1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional, for heat)
1 teaspoon brown sugar
Juice of ½ lime
2 scallions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 head of butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce, leaves separated and rinsed
Lime wedges, for serving
Directions
Step 1
Heat the Pan: In a large skillet over medium–high heat, warm the vegetable oil until shimmering.
Step 2
Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and diced onion. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.
Step 3
Brown the Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink.
Step 4
Season & Sauce: Stir in the soy sauce, fish sauce, hoisin sauce, sriracha (if using), and brown sugar. Cook for 1–2 minutes more, allowing the sauce to reduce and coat the chicken.
Step 5
Brighten & Finish: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the lime juice, sliced scallions, and chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra soy sauce or lime juice if needed.
Step 6
Assemble Wraps: Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of the seasoned ground chicken into each lettuce leaf. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.
When craving a healthy, low-carb, and delicious ground chicken recipe, these Thai-inspired ground chicken lettuce wraps are the perfect solution. Ready in under 20 minutes, this quick ground chicken dinner recipe combines savory garlic, fresh ginger, and tangy hoisin sauce to transform simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or hosting friends for game night, this ground chicken lettuce wrap recipe delivers flavor and nutrition.
Why Choose Ground Chicken for Lettuce Wraps?
Ground chicken has become a staple in healthy ground chicken recipes thanks to its versatility, lean protein content, and mild flavor. Ground chicken carries fewer calories and less saturated fat than ground beef or pork, making it ideal for low-carb ground chicken meals like lettuce wraps. Here are a few reasons to love ground chicken:
Lean Protein Powerhouse: Each 4-ounce serving of ground chicken provides about 24 grams of protein, supporting muscle repair and satiety.
Neutral Flavor Base: Ground chicken readily absorbs marinades and seasonings, from Asian ground chicken stir-fry to Mediterranean meatballs.
Quick Cooking Time: Because it’s finely ground, it cooks in just 5–7 minutes, perfect for quick weeknight ground chicken dinner recipes.
Budget-Friendly: Ground chicken is generally more affordable than other proteins, making it an excellent choice for families and meal prep.
Key Ingredients for Thai-Inspired Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps
This ground chicken lettuce wrap recipe relies on a balanced mix of pantry staples and fresh produce. Here’s what you’ll need:
1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional, for a spicy kick)
1 teaspoon brown sugar (balances the savory elements)
Juice of ½ lime (brightens the dish)
2 scallions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 head butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce, leaves separated and rinsed
Lime wedges for serving
These ingredients form the backbone of this easy ground chicken dinner—minimal prep and maximum flavor.
Step-by-Step Directions for Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps
1. Sauté Aromatics
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and diced onion. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and translucent, establishing the flavor foundation for your ground chicken stir-fry.
2. Brown the Ground Chicken
Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it apart, stirring occasionally. Cook for 5–6 minutes until the chicken turns white and no pink remains, ensuring an even sear that locks in moisture.
3. Season and Sauce
Stir in the soy sauce, fish sauce, hoisin sauce, sriracha (if using), and brown sugar. Mix thoroughly, allowing the sauces to coat each crumbled piece of chicken. Cook for 1–2 minutes, letting the sauce reduce slightly. Finish by squeezing in the lime juice for fresh acidity.
4. Finish with Fresh Herbs
Remove the pan from heat and immediately stir the sliced scallions and chopped cilantro. These quick-add herbs elevate your ground chicken lettuce wraps with color and herbal brightness.
5. Assemble the Lettuce Wraps
To serve, place 1–2 tablespoons of the warm Thai chicken filling into the center of each lettuce leaf. Top with chopped peanuts, additional cilantro, or a drizzle of sriracha mayo.
Tips for Perfect Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Choose High-Quality Ground Chicken: Look for ground chicken that includes a mix of white and dark meat for added juiciness.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if needed. Too much meat at once will steam instead of sear, leading to a less flavorful dish.
Adjust Heat to Taste: Customize the spice level by increasing or omitting sriracha.
Prep Ahead: Make the ground chicken filling in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble fresh lettuce wraps right before serving for the best texture.
Use Crunchy Lettuce Varieties: Butter lettuce, iceberg, or bibb lettuce provide sturdy “cups” that hold up well to saucy fillings.
Flavor Variations and Long-Tail Keyword Ideas
Experiment with these variations to create unique spins on your easy ground chicken recipe:
Peanut Butter Chicken Lettuce Wraps: For Thai peanut ground chicken wraps, stir in 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter and 1 teaspoon of sriracha.
Coconut Curry Chicken: To make coconut curry ground chicken, add ½ cup coconut milk and 1 tablespoon red curry paste to your sauce, then simmer until thickened.
Mexican-Inspired Chicken Wraps: For ground chicken taco lettuce wraps, swap soy sauce for taco seasoning and top with avocado, pico de gallo, and shredded cheese.
Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas
While the lettuce wraps shine on their own, pairing them with complementary sides can elevate your meal:
Cauliflower Fried Rice: Keep carbs low with ground chicken and cauliflower rice seasoned with sesame oil.
Cucumber Salad: A simple salad of sliced cucumbers, vinegar, and sesame seeds offers a refreshing contrast.
Edamame Pods: Lightly salted and steamed, edamame delivers extra protein and fiber.
Mango Salsa: Sweet mango, red onion, and jalapeño add a tropical twist to these ground chicken lettuce cups.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
Make-Ahead Filling: Store the cooked ground chicken mixture in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Lettuce Prep: Wash and dry leaves thoroughly, then layer between paper towels in a sealed bag to maintain crispness.
Freezing: Individual portions of the chicken filling can be frozen in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Yes—ground turkey works well and has a similar texture. Adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
Are Lettuce Wraps Gluten-Free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
How Do I Keep Lettuce Leaves from Getting Soggy?
Assemble lettuce wraps just before serving. Keeping the filling and lettuce separate prevents wilting.
What Other Proteins Work in This Recipe?
Try ground pork, turkey, or even crumbled tofu for vegetarian variation.
Why These Thai-Inspired Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps Are a Must-Try
This ground chicken recipe checks every box for a modern, health-conscious kitchen:
Flavorful and Fun: The harmonious blend of garlic, ginger, soy, and lime excites taste buds.
Quick and Easy: From stovetop to table in under 20 minutes—perfect for busy weeknight ground chicken recipes.
Low-Carb and Protein-Packed: These wraps, wrapped in crisp lettuce cups, are suitable for low-carb, paleo, and Whole30 meal plans.
Customizable: Swap sauces and garnishes or pantry staples to suit your family’s preferences.
Whether searching for an easy weeknight ground chicken dinner, a healthy ground chicken meal prep idea, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these Thai-inspired ground chicken lettuce wraps deliver unbeatable flavor and nutrition. Bookmark this guide, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy one of the best ground chicken recipes you’ll make all year!