Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
If you’re ready for a meal that bursts with unforgettable flavor and freshness, look no further than Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps. This vibrant dish balances juicy ground chicken, aromatic garlic and ginger, crunchy cashews, and the irresistible zing of Thai sweet red chili sauce, all tucked into crisp butter lettuce leaves. Perfect for gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner, these wraps deliver the perfect combination of lightness and satisfaction while packing bold Thai-inspired tastes in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps is how simple, yet thoughtfully chosen, each ingredient is. Every element pulls its weight to create the crave-worthy flavor, crunch, and color that defines this dish.
- Sesame oil: Adds richness and that signature nutty aroma to start things off right.
- Onion (yellow or white): Sautéed until sweet and translucent, these build savory depth in the filling.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses sharp, aromatic flavor you’ll notice in every bite.
- Fresh ginger (or ginger paste): Gives a gentle warmth and classic Thai brightness throughout.
- Ground chicken: Lean and protein-packed, it happily absorbs all those bold flavors.
- Tamari (or soy sauce/coconut aminos): The salty, umami backbone for the sauce—use your favorite or what you have on hand!
- Thai sweet red chili sauce: Offers that sweet heat and beautiful glaze (Trader Joe’s is fantastic if you can get it).
- Lime juice: Brings an essential pop of acidity to lift all the other flavors.
- Maple syrup (or honey, agave): Balances the savory and spicy notes with a touch of sweetness.
- Cashews (raw or roasted/salted): Brings added crunch and a mellow nutty richness—chop for maximum texture.
- Scallions: Fresh green onions that provide color and a mild onion bite.
- Cilantro: A finishing flourish of herbal freshness; skip it if you’re not a fan!
- Shredded carrots: These add sweetness, crunch, and a pop of color.
- Sesame seeds: Sprinkle on top for extra crunch and a bit of toasty flavor.
- Butter lettuce: The perfect tender-yet-sturdy leaves for wrapping everything together, rinsed and dried well.
How to Make Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, take a few minutes to chop, slice, and measure out your ingredients. This makes it easy to move from one step to the next without a hitch and ensures everything is at your fingertips—truly the secret to effortless Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat your sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, toss in the diced onions. Let them cook for 2–3 minutes until they’re soft and just starting to brown, then add your garlic and ginger. Stir everything together and sauté for another 2 minutes to coax out all that fragrant flavor.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Add the ground chicken directly into the aromatic pan. Break it up with a wooden spoon, mixing well so it gets coated in those golden onions, garlic, and ginger. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until no pink remains and the chicken just starts to brown—about 3–4 minutes.
Step 4: Make the Thai Chili Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the tamari (or soy sauce), Thai sweet red chili sauce, lime juice, and maple syrup (or your sweetener of choice) in a small bowl. This becomes your magic sauce that transforms simple chicken into signature Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps.
Step 5: Build the Filling
Once the chicken is cooked, sprinkle in the chopped cashews and pour your prepared sauce over the top. Stir well to coat everything evenly, then reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 2 more minutes so those savory-sweet flavors can marry.
Step 6: Add Fresh Veggies & Herbs
Turn off the heat and let your pan cool slightly. Gently fold in the shredded carrots, chopped scallions, and fresh cilantro. Not only do these add gorgeous color but they help make these Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps mouthwateringly fresh and vibrant.
Step 7: Assemble and Serve
To serve, open a butter lettuce leaf and spoon in a generous scoop of the chicken filling. Drizzle with a bit of extra pan sauce, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and repeat until you’ve used up all your filling. Now, your Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are ready to be devoured!
How to Serve Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Garnishes
Don’t skip the finishing touches! Sprinkle sesame seeds over your Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps for extra crunch and a little visual pop. Consider adding more fresh herbs (cilantro or even mint) or a few dashes of sriracha for spice lovers. A quick squeeze of extra lime right before eating brings out all the flavors.
Side Dishes
Though these wraps can absolutely stand on their own, pair them with sides like steamed jasmine rice, a chilled cucumber salad, or even crispy spring rolls for a fuller meal. The light, refreshing nature of Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps makes them incredibly versatile alongside classic Thai or Asian-inspired favorites.
Creative Ways to Present
Plating makes a big difference! Arrange individual lettuce leaves on a platter, each loaded with a scoop of filling, so guests can just grab and enjoy. Or, serve everything family-style: a bowl of flavorful chicken, a stack of lettuce cups, and an assortment of DIY toppings. For parties, skewer mini wraps and set them on a colorful tray for a show-stopping appetizer version of Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftover filling (it happens, but it’s rare!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken mixture keeps well for up to 3 days and makes a wonderful quick lunch or dinner tossed over salad greens or reheated for another batch of lettuce wraps.
Freezing
The chicken mixture for Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps can be frozen—just cool it completely first, then transfer to a zipper bag or freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months. To use, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as you would with leftovers.
Reheating
For the freshest flavor, gently reheat the chicken mixture in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. Avoid microwaving the lettuce leaves; assemble wraps with fresh greens just before serving for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I make Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap out ground chicken for extra-firm tofu, crumbled and sautéed, or use finely chopped mushrooms for a hearty, plant-based variation. The sauce and other flavors will shine just as brightly.
Which lettuce is best for Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps?
Butter lettuce is your best bet thanks to its tender texture and naturally cupped leaves, which hold the filling perfectly without breaking. You can also use iceberg or romaine hearts if that’s what you have available.
Is Thai sweet red chili sauce spicy?
Thai sweet red chili sauce is mostly sweet with a very mild, approachable heat. If you want more kick, add slices of fresh chili or a splash of sriracha to your wraps or even into the sauce.
Can I prepare the filling ahead?
Definitely! You can make the chicken filling a day or two ahead and keep it refrigerated. Warm the filling before assembling and serve with fresh lettuce for maximum crunch and flavor.
How should I wash and store lettuce leaves?
Rinse the butter lettuce leaves under cool water and then pat them dry with a kitchen towel or spin gently in a salad spinner. Store them layered between paper towels inside a plastic bag in the fridge to keep them crisp until it’s time to serve your Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something light, colorful, and loaded with flavor, these Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are sure to be a hit. Gather your friends or family, have fun prepping and assembling, and don’t be surprised when everyone comes back for seconds. Give this recipe a try—you may just find it becomes a regular in your dinner rotation!
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Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a flavorful and healthy dish that is perfect for a light lunch or appetizer. The combination of savory ground chicken, crunchy cashews, and zesty Thai chili sauce wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves creates a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
- ¼ cup onion (diced)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger
- 10 oz ground chicken
Sauce and Toppings:
- ¼ cup Tamari (low sodium)
- 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)
- Sesame seeds for topping
- 1 head butter lettuce leaves
Instructions
- Heat: Heat a pan to medium high heat, add sesame oil, onions, garlic, and ginger. Cook until fragrant.
- Cook the chicken: Add ground chicken to the pan, season, and cook until golden brown.
- Make the sauce: Mix soy sauce, chili sauce, lime juice, and honey in a bowl.
- Combine: Add sauce to chicken, sprinkle cashews, and cook briefly. Stir in carrots, scallions, and cilantro.
- Assemble: Fill lettuce leaves with chicken mixture, top with sauce and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Rinse and dry lettuce leaves before using.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wrap
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Thai, Chicken, Lettuce Wraps, Healthy, Easy
