Thai Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Deliciously creamy Thai Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps made with lean ground chicken, crisp vegetables, and a homemade peanut sauce. Quick to prepare, low in carbs, and packed with protein, these wraps are perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or meal prep.
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.
