These Healthy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a fun and tasty way to enjoy a meal! Packed with seasoned chicken, crunchy veggies, and all wrapped up in fresh lettuce leaves, they’re light and satisfying.
Who doesn’t enjoy a meal that you can eat with your hands? 👐 I love to serve these wraps with a side of peanut sauce for a little extra yum. They’re perfect for a quick dinner or a fun party snack!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the main protein for the wraps. You can substitute with ground turkey or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option.
Lettuce: Butter or bibb lettuce is ideal for wraps due to its flexible leaves. Romaine or iceberg can work, but they might be less tender and harder to wrap.
Fish Sauce: If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, try using soy sauce or a plant-based fish sauce. It’ll still add a nice depth of flavor without the fishiness.
Sriracha: For heat, I recommend sriracha, but any hot sauce you prefer can be used. If you’re looking for something milder, leave it out entirely or use a pinch of red pepper flakes instead.
How Do I Cook the Chicken Just Right?
Cooking the chicken to perfection is a key step. You want it juicy and fully cooked but not dry. Follow these tips:
- Start by cooking the ground chicken over medium heat. This allows it to cook evenly.
- Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Ensure there are no pink spots; it takes about 6-8 minutes.
- Add your veggies once the chicken is cooked through, which keeps them slightly crisp while adding flavor.
Mix in the sauces at the end to keep the chicken moist and flavorful. Cooking them together for just a minute will meld the flavors beautifully!
Healthy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or Thai chili sauce (optional for heat)
- 1 head butter lettuce or bibb lettuce, leaves separated for wraps
- 1/4 cup chopped unsalted peanuts (for garnish)
- Optional: sliced red chili for garnish
Peanut Sauce (optional):
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Water to thin sauce as needed
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15-20 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Skillet:
Start by heating the olive or sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until you can smell the fragrance—this adds great flavor!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Now, add the ground chicken to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it apart. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink.
3. Add Veggies:
Stir in the chopped red bell pepper, shredded carrots, and sliced green onions. Keep cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the veggies soften just a bit. We want them crunchy!
4. Mix the Sauces:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, honey, and sriracha (if you want some heat). Pour this sauce over the chicken mixture. Toss everything together well, cooking for another 1-2 minutes to let all the flavors combine.
5. Finish with Cilantro:
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh chopped cilantro. This will add a burst of fresh flavor!
6. Prepare the Lettuce Leaves:
Wash and dry the lettuce leaves carefully. Arrange them on a serving platter, ready to be filled.
7. Assemble the Wraps:
Spoon the delicious chicken mixture into each lettuce leaf, filling them generously.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Top with chopped peanuts and extra cilantro for a nice crunch and garnish. If you’re feeling adventurous, add some sliced red chili for a little kick!
9. Make the Peanut Sauce (Optional):
If you want to serve with peanut sauce, whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl, adding water until it reaches your desired drizzling consistency. You can drizzle it on top of the wraps or serve it on the side for dipping.
10. Enjoy!
Serve the wraps immediately while they’re fresh. Enjoy your tasty and healthy Thai chicken lettuce wraps!
This recipe makes approximately 8-10 wraps, making for a perfect light lunch or dinner. They are filled with a delightful balance of savory, tangy, and sweet flavors, topped with crunchy veggies and peanuts to give each bite some texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Another Type of Meat or Protein?
Absolutely! While ground chicken is the primary choice, you can swap it for ground turkey, beef, or even crumbled tofu for a plant-based version. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure everything is fully cooked.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Any leftover chicken mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it’s best to keep the lettuce leaves separate and assemble wraps fresh for optimal texture and taste.
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 the fridge and reheat it on the stovetop before serving. Just be careful not to overcook when reheating!
What Can I Serve with These Wraps?
These lettuce wraps are great on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of rice or quinoa for a more filling meal. Additionally, a fresh salad or some steamed veggies can complement the wraps nicely!
