These Healthy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are fresh and fun! They feature juicy chicken packed with tasty Thai flavors, all wrapped up in crisp lettuce leaves. Perfect for a light meal!
I love how easy they are to make and eat! Just grab a wrap, fill it, and munch away. Plus, they make a great snack too—who knew health could taste this good?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the main protein in the wraps. You could easily swap it for ground turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Peanut Butter: I prefer natural peanut butter for its creaminess. If you’re allergic, try almond butter or sunflower seed butter—both work well!
Low Sodium Soy Sauce: This keeps the wraps flavorful without a ton of salt. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative. You can also use coconut aminos for a lighter, soy-free choice.
Bell Pepper: Red bell pepper adds a lovely sweetness, but you can use yellow or orange instead. If you want to add a kick, diced jalapeños can also be a fun twist.
Butter Lettuce: Butter lettuce is soft and pliable, making it great for wraps. You can use romaine if needed, but it may be less easy to wrap.
How Can I Ensure the Chicken Mixture is Flavorful and Well-Cooked?
Cooking the chicken mixture well is key for flavor. Here are steps to help you:
- Use medium heat to cook the onion first, allowing it to become translucent—this adds depth to the flavor.
- Add garlic right after the onion to avoid burning. Garlic cooks quickly, so watch it closely.
- When cooking the chicken, break it apart with a spatula to promote even cooking. Aim for a golden brown color for added flavor.
- After adding vegetables, stir-frying them briefly retains some crunch—this makes for a better texture in the wraps.
Healthy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground chicken (or turkey)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp peanut butter (natural and smooth)
- 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2-3 tbsp water (to thin sauce as needed)
To Serve:
- 8-10 large butter lettuce or bibb lettuce leaves
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time and 15-20 minutes of cooking time. Overall, you’ll be enjoying your Healthy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps in about 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent. This step builds a nice flavor base for your filling.
2. Add Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook it for about 30 seconds until you can smell its wonderful aroma—you don’t want to burn it, so keep an eye on it!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Now add the ground chicken (or turkey) to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up while cooking, and continue to sauté until it’s browned and cooked through, which should take about 6-8 minutes.
4. Toss in the Veggies:
Stir in the diced red bell pepper and shredded carrots, cooking them for another 2-3 minutes. The goal is to have the vegetables slightly softened but still crisp—this keeps your wraps refreshing!
5. Prepare the Sauce:
While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, grated ginger, sriracha, and a bit of water in a small bowl until smooth. If needed, adjust the consistency with more water until it’s pourable.
6. Combine Sauce and Filling:
Pour half of the peanut sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Remove the skillet from heat when done.
7. Add the Final Touches:
Stir in the sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and roasted peanuts to the chicken mixture. This adds even more flavor and crunch!
8. Assemble the Wraps:
To serve, take a large lettuce leaf and spoon some of the chicken mixture into the center. Drizzle a little extra peanut sauce on top, and feel free to garnish with more chopped peanuts or cilantro.
9. Wrap and Enjoy:
Carefully wrap the lettuce around the filling to create your delicious wrap. Enjoy it fresh and flavorful—perfect for a healthy lunch or lighter dinner!
These wraps highlight fresh veggies and lean protein, making them a healthy choice that doesn’t compromise on flavor! Enjoy your cooking!
Short FAQ for Healthy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Can I Use Ground Beef Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground beef can work well for this recipe, though it’s a bit richer. Just be sure to drain excess fat after cooking, if any, to keep the wrap lighter.
What Lettuce Should I Use for the Wraps?
Butter lettuce or bibb lettuce is ideal because they are soft and flexible, making them easy to wrap. Romaine can also be used, but it’s a bit crunchier, so it may not wrap as easily.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate until you’re ready to eat to avoid sogginess.
Is There a Vegetarian Option for This Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the ground chicken with crumbled tofu or tempeh, and you can also add more veggies like mushrooms or additional bell peppers for flavor and substance!
