These Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps bring together bold flavors and fresh ingredients to create a light yet satisfying meal. The tender ground chicken is infused with garlic, ginger, and a sweet-savory Thai-inspired sauce, then topped with crunchy cashews, fresh herbs, and shredded carrots. All of this deliciousness is wrapped in crisp butter lettuce, making every bite refreshing and full of texture.
Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these lettuce wraps are easy to customize. Whether you enjoy them as a low-carb dish or pair them with rice for a heartier meal, they are sure to become a favorite. The balance of flavors, from the umami-rich sauce to the fresh lime juice, creates a restaurant-quality dish you can easily make at home.
Full Recipe:
- 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
- ¼ cup onion, diced (yellow or white)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tablespoon fresh minced ginger or ginger paste
- 10 oz ground chicken
- ¼ cup Tamari (low sodium) or soy sauce, coconut aminos
- 2 Tablespoons Thai sweet red chili sauce
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup, honey, or agave
- ⅓ cup cashews, chopped (raw or roasted/salted)
- ¼ cup scallions, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ¼-½ cup shredded carrots
- Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
- 1 head butter lettuce (leaves removed, rinsed, and dried)
Directions:
- Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add sesame oil.
- Once hot, add diced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and ginger, stirring for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add ground chicken to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon while mixing it with the pan sauce. Cook until no longer pink (about 3-4 minutes).
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, Thai sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and maple syrup.
- Sprinkle chopped cashews over the chicken, then pour the sauce into the pan. Stir well and reduce heat to low, cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes, then stir in shredded carrots, scallions, and cilantro.
- Assemble the lettuce wraps by placing a large spoonful of the chicken mixture into each butter lettuce leaf. Top with extra pan sauce and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 158 kcal | Servings: 6
Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps – A Flavorful and Healthy Meal Option
Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a delicious, fresh, and easy-to-make dish that brings together the bold flavors of Thai cuisine in a light, low-carb meal. Perfect for a quick lunch, a healthy appetizer, or even a full dinner, these lettuce wraps are packed with protein, texture, and a well-balanced mix of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors.
Inspired by the famous restaurant versions, such as those from PF Chang’s, this homemade version allows you to control the ingredients, making them healthier and just as tasty. The combination of seasoned ground chicken, crisp butter lettuce, and a flavorful Thai-inspired sauce ensures that every bite is satisfying and packed with nutrients.
Why You’ll Love These Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
There are many reasons why these lettuce wraps are a must-try:
- Quick and Easy – With only 15 minutes of total cooking and prep time, this is an ideal meal for busy weeknights.
- Healthy and Low-Carb – Using lettuce instead of traditional wraps or tortillas makes this dish naturally low in carbs while still being filling and nutritious.
- Packed with Flavor – The combination of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, Thai sweet chili sauce, and fresh herbs creates a complex and delicious taste profile.
- Customizable – You can easily modify the recipe by using different proteins, adjusting the level of spice, or adding your favorite toppings.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – The chicken filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prepping.
The Secret to Amazing Lettuce Wraps
The key to making the best Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps lies in balancing the flavors and textures. The savory umami taste from soy sauce or Tamari blends perfectly with the mild sweetness of Thai chili sauce and the brightness of fresh lime juice. Adding chopped cashews provides a crunchy contrast to the soft and juicy chicken filling.
Additionally, the choice of lettuce plays a crucial role in the overall experience. Butter lettuce is often the best option due to its naturally soft texture and ability to hold the filling without breaking apart. However, if you can’t find butter lettuce, romaine or iceberg lettuce can work as well, though they may be slightly crunchier.
How to Customize This Recipe
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are some ways you can switch things up to suit your taste or dietary needs:
- Protein Variations – Instead of ground chicken, you can use ground turkey, pork, or even shrimp for a seafood version. If you prefer a vegetarian alternative, crumbled tofu or finely chopped mushrooms work wonderfully.
- Spice Level – If you love spicy food, add some diced red chili or sriracha to the sauce. For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of Thai sweet chili sauce.
- Nut-Free Option – If you have nut allergies, skip the cashews or replace them with sunflower seeds for a similar crunchy texture.
- Extra Veggies – Boost the nutritional value by adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or water chestnuts for extra crunch.
- Dipping Sauce – For an extra burst of flavor, serve these wraps with a side of peanut sauce, hoisin sauce, or an extra drizzle of soy sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways depending on your preference.
- As an Appetizer – Serve these in smaller lettuce cups for bite-sized portions that are great for sharing.
- As a Main Dish – Increase the portion size and pair it with a side of steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for a more filling meal.
- For Meal Prep – Make the chicken filling ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. When ready to eat, simply reheat and scoop into fresh lettuce leaves.
- With Extra Toppings – Garnish with sesame seeds, fresh basil, or chopped peanuts for an added layer of flavor and texture.
The Health Benefits of Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Not only are these lettuce wraps delicious, but they also offer a range of health benefits.
- High in Protein – Ground chicken is a great source of lean protein, helping to keep you full and supporting muscle growth.
- Low in Carbs – By using lettuce instead of bread or tortillas, this dish naturally reduces carbohydrate intake, making it suitable for low-carb and keto diets.
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals – The fresh ingredients, including cilantro, carrots, and scallions, provide essential vitamins like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and antioxidants that support overall health.
- Healthy Fats – Sesame oil and cashews contribute heart-healthy fats, which are essential for brain function and energy levels.
- Gluten-Free Option – Using Tamari instead of regular soy sauce makes this dish completely gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with gluten sensitivities.
Tips for Making the Best Lettuce Wraps
To ensure your Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps turn out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Fresh Ingredients – The flavor of fresh garlic, ginger, and lime juice will elevate the dish and make it taste more authentic.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Ground chicken can become dry if overcooked. Cook just until it turns golden brown and no longer pink inside.
- Prep Everything Before Cooking – Since this recipe comes together quickly, have all your ingredients chopped and measured before you start cooking.
- Keep Lettuce Leaves Crisp – Store the lettuce in the fridge until you’re ready to serve to keep it fresh and crunchy.
- Make It Ahead – The chicken mixture can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply reheat and serve when needed.
Conclusion
Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are an easy, flavorful, and healthy dish that brings the essence of Thai cuisine into your home. They offer a perfect balance of taste and texture, combining tender ground chicken with a bold, savory sauce and fresh, crunchy lettuce. Whether you’re making them for a quick weeknight dinner, a nutritious meal prep option, or a fun party appetizer, these wraps are sure to impress.
Best of all, they are fully customizable, allowing you to adjust ingredients to suit your dietary preferences and taste. Light, refreshing, and packed with protein, these wraps are an excellent alternative to heavier meals without compromising on flavor. Try them out, and enjoy a satisfying dish that’s both wholesome and delicious!