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Fresh Thai Lettuce Wrap Chicken Recipe with Zesty Peanut Lime Sauce

thai lettuce wrap chicken - featured image

A quick and easy Thai-inspired lettuce wrap featuring spiced chicken and a creamy, tangy peanut lime sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, finely chopped or ground
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil or peanut oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce (optional)
  • 1 tsp brown sugar or palm sugar
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 12 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional)
  • 23 tbsp warm water
  • 1 head butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce, leaves separated, washed, and dried
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
  • 1/2 cup finely diced cucumber or bell pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the lettuce leaves carefully to avoid tearing. Mince garlic, shallot, and ginger. Chop or grind the chicken into small pieces. (About 10 minutes)
  2. In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and sriracha if using. Add warm water one tablespoon at a time until sauce is smooth and pourable. Set aside. (About 5 minutes)
  3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and shallots, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add chicken, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently until cooked through and lightly browned.
  5. Stir in soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and black pepper. Cook for another minute to meld flavors. Remove from heat.
  6. Assemble wraps by laying out a lettuce leaf, spooning in chicken mixture, adding shredded carrots, diced cucumber or bell pepper if using, and sprinkling with cilantro and peanuts.
  7. Drizzle generously with the zesty peanut lime sauce and serve immediately.

Notes

Use tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free. Fresh lime juice is key for brightness. Finely chop chicken for better sauce cling and texture. Avoid overcooking chicken to keep it juicy. Thin peanut sauce with warm water if too thick. Assemble wraps just before serving to keep lettuce crisp. Store components separately if making ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thai lettuce wraps, chicken lettuce wraps, peanut lime sauce, quick dinner, healthy Thai recipe, gluten-free, dairy-free, weeknight meal