These Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are fresh and tasty! Made with ground chicken, crunchy veggies, and a zingy sauce, they’re perfect for a quick meal or snack.
You’ll love how fun it is to wrap everything in crisp lettuce leaves. I like to make a big batch and share with friends—they’re always a hit! Plus, cleanup is a breeze!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the star of the dish. You can also use ground turkey or lean beef if you prefer. For a vegetarian option, try using mushrooms or firm tofu, crumbled.
Red Bell Pepper: It adds sweetness and crunch. If you have other peppers like yellow or green bells, those work too. Even carrots or cucumber can substitute for a different texture.
Hoisin Sauce: This gives the wrap its rich flavor. If you can’t find it, you can mix soy sauce, peanut butter, and a little honey for a similar taste.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens the dish. If you’re not a fan, fresh mint or basil makes a delicious alternative.
Lettuce: Butter lettuce is perfect for those wraps, but Romaine or iceberg works well too. Just make sure the leaves can hold the filling!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Ground Chicken?
Cooking ground chicken just right is key for great flavor. Here’s what you need to do:
- Start with a hot skillet over medium-high heat for even cooking.
- Use a spatula to break the chicken apart, helping it brown nicely.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes until it’s no longer pink and fully cooked.
- Add garlic and ginger at the end to keep their flavor strong. Just a minute or so is all it needs.
With this technique, you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken every time for your wraps!
Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced, plus extra for garnish
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha or other chili sauce (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
For Garnishing:
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves, plus extra for garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts (for garnish)
For the Wrap:
- 1 head butter lettuce or Bibb lettuce, leaves separated and washed
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to cook, making it a quick meal that’s ready in just 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground chicken. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks, and let it brown and cook through for about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add Aromatics:
Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring until they are fragrant and delicious.
3. Stir in the Veggies:
Next, mix in the diced red bell pepper, shredded carrots, and sliced green onions. Cook this mixture for another 2-3 minutes until the veggies are slightly softened but still have a little crunch.
4. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sriracha (if you’re using it), rice vinegar, and sesame oil. This sauce will bring all the flavors together!
5. Combine Everything:
Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Let it cook together for another 1-2 minutes until heated through.
6. Add the Finishing Touches:
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro for a fresh flavor boost.
7. Serve the Wraps:
To serve, spoon the chicken mixture into individual lettuce leaves. You can garnish each wrap with extra green onions, chopped peanuts, and more cilantro if you like.
8. Enjoy:
Serve everything immediately and let everyone wrap their own lettuce cups as they eat. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps!
FAQ for Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Chicken?
Yes, absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will still yield delicious results. The cooking time will remain similar, so you can follow the same instructions.
What Vegetables Can I Add to This Recipe?
Feel free to get creative! You can add finely chopped mushrooms, shredded cabbage, or even zucchini. Just make sure to chop them small so they fit nicely in the lettuce wraps.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The lettuce wraps can become soggy, so it’s best to keep the filling separate and assemble fresh wraps when you’re ready to eat.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
Of course! If you love heat, feel free to increase the amount of sriracha or add diced chili peppers to the filling. You can also serve it with extra chili sauce on the side for dipping!
