Throw Together These Fun and Easy Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Chicken lettuce wraps make for a quick, healthy and utterly delicious meal or appetizer. Simply sauté boneless chicken thighs with colorful veggies like bell pepper and carrot. Then toss the mixture in a sweet and savory peanut sauce. Spoon the chicken over crisp lettuce leaves and enjoy these fresh wraps filled with Asian zing. Easy to throw together and fun to customize, let’s talk details on how to make these crowd-pleasing lettuce wraps!

Choose Boneless Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are perfect in this recipe because they stay so moist and tender even with sautéing. Dice them into small pieces for lettuce wrap filling. Shoot for about 1 pound of boneless, skinless thighs.

Flavorful Thighs Beat Bland Breasts

The mildly fatty, succulent texture of thighs really absorbs all the sauce flavors beautifully.

Cook Thighs with Colorful Veggies

In a skillet over medium heat, sauté diced chicken with sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, and sliced water chestnuts. Cook just until chicken is done.

Quick Cook Time

You want the veggies to retain a slight crispness. Don't overcook.

Toss Chicken Mixture in Sweet Savory Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together peanut oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, and honey to make the sauce. Pour over chicken veggie mixture and toss to coat.

Peanutty Goodness

The peanut oil and chili garlic sauce give this sauce its signature Asian flavor.

Spoon into Lettuce Leaves

For assembly, spoon chicken filling into cups made from whole iceberg or butter lettuce leaves. Top with sliced avocado, peanuts, green onion etc. Then wrap it up for handheld enjoyment.

Make Them Your Own

Part of the fun is customizing wraps with your favorite toppings.

Serve with Rice and Extra Sauce

Offer steamed white or brown rice alongside for filling the wraps. Provide extra sauce for drizzling or dipping.

Top Tips

- Use boneless thighs for easy prep

- Cook chicken and veggies just until done

- Toss in sweet savory peanut sauce

- Fill lettuce cups generously

- Add toppings for fun flavors

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

You can, but watch closely so they don't overcook and dry out.

Do I need rice noodles in the filling?

No, they are optional. The lettuce acts as the wrap "noodle".

Does the sauce need to be homemade?

Storebought Thai peanut sauce can substitute to save time.

What lettuce works best for wraps?

Butter or iceberg lettuce leaves hold up well. Boston bibb also works great.

Can I prep the chicken and veggies ahead?

Absolutely! Sauté them earlier then mix the sauce when ready to serve.

In Summary

These easy chicken lettuce wraps are fun to throw together for a fresh and healthy Asian inspired meal. Kids and adults alike will love customizing their handheld wraps with crunchy veggies, creamy avocado and flavorful sauces. Dinner made easy!