These Healthy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are fresh, crunchy, and packed with flavor! Made with seasoned chicken and fresh veggies, they make a fun and healthy meal.
Wrap them up like little parcels of joy! I love how you can customize the fillings with your favorite toppings. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up for lunch or dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: Using ground chicken provides a lean protein base. If you’re looking for alternatives, lean ground turkey works well too. For a vegetarian option, consider using crumbled tofu or tempeh seasoned similarly.
Peanut Butter: I love natural, unsweetened peanut butter for its rich flavor. If allergies are a concern, try sunflower seed butter or almond butter as substitutes.
Veggies: Shredded carrots and red bell pepper add color and crunch. You can swap in shredded cabbage or chopped cucumbers based on what’s available or to suit your taste.
Lettuce: Butter lettuce is perfect for wraps because of its cup shape. Romaine or even kale leaves can work too, but they might be tougher to wrap.
How Do I Cook the Chicken Perfectly?
Cooking the ground chicken right is key to making delicious wraps. Here’s how: first, heat your oil in the skillet and add the garlic and ginger; it’s essential they get fragrant to flavor the chicken.
- Break up the chicken into smaller pieces as it cooks—this helps it brown nicely.
- It should be fully cooked in 5-7 minutes; keep stirring to avoid sticking.
- Adding in the onions and veggies at the right time helps retain some crispness and freshness.
Remember, don’t rush the cooking! A few minutes more can enhance the depth of flavor in your dish.
How Do I Prepare the Sauce for That Perfect Flavor?
Mixing the sauce well ensures every wrap is packed with flavor! When whisking together peanut butter, soy sauce, and the other ingredients, if it feels too thick, simply add warm water bit by bit until it reaches a drizzly consistency.
- Make it to your liking with more or less sriracha depending on your spice preference.
- Taste and adjust! A little lime juice can brighten flavors, and honey can add sweetness if needed.
This sauce is so good—you might want to double it and keep some for dipping!
Healthy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken breast (or lean ground turkey)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 3 green onions, sliced thin (white and green parts separated)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 head butter lettuce or bibb lettuce, leaves separated and washed
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp peanut butter (natural, unsweetened)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2-3 tbsp warm water (to thin the sauce as needed)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15-20 minutes of cooking time, making it a quick meal to prepare. Total time is roughly 30-35 minutes from start to finish, so you can enjoy these delicious wraps in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, sriracha, and warm water until smooth. Set this flavorful sauce aside; it will enhance the wraps later.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive or coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant—but be careful not to burn them!
3. Add the Ground Meat:
Now, add the ground chicken to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s fully cooked and lightly browned.
4. Stir in the Veggies:
Next, add the white parts of the green onions, shredded carrots, and diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the veggies are slightly softened but still crisp and colorful.
5. Mix in the Sauce:
Pour half of the prepared peanut sauce into the skillet, stirring well to coat the chicken and veggies evenly. Allow it to cook for an additional minute so all the flavors meld together beautifully.
6. Add Fresh Ingredients:
Remove the skillet from the heat, and fold in the chopped cilantro and chopped peanuts. This adds both flavor and texture!
7. Assemble the Wraps:
To serve, take the fresh butter lettuce leaves and spoon the chicken mixture into each leaf. It’s okay to be generous—these wraps are meant to be filled!
8. Finish with Sauce and Garnish:
Drizzle the remaining peanut sauce over the filled wraps, and sprinkle with extra chopped peanuts and the green tops of the sliced green onions for a nice touch.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve immediately and let everyone enjoy wrapping their own Thai chicken lettuce wraps! It’s a fun, interactive meal that everyone will love!
Enjoy your fresh, flavorful, and healthy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps!
FAQ for Healthy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to chicken and can be used in the same amount. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to a day in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before using it, give it a good stir and check the consistency; you might want to add a splash of warm water to loosen it up again.
What Other Vegetables Can I Use?
Feel free to get creative! You can add chopped cucumbers, shredded cabbage, or even diced mushrooms to the filling. Just aim for colorful, crunchy veggies for a fresh taste and texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store the chicken filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate until you’re ready to eat. To reheat, simply warm the chicken mixture on the stove or in the microwave before assembling your wraps again.
