These Healthy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are bursting with flavor! Made with ground chicken, fresh veggies, and a zingy sauce, they’re perfect for a light meal or snack.
Wrapping everything in crisp lettuce adds a fun crunch! I love how easy they are to make and the mess is pretty minimal—just how I like it, especially when I’m hungry! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the main protein in the dish and keeps it lean. You can swap it for ground turkey or even tofu if you’d like a vegetarian option. Both will work well with the flavors!
Peanut Butter: This ingredient adds creaminess and depth to the sauce. If you need a nut-free alternative, sunflower seed butter works nicely. Try tahini too for a different flavor twist!
Lettuce Leaves: Butter lettuce is soft and wraps beautifully around the filling. Romaine is firmer and holds up well too. If you’re going for low-carb, cabbage leaves are a great alternative.
Fish Sauce: This adds a punch of umami. For a vegetarian option, use soy sauce or a seaweed-based sauce to keep that flavor kick without the fish.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Ground Chicken for These Wraps?
Cooking ground chicken is straightforward, but here are some tips to ensure it’s juicy and flavorful:
- Start by heating your skillet over medium heat. This helps prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Add oil before the onions and garlic go in to create a fragrant base. Sauté them until soft, then add the chicken.
- Break the chicken apart with a spatula while cooking. Keep it moving to get that even browning and cook it until no pink remains (about 6-8 minutes).
- Stir in your veggies only towards the end, so they stay crisp and colorful! Cook just enough to warm them up.
By following these steps, you’ll end up with perfectly cooked chicken that pairs deliciously with all the fresh ingredients!
Healthy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken
- 1 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts (plus more for garnish)
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp natural peanut butter
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger or 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes or 1 small chopped fresh chili (adjust to taste)
- Lettuce leaves (butter lettuce or romaine works great)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take around 30 minutes to prepare and cook. In no time, you’ll have a healthy and delicious meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, fish sauce, peanut butter, lime juice, honey, ground ginger, and chili flakes until smooth. Set the sauce aside for later.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat your olive or coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the Chicken:
Throw in the ground chicken, breaking it apart with a spoon. Sauté until fully cooked, with no pink remaining, which should take around 6-8 minutes.
4. Toss in Veggies:
Mix in the finely chopped red bell pepper and shredded carrots. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the veggies are tender but still crisp.
5. Combine Sauce and Chicken:
Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the chicken mixture, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Allow it to cook for an additional 2 minutes so the flavors meld together.
6. Finish Off:
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and peanuts.
7. Serve It Up:
To serve, spoon the chicken mixture into individual lettuce leaves, creating wraps. These are fun and healthy to eat!
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you like, sprinkle some extra chopped peanuts and cilantro on top for garnish. Enjoy your vibrant and delicious Healthy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps immediately for the best flavor!
This recipe is perfect for a light, protein-packed meal that’s bursting with Thai flavors!
FAQ for Healthy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Can I Use Another Protein Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey, beef, or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure everything is cooked through.
What Kind of Lettuce Is Best for Wrapping?
Butter lettuce is ideal for wraps because it’s soft and pliable. Romaine works well too due to its firmness. If you’re looking for a low-carb option, consider using cabbage leaves!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The filling can be reheated on the stove or in the microwave. Just keep the lettuce separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain its crispness!
Can I Make the Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken filling in advance! Just store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat and spoon it into fresh lettuce leaves for a quick meal!
