Description
These Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a deliciously light and flavorful dish featuring lean ground chicken cooked with fresh vegetables and a tangy, savory sauce. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal, they are served wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves and garnished with peanuts and cilantro, delivering a satisfying combination of textures and vibrant Thai-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 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
Chicken and Vegetables
- 5 green onions, sliced (light parts and green parts separated)
- 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
Garnishes and Serving
- 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped unsalted dry roasted peanuts
- Lettuce leaves (such as Bibb or butter lettuce)
- Hot sauce, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, sesame oil, and cornstarch until fully combined and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics and chicken: Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the light parts of the green onions along with the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the ground chicken, cooking while tossing and breaking up the meat occasionally until it is nearly cooked through. Do not drain any juices from the pan.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the diced red bell pepper and cook for about 2 minutes until just slightly softened. Add the chopped matchstick carrots and stir to combine.
- Combine sauce and cook: Whisk the prepared sauce mixture once more, then pour it into the skillet. Cook while tossing frequently until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute, and the chicken is fully cooked. Taste and add a little salt if needed.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro, green parts of the green onions, and chopped peanuts. Serve the mixture warm atop whole lettuce leaves. Offer additional hot sauce and peanuts on the side if desired for extra flavor and crunch.
Notes
- For best lettuce wraps, use tender leaves such as Bibb, butter lettuce, or romaine hearts.
- You can substitute ground turkey if preferred or to reduce fat content further.
- If you like extra heat, add chopped fresh chili or a dash of chili flakes to the sauce.
- Peanut sauce on the side can enhance flavor but watch portions if watching calories.
- This dish is great served immediately but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
