Savory Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps for a Flavorful Meal

Craving the flavors of take-out but want to keep it light and guilt-free? Look no further than these mouthwatering Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Packed with savory chicken, crunchy cashews, and a perfect balance of sweet and spicy sauce, these wraps are a game-changer when it comes to satisfying those indulgent cravings without the extra calories. Trust me, once you try these, you won’t miss the restaurant version!

I stumbled upon this recipe during a month of trying to eat healthier while still demanding bold flavors, and it quickly became a household favorite. The combination of textures and flavors in these Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps is simply unbeatable. From the crisp lettuce to the zesty herbs and colorful carrots, every bite is a burst of freshness and satisfaction. Whether you’re serving them up for a quick weeknight dinner, prepping for lunches, or entertaining friends, these wraps are sure to impress even the pickiest eaters – kids included! So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to experience the perfect harmony of taste and health with these delightful lettuce wraps.

Quick Benefits

• Perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors
• Textural contrast from crunchy cashews and crisp lettuce
• Versatile and customizable for different dietary preferences and spice levels
• Great for meal prep with filling lasting in the refrigerator for 3-4 days

Why You’ll Love This Savory Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps for a Flavorful Meal Recipe

• Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of savory chicken, crunchy cashews, and sweet-spicy sauce wrapped in crisp lettuce creates a perfect balance of flavors that satisfy cravings without the guilt.
• Family-Friendly and Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters and kids who typically shy away from healthy food enjoy these wraps, making it a great option for family meals.
• Customizable and Versatile: The recipe offers multiple variations and additions like tofu for vegetarians, extra spice options, and tropical twists with fruits like mango or pineapple, allowing you to tailor the dish to your preferences.
• Easy Meal Prep: The filling can be made ahead and refrigerated for 3-4 days, making it ideal for meal prepping lunches or quick weeknight dinners. Just assemble the wraps right before eating.
• Party and Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, the wraps can be served as appetizers or a main course, allowing guests to customize their wraps according to their taste.
• Balanced and Healthy: While being indulgent and flavorful, these wraps are relatively light and fresh, making them a guilt-free option for those looking to eat healthier without compromising on taste.

Ingredients for Savory Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps for a Flavorful Meal

Main Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
• juice of 1 lime
• 1 head butter lettuce – leaves removed, rinsed and dried
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey, agave
• ¼ cup scallions, chopped
• Sesame seeds for topping
• ¼ cup Tamari (low sodium) or soy sauce, coconut aminos
• 2 Tablespoon Thai sweet red chili sauce
• 2 cloves of garlic
• ¼ cup cilantro, fresh, chopped
• ⅓ cup cashews, chopped (raw or roasted/salted)
• ¼ cup onion, diced (yellow or white)
• 10 oz ground chicken
• ¼-½ cup carrots, shredded
• 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger or ginger paste

How to Make Savory Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps for a Flavorful Meal

Step 1: Make the garlic, ginger pan sauce

Preheat a pan over medium-high heat, then add oil. Once hot, add onions and cook until browned and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add garlic and ginger, cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the chicken

Add ground chicken to the pan with sauce, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Season with salt and pepper, cook until golden brown and no longer pink, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Make the thai chili sauce

In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, chili sauce, lime juice, and honey.

Step 4: Add the sauce to the chicken

Sprinkle chopped cashews over chicken in the pan, pour in the sauce, toss together. Reduce heat to low and cook for 2 minutes.

Step 5: Add fresh ingredients

Take the pan off the heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes before mixing in the carrots, chopped scallions, and cilantro.

Step 6: Assemble the lettuce wraps

To assemble the lettuce wraps, place a spoonful of the chicken mixture onto a lettuce leaf, top with pan sauce and sesame seeds, then repeat for all wraps.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the Thai chicken lettuce wraps, store the leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. This makes it perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy quick and easy lunches throughout the week. To maintain freshness, it’s best to store the lettuce leaves separately and assemble the wraps just before eating. If the sauce thickens in the fridge, simply add a splash of water or lime juice when reheating to bring it back to the desired consistency. However, freezing the filling is not recommended as the texture of the vegetables may change significantly.

These Thai chicken lettuce wraps are versatile and can be enjoyed for various occasions, including quick weeknight dinners, meal prep lunches, or casual entertaining with friends. The recipe’s adaptability allows for personalization by adding extra toppings like crispy fried onions or diced fruits for a twist. Whether serving them family-style or as party appetizers, these wraps offer a satisfying balance of flavors and textures. As a favorite in many households, these wraps have proven that healthy and delicious can go hand in hand, making them a go-to option for those craving a flavorful meal without the guilt.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian version of these Thai chicken lettuce wraps, you can easily swap the ground chicken with crumbled tofu. To ensure the tofu stays flavorful and moist, consider adding a bit more oil and a splash of vegetable broth to the mixture. This substitution provides a protein-rich alternative while maintaining the delicious flavors and textures of the dish.

