Name: Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 10 oz ground chicken; ¼ cup onion, diced (yellow or white); 2 cloves of garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger or ginger paste; ¼-½ cup carrots, shredded; ¼ cup scallions, chopped; ¼ cup cilantro, fresh chopped; 1 head butter lettuce, leaves removed, rinsed and dried; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 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, roasted, or salted); Sesame seeds for topping

If you’re looking for an easy, fresh, and flavor-packed dish, my Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how these wraps combine juicy ground chicken with bright herbs and a tangy, sweet chili sauce, all wrapped in crisp butter lettuce leaves. When I first tried making this, it quickly became a go-to for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers because it’s just that delicious and simple. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: You can have these wraps ready in about 15 minutes — perfect for busy days or last-minute guests.
Fresh & Flavorful: The combo of lime, chili sauce, ginger, and fresh herbs makes every bite vibrant and satisfying.
Healthy & Low-Carb: Wrapped in butter lettuce leaves, this is a tasty way to enjoy a lighter meal without feeling deprived.
Family Favorite: My whole family goes crazy for these — they’re fun to assemble and eat together!

The image shows several lettuce wraps on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. Each wrap has one large bright green leaf as the base, holding a mix of small pieces of cooked golden-brown chicken, thin orange carrot strips, and cashew nuts. The topping is sprinkled with white sesame seeds and small bits of chopped green onions and cilantro. The colors contrast well, with the fresh green lettuce leaves cradling the warm, textured filling. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients come together to create a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. When you shop, look for fresh ginger and crisp butter lettuce leaves to really make a difference.

Sesame oil: Adds a warm, nutty aroma that ties the dish together.
Onion: I usually use yellow onion, but white also works well for a milder taste.
Garlic: Fresh cloves give the best depth of flavor here.
Fresh minced ginger: A little goes a long way to brighten the dish.
Ground chicken: Lean but juicy, it’s perfect for quick cooking and soaking up flavors.
Tamari (or soy sauce/coconut aminos): Opt for low-sodium if you want to control saltiness.
Thai sweet red chili sauce: Trader Joe’s version is my go-to for balance and sweetness.
Lime juice: Fresh-squeezed is best for that zesty punch.
Maple syrup: I love using it here for natural sweetness; honey or agave work too.
Cashews: Adds crunch and richness; raw or roasted both taste great.
Scallions: Fresh and bright, they add a lovely mild onion flavor.
Cilantro: Fresh and fragrant, it brings the dish together.
Carrots: Shredded for a subtle sweetness and a pop of color.
Sesame seeds: For an extra toasty crunch on top.
Butter lettuce: Crisp, soft, and perfect for wrapping — just rinse and dry those leaves before serving.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is — I often tweak it depending on what’s in my fridge or who I’m cooking for. Feel free to make it your own!

Protein swaps: Ground turkey or pork also work beautifully if you want a different twist.
Veggie boost: Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms when you cook the onions for extra texture.
Heat it up: If you like spice, stir in some chopped fresh chili or a splash of sriracha.
Nut-free: Omit cashews and use toasted seeds for crunch instead if you need a nut-free option.

How to Make Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Step 1: Build that flavorful garlic-ginger pan sauce

Heat a pan over medium-high and add the sesame oil. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the diced onions and cook until they start to brown and turn translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Then add in the minced garlic and ginger, stirring everything together for another 2 minutes. This base is where all the magic starts, so don’t rush it — those aromatics deepen the flavor wonderfully.

Step 2: Cook the ground chicken to perfection

Add the ground chicken to the pan, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Season lightly with salt and pepper as it cooks. Keep tossing and breaking up the meat until it turns golden brown and no pink remains, typically around 3-4 minutes. Pro tip: don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed for better browning.

Step 3: Whip up the tangy Thai chili sauce

While the chicken cooks, mix the tamari (or soy sauce), Thai sweet red chili sauce, lime juice, and maple syrup in a small bowl. This combo balances salty, sweet, spicy, and tangy perfectly, and you’ll want to add it just at the right moment to coat the chicken beautifully.

