Name: Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: Vegetable oil; Toasted sesame oil; Ground chicken; Shiitake mushrooms, diced; Carrot, peeled and diced; Shallot, diced; Garlic, minced; Freshly grated ginger; Hoisin sauce; Chili garlic sauce; Fish sauce; Fresh cilantro, chopped; Butter lettuce (for wrapping); For the peanut sauce:; Creamy peanut butter; Reduced sodium soy sauce; Freshly squeezed lime juice; Brown sugar; Chili garlic sauce (or more to taste); Freshly grated ginger

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a game-changer. They combine savory ground chicken with the crunch of fresh lettuce, while the peanut sauce adds an irresistible creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy kick. It’s a hearty yet healthy meal that’s quick to prepare and sure to be a family favorite. Plus, it’s low-carb, making it an ideal choice for those watching their carbs.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

vegetable oil
toasted sesame oil
ground chicken
shiitake mushrooms, diced
carrot, peeled and diced
shallot, diced
garlic, minced
freshly grated ginger
hoisin sauce
chili garlic sauce
fish sauce
fresh cilantro, chopped
butter lettuce (for wrapping)

For the peanut sauce:

creamy peanut butter
reduced sodium soy sauce
freshly squeezed lime juice
brown sugar
chili garlic sauce (or more to taste)
freshly grated ginger

directions

Heat the vegetable oil and sesame oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken, shiitake mushrooms, diced carrot, and shallot. Cook until the chicken is browned, about 5–7 minutes, crumbling the chicken as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the hoisin sauce, chili garlic sauce, and fish sauce to the skillet. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through, about 30 seconds. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro.
To make the peanut sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, chili garlic sauce, and ginger. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water to achieve the desired consistency.
To serve, spoon several tablespoons of the chicken mixture into the center of a lettuce leaf, taco-style, and drizzle with the peanut sauce.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4–6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian: Substitute the ground chicken with tempeh or crumbled tofu for a plant-based version.
Extra Crunch: Add chopped peanuts or water chestnuts to the filling for added texture.
Spicy Kick: Increase the chili garlic sauce or add a dash of sriracha for more heat.
Herb Twist: Experiment with fresh basil or mint leaves alongside cilantro for a different flavor profile.

storage/reheating

Store leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. Peanut sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for up to a week. If it thickens, simply stir in a little water to thin it out.

FAQs

Can I use other types of lettuce?

Yes, you can use iceberg lettuce or Romaine lettuce for a different texture, but butter lettuce is ideal for its softness and cup-like shape.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make the peanut sauce fresh when ready to serve.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free when you use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure that your hoisin sauce is gluten-free.

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative to ground chicken.

How can I make the peanut sauce spicier?

You can add more chili garlic sauce or a bit of sriracha to the peanut sauce for extra heat.

What other vegetables can I add to the filling?

Feel free to add chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added veggies.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

While creamy peanut butter gives the sauce the best texture, crunchy peanut butter can be used for an extra bit of texture.

Can I serve this with something other than lettuce?

Yes, you could serve the chicken mixture with rice, quinoa, or even in a tortilla if you prefer.

Is the peanut sauce vegan?

The peanut sauce can be made vegan by using a plant-based soy sauce and omitting the fish sauce.

How do I keep the wraps from falling apart?

Make sure the lettuce leaves are sturdy and not too large. If necessary, double up the leaves for added support.

Conclusion

Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a flavorful, healthy, and quick meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners. With their creamy, tangy peanut sauce and savory chicken filling, they are a satisfying dish that everyone will love. The combination of fresh ingredients and bold flavors makes this dish irresistible, and the best part is that it’s low-carb and easy to prepare in just 25 minutes!