These Healthy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are full of fresh flavors and crunchy textures. Packed with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a tasty sauce, they’re a fun meal or snack!
Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, I love how easy these wraps are to put together. Plus, no dishes needed—just fold and munch! 🌿 Who doesn’t love a meal that’s also a bit of a workout?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: I use lean ground chicken for a healthier option, but ground turkey also works great if you prefer. If you want a plant-based version, swap it with crumbled tofu or tempeh.
Bell Pepper: Red bell pepper adds sweetness but feel free to use any color you have on hand (yellow or orange) or even snap peas for a different crunch. They’ll still add vibrant color!
Lettuce: Butter lettuce is my favorite as it’s sturdy yet tender. You can also use romaine or iceberg for a crispier texture. Just make sure the leaves are big enough to hold the filling.
Peanut Butter: If you’re allergic to peanuts, almond butter is a fantastic alternative. You can also leave it out and replace it with a drizzle of sesame oil for flavor.
How Do I Get the Chicken to Cook Just Right?
Getting juicy ground chicken is all about keeping the heat at medium and not overcooking it. Here are some tips:
- Heat the skillet before cooking the chicken; this helps it to brown nicely.
- Break the chicken up with a spatula, so it cooks evenly and faster.
- Keep an eye on the color; once the chicken turns from pink to white, it’s ready!
Remember, not to crowd the pan. If it’s too full, the chicken can steam rather than brown.
Why is the Sauce Important?
The sauce brings all the flavors together. Ensure you whisk it until smooth before adding it to the chicken mixture. This prevents clumps and helps distribute the taste evenly!
- For a little kick, adjust the chili flakes to your spice level.
- If you like it a bit sweeter, adding more honey or maple syrup balances the flavors nicely.
Enjoy your wraps and savor the fresh Thai-inspired taste!
Healthy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground chicken (lean)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 small carrot, shredded or julienned
- 3 green onions, chopped (separate white and green parts)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp natural peanut butter or almond butter
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes or fresh chopped chili (adjust to taste)
- 1 head butter lettuce or bibb lettuce (leaves separated and washed)
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (for topping)
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll need about 30 minutes to prepare this delicious, healthy meal that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the white parts of the green onions, minced garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, just until it starts to smell amazing.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up, cooking until it’s no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to cook it evenly for that perfect consistency!
3. Add Veggies:
Now, stir in the finely diced red bell pepper and shredded carrot. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften a bit but still stay crisp. This enhances the texture and flavor!
4. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, peanut butter, honey (if using), and chili flakes until smooth. This sauce will bring everything together beautifully.
5. Combine the Mixtures:
Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to warm through and let those flavors meld nicely.
6. Prepare the Wraps:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into each lettuce leaf. Top with the green parts of the green onions, chopped peanuts, and cilantro for a burst of fresh flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Enjoy your healthy Thai chicken lettuce wraps immediately! Fold the lettuce like a wrap and dive into those fresh, crunchy, and savory flavors!
This recipe yields about 8-10 delicious wraps and can serve approximately 3-4 people. It’s a perfect, low-carb meal that’s light but filling—enjoy your healthy feast!
FAQ for Healthy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works beautifully as a substitute. It has a similar texture and flavor, while still being lean and healthy. Just follow the same cooking instructions!
How Can I Make These Vegan?
To make vegan lettuce wraps, replace the ground chicken with crumbled tofu or tempeh, and skip the fish sauce. You can also use a bit more soy sauce or add coconut aminos for a similar umami flavor. Use peanut butter or almond butter for the sauce to keep it delicious!
What Are the Best Ways to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the filling separate from the lettuce leaves to prevent wilting. For best results, reheat the filling on the stove or in the microwave before serving again.
Can I Prep This Meal in Advance?
Sure! You can cook the chicken mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it before filling the lettuce leaves. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prepping or quick weeknight dinners.
