Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

I absolutely love making and sharing my Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe because it’s such a vibrant and satisfying dish that brings together bold flavors with fresh, crisp textures. This recipe combines savory ground chicken with fragrant spices and a luscious peanut sauce, all wrapped up in crunchy butter lettuce for the perfect bite every time. Whenever I’m looking for a quick, wholesome meal that feels both light and indulgent, this is my go-to recipe that never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

What really excites me about this Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is the incredible balance of flavors it delivers. There’s the umami-rich ground chicken paired with earthy shiitake mushrooms and sweet carrots, all brightened with fresh ginger, garlic, and a touch of chili spice. The peanut sauce is the star here—creamy, tangy, and just a little bit spicy—which perfectly complements the cool crunch of the butter lettuce. It’s like having all your favorite Asian-inspired flavors in every single bite!

Beyond the taste, I appreciate how simple and fast this recipe is to prepare. It only takes about 25 minutes from start to finish, which means I can whip up a crowd-pleasing dish on a busy weeknight or impress friends at a casual dinner party without spending hours in the kitchen. The versatility also stands out to me; you can easily make it for a light lunch, a healthy snack, or even as an appetizer when entertaining. Honestly, what’s not to love about a meal that’s this delicious, easy, and adaptable?

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a flat lay of fresh ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface, including raw light pink ground meat placed on crinkled parchment paper in the bottom right, fresh green spinach leaves layered in the bottom left, and a jar of smooth peanut butter with a light brown swirl in the center. Above the peanut butter, there are several whole brown mushrooms with white undersides scattered around a small cluster of green cilantro and a piece of ginger root. To the upper right, there is a small shallot next to a row of small glass bowls containing bright orange chopped carrots, dark soy sauce, reddish chili sauce, light clear liquid, dark vinegar, amber liquid, light brown sugar, and a near-black thick sauce. A few peeled garlic cloves are placed near the top left corner. The overall scene has a clean and organized look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this dish are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen to create layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays an essential role—from the rich peanut butter to the crisp lettuce—building a dynamic and satisfying wrap.

Vegetable oil: Provides a neutral base for cooking the chicken and vegetables evenly without overpowering the other flavors.
Toasted sesame oil: Adds a deep, nutty aroma that enhances the Asian-inspired profile.
Ground chicken: The lean protein foundation that cooks quickly and absorbs all the wonderful seasonings.
Shiitake mushrooms: Bring a meaty texture and earthiness that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
Carrot: Adds a natural sweetness and a pop of color to brighten up the dish.
Shallot: Offers a mild onion flavor that melts into the mixture without being overpowering.
Garlic: Gives the dish a punch of fragrant savoriness.
Freshly grated ginger: Adds warmth and a subtle zing that lifts the entire flavor profile.
Hoisin sauce: Brings sweet, tangy depth and a slightly sticky glaze to the filling.
Chili garlic sauce: Kicks up the heat and injects a garlicky spice.
Fish sauce: Infuses a savory umami complexity that rounds out the taste layers.
Fresh cilantro leaves: Stirred in at the end for a fresh herbaceous pop.
Butter lettuce: The perfect vessel—soft, tender, loosely packed leaves that cradle the filling beautifully.
Creamy peanut butter: The rich base of the sauce that adds a luscious, nutty creaminess.
Reduced sodium soy sauce: Balances the sweetness and saltiness in the sauce while keeping it heart-healthy.
Freshly squeezed lime juice: Injects bright acidity to cut through the richness and elevate flavors.
Brown sugar: Provides gentle sweetness that balances the heat from chili sauce.

Directions

Step 1: Heat the vegetable oil and toasted sesame oil together in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground chicken, diced shiitake mushrooms, diced carrot, and diced shallot. Cook this mixture, crumbling the chicken as it browns, for about 5 to 7 minutes, until everything is cooked through and nicely browned. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat for a lighter result.

Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until their fragrance fills the kitchen. This step really awakens the flavor base of the filling!

Step 3: Mix in the hoisin sauce, chili garlic sauce, and fish sauce. Cook just until the mixture is heated through, which only takes about 30 seconds. Then remove the skillet from the heat and gently fold in the chopped fresh cilantro to keep its freshness intact.

Step 4: To make the peanut sauce, combine creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, chili garlic sauce, and grated ginger in a small bowl. Whisk in 2 to 3 tablespoons of water gradually until you achieve your desired smooth and pourable consistency.

Step 5: To serve, spoon several tablespoons of the warm chicken mixture into the center of each butter lettuce leaf, shaping it like a taco. Drizzle with the creamy peanut sauce for a finishing touch. Then wrap and enjoy that perfect combination of textures and tastes!