To add a spicier kick to the dish, consider incorporating a minced Thai chili or a drizzle of sriracha into the sauce mixture. This simple addition can elevate the flavor profile of the wraps and cater to those who enjoy a bit more heat in their meals. Adjust the level of spiciness according to personal preference to create a customized experience that suits your taste buds.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, consider setting up a DIY Thai chicken lettuce wrap bar for your next gathering. Arrange bowls of the cooked chicken filling, chopped cashews, shredded carrots, scallions, cilantro, sesame seeds, and any additional toppings you like. Place a platter of washed and dried lettuce leaves in the center, allowing guests to assemble their own wraps with their preferred ingredients. This interactive setup not only makes for a fun and engaging dining experience but also caters to different taste preferences.

Another serving idea is to plate the Thai chicken lettuce wraps in a visually appealing manner for a dinner party. Arrange the filled lettuce wraps on a large serving platter, garnishing them with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a few cilantro leaves on top for a pop of color. Surround the platter with wedges of lime for squeezing over the wraps before indulging. This elegant presentation elevates the dish, making it suitable for a more formal occasion while still maintaining the casual and interactive aspect of the meal.

FAQs for Savory Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps for a Flavorful Meal

Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground chicken?

Yes, you can definitely swap the ground chicken for another type of ground meat like turkey, pork, or beef. You can even try crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version, just adjust the seasoning and moisture content accordingly.

How long can I store the filling for these lettuce wraps?

The filling can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep. Just be sure to store the lettuce leaves separately and assemble the wraps right before eating. If the sauce thickens in the fridge, consider adding a splash of water or lime juice when reheating.

Can I make any substitutions to the sauce for these lettuce wraps?

Feel free to customize the sauce to your taste preferences. You can add a minced Thai chili or a squirt of sriracha for a spicier kick. During summer, you can also add diced mango or pineapple for a tropical twist. Adjust the sweetener based on your preference as well, using maple syrup, honey, or agave.

Is it possible to freeze the filling for these lettuce wraps?

It’s not recommended to freeze the filling as the texture of the vegetables may change significantly upon thawing. However, you can store the assembled wraps in the fridge for a few hours if needed, though the lettuce may wilt slightly.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative to take-out or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, these Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are sure to hit the spot. The combination of savory chicken, crunchy cashews, and vibrant flavors wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves creates a delightful balance that never fails to impress. Don’t be surprised if even the pickiest eaters in your life end up asking for seconds!

Feel free to get creative with this recipe and make it your own. Swap the protein for tofu, add a spicy kick with some Thai chilies, or introduce a tropical twist with diced mango – the possibilities are endless. These wraps are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep, lasting in the fridge for a few days. So go ahead, whip up a batch of these Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps and enjoy a flavorful and guilt-free meal that will have everyone coming back for more.

Savory Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps for a Flavorful Meal

“Thai chicken lettuce wraps: a satisfying balance of savory chicken, crunchy cashews, and sweet-spicy sauce wrapped in cool lettuce leaves for guilt-free indulgence.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time5 Minutes

Cook Time10 Minutes

Total Time15 Minutes

CuisineThai

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
• juice of 1 lime
• 1 head butter lettuce – leaves removed, rinsed and dried
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey, agave
• ¼ cup scallions, chopped
• Sesame seeds for topping
• ¼ cup Tamari (low sodium) or soy sauce, coconut aminos
• 2 Tablespoon Thai sweet red chili sauce
• 2 cloves of garlic
• ¼ cup cilantro, fresh, chopped
• ⅓ cup cashews, chopped (raw or roasted/salted)
• ¼ cup onion, diced (yellow or white)
• 10 oz ground chicken
• ¼-½ cup carrots, shredded
• 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger or ginger paste

Instructions

1. Make the garlic, ginger pan sauce: Preheat a pan over medium-high heat, then add oil. Once hot, add onions and cook until browned and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add garlic and ginger, cook for an additional 2 minutes.
2. Cook the chicken: Add ground chicken to the pan with sauce, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Season with salt and pepper, cook until golden brown and no longer pink, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Make the thai chili sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, chili sauce, lime juice, and honey.
4. Add the sauce to the chicken: Sprinkle chopped cashews over chicken in the pan, pour in the sauce, toss together. Reduce heat to low and cook for 2 minutes.
5. Add fresh ingredients: Take the pan off the heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes before mixing in the carrots, chopped scallions, and cilantro.
6. Assemble the lettuce wraps: To assemble the lettuce wraps, place a spoonful of the chicken mixture onto a lettuce leaf, top with pan sauce and sesame seeds, then repeat for all wraps.