Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

If you are craving a fresh, vibrant, and incredibly tasty dish, look no further than these Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps. This recipe brings together savory ground chicken coated in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce, layered with crunchy cashews and crisp veggies, all wrapped in buttery lettuce leaves. It’s a fantastic blend of textures and flavors that feels both light and satisfying, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer when entertaining friends. The Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps offer a beautiful balance of sweet, salty, and zesty notes that will have you coming back for more.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a key role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures for Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps. From the aromatic ginger and garlic to the crunchy cashews and fresh herbs, every component adds its own magic to the dish.

  • Sesame oil: Adds a nutty, toasty flavor that enhances the chicken and aromatics.
  • Onion (yellow or white, diced): Provides sweetness and depth when sautéed.
  • Garlic cloves: Brings a fragrant, bold punch of flavor.
  • Fresh minced ginger: Offers a fresh, warm spice that lifts the dish beautifully.
  • Ground chicken: Tender and lean, it serves as the hearty base of the wraps.
  • Tamari or soy sauce: Adds salty umami that ties all flavors together.
  • Thai sweet red chili sauce: Gives a luscious sweetness and mild heat.
  • Lime juice: Brings the perfect bright acidity to balance sweet and savory.
  • Maple syrup (or honey, agave): Adds a subtle sweetness to round out the sauce.
  • Chopped cashews: Provide delightful crunch and richness.
  • Chopped scallions: Fresh and slightly sharp for that green pop.
  • Chopped cilantro: Infuses herbal brightness and freshness.
  • Shredded carrots: Add crisp texture and a hint of natural sweetness.
  • Sesame seeds: For garnishing with a toasty crunch.
  • Butter lettuce leaves: The soft, tender wraps that hold it all together perfectly.

How to Make Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating sesame oil in a pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Toss in the diced onions and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until they begin to soften and turn translucent with a hint of golden edges. Then, stir in the minced garlic and ginger, letting them cook their fragrant magic for about 2 minutes to infuse the oil with rich, warm flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Chicken

Add the ground chicken to the pan, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is completely cooked through and turns a lovely golden brown. This step ensures tender, flavorful meat that absorbs all the delicious aromatics.

Step 3: Prepare the Tangy Sauce

While the chicken cooks, mix together the tamari (or soy sauce), sweet red chili sauce, lime juice, and maple syrup in a small bowl. This combination is the heart of the flavor, delivering a vibrant balance of sweet, salty, and zingy notes that elevate the dish.

Step 4: Combine Sauce and Chicken

Sprinkle the chopped cashews over the cooked chicken, then pour in the prepared sauce. Toss everything together gently to coat the chicken evenly. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 2 minutes so all the flavors meld superbly. Remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool slightly before stirring in the shredded carrots, scallions, and cilantro for fresh crunch and herbal brightness.

Step 5: Assemble Your Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Now for the fun part! Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into the center of each butter lettuce leaf. Drizzle a little extra pan sauce over the filling and sprinkle with sesame seeds for that final toasty pop. Fold the leaves like little edible cups, and you’re ready to dive into these fresh, flavorful Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps.

How to Serve Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like extra chopped cilantro, more chopped cashews, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice on top can really brighten up the dish. You can also sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or chili oil if you like an extra kick. Sesame seeds not only add beautiful contrast but a subtle nutty crunch that enhances each bite.

Side Dishes

These wraps are fantastic paired with light, refreshing sides such as a cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar, or a tangy mango slaw. For a heartier meal, pair them with steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice. A bowl of hot miso soup or a simple clear broth soup can complement the wraps beautifully too.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps on a large colorful platter with the lettuce leaves arranged in a circle and the chicken mixture in the center for DIY wrap-making fun. Or, place each wrap open-faced in mini appetizer cups for parties. Another playful idea is to serve the chicken mixture in small bowls alongside a basket of lettuce leaves for guests to build their own wraps exactly how they like.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store the chicken mixture separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep lettuce leaves rinsed and dried in a separate container lined with paper towels to retain freshness and prevent wilting.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken mixture in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Note that the lettuce leaves are best fresh and should not be frozen, as they will lose their crisp texture.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers, gently reheat the chicken mixture in a pan over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out. Then assemble the wraps fresh with crisp lettuce leaves and garnish as desired, ensuring every bite remains deliciously fresh.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or beef work well in this recipe, though chicken keeps it lighter and more traditional. Just adjust cooking time to ensure the meat is fully cooked and brown for best flavor.

