If you’re on the hunt for a fresh, flavorful, and downright addictive dish, this Thai Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs tossed in a heavenly peanut sauce loaded with ginger, lime, and just the right amount of chili kick, all wrapped in crisp, cool butter lettuce leaves. Every bite bursts with contrasting textures and mouthwatering flavors that make this recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. It’s light, colorful, and offers a brilliant balance between savory and tangy that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might sound simple, but they are the secret to creating a perfectly balanced Thai Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe that delivers on taste, texture, and color. Each element plays an essential role, from the creamy peanut butter to the zingy lime juice, and together they create a dish that’s exciting and satisfying.
- Soy sauce: Adds a rich umami foundation that deepens the overall flavor.
- Peanut butter: Brings creaminess and authentic Thai character to the sauce.
- Oyster sauce: Elevates the sauce with a subtle sweetness and complexity.
- Chili garlic sauce: Gives a perfect boost of heat without overpowering the dish.
- Ground ginger: Lends a bright, earthy freshness that complements the peanut flavor.
- Honey: Balances the spice and sharpness with just a touch of natural sweetness.
- Water: Helps thin out the sauce for easy stirring and coating.
- Rice vinegar: Adds acidity that makes every bite lively and bright.
- Juice of 1 lime: Infuses the dish with tangy freshness that wakes up the palate.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Offer juicy, tender meat that soaks up the marinade beautifully.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing the chicken to achieve a nice sear and rich flavor.
- Green onions: Provide a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
- Shredded carrots: Deliver crunch and sweetness to the mix.
- Chopped peanuts: Add texture and a nutty punch.
- Chopped cilantro (plus extra for garnish): Offers herbal brightness and a touch of freshness.
- Baby butter lettuce leaves: Serve as the crisp, cool wrapping that makes eating this dish so fun.
- Lime wedges: Perfect for squeezing on top to bring everything together with extra zest.
How to Make Thai Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Sauce
Start by mixing all the sauce ingredients in a bowl: soy sauce, peanut butter, oyster sauce, chili garlic sauce, ground ginger, honey, water, rice vinegar, and the juice of one lime. Whisk until smooth and well combined. You’ll use about one-third of this sauce to marinate the chicken, so set aside the rest for cooking and serving. This vibrant sauce is the backbone of all the fabulous flavors that come together in this dish.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your cut chicken thighs in a small bowl and pour 1/3 cup of the peanut sauce over them. Stir to coat each piece thoroughly. Then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours. This step lets the chicken soak up that rich marinade, ensuring every bite is juicy, tender, and packed with flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken and Veggies
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally so the chicken browns evenly. Toss in shredded carrots and sliced green onions, stirring them together with the chicken, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables soften slightly. This combination adds a lovely texture contrast.
Step 4: Finish with Peanuts and Cilantro
Once the chicken and vegetables are cooked perfectly, stir in the chopped peanuts and cilantro, then remove the skillet from heat. These final touches add crunch and vibrant herbal notes, rounding out the dish beautifully.
Step 5: Assemble the Wraps
Gently spoon the chicken mixture into the baby butter lettuce leaves, using the leaves as fresh, crisp cups. Serve the wraps immediately with extra peanut sauce on the side, along with lime wedges and additional cilantro for garnish. The combination of the cool lettuce and warm, flavorful chicken makes this dish irresistible.
How to Serve Thai Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes make all the difference! Alongside the chopped cilantro and peanuts mixed in, I love topping the wraps with thinly sliced green onions and an extra drizzle of the peanut sauce. A squeeze of lime right before biting brings an irresistible brightness that awakens the flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving it with a light cucumber salad or jasmine rice to soak up any leftover sauce. A simple side of steamed veggies also pairs beautifully and keeps the meal fresh and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these wraps at a party as a DIY station with bowls of chicken filling, lettuce cups, extra peanuts, and garnishes. Everyone can build their own wraps to their liking. You could also use different types of lettuce like romaine or iceberg for added crunch and variety.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the chicken mixture and peanut sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce leaves chilled in their own container to preserve their crispness until you’re ready to eat.
Freezing
The cooked chicken mixture freezes well. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Be sure to defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating. Avoid freezing the lettuce leaves as they will lose their texture.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken mixture gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or leftover peanut sauce to loosen it up if needed. Assemble the wraps fresh with cold lettuce and toppings for the best texture contrast.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes! Chicken breast works fine if you prefer leaner meat, though thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender with this recipe.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild to moderate heat level thanks to the chili garlic sauce. You can easily adjust the spice by adding more or less, depending on your preference.
Can I make the peanut sauce vegan?
Absolutely, simply substitute the oyster sauce with a vegan alternative like mushroom sauce or extra soy sauce to keep all the rich flavors intact.
What type of peanut butter is best?
Natural peanut butter with no added sugar or salt is ideal to balance the flavors. Avoid chunky peanut butter as the recipe calls for a smooth sauce.
Are these wraps gluten-free?
They can be! Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Getting cozy with this Thai Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe feels like discovering a tasty little secret that’s too good not to share. It’s fresh, satisfying, and bursting with layers of flavor that never get old. Whether you make it for a quick dinner or a playful gathering, I promise it will become a beloved favorite. Go ahead and try it—you’re going to love how this dish sings from the very first bite!
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Thai Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
These Thai Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps combine tender marinated chicken thighs sautéed with fresh veggies and topped with a savory peanut sauce, peanuts, and cilantro, all wrapped in crisp baby butter lettuce for a light and flavorful meal perfect for a quick dinner or appetizer.
Ingredients
Peanut Sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoons chili garlic sauce
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- Juice of 1 lime
Chicken and Assembly
- 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 green onions, sliced
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup chopped peanuts
- ½ cup chopped cilantro, plus extra for garnish
- 12 baby butter lettuce leaves
- 6 lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Peanut Sauce: In a medium bowl, thoroughly stir together soy sauce, peanut butter, oyster sauce, chili garlic sauce, ground ginger, honey, water, rice vinegar, and lime juice until smooth. Set aside 2/3 cup of the sauce; reserve 1/3 cup for marinating the chicken.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the cut chicken thighs in a small bowl and add 1/3 cup of the prepared peanut sauce. Stir well to coat all pieces evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken chunks and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to brown and cook the chicken thoroughly.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the shredded carrots and sliced green onions with the chicken. Continue to cook for about 5 minutes more, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Finish: Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the chopped peanuts and cilantro for added texture and fresh flavor.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the chicken mixture into baby butter lettuce leaves to create wraps. Serve immediately, garnished with extra cilantro, lime wedges, and additional peanut sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer than 30 minutes enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Use green chili garlic sauce for a milder heat level if preferred.
- Substitute chicken breast if you prefer leaner meat, but cooking time may vary.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce substitutes.
- Wraps can be served with additional fresh herbs like mint or basil for extra freshness.
