauce coats all the ingredients. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and warm through.

6. Finish with Freshness:

Remove from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro and the remaining green onions. This adds a fresh burst of flavor just before serving.

7. Serve in Lettuce Wraps:

Spoon a generous portion of the chicken filling into each lettuce leaf. Feel free to top with the chopped roasted peanuts for some crunch and extra flavor!

8. Enjoy!

Serve the wraps immediately and let everyone assemble their own. These Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are fresh, flavorful, and a hit at any meal!

This recipe yields about 8-10 lettuce wraps and is perfect as an appetizer, lunch, or light dinner.

FAQ for Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works great as a substitute for ground chicken in this recipe. It will provide a similar texture and flavor, making it a delicious alternative.

How Can I Make These Lettuce Wraps Gluten-Free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce, and ensure that your hoisin sauce is gluten-free as well. These substitutions will keep the flavors while accommodating your dietary needs.

What Can I Do with Leftover Filling?

Any leftover filling can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can use it in salads, on rice or quinoa, or even as a stuffing for bell peppers in a different meal!

Can I Make the Filling Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken filling a day in advance. Store it in the fridge and reheat it gently on the stove before serving it in the lettuce wraps. This makes meal prep super easy!