Thai Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

If you’re craving something fresh, bold, and utterly irresistible, Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Thai Peanut Sauce are about to become your new obsession. Perfect as a light dinner, appetizer, or party snack, these wraps burst with savory ground chicken, earthy shiitake mushrooms, and a creamy, tangy peanut sauce that packs a crave-worthy punch!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Thai Peanut Sauce call for just a handful of essentials—each one working together to create the ultimate balance of flavors and textures. Below, you’ll find why every ingredient counts and how they build that signature Thai-inspired taste and crunch.

• Ground Chicken: Lean and quick-cooking, ground chicken soaks up all those savory, aromatic flavors—you could also substitute ground turkey for a twist.
• Shiitake Mushrooms: Fresh shiitakes bring a meaty, umami depth; dried and rehydrated shiitakes work too, just squeeze out excess moisture before chopping.
• Garlic: Just a clove adds irresistible savoriness to both the filling and the peanut sauce.
• Green Onion: Chopped green onion brightens the filling and gives a fresh, subtle bite.
• Neutral Cooking Oil: Opt for something without flavor, like canola or avocado oil, for sautéing your chicken and mushrooms.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Classic seasonings to let all the other flavors shine.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness—look for low sodium if you prefer a lighter touch.
• Toasted Sesame Oil: A few drops of this fragrant oil deliver that unmistakable nutty aroma key to so many Asian dishes.
• Butter Lettuce: Its soft, broad leaves are ideal for wraps, but iceberg lettuce works equally well for a refreshing crunch.
• Chili Pepper (optional): For those who love a kick, slice a fresh chili and sprinkle on top!
• Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter sets the stage for a luscious, decadent sauce.
• Coconut Milk: This adds richness and a hint of tropical sweetness, but half-and-half or cream can step in if needed.
• Lime Juice: For brightness and tang—use fresh lime if you have it.
• Sweetener: Reach for your favorite (honey, sugar, or a sugar substitute) to round out all the bold flavors in the sauce.

Variations

These Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Thai Peanut Sauce are endlessly versatile. Feel free to get creative with what you have on hand—it’s so easy to customize for your taste buds or dietary lifestyle!

• Go Vegetarian: Substitute crumbled tofu or tempeh for the chicken and swap in extra shiitakes for a hearty, plant-based wrap.
• Add Crunch: Toss in grated carrots or chopped water chestnuts to the filling for extra freshness and snap.
• Make it Spicy: Stir a little sriracha or chopped fresh chili into the peanut sauce or sprinkle over the wraps for more heat.
• Nut-Free: Swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter and skip the sesame oil if allergies are a concern.

How to Make Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Thai Peanut Sauce

Step 1: Prep the Produce and Lettuce

Start by washing your lettuce leaves well and patting them dry—they’ll serve as little boats to hold all that tasty filling, so you want them crisp and sturdy! Give your shiitake mushrooms and green onion a fine chop so everything tucks neatly inside every wrap.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Thai Peanut Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, fresh lime juice, sweetener, and a clove of grated garlic. Whisk until completely smooth and creamy—it should be pourable. Pour into a serving bowl and set aside; you can always adjust the seasoning to taste.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Filling

Get your skillet or wok hot over medium-high heat, adding a splash of neutral oil. Once shimmering and just beginning to smoke, add in your ground chicken, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in the shiitake mushrooms and freshly grated garlic, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sauté until the chicken is fully cooked and mushrooms are tender—about 3–4 minutes.

Step 4: Finish with Flavor

With the pan still hot, drizzle in the soy sauce and toasted sesame oil, then stir in the chopped green onion. Cook for just 30 seconds more, letting all the flavors fully mingle and the aroma bloom.

Step 5: Assemble and Enjoy

To serve, spoon the savory chicken and mushroom filling into your lettuce leaves, drizzle generously with Thai peanut sauce, and, if you love some heat, sprinkle on thin slices of chili pepper. Fold, crunch, and savor—that’s it!

How to Serve Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Thai Peanut Sauce

Garnishes

Get playful with toppings! Sprinkle fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, a handful of chopped peanuts for extra crunch, or even a few thin rings of red chili for color and heat. A final squeeze of lime juice right before eating brings each Chicken Lettuce Wrap with Thai Peanut Sauce to life.

Side Dishes

Pair these wraps with a simple cucumber salad, fluffy jasmine rice, or a bowl of miso soup for a full meal. They also work beautifully as part of a party spread alongside spring rolls or crunchy veggie slaw.

Creative Ways to Present

Create a DIY lettuce wrap bar for gatherings—serve the filling, lettuce leaves, and all garnishes separately so everyone can build their perfect wrap. Or arrange Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Thai Peanut Sauce on a platter garnished with lime wedges and herbs for an eye-catching appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the chicken-mushroom filling and peanut sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Always keep those lettuce leaves dry and chilled so they stay crisp until you’re ready to assemble.

Freezing

While the chicken filling freezes beautifully for up to 2 months, the lettuce and peanut sauce are best made fresh. If freezing, cool the filling completely, pack in a freezer bag, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the filling gently in a skillet or microwave until steaming hot. Stir the peanut sauce and, if needed, add a splash of coconut milk or water to loosen before drizzling over your next wrap.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Treat yourself (and your friends!) to these joyful, flavor-packed Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Thai Peanut Sauce. They’re easy enough for any weeknight, elegant enough for guests, and irresistibly delicious every single time. I can’t wait for you to take that first crunchy, peanut-sauced bite!

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