If you’re looking for a bright, healthy meal that feels just as lively as a night at your favorite Thai spot, it’s time to try Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps. This dish brings together crisp, fresh lettuce, tender bites of savory chicken, and a swirl of bold, punchy flavors in every bite. It’s the kind of recipe that’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, but impressive and interactive enough for a dinner party. Plus, because everyone builds their own wraps, it’s as much an experience as it is a meal. If you’ve never made Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps at home, now’s the moment—get ready to discover just how irresistible, adaptable, and simple they can be.

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps is in the harmony of simple ingredients coming together for a fresh, punchy, delicious meal. Each item adds something unique—whether it’s flavor, crunch, color, or sheer satisfaction!

Ground chicken: The perfect protein for soaking up every bit of sauce and spice.
Butter lettuce leaves: These are tender, sturdy, and ideal for wrapping, but you can also use iceberg or romaine if needed.
Shallots: A milder, sweeter allium that melds seamlessly into the filling.
Garlic: For that essential savory depth that defines so much great Thai cooking.
Fresh ginger: Adds a warm, zesty kick that brightens every bite.
Carrots: Sweetness, crunch, and gorgeous color all in a few easy shreds.
Red bell pepper: Bright, juicy, and a nice counterpoint to the savory chicken.
Water chestnuts: Optional, but highly encouraged for their lovely snap and subtle flavor.
Soy sauce (or tamari): Adds salty, savory umami to the sauce.
Fish sauce: Just a dash goes a long way, giving that extra savory edge.
Rice vinegar: Lively acidity that makes everything pop.
Brown sugar: Balances out the salty and sour notes for a true Thai flavor profile.
Chili garlic sauce: For as much (or as little) heat as you want—customize to taste!
Green onions: Sliced thin for garnish and fresh oniony bite.
Fresh cilantro & mint: These herbs add authentic, aromatic brightness on top.
Crushed peanuts: For crunch, flavor, and that signature Thai finish.
Lime wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice lifts everything at the table.

How to Make Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables and Lettuce

Start by giving all your veggies some love: finely chop the shallots, mince the garlic and ginger, shred the carrots, and dice the red bell pepper. Rinse the butter lettuce leaves and gently pat them dry, careful not to tear them—these will be the cups for your delicious filling! Prepping everything ahead lets you quickly build layers of flavor as you cook.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together your soy sauce, fish sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and chili garlic sauce. Taste it—if you love extra heat, now’s the time to crank it up! This sauce will mingle with the chicken as it cooks, soaking the filling with all the tangy, salty, sweet, and spicy notes you crave from Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Mixture

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high, then add a splash of oil. Toss in the shallots, ginger, and garlic, letting them sizzle just until fragrant. Add the ground chicken, breaking it up with a spatula as it browns. Once it’s mostly cooked, toss in your carrots, red pepper, and water chestnuts, continuing to stir-fry until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Pour in your sauce and let everything bubble together until glossy and well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Now comes the fun part! Arrange your lettuce leaves on a platter, then spoon a generous scoop of the hot chicken filling into each one. Pile on your favorite garnishes—green onions, chopped herbs, crushed peanuts, and a little squeeze of lime juice truly bring these Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps to life.

How to Serve Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Garnishes

Don’t hold back on the toppings! Offer little bowls of extra herbs (cilantro and mint), crunchy crushed peanuts, diced green onions, and wedges of lime. Not only do they add vibrant color and fresh flavor, but guests can customize each wrap exactly how they like it.

Side Dishes

To turn your Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps into a full meal, serve them with sticky jasmine rice, cucumber salad with a splash of rice vinegar, or quick pickled veggies. A light, tangy papaya salad complements the wraps and adds a bit of extra crunch and brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange the lettuce leaves and all the toppings in separate bowls for a DIY-wrap bar that encourages everyone to get hands-on. Or, for a more elegant vibe, pre-assemble each Thai Chicken Lettuce Wrap and line them up on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and lime wedges for easy grabbing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra filling, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Wait to assemble the wraps until ready to eat, so the lettuce stays wonderfully crisp and fresh.

Freezing

The cooked chicken mixture freezes perfectly—just cool it completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for easy, speedy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps any time!

Reheating

Warm the chicken filling in a skillet over medium heat or zap it in the microwave until heated through. Give it a good stir, then pile it into fresh lettuce leaves so each wrap tastes as bright and lively as the first time around.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, pork, or even crumbled tofu all work wonderfully and soak up the Thai-inspired sauce beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for your chosen protein.

What’s the best lettuce for Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps?

Bibb or butter lettuce are the classic choices thanks to their soft, cup-like leaves, but Romaine hearts or iceberg also do the trick if that’s what you have on hand.

How can I make these wraps gluten-free?

To keep Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps totally gluten-free, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and always check labels on store-bought sauces for hidden gluten-containing ingredients.

Are Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps spicy?

They can be as spicy or as mild as you want! Control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili garlic sauce, or offer it on the side so everyone can customize their own spice level.

Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Definitely! The chicken filling actually tastes even better after the flavors have mingled in the fridge. Reheat gently and stuff the wraps just before serving for maximum crunch.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps make repeat appearances on my dinner table: they’re quick, endlessly adaptable, and packed with flavor in every fresh, colorful bite. Once you try them, I think you’ll find yourself adding them to your regular rotation, too—give them a go and watch everyone reach for seconds!

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe