Name: Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon olive oil (vegetable or canola oil); 1 pound ground chicken; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 sweet onion, chopped; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 cup carrot, shredded; 1/2 cup finely shredded cabbage; 3 green onions, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce (found in the Asian section of the grocery store); 1 Tablespoon chunky or smooth peanut butter; 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated ginger; 2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce; Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste; Boston Bib lettuce or romaine lettuce leaves

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with every wholesome, crunchy, saucy bite of these Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps! A harmonious blend of savory ground chicken, zesty aromatics, and a sweet-and-spicy sauce tucked inside crisp lettuce leaves, this recipe is vibrant, fresh, and bursting with bold flavors. Whether you’re looking for a lively family dinner or a fun appetizer for friends, Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps bring both color and zest to the table.

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps is how they balance simple grocery store staples with authentic, lively taste. Each ingredient plays a purposeful part — from fresh, aromatic herbs to the satisfying crunch of lettuce and vegetables. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few handy tips for every item!

Olive oil: A tablespoon is just enough to brown the chicken and coax out the full flavor of the aromatics; you can swap for canola or vegetable oil with equally tasty results.
Ground chicken: Lean, mild, and quick to cook, ground chicken anchors the wraps and lets all those Thai flavors shine.
Garlic: Four cloves, minced, infuse the dish with pungent warmth at every bite.
Sweet onion: Half an onion adds a subtle, mellow sweetness that rounds out the savoriness.
Salt: Just a half teaspoon brightens and heightens every mouthful.
Black pepper: A quarter teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper adds a modest, fragrant hit of spice.
Carrot: Shredded carrot brings a pop of color, sweetness, and irresistible crunch.
Cabbage: Half a cup, finely shredded, complements the carrot and contributes extra juiciness.
Green onions: Three chopped scallions introduce peppery freshness and an appealing bite.
Fresh cilantro: A quarter cup, chopped, offers herbal brightness and a signature Thai flair.
Sweet chili sauce: This grocer-friendly staple brings tang, heat, and a glossy finish—look for it in the Asian foods aisle.
Chunky peanut butter: Just a tablespoon adds depth and a nutty backbone; smooth peanut butter works in a pinch!
Freshly grated ginger: A little goes a long way—a quarter teaspoon is just enough to wake up the sauce.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Two teaspoons balance all the sweetness and infuse a savory punch.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Add to taste for a customizable kick; start small if you prefer things mild.
Boston Bibb or romaine lettuce: These leaves are the perfect carrier: sturdy, cool, and perfectly shaped for scooping.

How to Make Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Cook the Chicken and Aromatics

Begin by warming a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken, minced garlic, chopped sweet onion, salt, and black pepper. Throughout the five-to-six minutes it takes to brown everything, keep stirring and breaking up the chicken so it cooks evenly and picks up flavor from the garlic and onions. Your kitchen will soon smell deliciously inviting!

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Next, toss in the shredded carrot, finely shredded cabbage, and chopped green onions. Give everything a good stir and let the vegetables soften for about four or five minutes. This short cook ensures the veggies retain some satisfying crunch and stunning color, while blending seamlessly into the filling.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

While the chicken and veggies meld in the pan, use a small bowl to combine sweet chili sauce, freshly grated ginger, chunky peanut butter, low-sodium soy sauce, and as much crushed red pepper as you like. Stir until the mixture is smooth and cohesive—the peanut butter may need a little extra encouragement to blend. This saucy blend gives your Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps their irresistible, crave-worthy flavor.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Cilantro

Pour the sauce over your chicken and veggie mixture, then sprinkle in the chopped fresh cilantro. Stir well to coat everything in that vibrant, glossy sauce. After just another minute or so, the filling should look rich and glistening, with the aroma of cilantro, ginger, and chili wafting up and making it nearly impossible to wait.

Step 5: Assemble and Enjoy

Spoon generous portions of the hot, fragrant filling into crisp lettuce leaves. Arrange each wrap on a platter or individual plates and encourage everyone to dig in immediately—Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps taste best when the filling is piping hot and the lettuce is crisp and cool.

How to Serve Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Garnishes

For the ultimate finishing touch, sprinkle a few extra chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, and maybe even some chopped peanuts over your Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps. A squeeze of lime adds brightness while thinly sliced red chilies look gorgeous and offer another level of heat. Presentation counts and these little additions go a long way!

Side Dishes

Although these wraps are pretty satisfying on their own, they pair beautifully with fluffy jasmine rice, Thai cucumber salad, or steamed edamame. For a more substantial spread, a bowl of coconut soup or crunchy vegetable spring rolls could round out a vibrant, Asian-inspired meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting friends? Arrange all the elements on a big platter and let everyone build their own Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Or, make mini wraps using smaller lettuce leaves for bite-sized appetizers at your next gathering. You can also offer different sauces—like spicy Sriracha mayo or a squeeze of hoisin—for a build-your-own party adventure.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover filling, transfer it into an airtight container as soon as it cools to room temperature. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store the lettuce leaves separately to keep them crisp and fresh.

Freezing

Surprisingly, the filling for Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps freezes beautifully. Allow the cooked mixture to cool, then pack it into a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep well for about two months. Just avoid freezing the lettuce leaves—they’re best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

To reheat, place the filling in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra sweet chili sauce if needed. Warm until thoroughly heated, then spoon into fresh chilled lettuce leaves. A quick burst in the microwave also works, but pan-heating will revive the flavors best.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground turkey or beef for the chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works especially well, as it’s similar in flavor and texture. Ground beef is a bit richer and will give your Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps a heartier twist.

What’s the best kind of lettuce to use for wraps?

Boston Bibb and butter lettuce are top picks thanks to their cup-like leaves and tender crunch. Romaine is also great, especially if you want sturdier wraps. Avoid iceberg, which can be too brittle and prone to tearing.

Is there a nut-free alternative to peanut butter in this recipe?

Yes! Sunflower seed butter or tahini are good nut-free alternatives that will still provide creamy body and a hint of nuttiness in your Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps.

Can I make the filling ahead for meal prep?

Definitely. Prepare the filling up to two days in advance and refrigerate. Reheat it just before assembling your wraps for a fast, flavorful meal during busy weekdays.

How spicy are these Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps, and can I adjust the heat?

The sweet chili sauce adds gentle heat, but you control the spice level with crushed red pepper flakes. For a mild version, add only a pinch, or skip entirely. For a fiery bite, sprinkle generously or garnish with fresh Thai chili slices.

Final Thoughts

Every time I make Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps, I’m always thrilled by how easy, fresh, and full of flavor they are. It’s one of those meals that feels as fun to eat as it is to cook! Give them a try—you might just discover your new weeknight staple or party favorite.

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 29 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a flavorful and healthy dish that’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Packed with ground chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a delicious sweet and savory sauce, these wraps are a taste sensation!

Instructions

Heat oil in a large skillet: over medium heat. Add chicken, garlic, onions, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
Add the vegetables: carrots, cabbage, and green onions. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine sweet chili sauce, ginger, peanut butter, soy sauce, and crushed red pepper. Stir until smooth. Add to the pan along with chopped cilantro. Stir to coat.
Assemble the wraps: Spoon the chicken mixture into lettuce leaves and enjoy!

Notes

Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite vegetables or add some chopped nuts for extra crunch.
These wraps are best served fresh but you can prepare the filling ahead of time for quick assembly later.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Thai