The Perfect Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe for Quick Weeknight Dinners

Thai chicken lettuce wraps dance with an explosion of zesty, bold sensations that revamp ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary adventures.

These delectable handheld delights blend tender, marinated protein with delicate green vessels that cradle complex flavor profiles.

Aromatic spices intertwine with fresh ingredients, creating a harmonious balance between heat and freshness.

The delicate nature of lettuce provides a cool, crisp canvas for robust seasonings that awaken your palate.

Lightweight yet satisfying, these wraps represent a perfect fusion of traditional techniques and modern dining preferences.

Compact and portable, they offer a delightful alternative to heavy, conventional meal structures.

Get ready to savor a remarkable dining experience that promises excitement and satisfaction.

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps: A Fresh and Flavorful Meal

• Burst of Fresh Flavors: Combine zesty lime, spicy chili sauce, and sweet honey for a mouthwatering Thai-inspired taste explosion that dances on your palate.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Wonder: Whip up this protein-packed meal in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving a restaurant-quality dish without complicated techniques.
• Healthy Handheld Delight: Wrap the savory chicken in crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb, high-protein meal that's both nutritious and satisfying, offering a fun and interactive dining experience.
• Texture Sensation: Enjoy the perfect blend of tender ground chicken, crunchy cashews, and fresh herbs that provide multiple layers of exciting textures in every single bite.

Essential Ingredients for Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein that creates the main body of the dish, best when fresh and not too fatty.
• Cashews: Crunchy nuts that add texture and nutty flavor to the chicken mixture.

• Onions, Garlic, Ginger: Foundational flavor base that provides depth and authentic Thai-style taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the overall flavor of the chicken.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a distinctive nutty aroma and traditional Asian cooking flavor.

• Soy Sauce: Provides umami and saltiness to the dish.
• Chili Sauce: Adds heat and spicy complexity to the flavor profile.
• Lime Juice: Brings bright, acidic balance to the rich chicken mixture.
• Honey: Offers a touch of sweetness to counteract the spicy and savory elements.
• Carrots, Scallions, Cilantro: Fresh vegetables that add color, crunch, and herbaceous notes.
• Sesame Seeds: Garnish that provides visual appeal and subtle nutty crunch.
• Lettuce Leaves: Serves as a fresh, crisp wrapper for the chicken mixture.

How to Make Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Gently cook onions for 2-3 minutes until they become soft and slightly golden. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, continuing to cook for another 2 minutes to release their vibrant flavors.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Introduce ground chicken to the pan, using a wooden spoon to break it into delicate crumbles. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, cooking until the meat turns a beautiful golden brown and cooks completely, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Chili sauce
• Fresh lime juice
• Honey

Pour the sauce into the pan along with chopped cashews. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Add Fresh Finishing Touches

• Shredded carrots
• Sliced scallions
• Chopped fresh cilantro

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the aromatic chicken mixture onto crisp lettuce leaves. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for an extra crunch. Serve immediately and savor the explosion of Thai-inspired flavors.

Tips for Perfect Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

• Master Sautéing Technique: Ensure onions are translucent and slightly caramelized for deeper flavor before adding garlic and ginger.
• Perfect Chicken Browning: Break ground chicken into small pieces and cook until golden brown to develop rich, complex taste and prevent clumping.
• Balance Sauce Harmony: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to create a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes that complement the chicken.
• Fresh Herb Magic: Fold in fresh cilantro, scallions, and carrots at the end to maintain crisp texture and vibrant color.
• Lettuce Wrap Pro: Choose crisp, sturdy lettuce leaves like romaine or butter lettuce that can hold the filling without falling apart.

Storing and Reheating Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftover chicken mixture to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate lettuce leaves and store them in a different sealed container to prevent wilting.
• Reheat: Warm the chicken mixture gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the meat tough and chewy.
• Serving Tip: Refresh the dish by grabbing fresh, crisp lettuce leaves and topping the warmed chicken with extra chopped cashews and herbs for added crunch and flavor. The quick reheating method ensures your leftovers taste just as delicious as the first serving.

