Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Zesty Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe: Fresh & Flavorful Fun

Crispy and light, these thai chicken lettuce wraps dance between zesty flavor and fresh crunch.

Fragrant herbs and tender meat create a perfect handheld meal.

Spices whisper complex notes that awaken your taste buds.

Lean protein meets vibrant vegetables in a delightful culinary adventure.

Chopped ingredients mingle with bold seasonings for an irresistible combination.

Hungry diners will appreciate the quick assembly and explosive taste.

Let’s unwrap this delicious journey together and make dinner something special.

Why Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Are Light And Tasty

  • Craft Speedy Meals: Prepare these Thai chicken lettuce wraps in under 30 minutes with minimal cooking skills required.
  • Customize with Ease: Mix and match ingredients like adding extra vegetables or adjusting spice levels to suit personal taste preferences.
  • Health-Conscious Choice: Low-carb, protein-packed dish that offers a lighter alternative to traditional heavy meals while delivering bold Thai-inspired flavors.
  • Perfect Party Pleaser: Interactive dining experience where guests can assemble their own wraps, making it ideal for casual gatherings and social events.

Everything Inside Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breast, Ground Chicken: Lean protein that provides the primary substance and flavor for the lettuce wraps.
Aromatics:
  • Garlic, Ginger: Foundational ingredients that create a robust and fragrant base for the Thai-inspired dish.
Sauce Components:
  • Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar, Sriracha, Hoisin Sauce, Brown Sugar: Balanced blend of salty, tangy, spicy, and sweet elements that create a complex and harmonious flavor profile.
Vegetable Additions:
  • Red Bell Peppers: Crunchy vegetable that adds color, sweetness, and nutritional value to the chicken mixture.
Garnish and Texture:
  • Butter Lettuce Leaves: Delicate, soft wrapper that serves as a fresh and light vessel for the chicken filling.
  • Green Onions, Cilantro, Roasted Peanuts: Fresh herbs and crunchy nuts that provide additional layers of flavor and textural contrast.
Seasoning:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.
Finishing Touch:
  • Lime: Bright citrus that adds a fresh, zesty element when squeezed over the wraps.
Cooking Fat:
  • Sesame Oil: Adds a distinctive nutty flavor and helps prevent sticking during cooking.

How To Put Together Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Dry chicken breast and ground chicken thoroughly with paper towels to remove moisture, which helps achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior. Chop chicken into small, consistent pieces to ensure even cooking and maximize flavor absorption.

Step 2: Create Aromatic Base

Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat and add sesame oil. Toss in minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for 30-45 seconds until the kitchen fills with a fragrant aroma without burning the delicate ingredients.

Step 3: Cook Chicken

Add diced chicken to the skillet, stirring frequently to develop golden-brown edges. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the meat is completely cooked through.

Step 4: Add Vegetables

Incorporate colorful ingredients:
  • Diced red bell peppers

Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until vegetables become tender and slightly softened.

Step 5: Develop Flavor Sauce

In a separate bowl, blend together:
  • Soy sauce
  • Rice vinegar
  • Sriracha
  • Hoisin sauce
  • Brown sugar
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Step 6: Combine Sauce and Filling

Pour sauce mixture over chicken, stirring to coat evenly. Allow flavors to meld for 2-3 minutes, creating a rich and complex taste profile.

Step 7: Prepare Lettuce Cups

Gently separate butter lettuce leaves, creating perfect edible vessels for the flavorful chicken mixture.

Step 8: Assemble Lettuce Wraps

Spoon chicken mixture into lettuce leaves, ensuring each wrap has an even distribution of filling.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Top wraps with:
  • Chopped green onions
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Roasted peanuts

Serve immediately with lime wedges, allowing guests to add a bright, citrusy finish to their wraps.

Helpful Ideas For Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

  • Select High-Quality Chicken: Choose fresh, lean chicken breast or ground chicken with minimal fat for the most tender and flavorful lettuce wraps.
  • Dry Chicken Thoroughly: Pat chicken completely dry before cooking to achieve perfect golden-brown edges and prevent steaming instead of searing.
  • Balance Sauce Flavors: Adjust sauce ingredients to taste, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy elements that complement the chicken.
  • Master Precise Cooking Technique: Cook chicken over medium-high heat, stirring frequently to ensure even browning and prevent sticking or burning.
  • Prep Lettuce Cups Carefully: Gently separate butter lettuce leaves, selecting intact, cup-shaped pieces that hold the filling without tearing.

