Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Bold, Fresh, and Full of Flavor
Looking for a quick, healthy, and crave-worthy meal?
These Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are the answer!
Packed with lean chicken, crisp veggies, and a savory-sweet sauce, this dish brings the perfect balance of fresh and flavorful in every bite.
Whether you’re serving it as a snack, side, or main dish, these wraps are easy to make and sure to impress.
Get ready to enjoy a light yet satisfying meal that’s bursting with bold Thai-inspired goodness!
For Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Ground Chicken (or Turkey) – Lean protein that forms the base of the filling.
- Green Onions – For a burst of freshness and mild onion flavor.
- Garlic and Ginger – The aromatic duo that gives this dish its bold flavor base.
- Red Bell Pepper – Adds color and a subtle sweetness to the dish.
- Carrots – Provide crunch and a slight sweetness.
- Cilantro – A fresh, herbaceous garnish that complements the savory flavors.
- Peanuts – Add texture and crunch, balancing the soft chicken filling.
- Lettuce Leaves – Serve as the wrap for the filling, acting as a light, crisp base.
For the Sauce
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce – The salty, umami-packed base of the sauce.
- Fish Sauce – Adds a deeper, savory depth to the sauce.
- Brown Sugar – Sweetness that balances the salty and savory flavors.
- Lime Juice – A tangy element that brightens up the entire dish.
- Sesame Oil – Adds a rich, nutty flavor to the sauce.
- Cornstarch – Used to thicken the sauce for a glossy finish.
Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
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Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 ½ tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp cornstarch
For the Filling:
- 5 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 1 ½ lbs 92% lean ground chicken or turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 ½ cups matchstick carrots, roughly chopped
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup chopped unsalted dry-roasted peanuts
For Serving:
- Lettuce leaves (Romaine hearts, iceberg, butter lettuce, or artisan Romaine)
- Hot sauce and/or peanut sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Set aside. - Cook the Aromatics & Protein:
Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the white parts of the green onions, garlic, and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds. Add the ground chicken and cook, stirring and breaking it up, until almost fully cooked (do not drain the juices). - Add the Vegetables:
Stir in the diced red bell pepper and cook for about 2 minutes until slightly softened. Add the chopped carrots. - Incorporate the Sauce:
Whisk the sauce again and pour it into the skillet. Cook while stirring frequently until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked (about 1 minute). Taste and add salt if needed. - Garnish & Serve:
Remove from heat and stir in the green parts of the green onions, cilantro, and peanuts. Serve warm over whole lettuce leaves. Add hot sauce or peanut sauce as desired.
Notes
- Different lettuce varieties work well, including Romaine hearts, iceberg, butter lettuce, or artisan Romaine.
- Customize your wraps with additional toppings like chopped cashews, shredded cabbage, or a squeeze of extra lime juice.
Nutrition
Calories: 458 kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 126mg | Sodium: 1357mg | Potassium: 823mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 9319 IU | Vitamin C: 47mg | Calcium: 93mg | Iron: 3mg
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works just as well as chicken! It’s a great option for a leaner version of the recipe, and the flavors will still be delicious.
2. What type of lettuce should I use for the wraps?
Butter lettuce or Romaine hearts are the best choices for wraps—they’re sturdy enough to hold the filling but still tender enough to enjoy.
3. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Definitely! Cook the chicken filling in advance, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat and serve it in fresh lettuce leaves.
4. How do I adjust the spice level?
To make the wraps milder, you can reduce the chili sauce or leave it out altogether. For extra heat, add fresh chili peppers or more chili sauce to taste.
5. Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in extra veggies like bell peppers, water chestnuts, or even spinach to customize your wraps with your favorite flavors and textures.
