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- 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!

Spicy Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Delicious and spicy chicken filling wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4

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
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the sesame oil. Once shimmering, add the ground chicken. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is evenly browned and no longer pink in the center.
  • Lower the heat to medium-low and incorporate the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, sriracha, and fresh lime juice into the skillet. Stir well to achieve a smooth and well-blended sauce, allowing it to heat through for about 2 minutes.
  • Gently fold in the diced water chestnuts, stirring for an additional 2 minutes. This will add a delightful crunch to your chicken filling.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat. Fold in the chopped green onions and cilantro, seasoning the mixture with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
  • To assemble your wraps, take a lettuce leaf and spoon a generous amount of the spicy peanut chicken filling into the center. Carefully fold the sides of the lettuce over the filling to create a wrap, and enjoy the burst of flavors!

Notes

Serve on a vibrant platter, garnished with additional cilantro and lime wedges for freshness.
Keyword chicken, healthy, lettuce wraps, peanut, spicy