Try These Variations Of Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

  • Spicy Korean Chicken Wraps: Replace Thai ingredients with gochujang, kimchi, and Korean chili paste for a fiery Korean-inspired version.
  • Mediterranean Chicken Lettuce Cups: Swap sauces with tzatziki, add feta cheese, kalamata olives, and use Greek seasoning for a Mediterranean profile.
  • Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Boats: Substitute current sauce with homemade teriyaki, include grilled pineapple chunks, and sprinkle sesame seeds for Japanese-style wraps.
  • Southwest Chicken Lettuce Rolls: Transform recipe using chipotle sauce, black beans, corn, and add fresh salsa for a zesty Tex-Mex approach.

Top Matches For Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

  • Pair with Crisp Riesling: Select a slightly sweet German Riesling that balances the spicy sriracha and cuts through the rich chicken flavors, creating a refreshing counterpoint to the wrap's heat.
  • Complement with Thai Iced Tea: Brew traditional Thai iced tea with its creamy, sweet profile to cool down the sriracha's spiciness and provide a smooth, complementary beverage that enhances the meal's Southeast Asian character.
  • Match with Cucumber Mint Mocktail: Craft a light, herbal drink using muddled cucumber and fresh mint, which echoes the wrap's bright, fresh ingredients and offers a palate-cleansing effect between bites.

Storing Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Made Simple

  • Transfer leftover chicken mixture to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep lettuce leaves separate to prevent sogginess.
  • Pack cooled chicken mixture in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Label with date and contents, storing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Prepare chicken mixture and chop garnishes in advance, storing separately in sealed containers. Keep ingredients refrigerated and assemble wraps just before serving to maintain crisp lettuce and fresh flavors.
  • Warm refrigerated chicken mixture in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Your Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps FAQ Section

  • What makes Thai chicken lettuce wraps a healthy option?

These wraps are low-carb, protein-rich, and packed with vegetables. The lettuce provides a crisp, light base while the chicken offers lean protein, making it a nutritious meal choice.

  • Can I make this recipe spicy or mild?

Absolutely! Adjust the sriracha sauce to control heat levels. Add more for extra spiciness or reduce for a milder version that suits your taste preferences.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, the chicken mixture can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Keep lettuce leaves separate and assemble just before serving to maintain crispness.

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Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Delightful Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps blend zesty Asian flavors with crisp lettuce and tender chicken. Spicy, tangy seasonings and fresh herbs create a perfect balance for quick, satisfying meals you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless
  • 0.5 cup ground chicken

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 head butter lettuce
  • 0.5 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 0.25 cup green onions, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp ginger, fresh and minced

Sauces and Seasonings:

  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp sriracha sauce
  • 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 0.25 tsp salt

Garnish and Optional Add-ins:

  • 0.25 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tbsp roasted peanuts, chopped
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken breast and ground chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and ensure better browning.
  2. Dice chicken into small, uniform pieces to promote even cooking and quick heat absorption.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add sesame oil, creating a smooth cooking surface.
  4. Sauté minced garlic and ginger for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, releasing their aromatic oils without burning.
  5. Add diced chicken to the skillet, cooking for 5-7 minutes and stirring frequently to achieve golden-brown edges.
  6. Incorporate diced red bell peppers and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until vegetables soften.
  7. Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl.
  8. Pour sauce mixture over chicken, stirring to coat evenly and allowing flavors to meld for 2-3 minutes.
  9. Remove skillet from heat and let chicken mixture cool slightly for easier handling.
  10. Carefully separate butter lettuce leaves, creating perfect cups for filling.
  11. Spoon chicken mixture into lettuce leaves, ensuring even distribution.
  12. Garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, and roasted peanuts for added texture and freshness.
  13. Serve immediately with lime wedges, allowing guests to squeeze fresh juice over their wraps.

Notes

  • Customize chicken choice by using ground turkey or plant-based protein for dietary flexibility.
  • Use low-sodium soy sauce and sugar alternatives to reduce sodium and caloric intake for health-conscious eaters.
  • Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and minimize kitchen stress during meal preparation.
  • Control spice levels by adjusting sriracha quantity, making the dish adaptable for different heat tolerances.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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