If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and freshness, then you’ve got to try this Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of savory ground chicken tossed in a creamy, tangy peanut sauce, perfectly nestled inside crisp, cool lettuce leaves. Every bite offers a satisfying crunch paired with the rich warmth of ginger, garlic, and a hint of spice. This recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but also incredibly easy to whip up, making it a favorite for weeknights or when entertaining guests who appreciate bold Asian-inspired flavors. Trust me, once you experience these wraps, they will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe calls for a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, crunch, and color that make this dish so memorable.
- Ground chicken: The lean and tender protein base that absorbs all the delicious sauce.
- Sesame oil: Adds a toasty, nutty aroma that’s essential for an authentic Asian taste.
- Garlic, minced: Brings pungent warmth and depth to the filling.
- Fresh ginger, grated: Offers a zesty, slightly spicy kick that brightens the dish.
- Shredded carrots: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color with a subtle crunch.
- Chopped water chestnuts: Provide a delightful, crisp texture that contrasts with the soft chicken.
- Chopped green onions: Brings freshness and mild sharpness to round out the flavor.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star of the sauce, lending richness and a smooth, nutty creaminess.
- Soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness for depth.
- Rice vinegar: Provides a bright acidity that balances the richness.
- Honey: A touch of sweetness to harmonize the sauce’s flavors.
- Sriracha (optional): For just the right amount of heat and complexity.
- Water: Helps thin the peanut sauce to coat the chicken perfectly.
- Butter lettuce or romaine leaves: Crisp, fresh vessels for wrapping the savory filling.
- Chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for garnish: Adds texture and herbal brightness to 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 shimmering, add the ground chicken. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart and cook it until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 6 minutes. This step builds a flavorful foundation for your wraps and ensures the chicken is tender and juicy.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Now, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. These two ingredients really wake up the dish with their fragrant and slightly spicy notes. Cook them for just one minute until they’re fragrant—this short sauté prevents them from burning and turning bitter.
Step 3: Mix in Fresh Veggies
Next, toss in the shredded carrots, chopped water chestnuts, and chopped green onions. These ingredients give the filling vibrant color and a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken and creamy sauce. Stir everything together well to combine the flavors.
Step 4: Prepare the Peanut Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sriracha for some heat if you like. Add a tablespoon or two of water to thin the mixture until it’s smooth and pourable. This sauce is the heart of the Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe, marrying sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy notes perfectly.
Step 5: Combine and Heat Through
Pour the peanut sauce over the chicken mixture in the skillet. Stir everything constantly to coat every bit of chicken and veggie with the luscious sauce. Let it cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes until it’s warmed through and thickened slightly. Once ready, remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 6: Assemble the Wraps
Grab those crisp butter lettuce or romaine leaves and spoon a generous amount of the peanut chicken filling onto each. The coolness of the lettuce is a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory filling, making every bite well-balanced and delightful.
How to Serve Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t skip the garnishes! Top each lettuce wrap with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro before serving. The peanuts add a wonderful crunch and nutty texture, while cilantro’s bright, herbal notes elevate the flavors even further. These small touches make the dish feel extra special and restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, consider serving these wraps with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or a light cucumber salad. These options complement the rich, bold flavors of the Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe without overwhelming your palate. A bowl of miso soup or edamame could also be lovely accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a casual get-together, arrange the lettuce leaves on a large platter with the chicken mixture in a bowl alongside. Guests can build their own wraps, making it interactive and fun. For a party, you might also try using colorful lettuce varieties such as red leaf or oak leaf lettuce to add visual interest and variety.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover peanut chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce separate to preserve its crispness. When ready to eat, simply reheat the filling and assemble fresh wraps for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
The chicken and sauce mixture freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to 2 months. When you want a quick meal, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving with fresh lettuce.
Reheating
Reheat the peanut chicken mixture on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, or microwave in short bursts until heated through. Avoid reheating the lettuce—you want to keep it crisp for wrapping fresh fillings every time.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully as a lean alternative and keeps the texture similar. Ground beef can be used too, but since it’s richer, you might want to reduce the oil slightly. The peanut sauce is versatile and complements any ground meat well.
Is there a vegetarian or vegan version of this Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe?
Yes! Simply swap the ground chicken for firm tofu or tempeh, crumbled or finely chopped. The peanut sauce remains the same and provides delicious flavor. Make sure to use a soy sauce or tamari without fish ingredients if you want to keep it vegan.
How spicy are these lettuce wraps?
The heat level depends on how much sriracha you add. The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon, which gives a mild kick that’s not overwhelming. You can omit it for no spice or add more if you like things fiery. The peanut butter helps balance out the spice too.
Can I make the peanut sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The peanut sauce can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge. Just whisk it again before using if it separates. Making the sauce ahead saves time when cooking the chicken mixture later.
What type of lettuce is best for these wraps?
Butter lettuce is ideal because its leaves are soft yet sturdy enough to hold the filling. Romaine works well too if you prefer a bit more crunch and structure. Avoid very flimsy lettuces that might tear easily when filled.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is a perfect example of how a few wholesome ingredients can come together to create something truly special and memorable. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining friends, these wraps bring a beautiful balance of flavors and textures that everyone will appreciate. So go ahead and give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!
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 are a delicious and healthy Asian-inspired main course featuring ground chicken cooked in a flavorful peanut sauce, served in crisp lettuce leaves and garnished with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light, satisfying meal.
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)
To Serve
- 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 cooked through, about 5–6 minutes.
- Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently.
- Incorporate Vegetables: Stir in the shredded carrots, chopped water chestnuts, and chopped green onions, mixing well to combine with the chicken.
- Prepare the Peanut Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sriracha. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water as needed to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Combine Sauce and Chicken: Pour the peanut sauce into the skillet and stir well to coat the chicken mixture evenly. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through and well-coated.
- Assemble the Wraps: Remove the skillet from heat. Spoon the peanut chicken mixture into the butter lettuce or romaine leaves. Garnish each wrap with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro.
- Serve: Serve the lettuce wraps immediately for best freshness and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or tofu for the chicken to suit dietary preferences.
- Add diced bell peppers or cabbage for extra crunch and nutrition.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari in place of soy sauce.
- If you prefer less heat, omit or reduce the sriracha.
- Use romaine or butter lettuce leaves as a low-carb alternative to tortillas or bread.
