Name: Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 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 or coconut aminos; 2 Tablespoons Thai sweet red chili sauce (e.g., Trader Joe’s); Juice of 1 lime; 1 teaspoon maple syrup (or honey, agave); ⅓ cup cashews (chopped, raw or roasted/salted); ¼ cup scallions (chopped); ¼ cup cilantro (fresh, chopped); ¼-½ cup carrots (shredded); Sesame seeds for topping; 1 head butter lettuce (leaves removed, rinsed and dried)

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If you are craving a fresh, flavorful, and fun meal that comes together in a flash, you are going to absolutely love this Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe. It’s a brilliant combination of juicy ground chicken cooked in a zesty garlic-ginger sauce, bright lime, and a touch of sweet chili heat, all nestled in crisp butter lettuce leaves. This dish is more than just dinner; it’s an experience that balances textures and flavors perfectly while being light and healthy. Plus, it’s so simple to make that you’ll be whipping up this Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of a grey pan filled with cooked ground chicken pieces that are golden brown with some darker caramelized bits. A light wooden spoon rests inside the pan, stirring or scooping the chicken, and the pan sits on a white marbled surface. The texture of the chicken looks slightly crispy and well-cooked with some sauce pooling at the bottom of the pan. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe starts with straightforward, fresh ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the vibrant colors, bold flavors, and appealing textures that make this dish irresistible.

Sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma that instantly transports your senses to Thai street food.
Onion (yellow or white): Provides a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed to softness.
Garlic cloves: Brings pungency and warmth that’s absolutely essential for the sauce.
Fresh minced ginger (or paste): Adds a zesty, fresh bite that brightens the whole dish.
Ground chicken: The lean protein base that soaks up all the vibrant flavors beautifully.
Tamari (low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos): Infuses umami and saltiness without overpowering the other ingredients.
Thai sweet red chili sauce: Delivers just the right amount of subtle heat and sweetness.
Lime juice: Brings a tangy kick that lifts every bite.
Maple syrup (or honey/agave): Balances flavors with its mild sweetness.
Chopped cashews (raw or roasted): Adds crunchy texture and a slight richness.
Chopped scallions: Provides freshness and a mild onion bite.
Fresh chopped cilantro: Offers herbal brightness and a refreshing finish.
Shredded carrots: Add crisp sweetness and vibrant color.
Sesame seeds: For garnish, contributing extra crunch and visual appeal.
Butter lettuce leaves: Light and tender, perfect for wrapping and holding all the delicious fillings.

How to Make Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat and adding the sesame oil. Once it’s nice and hot, toss in the diced onions and cook them until they soften and begin to brown slightly, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step deepens their natural sweetness and adds a savory base.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Ginger

Next, stir in the minced garlic and ginger. These powerful flavor boosters cook quickly, releasing fabulous fragrances while infusing the oil with a punchy aroma. Let them sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Chicken

Now it’s time for the star of this Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe. Add the ground chicken to the pan, breaking it apart with your spoon or spatula so it cooks evenly. Sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper, then cook until the chicken turns golden and is no longer pink, roughly 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, mix together the tamari, Thai sweet red chili sauce, lime juice, and maple syrup in a small bowl. This quick blend brings sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that will pull everything together beautifully.

Step 5: Combine Sauce and Cashews

Sprinkle the chopped cashews over the cooked chicken in the pan, then pour in the sauce mixture. Give everything a good toss so the chicken gets evenly coated. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Stir in Fresh Veggies and Herbs

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the shredded carrots, chopped scallions, and fresh cilantro. These vibrant additions bring crunch, color, and fresh herbal notes that brighten the whole dish.

Step 7: Assemble the Wraps

Take a clean butter lettuce leaf and spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into its center. Top with a drizzle of the pan sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that delightful pop of texture. Repeat with remaining leaves until all wraps are ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

The image shows three bright green lettuce leaves on a large white plate, each leaf holding a mix of cooked ground meat, thin orange carrot strips, green sliced scallions, and small white nuts or beans. The filling has a brown sauce coating with a slightly shiny texture, and the dish is garnished with fresh green herbs scattered on top. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and part of a bowl with a similar filling is visible in the upper left. Small dishes of herbs and seeds are around the plate. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your wraps with extra garnishes like fresh cilantro sprigs, sliced red chili for heat, or a wedge of lime on the side to squeeze over. These details not only boost flavor but also make the presentation extra special.

Side Dishes

Pair your lettuce wraps with light, complementary sides such as a crisp cucumber salad, fragrant jasmine rice, or a refreshing papaya salad. These options keep the meal balanced and refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or casual gathering, arrange the chicken mixture in a pretty bowl surrounded by crisp lettuce leaves on a large platter. Guests can build their own wraps, making the experience interactive and fun. You can also serve the ground chicken over rice noodles for a deconstructed twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce separate to prevent it from wilting and assemble fresh when ready to eat.

Freezing

This Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe filling freezes beautifully. Just pop the cooked chicken mixture into a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken mixture gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm it evenly. Then, assemble with fresh lettuce leaves for that crisp, fresh contrast.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully as a lean alternative, offering a similar texture and taste that pairs well with the zesty sauce.

What if I don’t have Thai sweet red chili sauce?

You can substitute with a mild chili sauce mixed with a little bit of honey or maple syrup to mimic the sweet and spicy flavor profile.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the ground chicken for crumbled tofu or finely chopped mushrooms for a tasty vegetarian version that still captures the essence of the dish.

How do I keep the lettuce leaves crisp?

After washing, dry the leaves thoroughly and store them wrapped in paper towels inside a sealed container in the fridge. This keeps them fresh and crisp until you’re ready to use them.

Is this dish spicy?

The dish has a mild kick from the Thai sweet red chili sauce, but it can be adjusted to your heat preference by adding more or less chili sauce or topping with fresh chili slices.

Final Thoughts

Making the Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe at home is such a joyful experience — fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and a light yet satisfying meal that’s perfect any day of the week. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish never disappoints. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own signature meal!