Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The savory chicken filling is infused with the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and spicy notes, while the crisp lettuce provides a refreshing contrast. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb meal or a fun dish to enjoy with friends, these wraps deliver on both taste and presentation. Plus, they are easy to make, customizable, and a great way to add more vegetables to your diet!
Ingredients
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1 lb ground chicken
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 cup onions, finely chopped
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1/4 cup carrots, shredded
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1/4 cup bell pepper, finely diced
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 tablespoon fish sauce
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1 tablespoon brown sugar
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1 teaspoon lime juice
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1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
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1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
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1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
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1 head of butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce, separated into individual leaves
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1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and onions, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onions become soft.
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Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
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Stir in the shredded carrots, diced bell pepper, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, lime juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
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Remove from heat and stir in the fresh cilantro and basil.
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To assemble, spoon the chicken mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf.
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Garnish with chopped peanuts (if desired) and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 15 minutes
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Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
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Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground chicken with ground tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian-friendly option.
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Add More Veggies: Feel free to add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bean sprouts for more texture and flavor.
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Spicy Option: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a sliced chili for more heat.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. It’s best to keep the lettuce leaves separate until ready to serve to maintain their crispness.
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Reheating: To reheat, warm the chicken mixture in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I make Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Assemble the wraps just before serving for the best texture.
Can I freeze the filling for later use?
The chicken filling can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What type of lettuce should I use for these wraps?
Butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce are the best options for wraps because their leaves are large, flexible, and crisp, making them perfect for holding the filling.
How can I make the wraps spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chilies to the chicken mixture to ramp up the heat. You can also drizzle sriracha or another hot sauce over the wraps before eating.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are low in carbs and are a great keto-friendly meal option, as long as you avoid sugary condiments and keep the filling free of starches.
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, beef, or even shrimp as a substitute for chicken. Just make sure to cook the protein fully before adding the other ingredients.
How can I make this recipe more flavorful?
Add more herbs, like mint or Thai basil, to enhance the flavor. A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving can also bring out the dish’s freshness.
Can I use a different sauce instead of fish sauce?
If you’re not a fan of fish sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce or tamari for a milder flavor. You can also try mushroom-based sauces for a vegan alternative.
How can I prepare this recipe for a crowd?
You can easily double or triple the recipe to serve more people. Prepare the chicken mixture in bulk and keep the lettuce leaves separate to allow everyone to assemble their own wraps.
Can I make this recipe without sugar?
Yes, you can skip the brown sugar or substitute it with a low-calorie sweetener like stevia or monk fruit to make it sugar-free.
Conclusion
Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a perfect blend of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors wrapped in crisp lettuce. Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch, a fun dinner, or an appetizer for a gathering, these wraps are a crowd-pleaser. The versatility of this recipe makes it easy to adapt to your preferences, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this flavorful and light dish. With minimal prep time and fresh ingredients, you’ll find yourself making these wraps over and over again
PrintThai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a healthy, flavorful, and low-carb meal that combines ground chicken with savory seasonings, fresh herbs, and a tangy sauce, all wrapped in crispy lettuce leaves. These wraps are perfect for a light lunch, dinner, or as a fun appetizer. With vibrant flavors of lime, cilantro, and basil, they offer a satisfying dish that’s both easy to make and customizable to your taste preferences. Ideal for those following a keto, gluten-free, or low-carb diet.
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 15min
- Total Time: 25min
- Yield: 4-6servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet-cooked
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
1 lb ground chicken
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup onions, finely chopped
1/4 cup carrots, shredded
1/4 cup bell pepper, finely diced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon lime juice
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1 head of butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce, separated into individual leaves
1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional for garnish)
Instructions
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Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and onions, sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onions soften.
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Add the ground chicken, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned.
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Stir in the shredded carrots, diced bell pepper, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, lime juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
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Remove from heat and stir in the fresh cilantro and basil.
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Spoon the chicken mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf.
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Garnish with chopped peanuts (optional) and serve immediately.
Notes
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For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground chicken with ground tofu or tempeh.
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Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more red pepper flakes or fresh chili.
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To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce.