Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Fresh Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe That Wow Every Time

Whipping up these delectable thai chicken lettuce wraps brings pure culinary excitement to your kitchen.

Crisp lettuce leaves cradle a vibrant mixture of savory and zesty flavors.

Succulent chicken pieces dance with aromatic herbs and spices.

Crunchy vegetables add delightful texture and brightness to every bite.

Each wrap promises a perfect balance of protein and freshness.

Light yet satisfying, these wraps make an incredible meal that feels both indulgent and healthy.

You’ll love how quickly this dish comes together with minimal effort.

Dive into these wraps and experience a burst of thai-inspired deliciousness that will leave you craving more.

Variations to Spice Up Your Lettuce Wraps

  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground chicken with crumbled extra-firm tofu or plant-based ground meat alternatives for a meat-free version that maintains the original recipe's flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Lettuce Alternatives: Swap traditional lettuce with butter lettuce, radicchio, or Belgian endive for different textures and reduced carbohydrate options.
  • Spicy Korean-Inspired Variation: Substitute hoisin sauce with gochujang, add kimchi as a topping, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a Korean-style chicken wrap experience.
  • Mediterranean Herb Remix: Use ground lamb instead of chicken, replace Asian sauces with tzatziki, and add mint leaves for a Mediterranean-inspired lettuce wrap transformation.

What to Pair with Your Thai Chicken Wraps

  • Pair zesty Thai chicken lettuce wraps with crisp, refreshing white wines like Riesling or Gewürztraminer that balance the dish's bold flavors and cool down the spice.
  • Mix a ginger mojito using fresh ginger, mint leaves, lime juice, and rum to echo the wraps' Asian-inspired ingredients while providing a bright, tangy counterpoint to the savory chicken.
  • Select light, citrusy craft beers like a wheat ale or a Thai-style lager that cut through the richness of the chicken and complement the dish's complex sauce profile without overwhelming the delicate lettuce wrap.

Best Storage Tips for Leftover Lettuce Wraps

Store leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep lettuce leaves separate to prevent sogginess.

Transfer cooled chicken filling to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Place chicken mixture in microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed. Add splash of water to prevent drying.

Warm chicken filling in skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally and add small amount of water or extra sauce to maintain moisture and prevent sticking.

FAQs

  • Are Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps healthy?

Yes, they’re a nutritious meal low in carbs and high in protein. The lettuce provides a fresh, light base while the chicken and vegetables offer essential nutrients.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce, which are readily available in most grocery stores. The recipe’s core ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

  • How spicy are these lettuce wraps?

The recipe has mild heat from red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the spice level. Add more flakes for extra kick or omit them completely for a milder version.

  • What type of lettuce works best?

Butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce are ideal. They’re sturdy, have wide leaves, and create perfect wrap vessels that hold the chicken mixture without falling apart.

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps – Fresh, Flavorful, and Fun

  • Craft Quick Meals: Speedily prepare a delicious dinner that comes together in mere minutes without complex cooking techniques.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients based on preferences or dietary needs, making this recipe super adaptable for different tastes and nutrition goals.
  • Pack Healthy Punch: Loaded with lean protein from chicken, crisp vegetables, and served in low-carb lettuce leaves, this dish delivers nutritional goodness in every bite.
  • Family Crowd-Pleaser: Interactive meal that allows everyone to build their own wraps, perfect for picky eaters and those who love hands-on dining experiences.