Step 4: Bring it all together with nuts, sauce, and herbs

Sprinkle the chopped cashews over the cooked chicken, then pour in the sauce you made. Toss everything thoroughly, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 2 more minutes so those flavors meld. After you take the pan off the heat, gently fold in the shredded carrots, chopped scallions, and cilantro. This final step adds freshness and a bit of crunch.

Step 5: Assemble your Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Grab a crisp butter lettuce leaf, spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into it, drizzle some of that pan sauce on top, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Repeat until you’ve made as many wraps as you want. The best part? Everyone can customize their own, making it a super fun and interactive meal!

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Pro Tips for Making Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ginger and lime juice make a big difference for authentic flavor, so don’t skip these!
Don’t overfill your wraps: Less is more here to keep the leaves from getting soggy or too hard to wrap.
Toast your cashews: If you’re using raw cashews, a quick toast in the pan before chopping boosts their flavor and crunch.
Dry your lettuce leaves well: Damp leaves can get limp fast—pat them dry with paper towels or spin in a salad spinner before using.

How to Serve Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Three large bright green lettuce leaves are laid flat on a white plate, each holding a generous scoop of cooked ground meat mixed with thin orange carrot strips, lightly toasted nuts, and chopped green onions. The meat mixture has a rich brown color with a slightly glossy texture. The lettuce leaves’ edges are slightly ruffled, providing a fresh, crisp contrast to the warm filling. Small green herbs are sprinkled on top and around the plate, adding a touch of freshness. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with a few small bowls of green herbs nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishes, I like to keep it simple but vibrant—extra chopped cilantro, sliced scallions, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds over the top add color and texture. Sometimes, I even toss on a little crushed red pepper flakes if we want some heat, but that’s totally up to your taste buds.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines with light, fresh sides like a cucumber salad or steamed jasmine rice if you want some carbs. Grilled veggies or a quick mango salad can also create a vibrant Thai-inspired meal that’s balanced and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to lay out all the ingredients on a big platter—lettuce leaves, chicken filling, chopped herbs, nuts, and sauces—and let everyone build their own wraps. It’s interactive and always a hit! You can also serve these as bite-sized appetizers by using mini lettuce cups or even endive leaves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep the chicken mixture separate from the lettuce leaves in airtight containers. This way, the lettuce stays crisp and doesn’t get soggy overnight. Stored in the fridge, the chicken filling lasts up to 3 days.

Freezing

While I don’t recommend freezing the assembled wraps (they don’t hold up well), the cooked chicken filling freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

For the best flavor, reheat the chicken filling gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally just until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it can dry out the meat. Then, assemble with fresh lettuce leaves for that crisp texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of lettuce instead of butter lettuce?

Absolutely! While butter lettuce is soft and easy to wrap, you can also use romaine hearts, iceberg, or even kale leaves if you want a sturdier wrap. Just make sure to wash and dry them thoroughly before serving.
Is this recipe spicy?

The Thai sweet red chili sauce adds a mild, sweet heat but nothing overwhelming. If you prefer more spice, you can add fresh chopped chilies or a dash of sriracha to suit your taste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! You can swap ground chicken for plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or tempeh. Adjust the cooking time accordingly and make sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture for best texture.
How do I keep the lettuce leaves from getting soggy?

Dry them very well after washing using a salad spinner or paper towels, and store them separately in a container lined with paper towels. Add the chicken mixture only right before serving to keep the wraps crisp.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Definitely! You can make the chicken filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, reheat gently, then assemble with fresh lettuce for the best experience.

Final Thoughts

This Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe has become a personal favorite because it’s straightforward, fresh, and endlessly satisfying. I love serving it when I want something light but flavorful that still feels special. If you try it, I’m pretty sure you’ll love how easy it is to put together and how much your family or guests enjoy eating it. Give it a go — I promise it won’t disappoint!