Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

When I’m looking for a quick, flavorful meal that feels light but still satisfying, these Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are one of my favorites. They’re fresh, savory, and a little bit spicy—perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a party appetizer.

With tender ground chicken, crunchy water chestnuts, sweet carrots, and bold seasonings wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves, they pack a punch of flavor in every bite. And the best part? They’re ready in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I keep coming back to this recipe for a few simple reasons:

• It’s fast and easy—perfect for weeknights
• Low-carb and gluten-friendly (with the right sauce swaps)
• Bursting with Thai-inspired flavor
• Super versatile—great for meals or appetizers
• Easy to customize with spice levels or toppings

Ingredients

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

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 cup water chestnuts, diced
• 1 carrot, shredded
• 1 head of butter lettuce or romaine, leaves separated
• Thai chili sauce, for serving
• Chopped green onions and cilantro, for garnish

Directions

1. Sauté garlic and ginger
   I start by heating the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Then I add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking until they’re fragrant—about 30 seconds.
2. Cook the chicken
   I add the ground chicken to the skillet and break it apart as it cooks. I stir often until it’s browned and fully cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Add seasonings and veggies
   I stir in the soy sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar, followed by the diced water chestnuts and shredded carrot. I let everything cook together for another 3–5 minutes so the flavors can really come together.
4. Assemble the wraps
   After removing the skillet from heat, I let the filling cool slightly. Then I spoon it into the separated lettuce leaves.
5. Garnish and serve
   I drizzle each wrap with Thai chili sauce and top with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro. That final touch makes all the difference.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings, with 2–3 lettuce wraps per person. It takes 5 minutes to prep and 15–20 minutes to cook, so I usually have everything ready in under 25 minutes.

Variations

• Make it spicy: I add sriracha or chopped Thai chilies to the chicken for extra heat.
• Vegetarian version: I swap the chicken for crumbled tofu or tempeh and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce.
• Crunch factor: Chopped peanuts or cashews on top add a nice crunch.
• Different wraps: I use iceberg lettuce, romaine hearts, or even cabbage leaves depending on what I have on hand.
• Low-sodium: I use low-sodium soy sauce and skip the added salt if I’m watching sodium intake.

storage/reheating

I store the chicken filling separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I keep the lettuce leaves wrapped in a paper towel in a container to stay crisp.

To reheat, I warm the chicken mixture in the microwave or on the stovetop for 1–2 minutes. Then I assemble the wraps fresh, just like the first time.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes! I’ve made this with ground turkey and it works just as well. It still absorbs the sauce beautifully and gives a slightly richer flavor.

What kind of lettuce works best?

I prefer butter lettuce or romaine because they hold the filling well without tearing. Iceberg also works for a nice crunch.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, I use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce and check that the fish sauce is certified gluten-free.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, the filling can be made in advance and stored in the fridge. I just reheat it before serving and use fresh lettuce when I’m ready to assemble.

What can I serve with these wraps?

I usually serve them with jasmine rice, cucumber salad, or a side of steamed edamame for a complete meal.

Conclusion

These Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are everything I want in a simple, satisfying dish—fast, flavorful, and fresh. They’re perfect for busy nights or entertaining friends, and they always hit the spot without leaving me feeling heavy. I love how easily I can adjust the heat, the texture, or even the protein, making them a staple in my weekly meal plan.

Once I made these, I knew I’d be coming back to them again and again.

Print