why make this recipe
Irresistibly Juicy Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Thai Chili Sauce are not only delicious but also healthy! They are easy to make and packed with flavor. Perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or an appetizer for a gathering. Using lettuce wraps instead of traditional tortillas means fewer carbs and a fresh crunch. The Thai chili sauce adds a nice hint of sweetness and heat that elevates this dish, making it a fun and tasty option for anyone who loves exciting flavors.
how to make Irresistibly Juicy Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Thai Chili Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil (Substitute with vegetable oil for a neutral flavor.)
- 0.25 cup Onion, diced (Yellow or white onion can be used interchangeably.)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Fresh is recommended, but garlic paste can save time.)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Minced Ginger (Ginger paste is a suitable alternative.)
- 10 oz Ground Chicken (Swap for ground turkey or tofu for a vegetarian version.)
- 0.25 cup Tamari or Soy Sauce (Choose low sodium or coconut aminos for gluten-free.)
- 2 tablespoons Thai Sweet Red Chili Sauce
- 1 lime Lime Juice (Use freshly squeezed for the best outcome.)
- 1 teaspoon Maple Syrup or Honey (Use maple syrup for a vegan option.)
- 0.33 cup Chopped Cashews (For a nut-free alternative, consider sunflower seeds.)
- 0.25 cup Scallions, chopped (Adjust based on your preference.)
- 0.25 cup Cilantro, fresh, chopped (Skip if cilantro isn’t your favorite.)
- 0.25 to 0.5 cup Shredded Carrots (Brings color and crispness.)
- 1 head Butter Lettuce (Keep leaves intact for best presentation.)
- Sesame Seeds (For topping and extra crunch.)
Directions
- Heat the sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground chicken to the pan. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Pour in the tamari or soy sauce, Thai sweet red chili sauce, lime juice, and maple syrup or honey. Stir well to combine.
- Mix in the chopped cashews, scallions, cilantro, and shredded carrots. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
how to serve Irresistibly Juicy Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Thai Chili Sauce
To serve, carefully separate the butter lettuce leaves and spoon the chicken mixture into each leaf. You can garnish with additional chopped cilantro and sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch. Serve immediately while the filling is warm for the best experience.
how to store Irresistibly Juicy Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Thai Chili Sauce
Cooked chicken filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just keep the lettuce leaves separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain their crispiness.
tips to make Irresistibly Juicy Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Thai Chili Sauce
- Chop all your ingredients before starting to cook to make the process faster.
- If you want extra crunch, add sliced bell peppers or water chestnuts to the filling mixture.
- Adjust the amount of Thai chili sauce to suit your heat preference.
variation
You can easily swap out ground chicken for ground turkey or a plant-based protein for a vegetarian option. Try adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra textures and flavors.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of lettuce?
Yes, you can use romaine or iceberg lettuce, but butter lettuce is best for its soft, cup-like leaves.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken filling in advance and store it in the fridge. Just assemble the wraps when you’re ready to eat.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
By choosing gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free. Check the labels on your sauces to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
Irresistibly Juicy Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Thai Chili Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Delicious and healthy chicken lettuce wraps with Thai chili sauce, perfect for lunch, dinner, or appetizers.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil
- 0.25 cup Onion, diced
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Minced Ginger
- 10 oz Ground Chicken
- 0.25 cup Tamari or Soy Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Thai Sweet Red Chili Sauce
- 1 lime Lime Juice
- 1 teaspoon Maple Syrup or Honey
- 0.33 cup Chopped Cashews
- 0.25 cup Scallions, chopped
- 0.25 cup Cilantro, fresh, chopped
- 0.25 to 0.5 cup Shredded Carrots
- 1 head Butter Lettuce
- Sesame Seeds for topping
Instructions
- Heat the sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground chicken to the pan. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Pour in the tamari or soy sauce, Thai sweet red chili sauce, lime juice, and maple syrup or honey. Stir well to combine.
- Mix in the chopped cashews, scallions, cilantro, and shredded carrots. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Separate the butter lettuce leaves and spoon the chicken mixture into each leaf. Garnish with additional cilantro and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Chop all ingredients before cooking to speed up the process. For extra crunch, add sliced bell peppers or water chestnuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai