Name: Devour Irresistible Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps in 30 Min
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon sesame oil; 1/4 cup onion diced; 2 cloves of garlic; 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger or ginger paste; 10 oz ground chicken; 1/4 cup Tamari (low sodium) or soy sauce, coconut aminos; 2 Tablespoon Thai sweet red chili sauce; juice of 1 lime; 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey, agave; 1/3 cup cashews chopped raw or roasted salted; 1/4 cup scallions chopped; 1/4 cup cilantro fresh, chopped; 1/4 to 1/2 cup carrots shredded; Sesame seeds for topping; 1 head butter lettuce leaves removed rinsed and dried

Jump to Recipe

Okay, so listen up! I’m about to let you in on my go-to recipe when I need something FAST, healthy-ish, and seriously bursting with flavor. We’re talking Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps, people! And trust me, these aren’t your boring, bland lettuce wraps. I’ve tweaked and perfected this recipe over the years, and it’s now a staple in my house. My family begs for them! The best part? They’re ready quicker than you can say “pad see ew” – seriously, we’re talking 30 minutes, tops!

Why You’ll Love These Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Seriously, what’s NOT to love? These Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are:

Super quick and easy – perfect for busy weeknights!
Packed with amazing Thai flavors. You won’t believe how much taste is crammed in there!
A healthier, low-carb option that won’t leave you feeling guilty.
A total crowd-pleaser. Even picky eaters gobble these up!

Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal

I’m all about getting dinner on the table fast, and these Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps totally deliver. From start to finish, you’re looking at maybe 30 minutes, tops! That’s less time than it takes for takeout to arrive, and way healthier, too. Winner winner, chicken lettuce wrap dinner!

Healthy and Flavorful Option

Okay, so you want something that tastes amazing but won’t derail your healthy eating goals? These Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are your answer. They’re naturally low-carb thanks to the lettuce wraps, and they’re loaded with lean protein. Plus, all those Thai flavors? Forget about boring diet food – this is a flavor explosion!

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Ingredients for Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these amazing Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Don’t worry if you don’t have *every single* thing – I’ll give you some swap-out options later. But trust me, the closer you stick to this list, the tastier they’ll be!

Protein

You’ll need 10 ounces of ground chicken. I usually grab the lean stuff!

Vegetables

Get ready to chop! You’ll want 1/4 cup of diced onion, 2 cloves of garlic (minced, of course!), a tablespoon of minced fresh ginger (or ginger paste – I won’t judge!), 1/4 cup each of chopped scallions and fresh cilantro, and about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of shredded carrots. I just buy the pre-shredded kind to save time – shhh!

Sauce

For the magic sauce, you’ll need 1/4 cup of Tamari (low sodium) or soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of Thai sweet red chili sauce (more or less, depending on how spicy you like things!), the juice of one lime, and 1 teaspoon of maple syrup. Honey or agave works too!

Other

Don’t forget the finishing touches! Grab 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1/3 cup of chopped cashews (raw or roasted, salted – your call!), sesame seeds for topping, and one head of butter lettuce. You’ll want to remove the leaves, rinse ’em, and dry ’em really well.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Okay, let’s talk swaps. Sometimes you just gotta work with what you’ve got, right? Here are a few notes on ingredients and some easy substitutions you can make without sacrificing too much flavor.

Tamari or Soy Sauce

I usually go for low-sodium Tamari because it’s gluten-free and a little less salty than regular soy sauce. If you’re watching your sodium intake, coconut aminos are another great option!

Nuts

No cashews on hand? No problem! Peanuts or almonds work just as well in these Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Just give ’em a chop and toss ’em in!

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How to Make Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, here’s the fun part! Let’s get cooking! These Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are seriously easy to make, I promise. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be chowing down in no time.

Cooking the Chicken

First, heat up that sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and cook ’em until they’re nice and translucent – about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for another 2 minutes. Your kitchen should be smelling AMAZING right about now! Now, add the ground chicken, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt and pepper – don’t be shy! Cook until the chicken is browned, about 3-4 minutes.

Making the Sauce

While the chicken’s cooking, let’s whip up that killer sauce. Just grab a bowl and whisk together the Tamari (or soy sauce), Thai sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and maple syrup (or honey). Easy peasy!

Combining and Simmering

Okay, chicken’s browned? Awesome! Now, add those chopped cashews and the sauce to the pan. Toss everything together so the chicken is evenly coated. Reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 2 minutes. This lets the flavors meld together and get all happy and delicious.

Assembling the Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Time to assemble! Remove the pan from the heat, and stir in the shredded carrots, chopped scallions, and fresh cilantro. Now, grab those beautiful butter lettuce leaves and fill ’em up with the chicken mixture. Drizzle with a little extra sauce (if you’re feeling fancy!) and sprinkle with sesame seeds. And there you have it – Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps, ready to devour! Get in there!

Tips for the Best Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Want to take these Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps from “yum” to “OMG?” Here are a couple of my personal tricks to make ’em absolutely perfect. Trust me, these little things make a BIG difference!

Adjusting the Spice Level

Spice is a personal thing, right? If you like things mild, start with just a tablespoon of Thai sweet red chili sauce. Want to kick it up a notch? Add more to taste! I sometimes throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat – but be careful!

Preparing the Lettuce

Nobody wants soggy lettuce wraps! Make sure you rinse those butter lettuce leaves really well and then DRY them completely. I use a salad spinner – it’s a lifesaver! Patting them dry with paper towels works too. The drier the lettuce, the better the wrap!

Variations on Your Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Okay, so you’ve made the basic Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps and you’re obsessed (I knew you would be!). Now, let’s get a little crazy and try some fun variations! This recipe is super adaptable, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

Add Vegetables

Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Go for it! Diced bell peppers (any color!) would be awesome in these Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Water chestnuts add a fun crunch, too! Just toss ’em in with the onions and garlic.

Different Protein

Not a chicken fan? No worries! Ground turkey works just as well in this recipe. Or, for a vegetarian option, try using crumbled tofu! Just press out the excess water first so it gets nice and crispy in the pan.

Serving Suggestions for Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

These Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are pretty awesome on their own, but if you’re looking to make it a full-blown meal, I’ve got some ideas! A simple side of brown rice or quinoa would be perfect. Or, for something lighter, try a cucumber and tomato salad with a light vinaigrette. Yum!

Storing and Reheating Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store the chicken mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend keeping the lettuce separate so it doesn’t get all wilty. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the chicken in a pan or microwave until warmed through. Then, assemble your Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked about these amazing Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Don’t see your question here? Leave a comment below, and I’ll do my best to help you out!

Can I make these Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is a great make-ahead meal. Just cook the chicken mixture and store it in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken and assemble your Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Easy peasy!

Are Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps gluten-free?

They can be! Just be sure to use Tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, as soy sauce usually contains gluten. Double-check the label on your Thai sweet red chili sauce, too, just to be safe. With those simple swaps, you’re good to go!

Can I use a different type of lettuce?

Sure thing! While I personally love the soft texture of butter lettuce, you can definitely use other types of lettuce for these Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Romaine lettuce is a good option for a bit more crunch, or even iceberg lettuce if that’s what you have on hand!

Nutritional Information for Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Okay, quick disclaimer! The nutrition info below is just an estimate. It can totally vary depending on the exact brands and ingredients you use. So, take it with a grain of (sea) salt, okay?

Enjoyed This Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe?

Awesome! I hope you loved these Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps as much as my family does! If you did, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think! Also, don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends!