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Savory chicken lettuce wraps with Thai chili sauce are my answer whenever I need a meal that is light but full of bright flavors and satisfying texture. Wrapping juicy, saucy chicken in delicate lettuce leaves and topping it with crunchy cashews and fresh herbs makes every bite pop with freshness and a hint of heat. This go-to dinner takes just a little prep, but the flavor is restaurant-worthy and always gets a wow at the table.
My family loves building their own wraps around the kitchen island and the playful assembly means even the picky eaters ask for seconds every time I serve it.
Ingredients
- Sesame oil: Adds nutty richness and authentic depth to the pan
- Diced yellow or white onion: Gives aromatic sweetness plus essential moisture
- Garlic: Fresh cloves make the filling extra savory and fragrant
- Fresh ginger or ginger paste: Delivers zing and brightness seek out smooth, plump ginger with no wrinkling
- Ground chicken: Lean and mild absorbs all the delicious flavors
- Low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos: Provides the umami and salt balance without overpowering
- Thai sweet red chili sauce: Sweet heat brings a gentle kick and tang to the wraps
- Lime juice: Brightens the flavors and keeps things light always use fresh for best zing
- Maple syrup or honey: Offers just a subtle layer of sweetness pick real, pure versions
- Chopped cashews: Add crunch and rich bite raw gives milder flavor roasted makes it heartier
- Chopped scallions: Crisp bite and mild onion essence choose firm bright green stalks
- Fresh cilantro: Bright and herby note avoid wilted or yellowing leaves
- Shredded carrots: Fresh color and gentle sweetness pre-shredded carrots are a big timesaver
- Sesame seeds: For garnish adds toasty aroma and a pretty finish
- Butter lettuce: Soft leaf lettuce with a slight sweetness crisp and flexible enough to hold filling look for dense heads with vibrant green leaves
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics:
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium high until it shimmers and gives off a light nutty scent. Add diced onions and sauté patiently for two to three minutes until they lose their raw edge and turn glossy and translucent. Toss in minced garlic and ginger. Stir constantly and let them bloom for two full minutes. Your kitchen should smell irresistible
- Brown the Chicken:
- Tumble ground chicken into the pan. Use a wooden spoon to break it into small crumbles so you get caramelized edges. Let it sear uncovered without stirring too much for a couple minutes to develop golden color. Stir and continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked and no pink remains usually just three to four minutes. Season lightly with a touch of salt and pepper
- Mix the Sauce:
- Grab a small bowl for the sauce. Whisk together the low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos Thai sweet chili sauce the zingy lime juice and a teaspoon of maple syrup or honey until well blended. The mixture should taste salty zippy sweet and just a touch spicy all at once
- Sauce and Cashew Toss:
- Pour the sauce blend over the hot cooked chicken and sprinkle the chopped cashews all over. Stir well so every piece of chicken gets glossy and coated with the sticky salty sweet sauce. Turn the heat to low and let the mixture cook gently for another two minutes which helps the flavors meld and the cashews get toasty. Remove the pan from the heat
- Finish with Freshness:
- Let the chicken filling cool slightly so the herbs and vegetables do not wilt. Fold in the shredded carrots chopped scallions and cilantro gently. This keeps their color and crunch while infusing the mixture with tons of freshness
- Assemble the Lettuce Wraps:
- Lay out clean butter lettuce leaves on a platter. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken filling into each leaf cupping it in the lettuce bowl. Drizzle with a little extra pan sauce and sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for a restaurant style look. Serve right away for the best contrast of warm filling and crisp lettuce
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Cashews are my favorite part of this dish because they add a nutty crunch that balances the sweet heat of the sauce. The first time I made these for a family movie night everyone kept sneaking extra cashews and the wraps were gone before the film even started.
Storage Tips
The chicken filling keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best texture keep the lettuce leaves separate and assemble just before eating. You can also freeze extra chicken filling for a fast lunch just thaw and warm thoroughly in a skillet before serving with fresh lettuce.
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground turkey or even crumbled tofu makes a great swap if you are out of chicken. Use sunflower seeds or roasted peanuts instead of cashews for a fun twist. If you do not have Thai chili sauce sriracha mixed with a little honey and rice vinegar gets close in flavor and works nicely.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles on the side for hungrier appetites. Add a fresh cucumber salad or pickled veggies for extra crunch. For parties set out bowls of extra toppings like chilies more cashews and fresh herbs so everyone can build their dream wrap.
Cultural Inspiration
These lettuce wraps are inspired by classic dishes from Thai and Southeast Asian cuisine where contrast in flavor and texture are celebrated on the plate. Wrapping juicy fillings in lettuce is a tradition that brings freshness and interactive eating to the table—perfect for sharing and making memories.
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I always like to have extra lime wedges at the table because a final squeeze right before eating brightens every bite. Leftover filling makes a fantastic topping for salads or grain bowls later in the week which is a lifesaver when schedules get chaotic.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of lettuce works best for these wraps?
Butter lettuce is ideal for its soft, pliable leaves that hold the filling without tearing. Romaine or iceberg can also be used for extra crunch.
- → Can I substitute the ground chicken?
Yes, ground turkey, pork, or tofu work well and still absorb the flavorful Thai-inspired sauce beautifully.
- → How spicy are these wraps?
The Thai chili sauce adds mild to medium heat. For more spice, include fresh chili slices or a dash of sriracha to the filling.
- → Are these wraps suitable for meal prep?
The chicken mixture can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. Assemble wraps just before serving for the best texture.
- → What toppings add extra flavor?
Fresh cilantro, scallions, shredded carrots, sesame seeds, or even chopped peanuts boost both taste and visual appeal.