Description
These Zesty Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are bursting with bold flavors and fresh textures! Juicy ground chicken is sautéed with aromatic garlic, ginger, and onions, then tossed in a tangy Thai-inspired sauce with a hint of sweetness. Crunchy cashews, shredded carrots, and fresh herbs bring it all together, making this a light yet satisfying meal. Perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or appetizer!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling:
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- ¼ cup onion, diced (yellow or white)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (or ginger paste)
- 10 oz ground chicken
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Thai Sauce:
- ¼ cup Tamari (low sodium), soy sauce, or coconut aminos
- 2 tablespoons Thai sweet red chili sauce
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup, honey, or agave
For Garnishing & Serving:
- ⅓ cup cashews, chopped (raw or roasted/salted)
- ¼ cup scallions, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ¼–½ cup shredded carrots
- 1 head butter lettuce (leaves rinsed and dried)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
Instructions
-
Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add diced onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
-
Cook the Chicken:
- Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
- Season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the chicken is browned and fully cooked.
-
Prepare the Thai Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce (or tamari), Thai sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and maple syrup (or preferred sweetener).
-
Combine & Simmer:
- Sprinkle the chopped cashews over the cooked chicken, then pour in the sauce mixture.
- Stir everything together and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Remove from heat and mix in shredded carrots, chopped scallions, and fresh cilantro.
-
Assemble the Wraps:
- Spoon the chicken mixture into individual butter lettuce leaves.
- Drizzle with extra sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Make it Spicier: Add sriracha, crushed red pepper flakes, or fresh chopped chili for extra heat.
- Nut-Free Alternative: Swap cashews for sunflower seeds or omit them entirely.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Store the chicken filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble wraps fresh before serving.
- Serving Idea: Serve with jasmine rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai-Inspired, Asian