These Healthy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a fun and tasty meal! Made with seasoned chicken, crunchy veggies, and fresh herbs, they are both light and satisfying.
Wrapping everything up in crisp lettuce leaves makes it feel like I’m eating something special! I love adding a dash of lime juice for an extra zing—so refreshing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: Lean ground chicken is the star of the dish, but you can use ground turkey for a lighter option or even ground beef or pork if you prefer a richer flavor.
Peanut Butter: The recipe calls for smooth natural peanut butter, which adds creaminess. If you’re looking for a nut-free version, sunflower seed butter works well.
Bell Pepper: I like using red bell pepper for its sweetness and vibrant color, but you can swap it for green or yellow bell peppers based on what you have on hand.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: This keeps the dish healthier. If you’re avoiding soy, consider coconut aminos or tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
How Do I Make the Chicken Mixture Flavorful?
The key to a tasty chicken filling is in the seasoning and cooking method. Using fresh garlic and ginger makes a big difference in flavor. Don’t rush through cooking; ensure the chicken is well-browned before adding the veggies.
- Start by heating the oil and sautéing garlic and ginger until fragrant.
- Brown the ground chicken fully—this adds a depth of flavor.
- Add in diced red bell pepper and shredded carrots towards the end to keep them crunchy.
Healthy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken breast (lean)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (scallions)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
- 1 head butter or bibb lettuce (large leaves separated)
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp natural peanut butter (smooth)
- 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 sesame oil
- 2 tsp rice vinegar
- 1-2 tsp Sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2-3 tbsp water (to thin the sauce as needed)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of cooking time, for a total of about 30 minutes. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun lunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, Sriracha, and water until smooth. Adjust the water until you reach your desired consistency for drizzling. Set it aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until it’s browned and cooked through, which should take about 6-8 minutes.
3. Add Vegetables:
Stir in the diced red bell pepper and shredded carrots. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened but still remain crisp.
4. Combine Fresh Ingredients:
Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the chopped green onions and fresh cilantro. This adds a fresh burst of flavor to your filling!
5. Assemble the Wraps:
Take one of the lettuce leaves and spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into it. Drizzle the prepared peanut sauce over the top of each wrap.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with chopped roasted peanuts and additional cilantro if you’d like. Serve immediately, allowing everyone to wrap their own for a fun and interactive meal!
Enjoy your delicious and healthy Thai chicken lettuce wraps!
FAQ for Healthy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative and will provide a similar texture and flavor. Just ensure it’s cooked through the same way, and you’ll have delicious wraps!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate until you’re ready to eat them to retain their crispness!
What Can I Substitute for Peanut Butter?
If you need a nut-free option, try sunflower seed butter, which works well in this recipe. You can also use tahini for a different flavor profile that still provides creaminess.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken mixture and sauce a day ahead. Just reheat the chicken mixture before serving and assemble the wraps with fresh lettuce when ready to eat.