If you have been searching for a fun and flavorful dinner idea that brings a burst of Asian-inspired goodness to your table, this Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and a touch of heat wrapped in crisp, refreshing lettuce leaves. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining friends, these lettuce wraps deliver a satisfying combination of juicy ground chicken tossed in a rich peanut sauce, crunchy water chestnuts, and fresh herbs. The dish comes together quickly, offering a healthy and colorful meal that’s as delightful to eat as it is to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in creating layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color in this Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe. From the creamy peanut butter to the crunchy water chestnuts and aromatic ginger, every component brings something special to the mix.
- 1 pound ground chicken: The lean protein base that cooks quickly and absorbs all the delicious flavors.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a subtle nutty depth and helps brown the chicken perfectly.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic sharpness that enhances the overall taste.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Offers a warm, zesty kick that pairs beautifully with the peanut sauce.
- ½ cup shredded carrots: Provides natural sweetness and a satisfying crunch.
- ½ cup chopped water chestnuts: Delivers a juicy snap that contrasts nicely with the softness of the cooked chicken.
- ¼ cup chopped green onions: Adds fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of green color.
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient for that rich and velvety sauce everyone will love.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings umami and saltiness, balancing the peanut butter’s richness.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Introduces a gentle tang to brighten the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Adds a touch of sweetness that harmonizes the savory elements.
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional): For those who enjoy a little spicy warmth in their wraps.
- 1–2 tablespoons water: Used to thin the sauce to the perfect consistency for coating the chicken.
- Butter lettuce or romaine leaves: Crisp, refreshing vessels that keep each wrap light and crunchy.
- Chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for garnish: Enhance texture and freshness with every bite.
How to Make Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Chicken
Start by heating the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add your ground chicken. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, break the meat apart and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 6 minutes. This step forms the savory foundation of your dish, so let the chicken develop a nice golden color for more flavor.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Ginger
Next, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir and cook for just about one minute until you can smell their wonderful aromas filling the kitchen. This brief step infuses the chicken with those signature Asian-inspired notes that make this Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe so irresistible.
Step 3: Incorporate Vegetables
Add the shredded carrots, chopped water chestnuts, and green onions to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine. These veggies not only add a delightful crunch but also bring brightness and color, turning this dish into a feast for the eyes and palate alike.
Step 4: Prepare and Add the Peanut Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sriracha if you like some extra heat. Add water a little at a time to thin the sauce until it’s smooth and pourable. Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir again to coat the chicken mixture evenly. Let it cook for 2 to 3 more minutes so all those flavors marry perfectly and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Assemble the Lettuce Wraps
Remove the skillet from heat. Carefully spoon the savory chicken mixture into individual butter lettuce or romaine leaves. These crisp leaves serve as the perfect natural cups to hold every flavorful bite. Don’t forget the final touch—sprinkle chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro on top for that crunch and herbal freshness.
How to Serve Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
The garnishes elevate your Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe with complementary textures and flavors. Chopped peanuts add a lovely crunch that contrasts with the tender chicken, while fresh cilantro injects a bright herbal note that lifts the whole dish. You can also consider a squeeze of lime for an extra zing or a drizzle of extra sriracha if you crave more spice.
Side Dishes
These wraps are wonderfully versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. A light cucumber salad, steamed jasmine rice, or even some quick pickled vegetables on the side add freshness and balance. For a fun twist, try serving with crispy spring rolls or miso soup for a full Asian-inspired meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can turn a casual meal into something special. You can arrange the individual lettuce cups on a platter in a circular pattern for easy sharing, or serve the chicken mixture in a large bowl with lettuce leaves on the side so everyone builds their own wraps. For an elegant touch, use smaller leaf varieties like baby gem lettuce or butter lettuce hearts to make bite-sized, party-friendly morsels.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the cooked chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate and only assemble the wraps when ready to eat to maintain their crispness.
Freezing
The chicken and sauce mixture freezes well for up to two months. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready for a quick meal, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The fresh garnishes and lettuce should always be added fresh after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and retain the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid reheating the mixture in lettuce leaves, as they will wilt and lose their delicious crunch.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and works wonderfully in this Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe, providing a similar texture and flavor profile.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! You can replace the ground chicken with firm tofu or a plant-based meat alternative. Just crumble or cube the tofu and cook it similarly to the chicken for a tasty vegetarian option.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Switch out regular soy sauce for tamari, which is gluten-free. Also, double-check other ingredients like peanut butter and sriracha to ensure they are free from gluten-containing additives.
What kind of lettuce works best for wraps?
Butter lettuce and romaine leaves are the most popular choices because they are sturdy enough to hold the filling yet tender and crisp, creating a perfect edible cup for the savory chicken mixture.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Definitely! Whisk the peanut sauce ingredients together ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This can save you a few minutes during meal prep and allows the flavors to meld even better.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and exciting about this Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe that makes it a winner for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. It’s flavorful, quick to prepare, and packed with textures that delight every bite. I encourage you to give this recipe a try soon—you might just find it becoming your new favorite go-to meal that everyone asks for again and again.
Print
Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 8 lettuce wraps)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps offer a flavorful and healthy twist on a classic Asian-inspired dish. Ground chicken is cooked with aromatic garlic and fresh ginger, then tossed with crunchy veggies and a creamy, tangy peanut sauce. Wrapped in crisp butter lettuce leaves and garnished with chopped peanuts and cilantro, these wraps are perfect for a light lunch or dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup chopped water chestnuts
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
Peanut Sauce
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
- 1–2 tablespoons water (to thin sauce if needed)
Serving
- Butter lettuce or romaine leaves
- Chopped peanuts for garnish
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the sesame oil. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through, about 5–6 minutes.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant to infuse the chicken mixture with flavor.
- Incorporate Vegetables: Add the shredded carrots, chopped water chestnuts, and chopped green onions to the skillet, stirring to combine evenly with the chicken.
- Prepare Peanut Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sriracha. Add 1–2 tablespoons of water as needed to thin the sauce to your preferred consistency.
- Combine and Heat Through: Pour the sauce into the skillet with the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat everything evenly and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce is heated through.
- Assemble Wraps: Remove from heat. Spoon the warm peanut chicken mixture into individual butter lettuce or romaine leaves.
- Garnish and Serve: Top each wrap with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately for the freshest taste and crunch.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or tofu for the chicken for a different protein option.
- Add diced bell peppers or shredded cabbage to the filling for extra crunch and nutrition.
- For a gluten-free version, replace soy sauce with tamari.
