Description
Craving a vibrant, low-carb dish bursting with Thai-inspired flavors? These Grilled Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are your perfect choice! Featuring tender chicken thighs coated in a sweet-spicy sauce with chili, soy, ginger, and lemongrass, served in crisp butter lettuce with crunchy peanuts, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lime, this dish is a delightful blend of savory, sweet, and tangy notes
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make Grilled Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Each ingredient adds to the savory, spicy, and fresh magic.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs (1½ lb/680g, cut into 1-inch pieces): Provide juicy, flavorful protein.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Enhance flavor balance.
- Sweet Chili Sauce (⅓ cup/75ml, e.g., Mae Ploy or Thai Kitchen): Adds sweet-spicy depth.
- Soy Sauce (3 Tbsp, preferably low-sodium): Brings savory umami.
- Garlic Cloves (4, minced): Offers bold, aromatic flavor.
- Fresh Ginger (1 Tbsp, grated): Adds warm, zesty kick.
- Lemongrass (1 Tbsp, minced): Infuses bright, citrusy notes.
- Fish Sauce (2 Tbsp, optional): Enhances savory, umami depth.
- Sriracha (1 Tbsp, or more to taste): Provides adjustable heat.
- Sesame Oil (2 Tbsp): Adds nutty, rich flavor for cooking.
- Scallions (2, sliced): Bring mild, oniony crunch.
- Butter Lettuce Leaves (for serving): Offer crisp, sturdy wraps.
- Toasted Peanuts (¼ cup/40g, chopped): Add crunchy, nutty texture.
- Fresh Cilantro Leaves, Thai Basil Leaves, and Lime Wedges (for serving): Infuse vibrant, fresh flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
- Chicken Thighs: Swap with chicken breast, shrimp, or tofu for vegetarian (cook tofu 6–8 minutes).
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Use sugar-free chili sauce for keto (~2–3g net carbs per serving).
- Soy Sauce: Replace with tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free or keto.
- Fish Sauce: Omit or use vegan fish sauce for vegetarian/vegan.
- Butter Lettuce: Swap with romaine, iceberg, or cabbage leaves.
- Peanuts: Use cashews, almonds, or omit for nut-free.
- Keto Adjustment: Use sugar-free chili sauce, coconut aminos, and reduce scallions (~2–3g net carbs per serving).
- Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari or coconut aminos; ensure chili sauce and fish sauce are gluten-free.
- Vegan Version: Swap chicken with tofu and fish sauce with vegan fish sauce or soy sauce.
- Spicy Version: Increase sriracha to 2 Tbsp or add a sliced Thai chili.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Sauce
- Season 1½ lb chicken thigh pieces generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
- In a small bowl, combine ⅓ cup sweet chili sauce, 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 Tbsp grated ginger, 1 Tbsp minced lemongrass, 2 Tbsp fish sauce (if using), and 1 Tbsp sriracha. Stir well.
Tip: Mince garlic and lemongrass finely for even flavor; taste sauce and adjust sriracha for heat.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 2 Tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces and cook until well-seared and cooked through (165°F internally), about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tip: Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking; avoid overcrowding the skillet.
Step 3: Add the Sauce
- Reduce heat to low and pour the prepared sauce over the chicken.
- Stir to coat, then add 2 sliced scallions.
- Cook until scallions wilt and sauce thickens slightly, about 3 minutes.
Tip: Stir frequently to coat chicken evenly; don’t overcook to keep sauce vibrant.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
- Spoon ~¼ cup chicken mixture into each butter lettuce leaf.
- Top with chopped toasted peanuts, fresh cilantro leaves, and Thai basil leaves.
- Serve with lime wedges for squeezing.
Tip: Use sturdy lettuce leaves for easy wrapping; offer extra sauce on the side for dipping.