Fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are my go-to recipe whenever I want something quick, light, and utterly satisfying. This dish delivers everything you crave: tender ground chicken tossed in a zesty, savory sauce, crunchy veggies folded into crisp lettuce leaves, and that little punch of heat and peanuts for the perfect finish. Whether you’re cooking for family or looking to impress friends, these wraps make weeknight dinners and party appetizers equally unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps lies in their simplicity—every ingredient is easy to find and plays a starring role in making each bite sing. From the rich umami base of the chicken and sauces, to the sharp freshness of vegetables and herbs, nothing is here by accident. Let’s talk about what you’ll need and why!

Sesame oil: Infuses the chicken with irresistible nutty depth, so don’t skip this aromatic base.
Ground chicken: A lean yet juicy protein that soaks up the flavors of every ingredient it meets.
Garlic (minced): Two cloves is just right for that garlicky backbone—fresh is always best!
Fresh ginger (grated): This adds brightness and a little zing, really balancing the savory sauce.
Red bell pepper (finely diced): For color, crunch, and a subtle sweetness, red bell peppers can’t be beat.
Shredded carrots: A touch of natural sweetness and extra crunch in every bite.
Green onions (sliced): These deliver gentle sharpness and a pop of color.
Hoisin sauce: Rich, sweet, and sticky—this brings classic “Thai takeout” flavor to the wraps.
Soy sauce: Just a splash rounds out the sauce with deep, salty umami notes (tamari for gluten-free!).
Rice vinegar: A hint of tang to balance all the earthiness and sweetness.
Sriracha (optional): For that bold touch of heat, add as much—or as little—as you like.
Salt and black pepper: Season to taste for a perfectly balanced filling.
Butter lettuce or romaine: The ideal edible “wrap”—Choose butter lettuce for softer cups or romaine for sturdy crunch.
Chopped peanuts: Essential for a little salt and snap, sprinkle these on just before serving.
Fresh cilantro (chopped): Bright, herby perfection to tie it all together at the end.

How to Make Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Start by heating your sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your ground chicken. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, letting it sizzle and brown for 5 to 6 minutes. This is where the flavor magic begins—the chicken develops a caramelized edge that adds so much savory depth to your Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps.

Step 2: Add the Aromatics and Vegetables

Once the chicken is nearly cooked through, add the garlic, grated ginger, diced bell pepper, shredded carrots, and sliced green onions right to the pan. Stir and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, letting those veggies soften and the aromas bloom. The mix should look colorful and smell incredible at this point—a sign you’re doing it right!

Step 3: Stir in the Sauces

The sauce is the soul of these Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Pour in your hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha (if you dare!). Gently stir to evenly coat every little morsel. Let the mixture simmer for another 2 minutes, so everything thickens and flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust Seasoning

Now’s your moment to taste and tweak—add a pinch of salt and pepper to bring all those savory, tangy, and spicy notes into perfect harmony. Give one more final stir, then remove the pan from the heat. The filling is done and ready for its crisp lettuce home!

Step 5: Assemble Your Wraps

To serve, spoon generous amounts of the chicken mixture into the center of wide lettuce leaves. Top with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts and plenty of fresh cilantro. Each wrap should look vibrant and inviting—the kind of bite you just can’t wait to sink your teeth into.

How to Serve Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped peanuts and a handful of fresh cilantro are my non-negotiables, but you can also set out lime wedges, sliced red chilies, or thin ribbons of cucumber for extra flair (and fun customization). These garnishes not only make your Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps look restaurant-worthy, but they really amp up the layers of flavor and texture.

Side Dishes

Pair your wraps with a light side like jasmine rice, a crunchy cucumber salad, or a quick batch of Thai pickled veggies. If you’re planning a bigger spread, spring rolls or a tangy mango salad would be absolutely dreamy alongside your Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving these wraps “DIY style” is always a crowd-pleaser—pile the chicken filling, lettuce leaves, and all the toppings onto a big platter and let everyone assemble their own. Or, arrange assembled Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps on a tray for elegant party finger food. Try tiny butter lettuce cups for bite-size appetizers or tuck the filling into rice paper rolls for a fresh twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra filling, lucky you! Store the chicken mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Always keep the lettuce leaves separate to maintain their crispness—nothing sadder than soggy lettuce!

Freezing

While lettuce doesn’t freeze well, the chicken filling is freezer-friendly. Cool the filling completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. When cravings strike, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the filling gently in a skillet over medium heat until it’s steaming hot. A quick zap in the microwave also works—just cover with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Serve with fresh lettuce, and your Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps will taste just as amazing as day one!

FAQs

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, pork, or even crumbled tofu work beautifully as substitutes in Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Just be sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly, especially for plant-based options.

What kind of lettuce is best for wraps?

Butter lettuce cups are soft and easy to fold, but romaine hearts add an extra layer of crunch. Both hold the filling well, so go with whatever looks freshest at your market for the tastiest wraps.

How can I make these wraps gluten-free?

Simply swap out regular soy sauce for tamari and choose a gluten-free hoisin sauce. That way everyone gets to enjoy these Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps, no matter their dietary needs.

Are Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps spicy?

The heat level is totally up to you! The sriracha in the filling is optional—add more for a fiery kick, or skip it for a milder family-friendly flavor.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time for meal prep?

Definitely! The chicken mixture keeps well and even builds flavor as it sits. Just reheat and serve with fresh lettuce leaves, and your meal-prep lunches will be the envy of everyone around you.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that’s bright, flavorful, and just plain fun to eat, give these Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps a try. Once you see how easy it is to pull off fresh, better-than-takeout flavor at home, you’ll want to make them again and again—promise!

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

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4.8 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a delicious and healthy meal option that is perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner. Packed with vibrant flavors and textures, these wraps are sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 pound ground chicken
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

Veggies and Sauces:

1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
1/2 cup shredded carrots
3 green onions, sliced
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

For Serving:

1 head butter lettuce or romaine, leaves separated and rinsed
1/4 cup chopped peanuts
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

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Instructions

Cook the Chicken: Heat sesame oil in a skillet. Add ground chicken and cook until browned. Add garlic, ginger, bell pepper, carrots, and green onions. Sauté until tender.
Add Sauces: Stir in hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha. Simmer for 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Assemble Wraps: Spoon chicken mixture into lettuce leaves. Top with peanuts and cilantro.
Serve: Enjoy immediately.