These Thai Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a quick, flavorful, and wholesome meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Packed with protein-rich ground chicken or turkey, fresh vegetables, and a creamy peanut sauce, they’re low in carbs and high in fiber.
Light yet satisfying, they offer good fats from peanuts and make meal prep a breeze for healthy everyday eating.
Thai Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Equipment
- 1 Large Nonstick Skillet
- Cooking spray
- Knife & cutting board
Ingredients
- ½ cup yellow onion diced
- ½ cup carrot diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper diced
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- 1 pound extra-lean ground chicken or turkey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce gluten-free if needed
- ½ cup peanut sauce plus extra for drizzling
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Bibb or butter lettuce leaves for wrapping
- Green onions sliced, for topping
- Sesame seeds for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Start by washing and drying your vegetables. Dice ½ cup of yellow onion, ½ cup of carrot, and ½ cup of red bell pepper into small, uniform pieces. This ensures even cooking and helps the vegetables blend perfectly with the chicken. Set them aside in a bowl while you heat your skillet. Fresh, crisp vegetables add natural sweetness, crunch, and essential fiber to your wraps.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large nonstick skillet on the stove over medium heat. Allow it to warm for about 1–2 minutes. To prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, lightly spray the skillet with cooking spray. Heating the pan properly first helps the vegetables soften without becoming soggy and allows the chicken to brown beautifully.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, carrot, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Stir frequently with a spatula to prevent burning. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and the carrots and peppers soften slightly. This step develops natural sweetness and flavor while keeping the vegetables crisp-tender, adding a vibrant base for your wraps.
- Add Coconut Oil and Chicken: Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil. Once melted, add 1 pound of extra-lean ground chicken or turkey to the pan. Break the meat apart with your spatula, stirring frequently to ensure it cooks evenly. The coconut oil adds a subtle nutty flavor and helps keep the meat juicy while enhancing the overall richness of the dish.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of soy sauce over the chicken while it cooks. Stir constantly to coat the meat evenly and allow the soy sauce to infuse flavor. Continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center, usually about 5–7 minutes. Proper seasoning at this stage ensures every bite is flavorful.
- Incorporate the Peanut Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat slightly and pour in ½ cup of peanut sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat both the chicken and vegetables evenly. Peanut sauce adds creaminess, depth, and the signature Thai flavor that makes these wraps irresistible. Allow the mixture to cook for 1–2 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly and bind the ingredients together.
- Add Lime Juice for Brightness: Squeeze 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice over the chicken mixture and stir to combine. The acidity of the lime juice balances the richness of the peanut sauce and brightens the overall flavor, giving the wraps a fresh, zesty note. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or additional spices if desired.
- Prepare the Lettuce Cups: While the chicken mixture is finishing, carefully separate and wash the Bibb or butter lettuce leaves. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Choosing a soft yet sturdy lettuce allows you to hold generous amounts of filling without tearing, making every bite satisfying and mess-free.
- Assemble the Wraps: Spoon a generous portion of the peanut chicken mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf. Be sure not to overfill; the goal is to create a manageable, bite-sized wrap. The combination of warm, savory filling and crisp, cool lettuce makes these wraps both refreshing and hearty.
- Garnish and Serve: Top each wrap with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture, color, and flavor. Optionally, drizzle extra peanut sauce over the top for a richer taste. Serve immediately while the chicken is warm and the lettuce remains crisp. These wraps are perfect for a quick dinner, a healthy lunch, or even meal prep for the week.
Notes
- Use Bibb or butter lettuce for the best texture; romaine can also work but is slightly less tender.
- Ground turkey can be substituted for chicken if desired.
- Adjust the peanut sauce amount to taste; you can add more for extra creaminess or less for a lighter version.
- For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or ginger while cooking the vegetables.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped peanuts for added texture and flavor.
Chef’s Secrets For Perfect Wraps
To make the most flavorful Thai Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps, it’s essential to balance texture and seasoning.
Cook the vegetables just until tender-crisp to retain their natural sweetness and nutrients.
Browning the ground chicken slightly adds depth to the flavor, while adding coconut oil enhances richness without overpowering the dish.
When stirring in the peanut sauce, reduce the heat slightly to avoid burning and to allow the sauce to coat every piece evenly.
Finally, a splash of lime juice at the end brightens the flavors, giving the wraps a fresh, zesty lift.
Serving Suggestions For Maximum Enjoyment
These wraps shine when served fresh and warm, paired with simple sides to complement their flavor.
Consider serving them with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a more filling meal.
A side of cucumber salad or shredded cabbage tossed in rice vinegar adds crunch and tang, enhancing the wraps’ texture.
For a fun appetizer option, serve the chicken mixture in small lettuce cups on a platter, allowing guests to build their own wraps.
This recipe also works perfectly for meal prep lunches, as the flavors intensify when the mixture is refrigerated overnight.
Storage Tips To Keep Fresh
Store leftover peanut chicken filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Avoid storing the lettuce separately in the same container, as it will wilt quickly.
When ready to eat, reheat the chicken gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm.
The peanut sauce may thicken slightly in the fridge; stir in a teaspoon of water or lime juice if it becomes too thick.
For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months and thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground chicken or turkey with firm tofu, tempeh, or plant-based meat alternatives. Crumble tofu or tempeh and cook it with the vegetables and peanut sauce just as you would the chicken.
Pressing the tofu beforehand helps reduce excess moisture, keeping the filling firm and flavorful.
2. How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is naturally mild, making it suitable for all palates. If you enjoy a little heat, you can add sriracha, red pepper flakes, or a chopped fresh chili while cooking the vegetables.
Adjust the spice level to your taste without overpowering the creamy peanut flavor.
3. Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Absolutely! The chicken mixture can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Keep the lettuce leaves separate and only assemble the wraps when ready to serve. This makes it an ideal meal prep option for busy weeknights or packed lunches.
4. What peanut sauce works best?
Homemade or store-bought peanut sauce both work well. For the best flavor, use a slightly thick sauce with a balance of salty, sweet, and tangy notes.
You can also make a quick peanut sauce by combining peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and a touch of honey or maple syrup.
5. Can I use other types of lettuce?
Bibb or butter lettuce is ideal due to its softness and cup-like shape, but romaine or green leaf lettuce can be used if needed.
Choose leaves that are firm enough to hold the filling but tender enough to bite easily. Washing and drying them thoroughly ensures the wraps remain crisp.
