These Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are fresh and tasty! They combine seasoned chicken with crunchy veggies, all wrapped up in crisp lettuce leaves. Yum!
Making these wraps is a fun way to eat dinner—who doesn’t love a good DIY meal? I enjoy customizing mine with extra sauce or peanuts. Give it a go, and you’ll see how easy and delicious they are!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the star of the dish! You can use ground turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Both will work nicely in absorbing all the flavors of the sauce.
Vegetable Oil: I prefer olive oil for its taste, but feel free to use any cooking oil you have on hand, like sesame oil or canola oil, for different flavor nuances.
Red Bell Pepper: This adds a nice crunch and sweetness. You can easily substitute with any other colored bell pepper, or even snap peas for something a bit different.
Cilantro: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley is a good alternative. Both add a fresh touch to the wraps.
Peanuts: Roasted peanuts provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. If you need to avoid nuts, try sunflower seeds or leave them out entirely.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Sauce?
The sauce is essential for tying the flavors together in your lettuce wraps. Start by combining all sauce ingredients in a bowl. Whisk them until smooth—this ensures everything blends well.
- For a richer flavor, heat the sauce in a small saucepan over low heat before adding it to your chicken mixture.
- If you want a bit more heat, adjust the sriracha to your liking!
Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 head butter lettuce or bibb lettuce, leaves separated and washed
For The Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili sauce (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe should take about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, giving you a total of around 25 minutes. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, hoisin sauce, peanut butter, sesame oil, lime juice, sriracha, and honey until smooth. Set this aside to let the flavors meld.
2. Cook the Aromatics:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant and aromatic, being careful not to burn them.
3. Brown the Chicken:
Next, add the ground chicken to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Stir and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through.
4. Add the Vegetables:
Stir in the diced red bell pepper, shredded carrots, and sliced green onions. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the veggies are just tender but still crisp—this keeps them crunchy and fresh.
5. Combine with the Sauce:
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir well to evenly coat everything. Cook for an additional minute to heat through, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Finish with Fresh Herbs:
Remove the skillet from the heat and gently fold in the chopped cilantro and half of the chopped peanuts. This adds a fresh, flavor-packed touch to the filling!
7. Assemble the Wraps:
To serve, spoon the delicious chicken mixture into individual lettuce leaves. You can make this as neat or messy as you like—it’s all part of the fun!
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
Sprinkle the remaining chopped peanuts and additional cilantro on top for garnish. Optionally, drizzle extra sauce over the wraps or serve on the side for dipping. Enjoy your fresh, flavorful Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps!
This meal showcases vibrant Thai flavors with crunchy veggies and satisfying chicken—all wrapped up in crisp lettuce for a delightful dining experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Beef Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or beef can be used as substitutes for ground chicken. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time as needed, as different meats may require varying cooking times to reach safe temperatures.
What If I Don’t Have Hoisin Sauce?
No worries! You can substitute hoisin sauce with a mixture of soy sauce, a bit of honey or brown sugar, and a dash of rice vinegar or sesame oil. This will give you a similar sweet and savory flavor profile.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Note that the lettuce won’t stay crisp, so consider using it for a quick salad or topping over rice!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the ground chicken with crumbled firm tofu or a store-bought meat substitute. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as tofu will need less time to cook. Enjoy the same great flavors!