Servings and Timing

This Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe yields about 4 hearty servings, perfect for a small family dinner or a casual meal with friends. The prep time is roughly 10 minutes, mainly for chopping and gathering ingredients. Cooking takes approximately 15 minutes, making the total time around 25 minutes from start to finish. No resting or cooling time is required, so you can enjoy it fresh and warm right away.

How to Serve This Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

The image shows several green lettuce cups arranged on a white marbled surface. Each cup holds a mixture of small, cooked pieces of meat with a reddish-brown color, topped with thin slices of green onion. The lettuce leaves are fresh and bright light green, cradling the filling with soft, ruffled edges. To the side, there is a small white bowl filled with a thick, creamy orange sauce. A woman's hand is reaching in from the top left corner, holding one of the lettuce cups. The overall look is fresh and colorful with a mix of soft and textured layers. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve these lettuce wraps, I love to keep things simple yet exciting. The wraps themselves are the star, so I often pair them with light and fresh sides like a crunchy cucumber salad or a crisp Asian slaw. These sides complement the richness of the peanut sauce and add an extra layer of crunch and brightness to the meal.

For garnishing, I like to sprinkle chopped peanuts or extra fresh cilantro on top of the wraps to add texture and visual appeal. A few thinly sliced green onions or a handful of shredded carrots can also brighten the presentation beautifully. Serving the wraps on a large platter encourages everyone to gather around and assemble their own, which is always a fun and interactive way to enjoy the dish.

When it comes to beverages, I find that a chilled Riesling or Gewürztraminer works wonderfully with the slightly spicy, nutty flavors. For a non-alcoholic option, iced jasmine tea or a sparkling water with lime provides a refreshing contrast. These wraps can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, so they’re great for entertaining or even as a picnic dish. Portion-wise, about 3 to 4 wraps per person makes a satisfying meal without feeling too heavy.

Variations

Over time, I’ve experimented with different twists on this Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe to suit various tastes and dietary needs. For instance, swapping ground chicken with ground turkey or even finely chopped tofu creates a different but equally delicious base. If mushrooms aren’t your thing, diced water chestnuts or bell peppers add a delightful crunch and sweetness instead.

If you’re following a gluten-free diet, just be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce alternatives, which are widely available. For vegan versions, I replace ground chicken with cooked lentils or tempeh and substitute fish sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, keeping that deep umami flavor.

Flavor-wise, you can adjust the heat level by playing with the amount of chili garlic sauce or add zestier elements like a dash of sriracha or chopped fresh mint for a refreshing twist. I’ve also tried cooking the mixture in a non-stick skillet or wok instead of cast iron to change the texture slightly. However you customize it, this recipe is a fantastic canvas for your creativity.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I store the chicken mixture separately from the lettuce leaves to keep everything fresh. An airtight container works best for the chicken filling, and I place it in the refrigerator where it will stay good for up to 3 days. The lettuce can be stored wrapped in a damp paper towel inside a sealed bag to maintain its crispness.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if you want to prep ahead. I freeze only the cooked chicken filling in a freezer-safe, airtight container or bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. It keeps well in the freezer for up to 2 months. I don’t recommend freezing the lettuce or peanut sauce because they lose their texture and freshness after thawing.

Reheating

When I reheat the chicken filling, I prefer warming it gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain its moisture and texture, stirring occasionally for even heating. Microwave works fine too, but I recommend reheating in short bursts and stirring between to avoid drying it out. I always serve the filling warm alongside fresh lettuce and freshly made peanut sauce to restore all that vibrant flavor and contrast.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works as a lean, mild substitute and keeps the overall flavor fresh, while ground beef adds a richer, more robust taste. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure it’s fully cooked and drain excess fat if needed to keep the wraps light.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce alternatives. Many brands offer these options, so double-check labels before purchasing. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.

How spicy is the Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe?

The heat level is moderate and can be easily adjusted. The chili garlic sauce provides a gentle kick, but you can add more or less depending on your spice tolerance. If you prefer it milder, reduce the chili sauce or omit it entirely—you’ll still get great flavor from the other seasonings.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a party?

Yes! I often prepare the chicken mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. When guests arrive, I reheat the filling and assemble the wraps fresh. You can also prepare the peanut sauce and chop garnishes ahead, which makes the final assembly quick and easy. Just keep the lettuce separate until serving to ensure crispness.

What other greens can I use if I don’t have butter lettuce?

Butter lettuce is ideal because of its soft, cup-like leaves, but you can substitute with iceberg lettuce for a crispier bite or even large spinach leaves or collard greens if you want a different texture and added nutrients. Just make sure the leaves are sturdy enough to hold the filling when wrapped.

Conclusion

I really hope you give this Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that’s both exciting and comforting, easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to share with loved ones. The combination of flavors, textures, and colors makes every bite a little celebration, and I promise it will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation too. Enjoy the process, and more importantly, enjoy every delicious wrap!