These Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are fresh and fun! They combine tasty chicken, crunchy veggies, and a yummy sauce all wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves. Perfect for a light lunch or snack!
I love how easy and quick they are to make, plus they’re great for dipping! You can even customize them with your favorite toppings. Who knew healthy could be so tasty? 🌿
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the main protein in the wraps. If you prefer something leaner, feel free to use ground turkey or even plant-based alternatives like lentils or tofu for a vegetarian option!
Lettuce: Butter lettuce or bibb lettuce works best as they’re sturdy yet tender. You can also use romaine or iceberg for a crunchier wrap, but it’ll hold less filling.
Peanut Butter: I love using creamy peanut butter for a smooth sauce. If you’re allergic to peanuts, almond butter or sunflower seed butter can work as a substitute, but be mindful of any added sugars or oils!
Hoisin Sauce: This sauce adds a sweet and savory punch. If you don’t have hoisin, try using a mix of soy sauce and a touch of honey or maple syrup for sweetness.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
Getting the chicken just right is key! Start by cooking it over medium-high heat. This allows it to brown nicely without drying out. Here are a few tips:
- Use a spatula to break up the chicken as it cooks so it cooks evenly.
- Cook until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. If unsure, cut a piece in half to check.
- Once cooked, let it rest for a minute before adding the sauce. This helps keep it juicy!
These wraps are so fun and easy to make—perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Enjoy your cooking experience!
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 carrot
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp honey or brown sugar
- Hot sauce or chili flakes, to taste (optional)
For Serving:
- 8-10 large butter lettuce or bibb lettuce leaves
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, making it a quick and easy meal ready in just 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it smells great. Then, add the ground chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks.
2. Adding Veggies:
Next, stir in the finely diced red bell pepper, shredded carrot, and half of the sliced green onions. Cook this mixture for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are nicely softened.
3. Making the Sauce:
While the chicken is cooking, prepare your sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, lime juice, sesame oil, honey, and hot sauce or chili flakes if you like it spicy. Mix until you have a smooth sauce.
4. Combining Everything:
Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken mixture and stir well to coat all the ingredients evenly. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes so the flavors come together nicely.
5. Final Touches:
Once everything is well mixed, remove the skillet from the heat. Gently fold in the chopped cilantro and the remaining green onions.
6. Serving:
Now it’s time to enjoy! Spoon the flavorful chicken mixture into individual lettuce leaves. Top each wrap with a sprinkle of chopped roasted peanuts for some crunch. If you like, you can drizzle some extra sauce over the top before you dig in!
Enjoy your delightful, fresh, and crunchy Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps!
FAQ: Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground chicken and will work deliciously in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly until it’s no longer pink, just like you would with chicken.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can customize your wraps with a variety of veggies! Try adding diced cucumbers, shredded cabbage, or even water chestnuts for extra crunch. Just make sure to keep the vegetable amounts balanced with the chicken.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate to maintain their crispness. When ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken mix in a skillet or microwave and assemble your wraps fresh!
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, the sauce can be made in advance! Just store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Give it a good stir before using, as the ingredients may settle or thicken in the fridge.
