Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

If you’re looking for a fun and fresh way to enjoy dinner, these Thai chicken lettuce wraps are just the ticket! They’re bursting with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy family gathering. There’s something so delightful about wrapping up savory chicken in crisp lettuce leaves, making every bite feel like a mini celebration. Plus, they’re customizable, so everyone can have their wrap just the way they like it!

This recipe for Thai chicken lettuce wraps has become one of my go-to favorites. It’s quick to prepare, packed with wholesome ingredients, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer at your next gathering or enjoying them as a light main dish, I promise they’ll be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes! Perfect for those busy evenings.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love wrapping and customizing their own lettuce cups!
• Fresh and Flavorful: Bursting with vibrant flavors from ginger, garlic, and lime.
• Healthy Option: Packed with lean protein and veggies—guilt-free indulgence!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the filling in advance for even easier assembly later.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need any fancy ingredients for this recipe—just some simple, wholesome items that are easy to find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need to create these flavorful Thai chicken lettuce wraps:

For the Filling

• 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
• ¼ cup onion (diced)
• 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)

For Assembly

• Sesame seeds for topping
• 1 head butter lettuce – leaves removed (rinsed and dried)

Variations

One of the best things about these Thai chicken lettuce wraps is how flexible they are! Feel free to switch things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Try ground turkey or tofu for a different flavor profile!
• Add more crunch: Toss in some shredded cabbage or bell peppers for extra texture.
• Make it spicy: Add some diced chilies or sriracha to the filling if you like heat!
• Go veggie: Use only vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini instead of meat for a hearty vegetarian option.

How to Make Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Make the Garlic and Ginger Pan Sauce

Start by heating your pan over medium-high heat and adding the sesame oil. Once it’s hot, toss in the diced onions. Sauté them until they’re browned and translucent—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Then add in your minced garlic and ginger; this step is essential as sautéing them will release their aromatic flavors into the oil.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Next up is adding the ground chicken! Stir it into the pan sauce while breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until it’s golden brown with no pink remaining—this should take about 3-4 minutes. Cooking it through ensures that all that delicious flavor gets infused into the meat.

Step 3: Make the Thai Chili Sauce

While your chicken cooks, grab a small bowl to mix together your Tamari (or soy sauce), Thai sweet red chili sauce, lime juice, and maple syrup. This combo adds that sweet-and-savory punch that makes these wraps so irresistible!

Step 4: Add the Sauce to the Chicken

Once your chicken is cooked through, sprinkle those chopped cashews over it in the pan. Pour in your flavorful sauce mixture and toss everything together gently. Reduce the heat to low and let this simmer for about 2 more minutes—this helps meld all those wonderful flavors together beautifully! Afterward, remove from heat and stir in your chopped scallions, cilantro, and shredded carrots.

Step 5: Assemble Your Lettuce Wraps

Now comes the fun part! Take one of those beautiful butter lettuce leaves and scoop a generous spoonful of your savory chicken mixture right into it. Drizzle on some extra pan sauce if you’d like and sprinkle on sesame seeds for that final touch. Repeat until all your wraps are assembled!

I hope you enjoy making—and eating—these delightful Thai chicken lettuce wraps as much as I do! They are sure to bring smiles all around your table.

Pro Tips for Making Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

These Thai chicken lettuce wraps are incredibly versatile, and with a few insider tips, you can make them even more delicious!

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh herbs like cilantro and scallions really enhance the flavor profile of your wraps. Fresh herbs provide a vibrant taste that dried herbs just can’t match.

• Adjust the spice level – If you prefer a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to your chicken mixture. This way, you can tailor the dish to your personal taste and impress those who enjoy spicy foods.

• Choose the right lettuce – Butter lettuce is ideal because it’s flexible and sturdy enough to hold the filling without tearing. Its mild flavor also complements the savory chicken well.

• Make it ahead of time – You can prepare the chicken filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a day before serving. This makes it convenient for meal prep and helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

• Experiment with toppings – Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Adding avocado slices or a drizzle of sriracha can provide extra creaminess or spice that takes these wraps to another level.

How to Serve Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Serving Thai chicken lettuce wraps is not only easy but also a fun experience for everyone at the table! Here are some ideas on how to present this delightful dish.

Garnishes

• Chopped peanuts – For an added crunch and nuttiness, sprinkle some chopped peanuts on top of your wraps. They add texture and enhance the overall flavor.
• Sliced radishes – Thinly sliced radishes add a pop of color and a refreshing crunch. Their slight spiciness balances out the sweetness from the chili sauce.
• Fresh lime wedges – Serving lime wedges alongside lets everyone squeeze in their desired amount of fresh lime juice, elevating the dish’s brightness.

Side Dishes

• Thai Cucumber Salad – A refreshing mix of cucumbers, red onion, and mint dressed in rice vinegar makes an excellent side that complements the wraps beautifully.
• Quinoa Fried Rice – Lightly seasoned quinoa fried rice provides a nutritious base that pairs well with your flavorful wraps while keeping things gluten-free.
• Mango Salad – A sweet mango salad with lime dressing adds a tropical twist that complements the savory notes of the chicken in your lettuce wraps.
• Edamame Beans – Steamed edamame seasoned with sea salt offers a great source of protein and makes for a simple yet satisfying side dish.

These serving suggestions will surely impress your guests and make your meal feel special! Enjoy crafting these delightful Thai chicken lettuce wraps at home!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Thai chicken lettuce wraps are perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare the filling ahead of time and store it for quick assembly later. Here’s how to keep your delicious wraps fresh:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chicken mixture to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer the chicken filling to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Store lettuce leaves separately in a sealed bag or container to keep them crisp.

Freezing

• Let the chicken filling cool completely before freezing.
• Portion the filling into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen chicken filling in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, about 5 minutes.
• Serve immediately with fresh lettuce leaves and toppings.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Thai chicken lettuce wraps!

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

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative that will still provide delicious flavors. Just follow the same cooking instructions, and you’ll have a tasty dish.

What can I substitute if I don’t have Tamari for my Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps?

If you don’t have Tamari on hand, soy sauce or coconut aminos are excellent substitutes. Both options will give you similar flavor profiles without compromising your dish.

How do I make Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps less spicy?

To reduce the spice level in your Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps, simply adjust the amount of Thai sweet red chili sauce you use. Start with a smaller amount and taste as you go!

Can these Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps be served cold?

Yes! These wraps can definitely be enjoyed cold, making them a refreshing option for warm weather or picnic lunches.

What side dishes pair well with Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps?

Complement your wraps with fresh veggies like cucumber slices, a light salad, or even rice noodles tossed in a light dressing for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about these Thai chicken lettuce wraps as I am! They’re bursting with flavor while being light and healthy – perfect for any occasion. Enjoy making them at home, and please share your creations with friends and family. Happy cooking!