Spicy Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Delightful and Easy

Name: Spicy Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 0.25 cup creamy peanut butter; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon sriracha; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 0.5 cup water chestnuts, finely diced; 0.25 cup green onions, sliced into thin rings; 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 head butter or iceberg lettuce; 0 Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

October 28, 2025April 28, 2025 by Sarah

Craving an easy and tasty meal? You’ll love these Spicy Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps! They bring together juicy ground chicken, creamy peanut butter, and zesty lime juice for a feast of flavors. Plus, this recipe is simple enough for anyone to try, no chef skills required! Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this delightful dish you’ll want to share with friends and family.

Why I Love This Recipe

Bold Flavors: The combination of spicy sriracha and creamy peanut butter creates a rich and exciting flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more.
Healthy and Fresh: Using lettuce as a wrap instead of tortillas makes this dish a lighter, healthier option that still satisfies your cravings.
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings.
Crowd-Pleaser: These spicy peanut chicken lettuce wraps are not only delicious but also fun to assemble, making them a hit at parties and family dinners.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 lb (450g) ground chicken

– 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

– 2 tablespoons soy sauce

These main ingredients bring the heart of the dish together. The ground chicken cooks fast and absorbs flavors well. Creamy peanut butter adds richness. Soy sauce gives a savory kick.

Additional Flavors

– 1 tablespoon honey

– 1 tablespoon sriracha

– 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Honey adds sweetness, balancing the spice. Sriracha brings heat, so adjust it to your taste. Fresh lime juice adds brightness and freshness to the mix.

Optional Ingredients

– 1/2 cup water chestnuts, finely diced

– 1/4 cup green onions, sliced into thin rings

– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Water chestnuts add crunch. Green onions give a mild onion flavor. Fresh cilantro offers a burst of herbal notes, enhancing the dish’s taste. You can use these optional ingredients to customize your wraps.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation

– Heat the skillet and cook the chicken

Start by placing a large skillet over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of sesame oil. Once the oil shimmers, add 1 pound of ground chicken. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir often until the chicken turns brown and is no longer pink.

– Incorporate the sauce ingredients

Next, lower the heat to medium-low. Add 1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of sriracha, and 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice to the chicken. Mix well for about 2 minutes until the sauce is smooth and warm.

Mixing and Cooking

– Add the water chestnuts

To add crunch, gently fold in 1/2 cup of finely diced water chestnuts. Stir this mixture for another 2 minutes. This step enhances the texture of your chicken filling.

– Fold in green onions and cilantro

Remove the skillet from the heat. Now, add 1/4 cup of sliced green onions and 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Mix everything until combined.

Assembling the Wraps

– Using the lettuce leaves

Take a head of butter or iceberg lettuce. Carefully separate the leaves. Each leaf will serve as a wrap. Spoon a generous amount of the spicy peanut chicken filling into the center of each leaf.

– Presentation tips

To present your wraps beautifully, serve them on a colorful platter. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges. This not only looks appealing but also adds a fresh twist for your guests to enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

– Achieving the right texture: Cook the ground chicken until it’s brown. This makes the meat tender and juicy. Mix in the creamy peanut butter when the chicken is fully cooked. This helps the sauce cling to the meat well.

– Adjusting spice levels: If you like heat, add more sriracha. Start with one tablespoon and taste. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away once it’s in! For less heat, reduce the sriracha or use mild chili sauce.

Presentation Tips

– Garnishing suggestions: Add fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the platter. This not only adds color but also gives extra flavor. A sprinkle of chopped green onions on top makes it look fancy.

– Serving recommendations: Serve the lettuce wraps on a bright platter. This makes the dish pop. You can also pair it with a side of rice or a light salad for a complete meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

– Undercooking chicken: Always cook the chicken until there is no pink left. This ensures it is safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure; it should reach 165°F.

– Overfilling lettuce wraps: Don’t load too much filling in the lettuce. It can tear easily. A spoonful or two is just right. This makes it easier to fold and eat without making a mess.

Pro Tips

Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of sriracha or substitute it with a less spicy sauce.
Fresh Herbs Matter: Using fresh cilantro and green onions enhances the flavor profile; avoid dried alternatives when possible.
Perfect Lettuce Leaves: Choose sturdy lettuce like butter or iceberg to hold the filling well without tearing.
Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare the chicken filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge; just assemble the wraps when ready to serve!

