If you love fresh, healthy and easy-to-make meals, these Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe are perfect. They are light, full of flavor and ready in no time.
With crisp lettuce, savory chicken and a hint of sweetness, they make a great lunch or dinner.
Everyone will love them! This recipe is simple, uses common ingredients and you can make it at home. Let’s dive into how to make these delicious wraps step by step.
Why I Love Making This Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
I love making Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps because they are quick and fun to assemble. The crunchy lettuce makes every bite refreshing.
The chicken is juicy and the flavors are balanced perfectly. I like that I can make a batch and store it for a week.
These wraps are healthy and perfect for busy weekdays. They are also a hit with kids and adults. Every time I make them, my family asks for seconds.
Equipment List
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Medium mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Serving platter
- Optional: Food processor (for chopping peanuts or herbs)
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Course: Main Dish / Lunch / Dinner
- Cuisine: Thai / Asian-inspired
- Calories: 250 kcal per serving
Ingredients You Need for Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium carrot, shredded
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
- 8-10 large lettuce leaves (romaine or butter lettuce)
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Vegetables
Wash and dry the lettuce leaves. Dice the onion and bell pepper. Shred the carrot. Set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground chicken and cook until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Add Garlic and Onion
Add minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant and soft.
4. Add Bell Pepper and Carrot
Stir in diced bell pepper and shredded carrot. Cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
5. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar and chili flakes. Pour over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to combine.
6. Add Fresh Herbs and Nuts
Turn off the heat. Stir in chopped cilantro and roasted peanuts. These add a fresh and crunchy texture to the wraps.
7. Assemble the Wraps
Spoon the chicken mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf. Fold the sides over and roll tightly. Serve immediately.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use ground turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Add shredded cabbage for extra crunch.
- Use peanut butter in the sauce for a creamy twist.
- Garnish with extra lime wedges or fresh mint.
- Adjust chili flakes to your preferred spice level.
History or Fun Fact About the Dish
Lettuce wraps are inspired by Asian street food, especially Thai and Chinese cuisine. They are popular because they are low-carb and full of fresh flavors.
Thai chicken lettuce wraps combine sweet, salty and tangy elements, making them a balanced, refreshing meal. They became a hit in Western kitchens for healthy meal prep.
Pairings & Complementary Recipes
- Jasmine rice or brown rice
- Asian-style slaw or cucumber salad
- Sweet chili dipping sauce
- Light soup, like miso or tom yum
- Fresh fruit for dessert
Occasion or Event Ideas
- Quick weeknight dinner
- Lunchbox or picnic meal
- Healthy appetizer for parties
- Meal prep for busy weekdays
- Light dish for summer gatherings
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store chicken mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Keep lettuce leaves separate to avoid sogginess.
- Reheat chicken in a skillet or microwave before serving.
- Add fresh herbs after reheating to maintain flavor.
- Freeze the cooked chicken mixture for up to 2 months (do not freeze lettuce).
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
Health Benefits
Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are low in carbs and high in protein. The fresh vegetables provide fiber and vitamins. Cilantro adds antioxidants, while peanuts contribute healthy fats.
This dish is light but filling, helping with weight management. It’s perfect for those who want a healthy, flavorful meal without heavy sauces or bread.
Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450 g ground chicken
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 medium carrot shredded
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes optional
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
- 8-10 large lettuce leaves romaine or butter lettuce
Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables
- Wash and dry the lettuce leaves. Dice the onion and bell pepper. Shred the carrot. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground chicken and cook until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
Add Garlic and Onion
- Add minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant and soft.
Add Bell Pepper and Carrot
- Stir in diced bell pepper and shredded carrot. Cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar and chili flakes. Pour over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to combine.
Add Fresh Herbs and Nuts
- Turn off the heat. Stir in chopped cilantro and roasted peanuts. These add a fresh and crunchy texture to the wraps.
Assemble the Wraps
- Spoon the chicken mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf. Fold the sides over and roll tightly. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Add shredded cabbage for extra crunch.
- Use peanut butter in the sauce for a creamy twist.
- Garnish with extra lime wedges or fresh mint.
- Adjust chili flakes to your preferred spice level.
FAQs about Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
1. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Use firm tofu or tempeh instead of chicken. Cook it the same way with the vegetables and sauce.
2. How spicy is this dish?
The recipe has a mild spice with chili flakes. You can increase or reduce it to your taste.
3. Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes! Cook the chicken mixture a day ahead. Store in the fridge. Assemble the wraps just before serving.
4. Which lettuce is best for wraps?
Romaine and butter lettuce work best. They are sturdy and hold the filling well without tearing.
5. Can I freeze the chicken mixture?
Yes, freeze cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
Final Thoughts
These Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are fresh, flavorful and easy to make. They are perfect for healthy meals, quick lunches or light dinners.
Everyone loves the crunchy lettuce, juicy chicken and savory sauce combination. Try this recipe for your next meal and enjoy a taste of Thailand right at home.
Zoey Lane is the voice behind ZoeyCooks.com, where she shares comforting, home-tested recipes inspired by everyday cooking. She believes great food should be simple, approachable and enjoyable to make.