Get ready to elevate your appetizer game with this irresistible Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe! Juicy ground chicken is sautéed with aromatic garlic and ginger, then tossed with sweet hoisin, zippy lime, and colorful veggies for an explosion of flavor and texture. Each bite is fresh, crunchy, saucy, and just the right amount of spicy if you like it that way. Whether you’re planning a crowd-pleasing starter or a quick, healthy weeknight meal, these wraps are the kind of dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients create a vibrant flavor profile and gorgeous presentation. Each one plays an essential role, from bringing depth to balancing freshness, and together, they create a Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe that’s anything but ordinary!
- Sesame oil: Adds a subtle, nutty aroma that’s absolutely essential to kicking off the flavor base.
- Ground chicken: Lean and tender, this soaks up every delicious drop of sauce and seasoning in the pan.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic brings mellow warmth and depth with every bite.
- Fresh ginger: A pop of grated ginger gives the recipe its characteristic zing and brightness.
- Red bell pepper: Sweet and crisp, these add a juicy crunch and a vibrant pop of color.
- Shredded carrots: Carrots introduce natural sweetness and beautiful orange ribbons for a lovely finish.
- Hoisin sauce: This magic sauce delivers the signature sweet-savory richness that makes these wraps irresistible.
- Soy sauce: Brings saltiness and umami, pulling all the flavors together (use low-sodium if you prefer).
- Rice vinegar: Gives just the right tang to cut through the richness and brighten things up.
- Lime juice: A squeeze of citrus transforms the filling with fresh, mouthwatering acidity.
- Sriracha (optional): Perfect for anyone who loves a little heat—add as much or as little as you like.
- Fresh cilantro: This herb brings a burst of fresh, green flavor that makes every bite feel lively.
- Green onions: Chopped green onions provide a gentle onion bite and pretty color.
- Chopped peanuts: Sprinkled as a garnish, they deliver crave-worthy crunch and unmistakable Thai flair.
- Butter lettuce or iceberg: The tender, cool crunch of lettuce leaves makes the perfect edible wrapper!
How to Make Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Start by heating the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it shimmers, add the ground chicken, breaking it up with a spoon. Let it cook for 5 to 6 minutes until there’s no pink left. You want light browning for deep, savory flavor; don’t rush this part, as it really builds the base for the Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Ginger
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for another minute—just until they’re fragrant but not browned. This is the moment your kitchen will start smelling absolutely incredible!
Step 3: Toss in Veggies
Now, add the diced red bell pepper and shredded carrots to the skillet. These should sizzle and soften slightly after about 3 minutes. They bring a welcome crispness and a gorgeous pop of color to the Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe filling.
Step 4: Make It Saucy
Pour in the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, and sriracha if you want some heat. Stir until everything is combined and the chicken is thoroughly coated. Let it bubble for 2 to 3 minutes to help the flavors meld together. The sauce should be glossy and slightly thickened.
Step 5: Finish with Herbs
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh cilantro and green onions. This last step wakes up the whole filling with garden-fresh flavor and a splash of green, making the Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe truly shine.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Spoon the hot chicken mixture generously into your lettuce leaves. Don’t forget to finish with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts—they add that special final crunch that’ll keep everyone coming back for more. Serve your wraps right away for maximum crunch and flavor!
How to Serve Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing your Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe, fresh is best. A handful of extra chopped cilantro or green onions, lime wedges for squeezing, a few extra peanuts, or a drizzle of extra sriracha all bring vibrant color and a punch of flavor. For even more texture, try thinly sliced radishes or bean sprouts on top—it’s all about adding a little something special to every wrap.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded meal, pair your Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe with sides that echo those bright, fresh flavors. Think cucumber salad, sesame-sprinkled edamame, or a simple bowl of steamed jasmine rice. If you’re hosting a crowd, add Thai-inspired spring rolls or a light, coconutty soup for a totally satisfying spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Lean into the DIY fun! Arrange the lettuce leaves on a platter, pile the chicken filling in a bowl, and offer all the garnishes in little dishes so everyone can make their perfect wrap. For cocktail parties, fill each wrap and secure with a bamboo pick for a bite-sized, elegant presentation. Serve everything on large leafy lettuce for a rustic, share-at-the-table vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover filling, let it cool to room temperature first. Transfer it into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate to make sure they stay crisp for your next quick lunch or snack.
Freezing
The chicken filling for this Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe freezes beautifully! Simply cool it completely, portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently before serving with fresh lettuce.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the filling in a skillet over medium-low heat until hot throughout, stirring occasionally. If you’re in a hurry, a minute or two in the microwave (loosely covered) works too. Add a splash of water or a touch more sauce if the mixture seems dry.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative, while ground beef adds a richer flavor. The magic is all in the sauce, so swap as you wish and enjoy your own twist on the classic Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe.
What’s the best type Appetizer, Main Course
Butter lettuce is my go-to since it’s silky, sturdy, and naturally cup-shaped. Iceberg works wonderfully too, bringing extra crunch. The key is to use leaves big enough for hearty scoops of that delicious Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe filling.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use tamari instead of soy sauce and double-check that your hoisin sauce is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making the Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe easy to adapt for various diets.
How can I prep this ahead for a party?
Prepare the chicken filling up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge. Wash and dry the lettuce leaves, wrap them in paper towels, and keep sealed in a bag. At party time, just reheat the filling and set up a beautiful DIY wraps station!
What are some good substitutions for hoisin sauce?
If hoisin isn’t handy, try a mix of soy sauce, a dash of brown sugar, and a tiny bit of peanut butter or miso. It’s not exactly the same, but it’ll still bring a gorgeous, rich, sweet-savory flavor to your Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fast, fun, and flavor-packed dish, the Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe truly delivers every single time. Whether you keep them simple or get creative with toppings, this is one of those dishes that makes weeknights a little more exciting. Go ahead—give them a try and watch everyone at your table fall in love!
Print
Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a delicious blend of flavors and textures, perfect for a light and healthy meal or appetizer. Savory ground chicken is cooked with aromatic spices and vegetables, then spooned into crisp lettuce leaves and topped with crunchy peanuts.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- 1 head butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce, leaves separated
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken: Add the ground chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until no longer pink.
- Add aromatics: Stir in garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute.
- Cook vegetables: Add bell pepper and carrots, cook for 3 minutes.
- Season and finish: Stir in hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, and sriracha. Cook for 2–3 minutes, then stir in cilantro and green onions.
- Assemble wraps: Spoon chicken mixture into lettuce leaves, top with chopped peanuts.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- For a lower-sodium option, use low-sodium soy sauce.
- To add crunch, include water chestnuts or bean sprouts.
- These wraps can be served as an appetizer or a light main dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 wraps
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
