These Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are fresh, crunchy, and packed with flavor! The juicy chicken pairs perfectly with crisp lettuce, making each bite a little party in your mouth.
Honestly, who knew eating healthy could be this fun? I love to serve these wraps as a light meal or snack and honestly, I often find myself making extra just for me! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the star of the wraps! You can substitute it with ground turkey, pork, or even plant-based crumbles if you’re looking for something lighter or vegetarian.
Vegetables: Red bell pepper and shredded carrots add crunch and sweetness. Feel free to swap them with cucumbers, zucchini, or any veggies you like. Even diced celery works well!
Sauces: Soy sauce adds umami flavor. If you need it gluten-free, use tamari instead. Hoisin sauce gives a nice sweetness; you could add a dash of honey or teriyaki sauce in a pinch.
Lettuce: The lettuce adds a refreshing crunch. Butter lettuce is my go-to, but Romaine or even Swiss chard leaves can hold all those yummy fillings too!
How Do I Get Perfectly Flavored Chicken Filling?
The chicken filling is key! Start by heating the oil on medium-high. Add the chicken and break it apart as it cooks. Make sure it’s fully cooked, then move on to adding the veggies. This ensures they stay crisp while the chicken gets nice and brown.
- After cooking the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, add your minced garlic and ginger. These two bring amazing depth to your dish!
- Introduce bell peppers and carrots next, stirring often so they don’t overcook. You want them tender but still crunchy, which takes just about 3-4 minutes.
Finally, mix in your sauces and let everything warm through for a flavorful finish! Enjoy your wraps with the freshest ingredients, and customize them to suit your taste!
Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 cup shredded carrot
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey (if a sweeter sauce is desired)
For the Wraps:
- 1 head of butter lettuce or Bibb lettuce (for wraps)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking, totaling around 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s fun to assemble and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
First, heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground chicken. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. Cook until it’s fully cooked through and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add Veggies:
Next, stir in the minced garlic, ginger, diced red bell pepper, shredded carrots, and sliced green onions. Cook everything together for another 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until the vegetables are slightly softened but still have some crunch.
3. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, lime juice, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. If you like it sweeter, add brown sugar or honey. Make sure the mixture is well combined.
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly and let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through.
5. Assemble the Wraps:
Remove the skillet from heat. Spoon the delicious chicken mixture into the individual lettuce leaves to form your wraps. Don’t worrying about being perfect; a little mess is part of the fun!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish each wrap with freshly chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of roasted peanuts for an added crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy these fresh, flavorful, and healthy Thai-inspired chicken lettuce wraps!
These wraps make for a delightful light meal or appetizer and can easily be customized with your favorite veggies or protein alternatives. Enjoy!
FAQs for Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Can I Use Different Proteins Instead of Ground Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, pork, or beef all work well in this recipe. If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, try using crumbled tofu or plant-based meat substitutes for a similar texture and flavor!
How Can I Make These Wraps Spicier?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, add more red pepper flakes to the filling or consider incorporating sliced fresh chili peppers into the mix. You can also serve the wraps with a spicy dipping sauce on the side!
Can I Make the Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken filling up to 2 days in advance! Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, heat it gently on the stove before spooning it into the lettuce leaves.
What Should I Do with Leftover Lettuce Wrap Filling?
If you have any leftover filling, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can enjoy it on top of salads, in tacos, or even served over rice! Just make sure to refresh any crunchy toppings, like peanuts or cilantro, when serving again.
