If there’s one dish that brings together bold, comforting flavors with a fun, fresh way to eat, it has to be this Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe. Imagine juicy, savory ground chicken mingled with earthy shiitake mushrooms, crunchy carrots, and aromatic shallots, all wrapped delicately in tender butter lettuce leaves. The magic really happens when you add that creamy, tangy peanut sauce which ties every bite together with a perfect punch of flavor. It’s a dish that’s light, satisfying, and as engaging to eat as it is to prepare, making it a go-to for sharing good times around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
No need for a complicated shopping list here—just simple, fresh ingredients that work in harmony to create a dish bursting with texture, color, and flavor. Each one plays its part, from the tender chicken providing heartiness, to the crisp veggies and aromatic seasonings elevating every forkful.
- Vegetable oil: Used to cook the chicken and veggies without overpowering other flavors.
- Toasted sesame oil: Adds a nutty warmth that deepens the dish’s overall taste.
- Ground chicken: The lean, tender protein base that soaks up all the incredible flavors.
- Shiitake mushrooms, diced: Earthy and meaty, they boost both texture and umami.
- Carrot, peeled and diced: Adds sweetness and a pleasant crunch.
- Shallot, diced: Provides a subtle onion flavor with a touch of sweetness.
- Garlic, minced: Essential for that rich, aromatic foundation.
- Freshly grated ginger: Offers a bright, zesty kick to brighten the whole dish.
- Hoisin sauce: Brings a sweet, tangy depth that perfectly complements the savory elements.
- Chili garlic sauce: Adds just the right hints of heat and spice.
- Fish sauce: Brings an umami boost without fishiness when used just right.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped: For a refreshing herbal lift that lightens the whole mixture.
- Butter lettuce: Delicate leaves that serve as the perfect edible vessel for the filling.
And for the star peanut sauce:
- Creamy peanut butter: The luscious base that makes this sauce irresistible.
- Reduced sodium soy sauce: Brings savory balance while keeping saltiness in check.
- Freshly squeezed lime juice: Adds brightness and sharpness to the sauce.
- Brown sugar: Delivers a hint of caramel sweetness to round things out.
- Chili garlic sauce (or more to taste): For an extra spicy, garlicky kick.
- Freshly grated ginger: Lends a peppery warmth that complements the peanut butter.
How to Make Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken and Vegetables
Start by heating vegetable oil and toasted sesame oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken, shiitake mushrooms, diced carrot, and shallot. Cook everything together until the chicken is nicely browned and vegetables are tender, about 5 to 7 minutes. Be sure to drain any excess fat to keep the flavors bright and the texture just right.
Step 2: Build Flavor with Aromatics
Next, stir in minced garlic and freshly grated ginger, sautéing for about a minute until the whole kitchen is filled with that irresistible fragrant aroma. These aromatics are the secret behind the deep and complex layers of flavor that make the Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe so unforgettable.
Step 3: Add the Sauces and Fresh Herb
Now it’s time to bring the sauce directly into the skillet. Pour in hoisin sauce, chili garlic sauce, and fish sauce, stirring until everything melds together and heats through, just about 30 seconds. Remove from heat and fold in chopped fresh cilantro—this herb adds a much-needed fresh pop right before serving.
Step 4: Whip Up the Peanut Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together creamy peanut butter, reduced sodium soy sauce, fresh lime juice, brown sugar, chili garlic sauce, and grated ginger. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water to reach your favorite sauce consistency—whether silky and pourable or thick and creamy. This sauce is where it all comes together, balancing sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors in every drizzle.
Step 5: Assemble Your Wraps
Finally, spoon the warm chicken mixture into the center of each butter lettuce leaf. Generously drizzle with your homemade peanut sauce. The contrast of crisp lettuce and savory filling topped with that rich sauce creates a taste sensation that’s both fun and fulfilling.
How to Serve Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe can elevate it visually and texturally. Try chopped roasted peanuts for extra crunch, a sprinkle of fresh green onions or sliced red chili for heat, and maybe a few lime wedges on the side for a zesty squeeze. These small touches make it feel like a special feast.
Side Dishes
Since the wraps are flavorful and filling on their own, consider light side dishes like a simple Asian cucumber salad, steamed jasmine rice, or even some quick pickled vegetables. These sides offer a refreshing counterpoint to the rich peanut sauce and savory chicken, rounding out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or family dinners, arrange the butter lettuce leaves on a large platter with bowls of chicken filling, peanut sauce, and garnishes nearby. This “build-your-own” style makes mealtime interactive and fun. Alternatively, you can serve the filling over rice and drizzle the peanut sauce on top if you prefer a less hands-on experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken mixture and peanut sauce can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them apart ensures the chicken doesn’t get soggy and the sauce stays fresh and creamy.
Freezing
If you want to prep in advance or save some for later, freeze the cooked chicken mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. The peanut sauce, however, freezes poorly due to its texture, so it’s best made fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken filling gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Stir occasionally to keep it moist. Add a splash of water or oil if needed to bring back its original juiciness before serving with fresh peanut sauce and lettuce leaves.
FAQs
Can I use another type of meat for the wraps?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, pork, or even finely chopped chicken breast work wonderfully and can substitute ground chicken without losing much flavor.
Is this dish spicy?
The Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe has a mild to moderate spiciness thanks to the chili garlic sauce, but you can easily adjust the heat level to your liking by adding more or less sauce.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground chicken with finely chopped tofu, tempeh, or a mix of hearty mushrooms to keep the texture, then adjust the seasonings and sauces accordingly.
What type of lettuce works best?
Butter lettuce is ideal due to its soft, flexible leaves that cup perfectly without tearing, but iceberg or romaine lettuce can also be used if that’s what you have on hand.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe comes together quickly—about 15 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook—making it a weeknight favorite for sure.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about making and sharing the Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe. Its vibrant flavors, simple preparation, and playful presentation make it one of those dishes you’ll want to come back to again and again. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful and delicious meal. You won’t regret it!
Print
Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a flavorful and healthy dish featuring ground chicken cooked with shiitake mushrooms, carrots, and fresh aromatics, served in crisp butter lettuce leaves with a creamy, tangy peanut sauce. Perfect as a light lunch or appetizer, they combine savory, spicy, and zesty flavors with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Mixture
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup shiitake mushrooms, diced
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
- 1 shallot, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated (for wrapping)
For the Peanut Sauce
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (or more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 2–3 tablespoons water (to thin sauce)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken Mixture: Heat vegetable oil and toasted sesame oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken, diced shiitake mushrooms, diced carrot, and diced shallot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and freshly grated ginger into the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Season the Mixture: Add hoisin sauce, chili garlic sauce, and fish sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 30 seconds until heated through. Remove the skillet from heat and fold in chopped fresh cilantro.
- Prepare the Peanut Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together creamy peanut butter, reduced sodium soy sauce, freshly squeezed lime juice, brown sugar, chili garlic sauce, and grated ginger. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water gradually to reach your preferred sauce consistency, whisking until smooth.
- Serve: Spoon the warm chicken mixture into the center of each butter lettuce leaf. Drizzle generously with the prepared peanut sauce. Wrap the lettuce around the filling and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the amount of chili garlic sauce in both the chicken mixture and peanut sauce.
- You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or pork.
- Make sure to drain excess fat after browning the chicken to keep the wraps light.
- To add crunch, consider topping with chopped peanuts or sliced green onions.
- Butter lettuce works best for wrapping because of its soft, pliable leaves.
- This recipe can be made ahead by preparing the chicken mixture and peanut sauce separately, then assembling just before serving.
