Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a light and refreshing dish that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a savory sauce, all wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves. Perfect for a healthy meal or a flavorful appetizer, these wraps offer a delightful blend of textures and tastes.
Why These Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Are the Best
- Tender Chicken: The diced chicken is cooked until tender and juicy, providing a satisfying protein component to the wraps.
- Fresh Vegetables: Red bell peppers and possibly other vegetables or nuts add color, crunch, and a variety of textures that complement the chicken.
- Savory Sauce: The sauce is flavorful and adds a delicious contrast to the fresh ingredients.
- Beautiful Presentation: The wraps are neatly presented on a white plate, making them visually appealing and perfect for any occasion.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re preparing a light lunch, hosting a party, or looking for a healthy and flavorful meal, Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are the perfect choice. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory sauce makes them a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
Sauce:
- Soy Sauce and Fish Sauce: Create a savory, umami base that is quintessential to Thai cuisine.
- Brown Sugar: Balances the saltiness with a hint of sweetness.
- Lime Juice: Adds a zesty brightness that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Sesame Oil: Contributes a nutty depth to the sauce.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to coat the filling perfectly.
Filling:
- Ground Chicken or Turkey: A lean protein that absorbs the bold flavors of the sauce.
- Garlic and Ginger: Provide aromatic warmth and depth of flavor.
- Red Bell Pepper and Carrots: Add sweetness, crunch, and a vibrant splash of color.
- Green Onions: Divide for a layered flavor, using the whites for cooking and the greens for garnish.
- Cilantro and Peanuts: Add fresh herbaceous notes and a crunchy texture.
Lettuce Wraps:
- Lettuce Leaves: Crisp and sturdy varieties like butter lettuce or iceberg act as a refreshing vessel for the filling.
- Hot Sauce and Peanut Sauce: Optional toppings to add spice and extra nuttiness to each bite.
Tips for Making the Best Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh chicken, high-quality vegetables, and crisp lettuce leaves.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the sauce and seasonings – they add a lot of flavor to the wraps.
- Cook Chicken Evenly: Ensure the chicken is cooked evenly to achieve a tender and juicy texture.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Top the wraps with fresh cilantro or mint for added flavor and visual appeal.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Side Salad: Add a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- With Dipping Sauce: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces, such as peanut sauce or sweet chili sauce, for added flavor.
- With Rice: Pair with steamed jasmine rice for a more substantial meal.
- With Fresh Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges for a burst of citrusy freshness.
- With Crunchy Veggies: Include crunchy vegetables like cucumber and carrots for added texture and nutrition.
A Must Try
Imagine biting into these Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps—each bite filled with tender chicken, fresh red bell peppers, and a savory sauce, all wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, these wraps are sure to become a favorite in your home. Gather your ingredients and create a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. You’ll love sharing this healthy and flavorful dish with loved ones and making special moments even more memorable!
Be sure to check out these other delicious dinner recipes!
Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients
Sauce
- 3 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon fish sauce
- 2 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoon cornstarch
Filling
- 1 1/2 lbs 92% lean ground chicken or turkey
- 5 green onions sliced, light parts and green parts kept separate
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups matchstick carrots roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped unsalted dry roasted peanuts
- 1 red bell pepper cored and diced
- Lettuce leaves
- Hot sauce and/or peanut sauce for serving
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, sesame oil, and cornstarch until smooth; set aside.
- Heat a splash of oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pale parts of the green onions, along with garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the ground chicken, cooking and breaking it apart as it browns, until it’s nearly cooked through (do not drain the skillet).
- Toss in the red bell pepper and cook for about 2 minutes, just until it begins to soften. Add the carrots, give the sauce mixture another quick whisk, and pour it into the skillet.
- Stir and cook everything together until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked, about 1 minute. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt, if needed.
- To finish, fold in the cilantro, the green tops of the green onions, and a generous sprinkle of peanuts. Serve warm in crisp lettuce leaves—Romaine hearts, iceberg, or butter lettuce all work beautifully—and garnish with hot sauce, more peanuts, or peanut sauce as desired.
- Tip: For the perfect crunch and a fresh bite, choose lettuce varieties like Romaine hearts, artisan Romaine, iceberg, or butter lettuce as the base. Each provides a unique texture to elevate the dish!