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- Ground chicken: This is the star of the dish. It cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. - Sesame oil and aromatics: Use sesame oil for a nutty taste. Minced garlic and grated ginger add warmth and depth. - Vegetables and herbs: Fresh red bell pepper and shredded carrots provide color and crunch. Green onions and cilantro add freshness. - Soy sauce, peanut butter, lime juice, and honey: These create a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce. Soy sauce adds saltiness, while peanut butter gives richness. - Seasoning essentials: A pinch of salt and pepper balance the flavors to perfection. - Types of lettuce to use: Use butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce. Both are sturdy and crisp, perfect for wraps. - How to prepare the lettuce leaves: Gently separate the leaves and rinse them. Pat dry to ensure they hold the filling well. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of grated ginger. Sauté these for about 1 minute until they smell great. Next, add 1 pound of ground chicken to the skillet. Break it apart as it cooks. Cook until the chicken is browned, which should take about 7 to 8 minutes. After that, stir in 1 finely diced red bell pepper and 1 cup of shredded carrots. Cook for 3 to 4 more minutes. You want the veggies to soften just a bit. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, and 1 teaspoon of honey. Mix these until smooth. Pour the sauce over the chicken mix and stir well. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes. This helps the flavors blend together. Add salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup of chopped green onions, 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro, and 1/4 cup of roughly chopped unsalted peanuts for crunch. Now, it’s time to assemble your wraps! Spoon the chicken mixture into leaves from a head of butter or iceberg lettuce. Wrap them up like tacos. For serving, you can place them on a platter. Add lime wedges and more chopped peanuts or cilantro for a nice touch. Enjoy your tasty Thai Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps! - Ensuring the chicken is fully cooked: Cook the chicken until it's no longer pink. This usually takes about 7-8 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches 165°F for safety. - How to achieve maximum flavor in the sauce: Mix the soy sauce, peanut butter, lime juice, and honey well. This blend gives a rich taste. Let it simmer with the chicken for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to blend and soak into the meat. - Garnishing ideas for an appealing look: Use extra chopped peanuts and cilantro on top. You can also add lime wedges for a fresh touch. A sprinkle of chili flakes adds color and spice. - Plating suggestions for serving: Arrange the lettuce wraps on a large platter. Place lime wedges and garnishes around them. This makes your dish pop and invites everyone to dig in. - Overcooking the veggies: Sauté red bell peppers and carrots for only 3-4 minutes. They should be tender but still crisp. Overcooked veggies lose their color and crunch. - Choosing the wrong type of lettuce: Use butter or iceberg lettuce. These types are sturdy and hold the filling well. Avoid using delicate leaves like spinach, as they may tear easily. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will enhance the flavors of your dish. Try to use organic produce for the best taste. Add Spice for Heat: If you enjoy a little kick, consider adding some red pepper flakes or chopped chili peppers to the chicken mixture. Customize Your Wraps: Feel free to add other vegetables like cucumber or bean sprouts for extra crunch and flavor in your lettuce wraps. Meal Prep Friendly: This filling can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat before serving. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in these wraps. Try using ground turkey for a leaner option. Tofu is a great choice for a vegetarian meal. Just chop the tofu into small cubes and sauté it until golden. You can also use canned beans, like black beans or chickpeas, for a hearty vegetarian option. They add protein and a nice texture. To change the flavor, you can add some chili sauce for a kick. This will give your wraps a spicy twist. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more honey. For a tangy taste, squeeze in some extra lime juice. Play around with the sauce to find what you like best! Crunch is key in these wraps. You can add shredded carrots, bean sprouts, or even crispy wontons for extra texture. Fresh herbs like mint or basil can brighten up the dish. They add a burst of flavor that makes each bite special. Don’t be afraid to mix and match toppings to find your favorite combination! To keep your wraps fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place the chicken mixture separately from the lettuce. This keeps the lettuce crisp. Leftovers can last in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the chicken may lose its flavor and texture. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the chicken mixture on the stove. Use a low heat to avoid drying it out. Stir it often for even heating. You can also use a microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Avoid reheating the lettuce, as it wilts quickly. Yes, you can freeze the chicken mixture! Place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps the flavor intact. You can use several alternatives for ground chicken. Here are some options: - Ground turkey: It has a similar texture and taste. - Tofu: Press and crumble firm tofu for a plant-based choice. - Ground beef: This adds a different flavor profile. - Chickpeas: Mash them for a hearty vegetarian option. Each substitute will change the taste, but they all work well in lettuce wraps. Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Storing: Keep the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It lasts about one week. - Reheating: Warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Stir well before using. Making the sauce ahead saves time on busy days. Yes, you can make them gluten-free. Here’s how: - Soy sauce: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. - Peanut butter: Check the label to ensure it is gluten-free. With these simple swaps, you can enjoy a gluten-free version of this tasty meal. This blog post covered how to make flavorful Thai peanut chicken lettuce wraps. We explored key ingredients, from ground chicken to fresh veggies, and crafted a tasty sauce. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking and assembling the wraps. You learned cooking tips, common mistakes to avoid, and fun variations to try. Embrace your creativity with this dish. Enjoy fresh flavors and personal touches with each wrap. Get ready to delight your taste buds and impress your friends!

Thai Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Delicious and healthy lettuce wraps filled with ground chicken and a savory peanut sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Thai
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 4 green onions, chopped
  • 1 4 fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 4 unsalted peanuts, roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 head butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce, leaves separated for wraps

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat.
  • Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook until browned and cooked through (about 7-8 minutes).
  • Stir in the diced red bell pepper and shredded carrots, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, peanut butter, lime juice, and honey until smooth.
  • Pour this sauce over the chicken mixture and stir well to combine, allowing it to simmer for a couple of minutes to heat through.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
  • Stir in chopped green onions, cilantro, and peanuts for added crunch.
  • To serve, spoon the chicken mixture into the lettuce leaves and wrap them up like tacos.

Notes

Serve on a platter with lime wedges on the side and additional chopped peanuts, cilantro, and chili flakes for garnishing.
Keyword chicken, lettuce wraps, peanut sauce, Thai cuisine