Craving a delicious, healthy chicken dinner idea that’s packed with flavor? These Thai Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps are quick, fresh, and perfectly satisfying. You’ll love how easy it is to create this vibrant dish at home.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Ground Chicken: You can use ground turkey for a similar result.
- Peanut Butter: Opt for natural, unsweetened peanut butter. Almond butter works too.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is a good choice. Tamari is a gluten-free alternative.
- Lettuce Cups: Butter lettuce, romaine hearts, or iceberg lettuce work best.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup finely shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped water chestnuts (optional, for crunch)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for heat)
For the Peanut Sauce:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 tablespoon warm water (add more if needed for desired consistency)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
For Serving:
- 1 head butter lettuce or romaine hearts, leaves separated
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Chopped peanuts
- Lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Tools Needed: Large skillet, small bowl, whisk
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Peanut Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together all peanut sauce ingredients until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more warm water, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a pourable consistency. Set this aside for later.
2. Cook the Chicken and Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes, until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
3. Add Vegetables and Seasoning
Stir in the shredded carrots and water chestnuts (if using). Cook for another 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender-crisp. Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha (if you like a little heat). Mix everything well to combine.
4. Combine with Peanut Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and add about half of the prepared peanut sauce to the chicken mixture. Stir thoroughly until the chicken is evenly coated. Taste and add more sauce if you prefer.
5. Assemble Your Wraps
Arrange your lettuce leaves on a platter. Spoon the chicken mixture into each lettuce cup. Garnish with fresh cilantro, chopped peanuts, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Variation Ideas
- Spicy Kick: Add extra sriracha to the chicken mixture or drizzle more over the assembled wraps.
- Extra Veggies: Include finely diced bell peppers, shredded cabbage, or bean sprouts in the chicken filling.
- Crispy Texture: Top with crispy fried onions or wonton strips for added crunch.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based ground crumble and vegetable broth instead of chicken.
Storage Instructions
You can store leftover chicken filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store lettuce leaves separately to prevent them from wilting. Reheat the chicken filling gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving in fresh lettuce cups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you make the peanut sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the peanut sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Q: What kind of lettuce is best for wraps?
A: Butter lettuce, Bibb lettuce, romaine hearts, or even large iceberg lettuce leaves work well because they are sturdy and cup-shaped.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your peanut butter is certified gluten-free.
Q: Can you add other vegetables to the filling?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add finely diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or shredded cabbage for extra nutrition.
Q: How can you make this dish spicier?
A: Increase the amount of sriracha in the chicken mixture or the peanut sauce, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Q: Can you use chicken breasts instead of ground chicken?
A: Yes, you can finely dice or mince chicken breasts or thighs, or even shred cooked chicken, for this recipe.