If you’re looking for a meal that’s crunchy, savory, healthy, and absolutely addictive, these Thai Peanut Chicken Lettuce Cups are the answer! Packed with protein, rich with bold Thai flavors, and wrapped in crisp, refreshing lettuce, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for lunch, dinner, parties, or even meal prep.
In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything from ingredients and substitutions, to step-by-step cooking instructions, nutritional benefits, pro cooking tips, and creative serving ideas. So let’s dive into a recipe that’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings without the carbs.
🥜 Why You’ll Love These Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
✅ Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly
Using lettuce as a wrap slashes the carbs while still delivering on texture and flavor. Ideal for low-carb, keto, paleo, or gluten-free lifestyles.
✅ Quick & Easy
With minimal prep and cook time, these lettuce cups are ready in under 30 minutes.
✅ Packed with Flavor
A blend of ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and creamy peanut sauce ensures every bite bursts with umami.
✅ Versatile & Customizable
Use ground chicken, turkey, or tofu. Add extra veggies, top with herbs, or serve with rice or noodles.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Filling:
- 1 lb ground chicken (or turkey, tofu, or chopped shrimp)
- 2 tbsp avocado oil (or any neutral oil)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp sriracha or chili garlic paste (optional for heat)
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Peanut Sauce:
- ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2–4 tbsp warm water (to thin to desired consistency)
For Assembly:
- 1 head of butter lettuce (or romaine, iceberg, or little gem)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ¼ cup chopped scallions
- ¼ cup crushed peanuts
- Fresh cilantro & mint (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving
🥄 How to Make Thai Chicken Lettuce Cups (Step-by-Step)
🔥 Step 1: Make the Peanut Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Peanut butter
- Soy sauce
- Honey
- Rice vinegar
- Sesame oil
- Ginger and garlic
Add warm water 1 tablespoon at a time until it’s smooth, pourable, and creamy—like a thick dressing.
Pro Tip: You want it thicker than salad dressing but not as thick as frosting. Think pancake batter consistency.
🍳 Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground chicken. Cook until browned and fully cooked through (about 6–8 minutes).
- Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sriracha (if using).
- Toss to coat and let cook for another 2–3 minutes.
Optional: Add finely diced red bell pepper, mushrooms, or zucchini during this step for extra texture.
🥬 Step 3: Prep the Lettuce Cups
- Gently peel whole leaves from the lettuce head.
- Rinse and pat dry with a towel or salad spinner.
- Place on a tray or plate ready for assembly.
Pro Tip: Butter lettuce works best for its tender texture and natural cup shape.
🍽 Step 4: Assemble Your Cups
- Spoon a generous amount of the chicken filling into each lettuce leaf.
- Drizzle with peanut sauce.
- Top with shredded carrots, scallions, peanuts, and herbs.
- Serve with lime wedges for a citrusy kick.
Make it a meal: Serve with jasmine rice, cucumber salad, or Thai iced tea.
🌿 Health Benefits of Thai Lettuce Wraps
These wraps are more than delicious—they’re a nutrient-rich meal:
| Ingredient | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Chicken | High in protein, supports muscle growth |
| Lettuce | Low-calorie, high in water content for hydration |
| Peanut Butter | Healthy fats and protein; rich in magnesium and niacin |
| Ginger & Garlic | Anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting |
| Carrots & Herbs | Antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins for eye and skin health |
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
🌱 Want to Go Vegetarian?
Replace chicken with:
- Crumbled tofu
- Tempeh
- Chopped mushrooms
- Lentils for a protein boost
🌶 Craving Extra Heat?
Add:
- Chili flakes
- Extra sriracha
- Sliced red chilies on top
🍚 Need Something More Filling?
Serve with:
- Brown rice
- Rice noodles
- Quinoa or vermicelli
🌾 Gluten-Free?
Swap soy sauce for:
- Tamari
- Coconut aminos
🧊 Meal Prep & Storage Tips
- Meal Prep: Make the filling and sauce in advance and store separately. Assemble when ready to eat.
- Storage:
- Chicken filling lasts up to 4 days in the fridge
- Peanut sauce lasts up to 7 days
- Lettuce should be washed and dried just before serving
- Freezer-Friendly: Cooked filling freezes well for up to 2 months
🧠 Pro Cooking Tips
- Use high heat to get a nice sear on the meat
- Do not overcook garlic/ginger or it turns bitter
- Let sauce sit for 10 minutes before using—it helps flavors develop
- Add chopped water chestnuts or cashews for crunch
- Double the peanut sauce—you’ll want extra for dipping!
🥢 Perfect for Every Occasion
- Weeknight dinner: Quick, light, satisfying
- Meal prep lunch: Pack separately for office or on-the-go
- Party platter: A hit at potlucks and family gatherings
- Healthy kids’ meal: Let them assemble their own cups
- Appetizer: Serve mini versions in small lettuce leaves
💬 FAQs
❓Can I make it nut-free?
Yes! Substitute sunflower seed butter or tahini for peanut butter.
❓Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Just shred it, warm it, and toss it in the seasoning.
❓Can I make this spicy or mild?
Totally customizable. Control the heat using sriracha and toppings.
❓What kind of lettuce is best?
Butter lettuce (also called Bibb or Boston lettuce) is ideal. Romaine or iceberg work too, though slightly crunchier.
❓Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! Just skip the chili sauce and let them drizzle their own sauce.
📋 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – approx. 2 wraps)
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: 23g
- Fat: 21g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
✅ This is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
🧁 Bonus Ideas: How to Use Leftovers Creatively
- Peanut Chicken Rice Bowl
Serve leftover filling over brown rice with steamed veggies and extra sauce. - Asian-Style Wraps
Use tortilla wraps instead of lettuce for a heartier option. - Stuffed Bell Peppers
Bake the chicken filling inside halved bell peppers for a colorful twist. - Thai Chicken Tacos
Use crispy wonton wrappers or tortillas for a fun fusion dish. - Savory Lettuce Salad
Chop leftover wraps into a mixed salad with a drizzle of peanut dressing.
🏁 Final Thoughts: A Recipe You’ll Keep Coming Back To
Thai Peanut Chicken Lettuce Cups are the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a chef—without spending hours in the kitchen. They’re flavorful, fast, customizable, and impressively fresh. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier or just crave something bold and satisfying, this dish checks all the boxes.
🥄 Whip it up once, and we promise: you’ll be craving it again next week!