Variations

Alternative Proteins

You can switch up the protein in these wraps. Ground turkey works well as a lighter option. It has a mild flavor and cooks quickly, just like chicken. If you want a plant-based choice, try tofu. Firm tofu absorbs flavors well. Just press it first to remove excess water, then cube and cook until golden.

Different Sauces

Changing the sauce can make these wraps unique. Thai chili sauce adds a sweet heat that many love. It gives a nice kick without being too spicy. Hoisin sauce is another great option. It brings a rich, sweet flavor to the mix. Feel free to experiment with these sauces to find your favorite!

Vegetable Add-ins

Adding vegetables can enhance the crunch and nutrition of your wraps. Shredded carrots bring a sweet crunch to each bite. They also add a bright color. Bell peppers are another tasty choice. They add a crisp texture and a bit of sweetness. Mix and match these add-ins to create your ideal wrap!

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your spicy peanut chicken lettuce wraps fresh, store them right. Place the filling in an airtight container. Avoid placing the lettuce in the same container, as it can wilt. Instead, wrap the lettuce leaves in a damp paper towel. This helps them stay crisp. You can refrigerate the filling for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken filling. Just remember to cool it first before freezing.

Reheating Instructions

For the best reheating, use a skillet over medium heat. This method helps keep the chicken moist. Stir the filling often. You can also microwave it, but cover it to keep moisture in. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts. Check the temperature to ensure it’s hot throughout. To keep the texture nice, avoid reheating too long.

Shelf Life

In the fridge, your spicy peanut chicken filling lasts about three days. If you freeze it, it can last up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Look for any off smells or changes in color. If the chicken looks dry or discolored, it’s best to toss it. Freshness is key to enjoying these tasty wraps!

FAQs

How do I make Spicy Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce. Brands like Tamari work great. Make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free too. Check labels for safety. You can also swap out the soy sauce for coconut aminos, which adds a nice flavor without gluten.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prep the filling ahead of time. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare. You can store it in the fridge for up to two days. Just keep it in an airtight container. When ready to eat, simply reheat it in a skillet. Add the lettuce leaves fresh, so they stay crisp.

What can I serve with Spicy Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps?

These wraps go well with a side of rice or quinoa. They also pair nicely with a simple cucumber salad. For drinks, try iced tea or a light beer. Both will complement the spicy flavors well.

These Spicy Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps are simple and fun. You learned about the key ingredients like ground chicken and creamy peanut butter, plus tasty extras like honey and lime juice. The steps are easy, from cooking to assembling your wraps. Remember the tips to avoid common mistakes and store your leftovers correctly. You can also try variations with turkey or tofu for a twist. Enjoy making these wraps and impress your friends with your cooking skill

$- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken - 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter - 2 tablespoons soy sauce These main ingredients bring the heart of the dish together. The ground chicken cooks fast and absorbs flavors well. Creamy peanut butter adds richness. Soy sauce gives a savory kick. - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon sriracha - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice Honey adds sweetness, balancing the spice. Sriracha brings heat, so adjust it to your taste. Fresh lime juice adds brightness and freshness to the mix. - 1/2 cup water chestnuts, finely diced - 1/4 cup green onions, sliced into thin rings - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped Water chestnuts add crunch. Green onions give a mild onion flavor. Fresh cilantro offers a burst of herbal notes, enhancing the dish's taste. You can use these optional ingredients to customize your wraps. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Heat the skillet and cook the chicken Start by placing a large skillet over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of sesame oil. Once the oil shimmers, add 1 pound of ground chicken. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir often until the chicken turns brown and is no longer pink. - Incorporate the sauce ingredients Next, lower the heat to medium-low. Add 1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of sriracha, and 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice to the chicken. Mix well for about 2 minutes until the sauce is smooth and warm. - Add the water chestnuts To add crunch, gently fold in 1/2 cup of finely diced water chestnuts. Stir this mixture for another 2 minutes. This step enhances the texture of your chicken filling. - Fold in green onions and cilantro Remove the skillet from the heat. Now, add 1/4 cup of sliced green onions and 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Mix everything until combined. - Using the lettuce leaves Take a head of butter or iceberg lettuce. Carefully separate the leaves. Each leaf will serve as a wrap. Spoon a generous amount of the spicy peanut chicken filling into the center of each leaf. - Presentation tips To present your wraps beautifully, serve them on a colorful platter. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges. This not only looks appealing but also adds a fresh twist for your guests to enjoy! - Achieving the right texture: Cook the ground chicken until it's brown. This makes the meat tender and juicy. Mix in the creamy peanut butter when the chicken is fully cooked. This helps the sauce cling to the meat well. - Adjusting spice levels: If you like heat, add more sriracha. Start with one tablespoon and taste. You can always add more, but you can't take it away once it's in! For less heat, reduce the sriracha or use mild chili sauce. - Garnishing suggestions: Add fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the platter. This not only adds color but also gives extra flavor. A sprinkle of chopped green onions on top makes it look fancy. - Serving recommendations: Serve the lettuce wraps on a bright platter. This makes the dish pop. You can also pair it with a side of rice or a light salad for a complete meal. - Undercooking chicken: Always cook the chicken until there is no pink left. This ensures it is safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer if you're unsure; it should reach 165°F. - Overfilling lettuce wraps: Don't load too much filling in the lettuce. It can tear easily. A spoonful or two is just right. This makes it easier to fold and eat without making a mess. Pro Tips Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of sriracha or substitute it with a less spicy sauce. Fresh Herbs Matter: Using fresh cilantro and green onions enhances the flavor profile; avoid dried alternatives when possible. Perfect Lettuce Leaves: Choose sturdy lettuce like butter or iceberg to hold the filling well without tearing. Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare the chicken filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge; just assemble the wraps when ready to serve! {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein in these wraps. Ground turkey works well as a lighter option. It has a mild flavor and cooks quickly, just like chicken. If you want a plant-based choice, try tofu. Firm tofu absorbs flavors well. Just press it first to remove excess water, then cube and cook until golden. Changing the sauce can make these wraps unique. Thai chili sauce adds a sweet heat that many love. It gives a nice kick without being too spicy. Hoisin sauce is another great option. It brings a rich, sweet flavor to the mix. Feel free to experiment with these sauces to find your favorite! Adding vegetables can enhance the crunch and nutrition of your wraps. Shredded carrots bring a sweet crunch to each bite. They also add a bright color. Bell peppers are another tasty choice. They add a crisp texture and a bit of sweetness. Mix and match these add-ins to create your ideal wrap! To keep your spicy peanut chicken lettuce wraps fresh, store them right. Place the filling in an airtight container. Avoid placing the lettuce in the same container, as it can wilt. Instead, wrap the lettuce leaves in a damp paper towel. This helps them stay crisp. You can refrigerate the filling for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken filling. Just remember to cool it first before freezing. For the best reheating, use a skillet over medium heat. This method helps keep the chicken moist. Stir the filling often. You can also microwave it, but cover it to keep moisture in. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts. Check the temperature to ensure it's hot throughout. To keep the texture nice, avoid reheating too long. In the fridge, your spicy peanut chicken filling lasts about three days. If you freeze it, it can last up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Look for any off smells or changes in color. If the chicken looks dry or discolored, it's best to toss it. Freshness is key to enjoying these tasty wraps! To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce. Brands like Tamari work great. Make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free too. Check labels for safety. You can also swap out the soy sauce for coconut aminos, which adds a nice flavor without gluten. Yes, you can prep the filling ahead of time. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare. You can store it in the fridge for up to two days. Just keep it in an airtight container. When ready to eat, simply reheat it in a skillet. Add the lettuce leaves fresh, so they stay crisp. These wraps go well with a side of rice or quinoa. They also pair nicely with a simple cucumber salad. For drinks, try iced tea or a light beer. Both will complement the spicy flavors well. These Spicy Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps are simple and fun. You learned about the key ingredients like ground chicken and creamy peanut butter, plus tasty extras like honey and lime juice. The steps are easy, from cooking to assembling your wraps. Remember the tips to avoid common mistakes and store your leftovers correctly. You can also try variations with turkey or tofu for a twist. Enjoy making these wraps and impress your friends with your cooking skills!$