Name: Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon sesame oil; ¼ cup onion (diced); 2 cloves of garlic; 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger; 10 oz ground chicken; ¼ cup Tamari (or soy sauce); 2 Tablespoon Thai sweet red chili sauce; juice of 1 lime; 1 teaspoon maple syrup; ⅓ cup cashews (chopped); ¼ cup scallions (chopped); ¼ cup cilantro (fresh, chopped); ¼-½ cup carrots (shredded); 1 head butter lettuce (leaves removed)

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If you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to enjoy dinner, these Thai chicken lettuce wraps are just the ticket! They’re bright, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. I love serving them on busy weeknights or during casual family gatherings—everyone can customize their wraps just how they like them. Plus, they’re light enough that you won’t feel stuffed afterward, making them perfect for warm evenings.

This recipe is close to my heart because it brings together fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Each bite bursts with taste, and the crunch of the lettuce adds such a delightful texture. Trust me—you’ll want to keep this recipe in your rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to prepare: You can whip up these Thai chicken lettuce wraps in just 15 minutes, making them ideal for those busy nights.
Family-friendly: Kids love wrapping their own food! It’s a fun activity that encourages everyone to get involved in dinner.
Customizable flavors: Each person can add their favorite toppings, making every wrap unique.
Healthy option: Packed with lean protein and fresh veggies, these wraps are both nutritious and satisfying.
Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch ahead of time; they store well in the fridge for quick lunches or snacks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s dive into the simple, wholesome ingredients that make up these Thai chicken lettuce wraps. You probably have most of these items in your pantry already!

For the Filling

1 Tablespoon sesame oil
¼ cup onion (diced, I used yellow. White onion works too.)
2 cloves of garlic
1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger (or ginger paste)
10 oz ground chicken
¼ cup Tamari (low sodium) (or soy sauce, coconut aminos)
2 Tablespoon Thai sweet red chili sauce (we love Trader Joe’s)
juice of 1 lime
1 teaspoon maple syrup (or honey, agave)
⅓ cup cashews (chopped – raw or roasted/salted)
¼ cup scallions (chopped)
¼ cup cilantro (fresh, chopped)
¼-½ cup carrots (shredded)
Sesame seeds for topping

For Wrapping

1 head butter lettuce – leaves removed (rinsed and dried)

Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! The beauty of Thai chicken lettuce wraps is their versatility.

Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option.
Add more veggies: Incorporate bell peppers or zucchini for extra crunch and nutrition.
Change up the nuts: If you’re not a fan of cashews, try peanuts or sunflower seeds instead!
Spice it up: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha if you like an extra kick.

How to Make Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Start by heating up your pan over medium-high heat and adding the sesame oil. Once it’s hot, toss in the diced onions. Sauté until they start to brown and turn translucent—this step is crucial as it brings out their natural sweetness. After about 2-3 minutes, add in the minced garlic and ginger. Cook these together for another couple of minutes until fragrant; this aromatic base sets the stage for all those wonderful flavors!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Next, add the ground chicken to your pan. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it apart while tossing it in that delicious aromatics mix. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance its flavor as it cooks until golden brown—this should take about 3-4 minutes. Ensure there’s no pink left; we want perfectly cooked chicken!

Step 3: Make the Thai Chili Sauce

While your chicken cooks away, grab a small bowl and mix together the Tamari (or soy sauce), sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and maple syrup. This sauce adds a delightful balance of savory and sweet elements that will elevate your dish.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Sprinkle chopped cashews over your cooked chicken then pour in that lovely sauce you just made. Toss everything together gently as you reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for an additional two minutes so all those flavors meld beautifully! Once done cooking, stir in shredded carrots, chopped scallions, and fresh cilantro for that vibrant pop of color and freshness.

Step 5: Assemble Your Wraps

Now comes the fun part! Take one of those crisp butter lettuce leaves and spoon in a generous amount of your chicken mixture. Drizzle some extra pan sauce on top and finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture. Repeat this process until all your wraps are assembled—and don’t forget to enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

These wraps are a fun and flavorful dish that everyone will love, and with these pro tips, you’ll take them to the next level!

