Name: Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce; 2 Tbsp fish sauce; 2 1/2 Tbsp brown sugar; 2 Tbsp lime juice; 1 tsp sesame oil; 2 tsp cornstarch; 5 green onions, sliced (keep light parts and green parts separate); 1 Tbsp minced garlic; 1 Tbsp minced ginger; 1 1/2 lbs 92% lean ground chicken or turkey; 1 Tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil); 1 red bell pepper, cored and diced; 1 1/2 cups matchstick carrots, roughly chopped; 1/3 cup chopped cilantro; 1/4 cup chopped unsalted dry roasted peanuts; Lettuce leaves; Hot sauce (optional)

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant Thai flavors and is as fresh as it is healthy, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe. It perfectly balances zesty lime, savory soy and fish sauces, with just the right touch of sweetness and crunch. Wrapped up in crisp lettuce leaves, this recipe offers a light yet satisfyingly flavorful meal that’s quick to prepare—ideal for weeknights or casual gatherings where you want to impress without the stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with four separate layers of ingredients. The bottom layer is a dark, shiny liquid with a smooth texture. On top of this, there is a loose layer of light brown sugar, slightly clumped together. Next to the sugar on one side, there is a white powdery layer that looks soft and fine. A silver metal whisk lies beside the bowl on the surface. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each element brings a unique note, creating a masterpiece of taste, texture, and vibrant color. From the tender ground chicken to the burst of freshness from cilantro and crunchy peanuts, every ingredient is essential for bringing this dish to life.

3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce: Provides a salty, umami base without overpowering the dish.
2 Tbsp fish sauce: Adds authentic Thai depth and savory complexity.
2 1/2 Tbsp brown sugar: Balances the salty and sour elements with warm sweetness.
2 Tbsp lime juice: Infuses bright acidity, lifting the flavors brilliantly.
1 tsp sesame oil: Offers a nutty aroma and subtle richness.
2 tsp cornstarch: Thickens the sauce for that perfect cling to the chicken and veggies.
5 green onions: The lighter parts add fragrant sautéed notes, the greens offer freshness at the finish.
1 Tbsp minced garlic: Delivers pungent warmth and depth.
1 Tbsp minced ginger: Brings a zesty and slightly spicy kick.
1 1/2 lbs 92% lean ground chicken or turkey: The hearty protein base that absorbs all the punchy flavors.
1 Tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil): For sautéing, ensuring a perfect sear without heaviness.
1 red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and a vibrant pop of color.
1 1/2 cups matchstick carrots: Provides a crunchy texture contrast and cheerful orange hues.
1/3 cup chopped cilantro: Fresh herbal brightness that is quintessential to Thai cuisine.
1/4 cup chopped unsalted dry roasted peanuts: Nutty crunch that adds delightful texture.
Lettuce leaves: Crisp and refreshing vessels for scooping up all the delicious filling.
Hot sauce: For those who love an extra kick of heat to personalize each bite.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Flavor-Packed Sauce

Start by whisking together soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, sesame oil, and cornstarch in a small bowl. This magical mixture is the heart of the Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe—it brings balance with its perfect combination of salty, sweet, sour, and nutty flavors while the cornstarch gives the sauce a silky thick texture.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Cook the Chicken

Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the light parts of the green onions, along with minced garlic and ginger, sautéing just 30 seconds. The aroma will instantly wake up the senses. Then add the ground chicken, breaking it up while cooking it until almost done. You want it cooked through but still juicy, as it will absorb the upcoming sauce beautifully.

Step 3: Add Color and Crunch with Vegetables

Next, add diced red bell pepper and cook until just slightly softened—around 2 minutes should do it so they keep a bit of snap. Follow with the matchstick carrots, which add sweetness and crisp texture. These veggies make this Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe not only delicious but visually inviting.

Step 4: Pour in the Sauce and Finish Cooking

Give the sauce mixture one last whisk before pouring it over the skillet ingredients. Toss continuously as it thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables evenly. This step brings everything together and ensures every bite is packed with sauce. Taste it and add a pinch of salt if desired.

Step 5: Stir in Fresh Herbs and Nuts

Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through, stir in chopped cilantro, green parts of the onions, and roasted peanuts. These final touches bring freshness, crunch, and that unmistakable Thai flavor that makes this dish so irresistible.

How to Serve Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a black pan filled with cooked ground meat mixed with small chopped orange carrots, bright red bell peppers, and green herbs. The ingredients are spread evenly throughout the pan, creating a colorful mix of orange, red, brown, and green pieces with a slightly moist texture. A wooden spatula is seen stirring the mixture, held by a woman's hand, against a white marbled surface background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Serve the flavorful chicken mixture warm atop crisp lettuce leaves. Scatter extra chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and a drizzle of hot sauce for those who love some heat—the contrast between the cool lettuce and spicy filling is pure bliss. Lime wedges on the side can add an extra citrus zing if desired.

Side Dishes

This Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe pairs beautifully with simple jasmine rice or a light cucumber salad to complement the robust flavors. If you want to keep things extra fresh, some pickled vegetables or a tangy Thai-inspired slaw can be wonderful side companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, offer all the components family-style on a large platter: the chicken mixture, lettuce leaves, peanuts, herbs, and sauces in separate bowls. This lets everyone build their own wraps exactly how they like. You can also try serving the mixture over rice noodles or in rice paper for a spring roll experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate to prevent sogginess so you can enjoy crisp wraps whenever you want.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken mixture by placing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Lettuce leaves do not freeze well, so always use fresh leaves after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat leftover filling gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If it seems dry, splash a little water or additional lime juice before serving to refresh the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use turkey instead of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and absorbs the flavors beautifully, making it a great alternative for your Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe.

What type of lettuce is best for wraps?

Crisp lettuces like butter lettuce, Boston, or Bibb lettuce are ideal because their leaves are sturdy enough to hold the filling and tender enough to enjoy without being tough.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe itself is mildly spiced but includes hot sauce on the side so everyone can adjust the heat to their preference, making it versatile for all spice levels.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce to keep the recipe gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.

How do I store leftover lettuce wraps assembled?

It’s best to store the filling and lettuce separately to avoid soggy leaves. Assemble the wraps fresh just before eating for the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors every time you make it. It’s simple enough for a quick dinner yet impressive enough to delight guests. I can’t encourage you enough to try it out—once you do, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen and around your table.

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need