These Healthy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are fresh, crunchy, and full of flavor! With tender chicken and zesty sauces wrapped in crisp lettuce, they make a great light meal or snack.
There’s something fun about eating with your hands! I love to customize them with a bit of peanut sauce or some extra veggies. Who knew healthy could be this tasty? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the main protein in the dish. If you’re looking for alternatives, ground turkey or tofu works great as a substitute, especially for a vegetarian option.
Peanut Butter: A key ingredient for the sauce, it adds creaminess and flavor. If you have a nut allergy, try sunflower seed butter or tahini. Both options will give a nice richness.
Lettuce: Butter lettuce is ideal for these wraps as it is tender and pliable. You can also use romaine or even collard greens if you prefer something sturdier.
Bell Pepper: Red bell pepper adds sweetness and crunch. Yellow or orange peppers are good substitutes, or you can skip them altogether if you’re not a fan.
Carrots: Shredded carrots add a nice texture and sweetness. You could use shredded cabbage or zucchini as a substitute if you want to change it up!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Flavor Balance in the Sauce?
When making the peanut sauce, balancing flavors is key. Start with the base – peanut butter, soy sauce, and lime juice. If it’s too thick, add water gradually until it’s just right.
- Mix peanut butter, soy sauce, and lime juice in a bowl.
- Add honey or maple syrup for sweetness, adjusting to taste.
- Include sesame oil and grated ginger for added depth of flavor.
- Taste and tweak! If you like spice, add red chili or chili flakes.
Perfecting the sauce ensures each bite of your lettuce wrap is full of delicious flavor. Don’t be afraid to adjust and make it your own!
How to Make Healthy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground chicken breast
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 cup shredded carrot
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (for garnish)
- 1 head butter lettuce or Boston lettuce, leaves separated and washed
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp natural peanut butter (or almond butter)
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp lime juice (fresh)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp water (to thin sauce as needed)
- Optional: 1 small red chili or 1 tsp chili flakes for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare, plus additional time for cooking. You’ll need around 10-15 minutes for cooking and assembling the wraps, making this a quick and easy meal to whip up during the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the white parts of the sliced green onions, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Sauté these ingredients for about 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly soft.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Add the ground chicken to the skillet and cook it, breaking it apart with a spatula. Keep cooking until the chicken is no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the Veggies:
Next, stir in the finely diced red bell pepper and shredded carrots. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still have a nice crunch.
4. Make the Peanut Sauce:
While the chicken mixture is cooking, prepare the peanut sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, grated ginger, and water until smooth. If you like some heat, stir in the chopped chili or chili flakes.
5. Combine and Coat:
Once the chicken and veggies are done cooking, pour half of the peanut sauce into the skillet and mix well to coat everything evenly. Remove the skillet from heat.
6. Assemble the Wraps:
To put together your lettuce wraps, spoon the chicken mixture into each lettuce leaf. Drizzle the remaining peanut sauce on top for an extra flavor kick.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Lastly, garnish your wraps with chopped cilantro, the green parts of the green onions, and chopped peanuts. Serve immediately, and encourage everyone to grab a lettuce wrap and enjoy!
These Healthy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are light, full of fresh flavor, and perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner. And don’t forget—extra peanut sauce or lime wedges make fantastic sides! Enjoy! 🍽️
FAQ for Healthy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will yield a similar texture and flavor. The cooking time will be about the same, so feel free to use it in place of ground chicken.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The lettuce leaves will wilt, so consider storing them separately and assembling the wraps fresh when you’re ready to eat!
Can I Make the Peanut Sauce in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the peanut sauce ahead of time! Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using, as it may thicken slightly in the fridge.
What Can I Use as a Gluten-Free Alternative?
For gluten-free options, simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Both fulfill the same role without the gluten, ensuring your wraps are safe to enjoy!