Choose the right lettuce: Butter lettuce is ideal for wraps because its leaves are soft and flexible, making it easy to fold around the filling without tearing.
Prep ingredients ahead of time: Having all your chopped veggies and sauces ready before you start cooking will streamline the process, ensuring everything comes together quickly and smoothly.
Adjust spice levels: If you prefer a milder flavor, use less chili sauce or opt for a sweet chili sauce with lower heat. Conversely, if you like it spicy, add some red pepper flakes or sriracha to kick it up a notch.
Experiment with fillings: Don’t hesitate to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added texture and nutrition. Feel free to swap out ground chicken for turkey or tofu if you want a different twist!
Make it a meal prep option: These wraps store well in the fridge (without the lettuce) for up to 3 days. Just pack the chicken mixture separately from the lettuce leaves and assemble when ready to eat!

How to Serve Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Serving these Thai chicken lettuce wraps can be as simple or as fancy as you wish! They’re perfect for casual gatherings, family dinners, or even meal prep. Here are some ideas on how to present this delightful dish.

Garnishes

Chopped peanuts: Add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the chicken well.
Fresh lime wedges: A squeeze of lime just before serving brightens up the flavors beautifully.
Additional herbs: Sprinkling extra cilantro or mint on top adds freshness and enhances presentation.

Side Dishes

Coconut Rice: This slightly sweet rice pairs wonderfully with the savory flavor of the wraps and helps balance out the spice.
Thai Cucumber Salad: Refreshing and light, this salad made with cucumbers, vinegar, and herbs adds a crisp contrast to the warm filling.
Steamed Edamame: A protein-packed side that’s easy to prepare; simply sprinkle with sea salt for a satisfying crunch alongside your wraps.
Mango Sticky Rice: For dessert, this traditional Thai treat provides a sweet ending that’s both creamy and comforting.

Enjoy creating your Thai chicken lettuce wraps! They’re sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Thai chicken lettuce wraps are perfect for meal prep! They can be made in advance, stored, and enjoyed throughout the week, making them a convenient choice for busy days.

Storing 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 crispiness until ready to serve.

Freezing

If you want to prepare these wraps ahead of time, you can freeze the chicken mixture.
Place it in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months.
To thaw, transfer the mixture to the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat the chicken mixture, warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
You can also microwave it in short intervals until hot. Just be sure to cover it to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Thai chicken lettuce wraps:

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken for Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative that will work just as well in this recipe. It will provide a similar texture and flavor profile.

How do I make Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps spicy?

If you like your wraps with a kick, consider adding sriracha or red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture. Adjust according to your heat preference!

What types of lettuce work best for Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps?

Butter lettuce is ideal due to its softness and flexibility. However, you can also use romaine or iceberg lettuce if you prefer a crunchier wrap.

Can I make Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the ground chicken with a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or lentils. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these delightful Thai chicken lettuce wraps as much as I do! They’re not only bursting with flavor but are also versatile and easy to customize. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or enjoying them as a light meal, they are sure to impress. Happy cooking and savor every bite!

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Thai

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Description

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a vibrant and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings. These wraps burst with flavor from seasoned ground chicken, fresh vegetables, and a zingy sauce, all nestled in crisp butter lettuce leaves. Not only are they quick to prepare—taking just 15 minutes—but they also offer a fun, customizable dining experience that kids and adults alike will enjoy. With lean protein and plenty of fresh ingredients, these wraps are a healthy option that won’t leave you feeling stuffed. They’re great for meal prep too; simply store the filling separately from the lettuce for easy lunches throughout the week.

Ingredients

Scale

1 Tablespoon sesame oil
¼ cup onion (diced)
2 cloves of garlic
1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger
10 oz ground chicken
¼ cup Tamari (or soy sauce)
2 Tablespoon Thai sweet red chili sauce
juice of 1 lime
1 teaspoon maple syrup
⅓ cup cashews (chopped)
¼ cup scallions (chopped)
¼ cup cilantro (fresh, chopped)
¼–½ cup carrots (shredded)
1 head butter lettuce (leaves removed)

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Instructions

Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Sauté diced onions until translucent, then add minced garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.
Add ground chicken, breaking it apart as it cooks until golden brown (3-4 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.
In a bowl, mix Tamari, sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and maple syrup. Pour this over the cooked chicken along with chopped cashews. Stir in shredded carrots, scallions, and cilantro.
Spoon the mixture into butter lettuce leaves and garnish with sesame seeds.