Name: Savory Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Thai Chili Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Thai-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon sesame oil; ¼ cup diced onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (or ginger paste); 10 oz ground chicken; ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos); 2 tablespoons Thai sweet red chili sauce; Juice of 1 lime; 1 teaspoon maple syrup (or honey); ⅓ cup chopped cashews; ¼ cup chopped scallions; ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped; ¼ to ½ cup shredded carrots; Sesame seeds, for garnish; 1 head butter lettuce, leaves rinsed and dried

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These savory chicken lettuce wraps with Thai chili sauce are light, fresh, and bursting with vibrant flavors. I love how the juicy, tender chicken is paired with crunchy vegetables and a sweet-spicy sauce. Wrapped in crisp butter lettuce, they’re perfect for low-carb dinners, casual gatherings, or quick lunches when I’m craving something flavorful and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s packed with Thai-inspired flavor and takes just 15 minutes from start to finish
I can make it low-carb and gluten-free with a few simple swaps
It’s a fresh and colorful meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste
The mix of warm chicken and cool lettuce makes every bite exciting
It’s easy to customize with pantry staples and fresh herbs

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 tablespoon sesame oil
¼ cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger (or ginger paste)
10 oz ground chicken
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
2 tablespoons Thai sweet red chili sauce
Juice of 1 lime
1 teaspoon maple syrup (or honey)
⅓ cup chopped cashews
¼ cup chopped scallions
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
¼ to ½ cup shredded carrots
Sesame seeds for garnish
1 head butter lettuce, leaves rinsed and dried

Directions

Sauté Aromatics
I heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Then I add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Next, I stir in garlic and ginger and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Cook the Chicken
I add the ground chicken, breaking it apart with a spoon. I season it lightly with salt and pepper and cook for about 3–4 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, I whisk together soy sauce, Thai chili sauce, lime juice, and maple syrup until smooth.
Finish the Chicken Mixture
I pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and stir in chopped cashews. I let it simmer for 2 minutes to blend the flavors, then remove from heat.
Add Fresh Ingredients
Off the heat, I stir in the shredded carrots, scallions, and cilantro. This keeps their texture bright and fresh.
Assemble the Wraps
I spoon the chicken mixture into individual butter lettuce leaves. I drizzle a bit of pan sauce over each one and finish with sesame seeds. Then I serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

Use a different protein: I sometimes swap the chicken with ground turkey, pork, or tofu
Add a nutty twist: A spoonful of peanut butter in the sauce gives a creamy depth
Make it spicier: I toss in red pepper flakes or sliced Thai chilies
Try new greens: Romaine or iceberg works if I’m out of butter lettuce

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
I keep leftover chicken filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I store the lettuce separately to keep it crisp.

Reheating:
I reheat the chicken mixture in a skillet over low heat just until warmed through. Then I reassemble the wraps fresh.

FAQs

Can I make these lettuce wraps ahead of time?

Yes, I like to prep the chicken filling in advance and refrigerate it. I assemble the wraps just before serving so the lettuce stays crisp.

What lettuce is best for wraps?

Butter lettuce works best for me because it’s soft and pliable. But romaine or iceberg can add a nice crunch too.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely. I substitute the chicken with finely chopped mushrooms, tofu, or a meatless ground.

Is Thai chili sauce very spicy?

It’s more sweet than spicy, but I adjust it by adding more or less depending on how bold I want the flavor.

Can I freeze the chicken mixture?

I don’t recommend it. The fresh herbs and carrots lose their texture after freezing and thawing.

Conclusion

These savory chicken lettuce wraps are my go-to when I want a light but flavorful meal. The Thai chili sauce gives the dish a vibrant twist, and every bite is packed with crunchy, tangy, sweet, and spicy goodness. Whether I serve them as a main course or appetizer, they always bring big flavor without the fuss. Give them a try—I’m sure they’ll become a weeknight favorite.