Pairing Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Dips

• Pair with Crisp and Zesty White Wine: Select a Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling with bright acidity to complement the Thai chicken's spicy and tangy flavors. The wine's refreshing notes will balance the richness of the ground chicken and cut through the chili sauce's heat.
• Match with Cooling Cucumber Mint Mocktail: Create a refreshing drink by blending cucumber, fresh mint leaves, lime juice, and sparkling water. This non-alcoholic beverage will provide a cooling contrast to the warm, spicy chicken lettuce wraps and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Serve with Crunchy Asian Slaw: Prepare a side salad using shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions dressed with a light rice vinegar and sesame oil vinaigrette. The slaw's crisp texture and light dressing will enhance the lettuce wraps' flavor profile and add an extra layer of freshness to the meal.
• Complement with Jasmine Rice: Offer steamed jasmine rice on the side to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a mild, neutral base that allows the Thai chicken's bold flavors to shine. The rice's soft texture will contrast nicely with the crisp lettuce and crunchy cashews.

Creative Variations of Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

• Spicy Peanut Punch: Replace cashews with crushed peanuts and add red pepper flakes for extra heat. The peanut flavor intensifies the Thai-inspired profile while creating a more robust spiciness.
• Vegetarian Veggie Wrap: Swap ground chicken with crumbled tofu or tempeh. Add diced bell peppers and mushrooms for additional texture and protein, maintaining the original sauce's vibrant flavor.
• Seafood Southeast Fusion: Substitute chicken with small chopped shrimp or crab meat. Mix in fresh ginger and a splash of fish sauce to enhance the oceanic undertones while keeping the core recipe's essence.
• Quick Beef Bangkok Edition: Use lean ground beef instead of chicken. Incorporate a touch of lemongrass and reduce honey for a deeper, more savory Vietnamese-style experience that still honors the original recipe's spirit.

Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps bring sizzling street market flavors straight to your kitchen. Fresh herbs, crisp lettuce, and spicy-sweet chicken create an irresistible meal that will make you feel like a culinary explorer.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 10 ounces (283 grams) ground chicken
• ⅓ cup cashews, chopped (raw or roasted/salted)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• ¼ cup onion, diced (yellow or white)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger or ginger paste
• ¼ cup scallions, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• ¼–½ cup carrots, shredded
• 1 head butter lettuce leaves separated and rinsed

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• ¼ cup Tamari (low sodium) or soy sauce, coconut aminos
• 2 tablespoons Thai sweet red chili sauce
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
• Sesame seeds for topping

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Instructions

1. Warm a skillet with sesame oil over medium-high temperature until the oil shimmers, then gently sauté diced onions for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and develop a soft golden edge.
2. Mince fresh garlic and ginger, then introduce them to the aromatic onion mixture, stirring constantly for an additional 2 minutes to release their intense flavors.
3. Incorporate ground chicken into the pan, using a wooden spatula to break the meat into small, uniform crumbles. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, allowing the chicken to brown evenly and cook thoroughly for 3-4 minutes.
4. Craft a vibrant sauce by whisking together low-sodium soy sauce, zesty chili sauce, freshly squeezed lime juice, and golden honey in a separate mixing bowl until well combined.
5. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and sprinkle roughly chopped cashews into the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, allowing the flavors to meld together for 2 minutes.
6. Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in finely julienned carrots, thinly sliced scallions, and roughly chopped fresh cilantro.
7. Arrange crisp lettuce leaves on a serving platter, then delicately spoon the aromatic chicken mixture into each leaf. Garnish with a light sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately for optimal freshness and flavor.

Notes

• Spice things up with these zesty Thai-inspired lettuce wraps that bring restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen.
• Cashews add a delightful crunch, transforming this simple chicken dish into a texture-packed meal that’ll wow your taste buds.
• Perfectly balanced sauce combines sweet, tangy, and spicy elements, creating a complex flavor profile that makes each bite exciting.
• Lettuce leaves serve as a light, crisp wrapper, making this recipe a low-carb option that doesn’t compromise on taste or satisfaction.
• Versatile dish works great as a quick weeknight dinner, party appetizer, or meal prep lunch that keeps everyone coming back for more.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 80mg