What if I can’t find Thai sweet red chili sauce?

If you can’t find the sweet red chili sauce, you can substitute with a mix of chili garlic sauce and a bit of honey or sugar to balance the heat with sweetness. This keeps the flavor profile close to the original.

Is there a vegetarian version of Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps?

Yes! You can swap out chicken for finely diced mushrooms, crumbled tofu, or cooked lentils to make a vegetarian-friendly version that is just as tasty and packed with flavor.

What lettuce is best for the wraps?

Butter lettuce is ideal because of its tender, flexible leaves that easily fold without tearing. Romaine or iceberg can work too, but butter lettuce gives that perfect soft yet crisp bite.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead for a party?

Yes, preparing the chicken mixture ahead saves time on the day of your event. Just keep the mixture chilled and assemble the wraps fresh to maintain crispness—your guests will love the interactive and fresh experience!

Final Thoughts

Whenever you want a dish that feels fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor, don’t hesitate to make these Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps. They are wonderfully easy to whip up, delightfully tasty, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly it becomes one of your favorite go-to meals. Happy cooking!

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Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Delicious and flavorful Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps made with ground chicken, fresh herbs, crunchy cashews, and a tangy Thai chili sauce. Perfect for a light, healthy, and easy-to-make meal that combines vibrant Asian-inspired flavors wrapped in crisp butter lettuce leaves.

  • Author: Mia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing, Stir-frying
  • Cuisine: Thai
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Sauce

  • 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
  • ¼ cup onion, diced (yellow or white)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger (or ginger paste)
  • 10 oz ground chicken
  • ¼ cup Tamari (low sodium) or soy sauce or coconut aminos
  • 2 Tablespoon Thai sweet red chili sauce (e.g., Trader Joe’s)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup (or honey, agave)

Add-ins and Toppings

  • ⅓ cup cashews, chopped (raw or roasted/salted)
  • ¼ cup scallions, chopped
  • ¼ cup cilantro, fresh chopped
  • ¼½ cup carrots, shredded
  • Sesame seeds for topping
  • 1 head butter lettuce, leaves removed, rinsed and dried

Instructions

  1. Heat the pan: Warm a pan over medium-high heat and add the sesame oil, allowing it to heat up evenly.
  2. Prepare garlic-ginger sauce: Add diced onions to the hot oil and cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften and start to turn translucent and golden. Add minced garlic and ginger paste, tossing to combine, and let cook for an additional 2 minutes to release their aromas.
  3. Cook the chicken: Add the ground chicken to the pan and break it up using a wooden spoon or spatula. Season lightly with salt and pepper, continue cooking and stirring until the chicken is fully cooked through and golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Mix the Thai chili sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together tamari (or soy sauce), Thai sweet red chili sauce, lime juice, and maple syrup until well combined.
  5. Add sauce and cashews: Sprinkle chopped cashews over the cooked chicken, then pour the prepared sauce over everything in the pan. Toss to combine thoroughly, reduce heat to low, and cook for another 2 minutes to meld flavors.
  6. Finish the mixture: Remove the pan from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. Stir in shredded carrots, chopped scallions, and fresh cilantro to add freshness and crunch.
  7. Assemble wraps: Separate and rinse butter lettuce leaves carefully, pat dry. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into each leaf, drizzle with some extra pan sauce, and sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use butter lettuce for its tender and flexible leaves, perfect for wrapping.
  • You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or pork for variation.
  • Adjust the amount of Thai sweet chili sauce based on your spice preference.
  • For a gluten-free option, ensure to use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
  • Make sure to rinse and dry the lettuce well to prevent sogginess in the wraps.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4 wraps)
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: Thai chicken lettuce wraps, ground chicken recipe, Thai chili sauce chicken, healthy lettuce wraps, Asian chicken wraps

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