Name: Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon sesame oil; ¼ cup onion, diced (yellow or white); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger (or ginger paste); 10 oz ground chicken; ¼ cup Tamari (low sodium) or soy sauce or coconut aminos; 2 Tablespoons Thai sweet red chili sauce (e.g. Trader Joe’s); Juice of 1 lime; 1 teaspoon maple syrup (or honey, or agave); ⅓ cup cashews, chopped (raw or roasted/salted); ¼ cup scallions, chopped; ¼ cup cilantro, fresh chopped; ¼-½ cup carrots, shredded; Sesame seeds, for topping; 1 head butter lettuce, leaves removed, rinsed and dried

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 8 reviews

If you adore fresh, vibrant flavors and crave a dish that’s both light and deeply satisfying, then this Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It combines juicy, savory ground chicken with the perfect balance of tangy lime, sweet chili sauce, and zesty ginger, all nestled in crisp butter lettuce leaves that add the ideal crunch. Each bite bursts with color and texture, making it a fantastic appetizer, lunch, or easy dinner that everyone will rave about.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white pan filled with small chunks of cooked meat that are golden brown and slightly crispy. The meat is spread evenly across the surface of the pan, with a wooden spoon resting in the middle, scooping a few pieces. The background is a white marbled surface, which contrasts with the warm colors of the meat and the pale color of the pan. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays an essential role, whether it’s adding richness, heat, crunch, or freshness. Together they create a flavor profile that’s truly unforgettable and incredibly balanced.

Sesame oil: This adds a subtle nutty aroma that elevates the entire dish.
Yellow or white onion (¼ cup, diced): Offers a soft sweetness that caramelizes perfectly with the garlic and ginger.
Garlic (2 cloves): Brings a punch of fragrant depth to the pan sauce.
Fresh minced ginger (1 tablespoon): Adds warmth and a slight zing that brightens the chicken.
Ground chicken (10 oz): The lean protein base that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
Tamari or low sodium soy sauce (¼ cup): Supplies savory umami to balance the sweetness.
Thai sweet red chili sauce (2 tablespoons): Provides both heat and a touch of sweetness; perfect to make the wraps pop.
Lime juice (juice of 1 lime): Adds essential acidity that keeps the dish fresh and lively.
Maple syrup (1 teaspoon): A gentle natural sweetener that rounds out the bold flavors.
Cashews (⅓ cup, chopped): Introduce an irresistible crunch and subtle creaminess.
Chopped scallions (¼ cup): Offer a mild onion flavor and a lovely green color.
Fresh cilantro (¼ cup, chopped): Adds freshness and that unmistakable Thai flavor.
Shredded carrots (¼ to ½ cup): Bring a mild sweetness and crisp texture to each bite.
Sesame seeds: For garnish, they add extra nuttiness and visual appeal.
Butter lettuce (1 head): The perfect tender leaf to cradle all the flavorful fillings.

How to Make Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Step 1: Heat the Pan and Begin Cooking Onions

Start by heating your pan to medium-high heat and adding the aromatic sesame oil. Then toss in the diced onions, letting them soften for about 2 to 3 minutes until they become translucent and just start to brown slightly. This step builds a sweet and savory foundation that will beautifully complement every other ingredient.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Ginger

Next, stir in the minced garlic and fresh ginger. The sizzling fragrances will instantly transport you to Thai street food heaven as they cook together for about 2 minutes, infusing the oil with their spicy, warm flavors.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Chicken

Add the ground chicken to the pan, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and toss it thoroughly to coat with the fragrant sauce. Season with a little salt and pepper, and cook until the chicken is golden brown and no longer pink, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step ensures the meat absorbs the savory aromatics perfectly.

Step 4: Prepare the Thai Chili Sauce

While the chicken cooks, whisk together the tamari, Thai sweet red chili sauce, lime juice, and maple syrup in a small bowl. This bright and tangy sauce is the heart of the recipe, delivering that classic sweet, spicy, and sour Thai flavor balance.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Sprinkle the chopped cashews over the chicken and pour the chili-lime sauce into the pan. Stir everything together, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook gently for another 2 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld, and the cashews to soften just a touch while keeping their crunch.

Step 6: Add Fresh Veggies and Herbs

Remove the pan from heat and fold in the shredded carrots, scallions, and cilantro. These fresh ingredients add vibrant colors and textures that make each wrapper fresh and lively.

Step 7: Assemble the Lettuce Wraps

To serve, carefully separate the butter lettuce leaves and spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into each leaf. Drizzle with any remaining pan sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds for that final delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

How to Serve Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

The image shows three green lettuce leaves used as cups, each filled with a colorful mix. The bottom layer is a large, smooth, bright green lettuce leaf. On top, there is a mix of light brown pieces of cooked food combined with thin, orange carrot strips and small green onion slices. White sesame seeds are sprinkled over the mix. The lettuce cups rest on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. The colors are fresh and clear, showing textures of leafy, soft, and slightly crunchy ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes like more chopped cilantro, thin slices of fresh chili, or a sprinkle of extra sesame seeds can add that extra pop of flavor and visual charm. A wedge of lime on the side lets everyone personalize their wraps with a zesty squeeze.

Side Dishes

These wraps pair beautifully with simple jasmine rice or a light cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar for a refreshing contrast. They also shine alongside a bowl of hot and sour soup as an appetizer for a complete Thai-inspired meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or casual gatherings, serve the chicken filling in a stylish bowl with the butter lettuce leaves arranged around it like a platter. This encourages a fun, interactive experience where guests can build their own wraps. Alternatively, place each assembled wrap on a colorful platter for an eye-catching appetizer display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate to prevent wilting, so your wraps stay crisp upon serving.

Freezing

This Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe filling freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken filling in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid overheating to preserve the fresh flavors. Add fresh shredded carrots, scallions, and cilantro after reheating for the best texture and taste.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and will still absorb all the delicious flavors of the sauce nicely. Just adjust cooking times slightly if needed to ensure it’s fully cooked.

What if I don’t have Thai sweet chili sauce?

You can substitute with a mix of sriracha and honey, or any sweet chili or sweet and spicy sauce you prefer. Just adjust amounts to keep that perfect sweet-heat combo that defines this dish.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free tamari or soy sauce, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I prepare this recipe vegan?

To make this vegan, swap the ground chicken for crumbled tofu or finely chopped mushrooms and use coconut aminos or a vegan soy sauce. The sweet chili sauce is usually vegan, but check the label to be sure.

What type of lettuce is best for wraps?

Butter lettuce is ideal because its leaves are tender, wide, and flexible, making them perfect to hold the chicken mixture without tearing. Iceberg lettuce can work too but lacks the soft texture.

Final Thoughts

This Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is such a joyful way to enjoy bold flavors and fresh textures in under 20 minutes. It’s incredibly versatile, easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re cooking for friends or enjoying a quick solo meal. Give it a try and get ready to savor every delicious bite!