Prepare to embark on a flavor-packed journey with these Spicy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps! Bursting with vibrant Thai-inspired ingredients and a touch of heat, these wraps are a perfect balance of comfort and excitement. Get ready to wow your taste buds and impress your friends with this easy-to-make, yet utterly craveable dish.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
These Spicy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a game-changer in the world of healthy, flavorful meals. Juicy, marinated chicken is paired with a medley of fresh veggies, crunchy peanuts, and a zesty, creamy sauce, all wrapped up in crisp lettuce leaves. The blend of bold Thai flavors, including fragrant lemongrass, tangy lime, and a touch of heat, will transport your senses to the bustling streets of Bangkok. Plus, these wraps are a breeze to assemble, making them an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Get ready to experience the perfect harmony of spice, crunch, and comforting satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a carefully curated selection of ingredients that work together to create the ultimate Spicy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken thighs, fresh lemongrass, lime juice, fish sauce, brown sugar, Thai chili peppers, garlic, shallot, romaine lettuce leaves, fresh herbs (such as cilantro and mint), crunchy peanuts, and a creamy, zesty sauce made with mayonnaise, Sriracha, and lime juice.
- 1 lb – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
- 2 tbsp – Minced fresh lemongrass
- 3 tbsp – Lime juice
- 2 tbsp – Fish sauce
- 1 tbsp – Brown sugar
Ingredient Substitutions
- Protein: Ground turkey or beef can be used in place of the chicken.
- Nuts: Swap out the peanuts for toasted sesame seeds or chopped water chestnuts for a nut-free option.
How to Make Spicy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Begin by preparing the flavorful chicken filling. In a bowl, combine diced chicken thighs, minced lemongrass, lime juice, fish sauce, brown sugar, and Thai chili peppers. Let the mixture marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 1: Prep Work
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Sriracha, and lime juice to create the creamy, zesty sauce. Arrange the crisp romaine lettuce leaves on a serving platter. Top each leaf with a generous portion of the spicy Thai chicken, a drizzle of the sauce, and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts, cilantro, and mint.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Heartier Meal: Serve the Spicy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or quinoa.
- Softer Wrap: Swap the romaine lettuce for bibb or butter lettuce for a softer, more delicate wrap.
- Add More Crunch: Top the wraps with crushed toasted coconut or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
- Extra Veggies: Consider adding shredded carrots, thinly sliced cucumber, or diced mango for an even more vibrant dish.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Spicy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are best served immediately for maximum crispness and flavor.
Storage: The chicken filling and sauce can be prepared in advance and stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble the wraps as needed.
Reheat: For leftovers, reheat the chicken filling gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before assembling the wraps.
Make-Ahead: The chicken filling and sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance, making assembly a breeze when you’re ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
These Spicy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a nutritious and balanced meal option. Each serving provides a good source of protein from the chicken, along with a variety of beneficial vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables and herbs. The lettuce leaves act as a low-carb, gluten-free wrapper, making this dish a great choice for those following a keto or paleo diet.
- Serving Size: 2 lettuce wraps
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 12 g
- Fat: 21 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of lettuce is best for lettuce wraps?
Crisp, sturdy varieties like romaine, iceberg, or bibb lettuce work best for lettuce wraps, as they can hold the filling without wilting or tearing.
Can I make the chicken filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! The chicken filling can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This makes assembly a breeze when you’re ready to serve.
How spicy are these lettuce wraps?
The level of spice can be adjusted to your personal preference. The recipe calls for Thai chili peppers, which can range from mild to very hot. Start with 1-2 peppers and add more if you like a real kick of heat.
Can I use ground chicken instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, ground chicken can be a great substitute. The texture and cooking time may vary slightly, but the flavors will still be delicious.
How long do the leftovers keep?
The leftover chicken filling and sauce can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The assembled lettuce wraps are best enjoyed immediately for maximum freshness and crispness.
Try These Next
- Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Tacos With Crunchy Slaw
- Spicy Mango Chicken Tacos With Cilantro Lime Slaw
- Crispy Chicken Nachos With Spicy Cheese Drizzle
Spicy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🌍 Global Flavors & Street Food
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
These Spicy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are packed with flavor and make for a perfect appetizer or light meal. The combination of ground chicken, fresh vegetables, and a spicy sauce brings an exciting twist to your table.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground chicken
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 carrot, shredded
– 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
– 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce
– 1 tablespoon chili sauce (adjust for spice)
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 head of butter lettuce, leaves separated
– Chopped peanuts (for garnish)
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. 2. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sauté until fragrant.
4. 3. Add the ground chicken, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
5. 4. Stir in the diced red bell pepper, shredded carrot, soy sauce, fish sauce, chili sauce, and lime juice. Cook for another 3-4 minutes.
6. 5. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped green onions and cilantro.
7. 6. To serve, spoon the chicken mixture into the lettuce leaves and garnish with chopped peanuts.
Notes
– Feel free to adjust the level of spice by adding more or less chili sauce.
– These wraps can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a quick meal or snack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wrap
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken, lettuce wraps, spicy, Thai, appetizer