Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Begin by washing and drying the lettuce leaves. Set them aside on a plate.
- Chop the onion, red bell pepper, garlic, ginger, and water chestnuts if you’re adding them.
2. Cook the Filling
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Stir occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.
- Stir in the red bell pepper and water chestnuts, if using, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
3. Season the Chicken
- Add the soy sauce, Thai chili sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce, letting the flavors meld together. Let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if desired, adding more Thai chili sauce for heat or soy sauce for saltiness.
4. Assemble the Wraps
- Spoon a portion of the chicken mixture onto each lettuce leaf. Garnish with Thai basil or cilantro, chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the lettuce wraps with additional Thai chili sauce on the side for those who enjoy an extra kick. Enjoy immediately while warm!
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Lettuce: Butter lettuce or romaine works best because of their sturdy yet tender leaves. Iceberg lettuce is also a great choice if you want extra crunch.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Thai chili sauce adds a subtle heat. For more spice, add a touch of sriracha or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
- Add Crunch with Water Chestnuts: Water chestnuts provide a pleasant crunch, but you can also use chopped carrots or cucumber for added texture.
- Serve Family-Style: Arrange the lettuce leaves and chicken filling on a large platter for a fun, interactive meal where everyone assembles their own wraps.
Why These Wraps are a Winner
Savory Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Thai Chili Sauce bring all the flavors of a hearty meal without weighing you down. Each wrap bursts with balanced flavors: savory, sweet, slightly spicy, and a touch of freshness from the herbs and lettuce. They’re an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy a low-carb, high-protein meal that’s delicious, easy to prepare, and perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional Asian-inspired flavors or just looking for a quick weeknight meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, these chicken lettuce wraps are sure to become a favorite. Try them for yourself, and enjoy every bite of this light and satisfying dish!
