Get ready to fall head-over-heels for Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps! This dish is the perfect marriage of freshness, flavor, and fun — juicy seasoned chicken and crunchy peanuts tucked into crisp lettuce leaves, finished with a punchy, homemade sauce. Whether you’re on the hunt for a quick weeknight dinner or an appetizer that always wows, these wraps will become your go-to. The bright, bold flavors and satisfying textures make every bite unforgettable, and they’re as easy as they are impressive.

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps genuinely special is how a handful of simple ingredients come together for maximum impact. Each one brings something unique: a hit of savor, a burst of color, or the secret to that signature crave-worthy crunch.

Ground chicken: A lean protein that soaks up all the delicious seasonings, staying super juicy and tender.
Sesame oil: Adds a wonderfully nutty aroma and depth to the filling right from the start.
Garlic (minced): Lots of savory, aromatic flavor that awakens the chicken and the sauce.
Fresh ginger (grated): Brings a fragrant zing and just the right level of warmth.
Red bell pepper (diced): Pops of sweetness and color, plus an extra crunch!
Shredded carrots: Add natural sweetness and help keep the filling light and vibrant.
Green onions (sliced): Layer in fresh, lively flavor and a nice visual touch right at the end.
Fresh cilantro (chopped): For a burst of herbal brightness that keeps things tasting fresh.
Roasted peanuts (chopped): Give that classic crunch and a hint of saltiness in every bite.
Butter lettuce or romaine leaves: These make the perfect cups — sturdy yet tender for wrapping up all the good stuff.
For the sauce:
- Hoisin sauce: Sweet, savory, and super flavorful — the backbone of the sauce.
- Soy sauce: Lends rich umami, but swap with gluten-free if needed.
- Fish sauce: Essential for depth and that uniquely Thai-savory tang.
- Lime juice: Adds brightness and balances the savory notes beautifully.
- Sriracha (optional): For the fans of a little extra heat!
- Brown sugar: Ties everything together with a gentle sweetness.

How to Make Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Mix Your Sauce

Start by combining all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until smooth. This step ensures that every inch of chicken gets coated in bold, tangy-salty-sweet flavor and makes assembly a total breeze. Set it aside so it’s ready to go when you need it!

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Ginger

Heat up your sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for about a minute, just until everything is wonderfully fragrant. Your kitchen will smell amazing — this aromatic base is key for infusing the chicken with loads of flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Keep it moving and cook for about five to six minutes until it’s completely browned and crumbly. You want every morsel to be juicy and well-seasoned.

Step 4: Add Veggies for Color and Crunch

Toss in the diced red bell pepper and shredded carrots. Sauté for another two to three minutes, just long enough to soften them slightly but keep that fresh crunch and brilliant color. The contrast in texture is a huge part of what makes Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps so irresistible.

Step 5: Pour in the Sauce

Give your prepared sauce a quick stir, then pour it right over the chicken mixture in the skillet. Mix everything together thoroughly so all those flavors can mingle and soak into the filling. Let it cook for another minute until everything is glossy and perfectly saucy.

Step 6: Add Your Fresh Finishing Touches

Take the pan off the heat, then stir in the green onions, cilantro, and chopped peanuts. These finishing touches add unbeatable freshness and crunch, guaranteeing every wrap is bursting with color and flavor.

Step 7: Fill and Serve

Arrange your butter lettuce or romaine leaves on a platter, and generously spoon the savory chicken filling into each cup. Serve immediately — it’s the best way to enjoy the lively mix of warm and cool, soft and crisp.

How to Serve Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Garnishes

For a final flourish, sprinkle each wrap with extra fresh cilantro, more chopped peanuts, or thinly sliced green onions. A squeeze of fresh lime over the top elevates all those zippy flavors even further. If you’re feeling fancy, a little extra Sriracha or a drizzle of peanut sauce makes every wrap pop!

Side Dishes

You really can’t go wrong with light and crunchy sides. Steamed jasmine rice, a chilled cucumber salad, or even a plate of Thai-style spring rolls all make lively accompaniments. These wraps are intended as a light main, so pairing with fresh, simple sides keeps your meal vibrant and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps into a self-serve platter for parties: pile the chicken filling in a bowl, arrange lettuce cups on the side, and lay out small bowls of toppings like chili flakes, sliced chillies, and extra herbs. Everyone can build their own — it’s interactive, pretty, and perfect for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra filling, simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keep lettuce leaves and herbs separate, so everything stays crisp and vibrant when you’re ready for round two.

Freezing

The chicken filling is freezer-friendly! Let it cool completely, then freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to two months. Just remember, lettuce leaves don’t freeze well, so always use fresh ones for wrapping.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the chicken filling gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for a minute or two. Stir well and add a splash of water or a little extra sauce if it seems dry. Once heated through, spoon into fresh lettuce leaves and serve as usual.

FAQs

Can I make Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps with turkey or tofu?

Absolutely! Ground turkey offers the same juicy results, and crumbled firm tofu makes a fantastic vegetarian swap — you’ll still get all those amazing flavors and textures.

What’s the best lettuce for wraps?

Butter lettuce is famously soft and scoopable, but crisp romaine hearts also work beautifully. You want leaves that are supple enough to fold but sturdy enough to hold the filling.

How do I make these gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and double-check your hoisin sauce label to ensure it’s wheat-free. With those simple swaps, Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps become a delicious gluten-free meal.

Are these wraps spicy?

They’re as spicy as you like! The sriracha in the sauce is entirely optional. Add more for a bigger kick, or leave it out if you prefer things on the milder side.

Can I prep these ahead for meal prep?

You sure can! Make the chicken filling in advance, chop your veggies and herbs, and keep everything chilled separately. Assemble fresh on the day for the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are pure fun to make and even more fun to eat! Their punchy flavors, craveable textures, and healthy-leaning ingredients make them a winner for any night of the week. Gather your loved ones, pile those wraps high, and watch this dish disappear from the table — you’ll be asked to make them again and again.

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a delicious and healthy twist on traditional wraps. Packed with flavorful ingredients and a savory sauce, they make for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 lb ground chicken
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
1 small red bell pepper (diced)
1/4 cup shredded carrots
3 green onions (sliced)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
butter lettuce or romaine leaves (for wrapping)

For the sauce:

3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
1 teaspoon brown sugar

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Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute. Add ground chicken and cook until fully browned. Stir in the bell pepper and carrots, cook until tender.
Combine and Serve: Pour the sauce over the chicken mixture, stir well. Add green onions, cilantro, and peanuts. Spoon the mixture into lettuce leaves and serve.