These Healthy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are fresh, crunchy, and packed with flavor! Ground chicken, herbs, and a tasty sauce come together, making this dish fun and healthy.
Wrap it up in crispy lettuce leaves, and you’ve got a great meal or snack. I love how I can eat with my hands and still feel good about it! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the main protein. You can substitute it with ground turkey or lean beef if preferred. For a vegetarian option, use crumbled tofu or tempeh instead.
Lettuce: Butter lettuce is great for wraps, but Romaine or even cabbage leaves work well too. Look for sturdier leaves if you want a bit more crunch!
Peanut Butter: Natural peanut butter adds creaminess. If you have nut allergies, try sunflower seed butter or tahini for similar consistency and flavor.
Veggies: Feel free to mix and match veggies in the filling. Snow peas, zucchini, or water chestnuts add nice textures. Just keep the balance of crunch and softness!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken properly is essential for texture and flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Cook on medium-high heat; this helps seal the chicken’s juices.
- Don’t rush! Break the meat into smaller pieces while cooking to ensure even cooking, stirring frequently.
- Check for doneness: The chicken should have no pink inside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- After cooking, let the meat sit for a minute before mixing it with veggies; this keeps it moist.
Healthy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken breast
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 head butter lettuce or Boston lettuce (leaves separated, washed, and patted dry)
For the Thai Sauce:
- 3 tbsp natural peanut butter (or almond butter)
- 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1-2 tsp sriracha or Thai chili sauce (adjust for heat preference)
- 2-3 tbsp warm water (to thin sauce as needed)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and about 15 minutes for cooking, totaling around 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick meal that’s perfect for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, toasted sesame oil, sriracha, and warm water. Mix until it’s smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more warm water to reach your desired consistency. Set it aside for later!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive or avocado oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and the white parts of the green onions, and sauté them for about 30 seconds until they smell amazing!
3. Add the Chicken:
Now, add the ground chicken to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. Keep stirring until it’s no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Mix in the Veggies:
Add the diced red bell pepper and shredded carrots to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the veggies are slightly soft but still crunchy. Yum!
5. Combine and Flavor:
Take the skillet off the heat. Stir in half of the chopped cilantro and half of the chopped peanuts. Add 2-3 tablespoons of the peanut sauce to the chicken mixture and mix everything until well combined. Taste it to see if you’d like more sauce!
6. Assemble the Wraps:
Grab your lettuce leaves and place a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center of each leaf. Drizzle a little extra peanut sauce over the top. It’s time to get wrapping!
7. Garnish:
Sprinkle the remaining cilantro, the green parts of the green onions, and extra chopped peanuts over the filled lettuce wraps. This adds a lovely touch!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the wraps immediately. To eat, fold the lettuce around the chicken filling like a taco and take a big bite! Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Healthy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps!
These wraps are light, healthy, and bursting with Thai flavors — perfect for a quick and nutritious meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use a Different Protein Instead of Ground Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just be sure to adjust cooking times if necessary, especially with tofu!
How Can I Keep Leftovers Fresh?
Store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate, wrapping them in a damp paper towel to maintain their crispness. When you’re ready to eat, simply assemble fresh wraps!
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! To increase the heat, add more sriracha or Thai chili sauce to the chicken mixture or sauce. You can also include sliced fresh chilies or red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
What Can I Serve with These Lettuce Wraps?
These wraps are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with a side of rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a more complete meal. A small bowl of extra peanut sauce on the side for dipping is also a nice touch!
