Thai Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Name: Thai Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup bell peppers, diced; 1 cup carrots, shredded; 2 green onions, sliced; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1/3 cup peanut butter; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; Water, as needed to thin; 1 head of butter lettuce or romaine leaves; Chopped peanuts and cilantro (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Globetrotter Food Guide

I absolutely love making Thai Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps when I want a fresh, vibrant meal. These wraps are a blend of crunchy vegetables, tender chicken, and a rich peanut sauce that promises to burst with flavor in every bite. They are quick to prepare, which makes them ideal for busy weeknights or a casual gathering with friends. Plus, serving them in crisp lettuce leaves adds a fun twist that's both healthy and enjoyable. You won't want to miss out on this delicious treat!

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2026-01-18T15:26:27.958Z

When I first tried Thai Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps, I was amazed at how versatile they could be. I experimented with different proteins and vegetables, finding that the combination of shredded chicken, bell peppers, and carrots worked perfectly. The secret to the flavor lies in the creamy peanut sauce, which I like to enhance with a splash of lime juice for an added zing.

To ensure my wraps stay crunchy, I always serve the sauce on the side. This way, everyone can customize how much they want and enjoy the vibrant colors and textures. It's a fun way to engage guests, making them part of the meal prep too!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Fresh, crisp lettuce adds a satisfying crunch.
Rich peanut sauce enhances the flavor of every bite.
Quick and easy to prepare for any occasion.
Customize with your favorite veggies or protein options.

      

Understanding the Chicken Filling

The chicken filling is the star of these wraps, providing both a protein boost and rich flavor. Ground chicken works well because it cooks quickly and absorbs the seasonings beautifully. You’ll want to ensure the meat is cooked thoroughly, achieving a golden-brown color within 5 to 7 minutes. Sauté the garlic first to infuse the oil with flavor, which will enhance the overall taste of the filling.

Feel free to get creative with the vegetables in the filling. Bell peppers offer a sweet crunch, while the carrots add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color. You can also switch up the veggies based on what you have on hand; zucchini or mushrooms would work wonderfully too. Just be sure to keep the vegetables finely chopped or shredded to ensure they cook evenly and blend seamlessly with the chicken.

Perfecting the Peanut Sauce

The peanut sauce is what elevates these wraps, introducing depth and richness. When whisking the sauce, make sure to use a smooth, creamy peanut butter for the best blend. Natural peanut butter can be used, but it requires thorough mixing to combine the oils properly. If you need to adjust consistency, add water in small increments until you achieve a drizzling texture—this should take no more than 1 to 2 tablespoons.

Adding lime juice not only enhances the flavor but also brightens it up, balancing the richness of the peanut butter. If you’re looking for a bit of heat, consider introducing a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes. Remember, tasting as you mix is key; you might find you prefer a bit more honey for sweetness or soy sauce for saltiness.

Serving and Storing Tips

When serving, choose sturdy lettuce leaves like butter or romaine for good support. This adds not only a crunchy texture but also a visual appeal. Arrange the filled wraps on a platter and serve with extra peanut sauce for dipping—this encourages a hands-on eating experience that’s perfect for gatherings.

If you have leftovers, store the chicken filling and peanut sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through—this usually takes about 5 minutes. The wraps can also be assembled in advance; just keep the components separate until serving to prevent sogginess.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started:

For the Chicken Filling:

1 pound ground chicken
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup bell peppers, diced
1 cup carrots, shredded
2 green onions, sliced
1 tablespoon soy sauce

For the Peanut Sauce:

1/3 cup peanut butter
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Water, as needed to thin

To Serve:

1 head of butter lettuce or romaine leaves
Chopped peanuts and cilantro (for garnish)

Ensure everything is fresh for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your wraps:

Cook the Chicken Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the ground chicken and cook until browned.

Add the diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, and soy sauce, cooking until vegetables are tender.

Prepare the Peanut Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, lime juice, and sesame oil. Add water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Assemble the Wraps

Place a few spoonfuls of the chicken mixture into the center of a lettuce leaf. Drizzle with peanut sauce and garnish with chopped peanuts and cilantro. Roll up and enjoy!

Enjoy your vibrant meal wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize these wraps with your favorite vegetables or add some spice with red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Customizations and Variations

This recipe is highly customizable, making it easy to cater to different dietary preferences. For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Simply crumble the tofu and cook it in the same manner as you would the chicken, ensuring it browns nicely. The texture will still provide a satisfying bite while allowing the flavors of the peanut sauce to shine.

You can also add different herbs and spices to the filling for varied flavor profiles. For a Thai twist, add minced lemongrass or fresh basil for an aromatic lift. Alternatively, experimenting with different nut butters, like almond or cashew, can create unique taste experiences. Just ensure the nut butter you choose balances with the other sauce ingredients.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your peanut sauce turns out too thick, don’t worry! You can always whisk in a bit more water or lime juice to achieve your preferred consistency. It should be silky and easy to drizzle. Conversely, if it's too thin, adding more peanut butter or a bit of cornstarch mixed with water can help thicken it up.

While assembling the wraps, if the lettuce leaves break, try using a thicker variety like romaine which is less prone to tearing. Alternatively, you can blanch the leaves briefly to make them more pliable, but be sure to dry them well afterward to avoid watering down the filling.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable, making it perfect for catering to larger groups. Simply double or triple the quantity of chicken and sauce ingredients while maintaining the same cooking techniques. Make sure to use a larger skillet or cook in batches to ensure even cooking of the meat.

For meal prepping, you can create a batch of the chicken filling and the peanut sauce ahead of time. Store them in portions, so when you're ready to serve, you just assemble the wraps fresh. This not only saves time but also brings freshness to your meal at any time.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different protein?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or tofu work well as substitutes.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftover chicken filling and sauce separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make the peanut sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the peanut sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.

→ What other toppings can I add?

You could add sliced cucumbers, shredded cabbage, or even avocado for added flavor!