Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Let me introduce you to the irresistible joy of Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps: a dish that masterfully balances the savory goodness of ground chicken with a creamy, flavorful peanut sauce, all lovingly tucked into crisp, fresh lettuce leaves. Packed with bold Asian-inspired seasoning and finished with a crunch from chopped peanuts and green onions, each wrap is bursting with flavor and texture. Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner, a light lunch, or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps promise to be a vibrant hit every time.

Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish comes together with a handful of simple ingredients, each one playing a unique role in building the vibrant flavors and textures that define Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Don’t be surprised if you have many of these pantry staples on hand already!

  • Ground chicken: The lean protein base that soaks up the savory-sweet peanut sauce beautifully.
  • Vegetable oil: Ensures the chicken cooks evenly and adds a touch of richness.
  • Garlic (minced): Brings aromatic warmth to the chicken filling, infusing each bite with flavor.
  • Fresh ginger (grated): Adds zingy freshness and depth, creating balance in the sauce.
  • Creamy peanut butter: The heart of the sauce, lending richness and that signature nutty note.
  • Soy sauce: Provides a savory, umami backbone to round out the flavors.
  • Hoisin sauce: Deepens sweetness and adds a subtle tangy complexity.
  • Rice vinegar: Cuts through richness with its bright acidity.
  • Honey: Touches the sauce with gentle sweetness and lovely gloss.
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Give a hint of heat for those who like a touch of spice.
  • Water: Helps the sauce blend to the perfect creamy consistency.
  • Chopped peanuts: Lend an irresistible crunch and extra peanut flavor to each wrap.
  • Green onions (sliced): Offer a fresh, mildly sharp finish and a pop of color.
  • Butter lettuce leaves: The vehicle for all that flavor, known for their delicate texture and mild flavor.

How to Make Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Begin by heating vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground chicken and use a spoon to break it into small pieces as it cooks. Let it brown and cook through, which takes about 5 to 6 minutes. This step is the foundation of your Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps, so make sure the chicken is crumbly and has started to develop delicious golden bits.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Ginger

Next, toss in the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds; you’ll immediately notice the kitchen fill with their inviting aroma. This short burst of cooking wakes up the flavors without letting them turn bitter.

Step 3: Make the Peanut Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, a pinch of red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat), and water. The mixture should come together as a smooth, pourable sauce—rich, nutty, salty, and just a touch sweet.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Pour your peanut sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir well to coat every piece, then let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly, clinging beautifully to the chicken, infusing it with deep flavor and a creamy texture that’s just perfect for lettuce wraps.

Step 5: Add Peanuts and Green Onions

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped peanuts and sliced green onions. The peanuts add textural contrast, while the green onions bring freshness and color to your Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps.

Step 6: Assemble the Lettuce Wraps

Gently separate and wash the butter lettuce leaves. Spoon the warm chicken mixture into each leaf, folding them up like little cups. Serve immediately for the best combination of textures—juicy filling with crisp lettuce!

How to Serve Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Don’t be shy with the toppings! Sprinkle extra chopped peanuts and sliced green onions over the wraps for a pop of crunch and color. A couple of fresh cilantro leaves or a squeeze of lime adds a refreshing bite, really bringing out the vibrant flavors in the mixture.

Side Dishes

These Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps pair beautifully with simple sides. Try a light Asian slaw with crunchy veggies, some steamed jasmine rice, or quick-pickled cucumbers. For a party platter, set out rice paper rolls or edamame to round out the spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun, interactive meal, serve all the components separately and let everyone build their own wraps at the table. Stack lettuce leaves on a platter, and keep the chicken mixture warm in a serving bowl. Add little bowls of garnishes and let guests create their perfect Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps. To impress at parties, try making bite-sized wraps secured with a toothpick or present them on individual appetizer spoons.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with extra filling, simply place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate to preserve their crispness—a quick wash and dry before serving keeps them fresh and ready for wrapping.

Freezing

The chicken-peanut filling for Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps freezes exceptionally well. Let the cooked filling cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight, and it’s good to go! Freeze lettuce separately if needed, but fresh is always best for wraps.

Reheating

To reheat the filling, simply warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. If the mixture seems thick, add a splash of water to loosen it to your preferred consistency. Spoon into fresh butter lettuce leaves for an easy, just-like-new meal.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground turkey or beef for the ground chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a great lean alternative and soaks up the peanut sauce beautifully, while beef brings a slightly richer taste. Just follow the recipe as written—the flavor of your Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps will still be fantastic.

What kind of lettuce works best for these wraps?

Butter lettuce is the top choice because of its soft, flexible leaves and mild flavor, but you can also use iceberg, Boston, or even romaine leaves. The key is picking lettuce that forms sturdy little cups to hold all that delicious filling.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and hoisin sauce. Many brands offer gluten-free options, so you can savor Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps with all the flavor, minus the gluten.

How can I make these wraps spicier?

For more heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce or add a squeeze of sriracha on top before serving. Diced fresh chili peppers or a drizzle of chili oil make fantastic spicy garnishes as well.

Are Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps good for meal prep?

They’re excellent for meal prep! Prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to eat, just reheat the filling and spoon it into fresh lettuce leaves for a meal that’s as speedy as it is satisfying.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about gathering around a platter of vibrant, flavor-packed Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps. They’re quick, nourishing, and endlessly customizable—sure to win over family and friends at your table. Give this recipe a try and let it become a go-to favorite in your kitchen too!

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Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe


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4.5 from 6 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

These Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a delicious and healthy Asian-inspired dish perfect for a quick dinner or party appetizer. Flavorful ground chicken cooked in a savory peanut sauce, wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves.


Ingredients

Ground Chicken:

1 lb

Vegetable Oil:

1 tbsp

Garlic, minced:

2 cloves

Fresh Ginger, grated:

1 tbsp

Creamy Peanut Butter:

1/4 cup

Soy Sauce:

3 tbsp

Hoisin Sauce:

2 tbsp

Rice Vinegar:

1 tbsp

Honey:

1 tbsp

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional):

1/4 tsp

Water:

1/4 cup

Chopped Peanuts:

1/4 cup

Green Onions, sliced:

2

Butter Lettuce Leaves, separated and washed:

1 head


Instructions

  1. Cook Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet, add ground chicken, and cook until browned.
  2. Add Aromatics: Add garlic and ginger, cook until fragrant.
  3. Make Sauce: Whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, red pepper flakes, and water.
  4. Cook with Sauce: Pour sauce over chicken, cook until thickened.
  5. Finish: Stir in peanuts and green onions. Spoon into lettuce leaves and serve.

Notes

  • For extra crunch, add shredded carrots or bean sprouts to the filling.
  • Serve warm or at room temperature.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 690 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

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