These Thai chicken lettuce wraps are flavorful and perfect for a light meal. Ground chicken mixed with ginger, lemongrass, fish sauce, and soy sauce, sprinkled with chopped peanuts and cilantro.
Looking for a light and refreshing lunch or dinner that comes together fast?
These Thai chicken lettuce wraps are made from lean ground chicken, a ton of aromatics (ginger, lemongrass, garlic, and green onions,) sweet and savory sauces (like chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, and fish sauce,) sweet dark brown sugar, tangy rice wine vinegar, and fresh mint and earthy cilantro; all served in tender and crisp bibb lettuce cups.
It may seem like a lot of ingredients, but it comes together quickly and is packed with bold and delicious flavors.
Next time you go to reach for a boring tuna sandwich for lunch, try these Thai chicken lettuce wraps instead!
Craving more ground chicken recipes? Try my One Pot Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta, Baked Ground Chicken Tacos, or my Ground Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers.
Table of Contents
Ingredients to make Thai chicken lettuce wraps
- Olive oil – This is our fat of choice that will cook the ground chicken for the wraps.
- Ground chicken – Ground chicken is lean and versatile and soaks up all the flavors in these Thai lettuce wraps.
- Green onions – Green onions will add a mild onion flavor.
- Aromatics – I’ve used a blend of ginger, garlic, and lemongrass here to ensure I’m hitting all the floral, earthy, and sweet notes.
- Chili garlic sauce – Chili garlic sauce will give us a bit of spice and garlicky flavor.
- Lime – Lime will add brightness to the dish.
- Soy sauce and Fish sauce – Both soy sauce and fish sauce will add tons of deep umami flavors.
- Rice wine vinegar – Rice wine vinegar will add some tanginess.
- Dark brown sugar – Dark brown sugar will add some dark molasses sweetness to the Thai chicken lettuce wraps.
- Herbs – I’ve used a combination of mint and cilantro here. Feel free to omit cilantro if you’re not a fan of cilantro.
- Bibb lettuce – Bibb lettuce is the perfect shape for the cups for these wraps.
- Peanuts – Peanuts on top provide the perfect crunch!
What is fish sauce?
Fish sauce is an important condiment that is a staple in many Asian cuisines.
It’s made by simply fermenting fish and salt, which sounds weird, but when added in small amounts to dishes like stir frys, soups, and marinades, provides a big savory umami depth of flavor.
Fish sauce can be found in the international foods aisle of most major grocery stores, next to the soy sauce. It can also be found at your local Asian markets!
Alternative to ground chicken
A perfect substitute for ground chicken would be ground turkey. This is because it keeps the dish light in flavor and fat content, just like the ground chicken.
If you opt to use ground beef, remember to drain the excess fat from the ground beef after browning it in the pan.
What is bibb lettuce
Bibb lettuce is a tender variety of lettuce that is mild in flavor, and naturally comes in the perfect cup shape!
If you’re having a hard time finding bibb lettuce, you can absolutely substitute it with iceberg or romaine lettuces.
Using other lettuces
Bibb lettuce is perfect because it is already cup-shaped and ready for fillings!
However, you could also use romaine lettuce leaves or even crunchy iceberg!
Storing and reheating leftover chicken lettuce cups
The seasoned ground chicken filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
The ground chicken easily reheats in a microwave-safe container!
Make sure to store the lettuce cups separately in the refrigerator so they don’t get soggy.
More tasty chicken recipes
- Craving Mexican flavors? Try my One Pot Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta.
- Love Asian-inspired one-bowl dinners? Try my Ground Chicken Egg Roll Bowl.
- Want an easy summertime grilled chicken? Try my Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs.
- Need something spicy? Try my Spicy Cashew Chicken.
Thai Ground Chicken Lettuce Cups
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 5 green onions thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon grated lemongrass
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon grated garlic
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
- 1/2 lime juiced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 2 teaspoons dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup minced cilantro
- 2 tablespoons minced mint
- 1 head bibb lettuce outer leaves carefully removed, washed and pat dry
- 1/4 cup minced peanuts
Instructions
- In a large 12-inch skillet add olive oil and set over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot add the ground chicken and cook for about 5 minutes to start browning the meat all while breaking up the meat with a spatula.
- Add in the green onions, grated lemongrass, grated ginger, grated garlic, and chili garlic sauce.
- Continue cooking until the meat no longer looks pink.
- In a small bowl whisk together lime juice, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, fish sauce, and dark brown sugar.
- Pour into the meat mixture, stir to combine and cook just the mixture has thickened slightly.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the cilantro and mint.
- Place out your bibb lettuce leaves and fill each leaf with some of the ground chicken mixtures.
- Sprinkle the top with minced peanuts.
Nutrition
Krista
Sunday 9th of July 2017
Light, healthy, and Thai flavors! I am always in!
Sandi G
Saturday 8th of July 2017
These look like a delicious healthy meal. I will have to find that butter lettuce at the farmer's market tomorrow.
Jennifer
Saturday 8th of July 2017
So glad you motivated yourself to getting this post done because my stomach says thank you! This looks delicious!
carrie @ frugal foodie mama
Saturday 8th of July 2017
These look so light & flavorful! Totally adding this recipe to the weekly meal plan soon. :)
Patricia @ Grab a Plate
Saturday 8th of July 2017
I like the way you think with your swapping! These looks so good, I'm sure I wouldn't be able to stop at one...or two. YUM!