If you’re craving something that’s light yet bursting with big flavors, this Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is about to steal your heart (and your taste buds!). Packed with juicy ground chicken, crunchy veggies, a slightly sweet and spicy sauce, and all wrapped up in crisp lettuce leaves, these wraps are everything you want in a quick, healthy meal. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring them on a busy weeknight, this recipe delivers vibrant, satisfying bites that you’ll want to make again and again.

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the bold flavors fool you — the ingredient list for this Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is refreshingly simple. Each staple brings a punch of flavor or texture, creating an irresistible balance that’s truly the secret behind these vibrant wraps. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love each item:

Ground chicken: Lean, tender, and the perfect base for soaking up all the delicious sauce flavors.
Sesame oil: Adds a rich, nutty aroma that brings true depth to each bite.
Garlic (minced): Provides a sharp, savory bite essential in Thai-inspired cooking.
Fresh ginger (grated): Lends zest and a gentle heat, brightening up the whole dish.
Onion (finely diced): Offers subtle sweetness and a little extra texture.
Red bell pepper (finely diced): Brings pops of color and a mild, sweet crunch.
Carrot (grated): Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color for visual appeal.
Hoisin sauce: The sweet, savory anchor that ties all the Asian flavors together.
Soy sauce: Offers classic umami saltiness that deepens the overall taste.
Fish sauce: A little goes a long way for authentic, punchy umami undertones.
Rice vinegar: Brings just the right touch of acidity to balance richness.
Sriracha or chili paste: For that signature Thai heat — adjust for your perfect spice level.
Brown sugar: Gives a caramel-like sweetness that mellows the spicy and salty notes.
Fresh cilantro (chopped): Adds a burst of herby freshness in every mouthful.
Peanuts (chopped): Crunchy, nutty, and totally non-negotiable for a classic finish.
Green onions (sliced): Delivers sharpness and a beautiful pop of color.
Butter lettuce or Bibb lettuce leaves: Perfectly crisp cups that hold all of the tasty goodness together.
Lime wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime right before serving wakes up all the flavors.

How to Make Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Begin by heating the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s glistening and fragrant, add the ground chicken. Break it up using a wooden spoon as it cooks, making sure all the pieces turn golden and opaque. This should take about 5–6 minutes; it’s all about getting those flavorful browned bits that make the base of the wrap irresistible.

Step 2: Build the Aromatics

Once the chicken is cooked through, stir in the minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and diced onion. The skillet will quickly fill with an incredible aroma that’s pure comfort food. Sauté these aromatics for about 2 minutes, just until they become irresistibly fragrant and the onion softens slightly.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

Next, toss in the red bell pepper and grated carrot, mixing them into the chicken. Let them cook for another 3 minutes, softening a bit while keeping their bright colors and fresh crunch. These veggies brighten up the Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe both in taste and appearance.

Step 4: Make It Saucy

Now it’s time for that signature flavor combo! Pour in the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha (or chili paste), and brown sugar. Mix everything well, making sure all those saucey flavors coat the chicken and veggies evenly. Let the mixture simmer gently, bubbling away for 2–3 minutes until it’s thickened just enough to cling to every bite.

Step 5: Finish with Freshness

Remove the skillet from heat, and immediately stir in chopped cilantro, chopped peanuts, and sliced green onions. This last-minute addition preserves their texture and freshness, delivering that irresistible lift right at the end.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Carefully spoon generous amounts of the chicken mixture into each crisp lettuce leaf. Arrange them on a platter, and serve immediately with plenty of lime wedges on the side for a fresh, zesty finish. Each bite of this Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe should be juicy, crunchy, and full of flavor—just the way it should be!

How to Serve Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Garnishes

Give your wraps a pretty, professional touch by scattering extra chopped peanuts and cilantro over the top. If you want another burst of freshness, add a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions or toss on some shredded cabbage or bean sprouts for extra crunch. A squeeze of lime right before eating is the final, essential flourish—it brightens all the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

These lettuce wraps are super versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. Serve them with steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice if you want something more filling. For a lighter table, a crisp cucumber salad, Thai mango salad, or a quick pickled veggie medley adds just the right contrast. They also make a fun starter alongside a big bowl of hot-and-sour soup!

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, lay all the elements out buffet-style: keep the chicken mixture warm in a covered skillet, and arrange the lettuce leaves, garnishes, and lime wedges on a big platter alongside. Let everyone assemble their own wraps for an interactive (and customizable!) experience. Or try serving Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe in sturdy little cups as a passed appetizer at your next gathering—guaranteed to wow any crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with extra filling (lucky you!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate to maintain their crunch; wrap them in a paper towel and seal in a bag for maximum freshness.

Freezing

The savory chicken filling from this Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Once it cools completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to two months—just be sure to label and date so you remember what treat awaits!

Reheating

When you’re ready for more, thaw the frozen filling in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if it seems dry. Stir occasionally until warmed through, then scoop into fresh lettuce leaves and enjoy all over again.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or pork instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Both ground turkey and ground pork work beautifully in this Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe. Feel free to swap based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand—the flavors adapt seamlessly.

How do I make the recipe gluten-free?

To keep things gluten-free, replace the soy sauce with tamari and double-check that your hoisin sauce and fish sauce don’t contain any hidden wheat. It’s an easy tweak that makes this dish accessible for everyone.

What lettuce is best for wraps?

Butter lettuce and Bibb lettuce are both naturally cupped and tender, making them ideal for holding the juicy chicken filling. Romaine leaves will work too, especially if you prefer a sturdier crunch.

How do I make it extra spicy?

If you love heat, simply add more sriracha or chili paste. For a big kick, thinly slice some Thai chilis and stir them into the filling or scatter them over the wraps right before serving.

Can I prepare the filling a day in advance?

Yes! Make the filling ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently right before serving, then let everyone fill their lettuce cups with freshly warmed, flavorful chicken. It’s a huge time-saver for entertaining or busy nights.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a go-to meal that’s as fun to eat as it is to make, this Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe won’t disappoint. Bright, bold, and packed with nutrient-rich ingredients, these wraps are a surefire way to jazz up your weeknight or wow your guests. Give it a try and make it your own—I can’t wait for you to taste just how good (and easy!) homemade lettuce wraps can be.

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (about 3 wraps each) 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a flavorful and healthy dish with a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. Packed with fresh ingredients and served in crisp lettuce leaves, these wraps make a delicious and satisfying meal or appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Filling:

1 lb ground chicken
2 tablespoons sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 small onion, finely diced
1 red bell pepper, finely diced
1 carrot, grated
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sriracha or chili paste
2 teaspoons brown sugar

For Serving:

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup chopped peanuts
2 green onions, sliced
12 large butter lettuce or Bibb lettuce leaves
Lime wedges for serving

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Filling: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and cook until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Add Aromatics and Vegetables: Stir in garlic, ginger, and onion, sauté until fragrant. Add bell pepper and carrot, cook until softened.
Make the Sauce: Stir in hoisin sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, and brown sugar. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, stir in cilantro, peanuts, and green onions. Spoon chicken mixture into lettuce leaves and serve with lime wedges.