These Healthy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a fun and fresh dish! Packed with lean chicken, crunchy veggies, and zesty sauces, they are low in carbs and big on flavor.
Honestly, who doesn’t love eating with their hands? I love wrapping my chicken and toppings in crisp lettuce. It feels like a mini celebration at every bite! 🎉
Making these wraps is so easy and quick—perfect for a weeknight dinner. Serve them with some extra dipping sauce, and you’ve got a tasty treat everyone will enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the main protein source. Ground turkey or lean beef can be good alternatives if you prefer a different flavor or need a swap.
Soy Sauce: Using low-sodium soy sauce helps keep the dish healthier. If you need it to be gluten-free, tamari is an excellent replacement. Coconut aminos is another great choice for a sweeter flavor.
Peanut Butter: I love using natural peanut butter for its rich taste, but almond butter or sunflower seed butter are excellent swaps if you have nut allergies.
Butter Lettuce: Butter lettuce is perfect for wraps due to its flexibility. If unavailable, Romaine lettuce or even collard greens can work just as well.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking ground chicken perfectly is crucial for both safety and taste. Start by breaking it up while cooking to ensure even browning.
- Heat your skillet over medium-high. This allows for a good sear without burning.
- Add the raw chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes. Look for no pink bits left, which indicates it’s done.
- Use a thermometer: it should reach 165°F for safety.
Taking these steps helps you avoid dry chicken and brings out its natural flavors! Enjoy preparing your wraps!
Healthy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Filling:
- 1 lb ground chicken breast
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced (separate white and green parts)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp natural peanut butter or almond butter
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp lime juice, fresh
- 1 tsp Sriracha or Thai chili sauce (optional for heat)
For Serving:
- 1 head butter lettuce or Bibb lettuce (leaves separated and washed)
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts (for topping)
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25 minutes total, with 10 minutes of prep time and about 15 minutes of cooking. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal but tasty enough for entertaining!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook it, breaking it up with a spoon. You want it nice and crumbly until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink—this should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Adding Aromatics:
Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Let everything cook together for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic and ginger smell delightful!
3. Incorporating Veggies:
Next, toss in the diced red bell pepper and shredded carrots. Continue to cook everything for another 2-3 minutes, just until the veggies are slightly softened but still have a nice crunch.
4. Making the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, peanut butter, honey, lime juice, and Sriracha (if using) until it’s smooth and well combined.
5. Combining It All:
Pour the sauce over the chicken and veggie mixture in the skillet. Stir everything together until it’s well coated and heat for an additional 1-2 minutes until all warmed through.
6. Adjusting For Taste:
Before serving, taste the filling and add salt, pepper, or a little more lime juice if you think it needs it.
7. Serving Your Wraps:
To serve, spoon the warm chicken mixture into the prepared lettuce leaves. Top each wrap with chopped peanuts, the green parts of the green onions, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
8. Enjoy!
Serve your Healthy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps immediately, optionally with extra lime wedges for squeezing over. Enjoy every delicious bite!
These wraps are not only healthy and packed with protein, but they also make for a cheerful and vibrant meal. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Ground Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, lean pork, or even diced tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time slightly for different proteins to ensure they are fully cooked.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
If you love heat, consider adding extra Sriracha or diced red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture. You can also mix in some diced jalapeños for an extra kick!
Can I Prepare the Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make the chicken and vegetable filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it in a skillet before serving, and assemble your wraps with fresh lettuce when you’re ready to eat!
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The lettuce wraps themselves can become soggy if stored together, so it’s best to keep the filling and lettuce separate until ready to eat.