Ingredients for Zesty Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

For the Proteins:
  • Ground Chicken: A lean protein that provides the main body of the filling and absorbs the delicious Thai-inspired flavors.
For the Aromatics and Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic, Ginger: A classic flavor base that adds depth and complexity to the chicken mixture.
  • Bell Pepper, Carrots: Colorful vegetables that provide crunch and additional nutrition to the lettuce wraps.
For the Sauce and Seasonings:
  • Soy Sauce: Adds a savory umami flavor to the dish.
  • Fish Sauce: Brings a traditional Thai depth of flavor and saltiness.
  • Hoisin Sauce: Provides a sweet and tangy element to the sauce.
  • Peanut Butter: Optional ingredient that adds richness and thickness to the sauce.
  • Sesame Oil: Contributes a nutty, distinctive Asian-inspired flavor.
  • Honey: Balances the savory elements with a touch of sweetness.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient that adds a spicy kick to the dish.
For the Garnishes and Wrap:
  • Lettuce Leaves: Serves as a fresh, crisp wrapper for the chicken mixture.
  • Cilantro, Green Onions, Peanuts: Optional toppings that add fresh herbs, color, and crunch.
  • Lime Wedges: Provides a bright, citrusy finish to the dish.

How to Make Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Like a Pro

Step 1: Whip Up a Zesty Sauce

Grab a small bowl and blend soy sauce, fish sauce, hoisin sauce, peanut butter, sesame oil, honey, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the ingredients meld into a harmonious mixture that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in ground chicken and break it apart while cooking.

Let the meat transform into golden-brown, perfectly cooked morsels that promise delicious flavor.

Step 3: Introduce Vibrant Vegetables

Tumble in a colorful array of ingredients:
  • Chopped onion
  • Minced garlic
  • Grated ginger
  • Diced bell pepper
  • Shredded carrots

Sauté these companions with the chicken, keeping them crisp and vibrant.

Step 4: Marry Flavors with Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetable medley. Stir enthusiastically, ensuring every morsel gets a luxurious coating.

Let the mixture simmer briefly, allowing flavors to intertwine and deepen.

Step 5: Craft Your Lettuce Wrap Masterpiece

Gently separate crisp lettuce leaves.

Spoon the sizzling chicken mixture into each leaf’s center. Sprinkle with:
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Sliced green onions
  • Crushed peanuts

Serve with fresh lime wedges for a burst of citrusy brightness.

Pro Tips for Wrapping Up Perfect Bites Every Time

  • Swap ground chicken with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for alternative protein options that keep the dish versatile and diet-friendly.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice levels, ensuring the recipe suits mild or bold taste preferences without overwhelming heat.
  • Choose crisp, sturdy lettuce leaves like butter or iceberg to prevent breaking and provide the perfect wrap base for the flavorful filling.
  • Toast peanuts briefly in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the lettuce wraps before sprinkling as a garnish.
  • Prep all ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and ensure quick, efficient assembly of these delicious Thai-inspired wraps.
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Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe


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4.8 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps deliver a tantalizing explosion of Southeast Asian flavors that dance across your palate. Fresh crisp lettuce cradles spicy-sweet chicken, inviting culinary adventurers to savor each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1/4 cup chopped peanuts

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 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
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Serving Ingredients:

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

Instructions

  1. Craft a zesty fusion sauce by blending soy sauce, fish sauce, hoisin sauce, peanut butter, sesame oil, honey, and red pepper flakes in a small mixing bowl. Set the vibrant mixture aside.
  2. Warm sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Introduce ground chicken, breaking it apart with a utensil, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until thoroughly cooked and golden brown.
  3. Incorporate finely chopped onion, minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, diced bell pepper, and julienned carrots into the chicken. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes, ensuring vegetables maintain a delicate crunch.
  4. Cascade the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetable medley. Thoroughly mix to create a harmonious coating, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken and deeply infuse the filling for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Gently separate crisp lettuce leaves to create delicate wraps. Generously spoon the aromatic chicken mixture into each leaf’s center.
  6. Elevate the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, and crushed peanuts. Serve alongside zesty lime wedges for an extra burst of citrusy brightness.

Notes

  • Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes, making the dish mild or spicy according to personal preference.
  • Use ground turkey or plant-based protein crumbles for alternative protein options, ensuring similar cooking techniques and flavor absorption.
  • Prep vegetables in advance to reduce cooking time and streamline the entire recipe process.
  • Lettuce selection matters – choose crisp butter lettuce or sturdy romaine leaves that hold filling without tearing easily.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 270 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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