If you are craving a dish that bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors and a delightful crunch, the Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe combines tender, spiced grilled chicken with a creamy, tangy peanut sauce, topped with crisp veggies and fresh herbs wrapped in buttery lettuce leaves. It’s an irresistible fusion of textures and tastes that makes for a fun and healthy meal. Whether you need a quick lunch or a light dinner, these wraps are sure to satisfy your appetite and brighten your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that work harmoniously to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component contributes something special, from the juicy chicken and crunchy veggies to the rich and tangy peanut sauce. Here’s everything you’ll want to gather before you start.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Using about three-quarters of a pound ensures tender, juicy meat that perfectly absorbs the spices.
- Olive oil: Essential for grilling the chicken and blending the sauce, giving a smooth richness.
- Ground cumin and turmeric: These spices add warmth and earthiness, creating a flavorful backbone for the chicken.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance every bite.
- Large Boston or butter lettuce leaves: Crisp and pliable, they serve as edible vessels for the filling, making the meal fresh and light.
- Red bell pepper: Thinly sliced for bright color and natural sweetness.
- Matchstick carrots: Adds a perfect crunch and subtle sweetness.
- Matchstick Persian or English cucumber: For refreshing, cool bites that balance the spices.
- Chopped peanuts: Offers extra nuttiness and texture.
- Lime juice and fresh cilantro: These toppings deliver zesty brightness and herbaceous flair.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient for the luscious peanut sauce.
- Honey: Adds a natural sweetness that complements the savory elements.
- Rice vinegar and reduced-sodium soy sauce: Both bring acidity and umami to the sauce.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love a little kick without overpowering the other flavors.
How to Make Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Sauce
Start by creating the luscious peanut sauce that will tie the whole dish together. In a small, powerful blender, combine creamy peanut butter, honey, olive oil, water, rice vinegar, soy sauce, pepper, and the optional cayenne pepper. Blend until silky smooth. This sauce is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy, and chilling it while you get everything else ready lets the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 2: Season and Prep the Chicken
Trim any fat from the chicken breasts and halve them lengthwise if they’re thick for even cooking. Pounding the chicken evenly ensures juicy, consistent pieces. After patting dry, drizzle olive oil on one side, then sprinkle half the salt, pepper, turmeric, and cumin, gently pressing the spices in. Flip and repeat on the other side. This simple spicing technique is the secret to a flavorful, aromatic chicken that shines in every bite.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, roughly 400 to 450°F. Before placing the chicken on the grates, oil them well to prevent sticking and to get those beautiful grill marks. Cook the chicken about 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. Rest it covered with foil for 5 to 10 minutes—this rest time lets the juices redistribute, making the chicken extra tender. Once rested, dice it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 4: Prepare the Fresh Vegetables and Peanuts
While the chicken grills, thinly slice the red bell pepper into matchsticks, and julienne the carrots and cucumber to the same shape and size. This creates a uniform bite that’s pleasurable and easy to eat in each wrap. If your peanuts are unsalted, a pinch of salt sprinkled on your veggies can accentuate their natural flavors even more. Finely chop the peanuts for an added crunch that complements the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Assemble the Wraps
Make sure the lettuce leaves are thoroughly washed and dried—they should be crisp enough to hold the fillings without wilting. Evenly divide the diced chicken among the leaves, then top with the sliced bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers, and chopped peanuts. Add fresh cilantro leaves and a squeeze of lime juice to brighten everything up. Finally, drizzle the peanut sauce generously over each wrap and serve immediately to enjoy the contrasting textures and flavors at their best.
Step 6: Alternative Chicken Cooking Method
If grilling isn’t your preference, you can sauté the seasoned chicken pieces instead. Toss the chicken in olive oil over medium heat, cooking for 5 to 7 minutes with occasional stirring until it’s fully cooked and reaches 165°F internally. Let it cool, then dice smaller before assembling the wraps. This method gives you the same great flavor in a faster, stovetop-friendly way.
How to Serve Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice are your go-to garnishes for this Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe. They add that necessary brightness and a hint of herbal freshness, which perfectly balances the creaminess of the peanut sauce and the warmth of the spices. You can also experiment with chopped green onions or a light drizzle of chili oil if you like things a touch spicier.
Side Dishes
These wraps are wonderfully light on their own but pair beautifully with simple side dishes like jasmine rice or quinoa for a more substantial meal. A crunchy cucumber salad or pickled vegetables are also excellent companions, adding extra layers of flavor and texture. If you’re hosting, consider serving a fruit-forward slaw or even crispy sweet potato fries for a colorful contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation elevates any meal, and with this Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe, you can have some fun. Serve the wraps on a large platter surrounded by small bowls of peanut sauce, lime wedges, and extra chopped peanuts. You could also build a “lettuce wrap bar” so everyone can customize their own, making it a perfect interactive meal for casual get-togethers. Using colorful lettuce varieties, like red leaf or green leaf, adds visual appeal and offers a subtle twist on the texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the grilled or sautéed chicken separately from the lettuce and vegetables to maintain freshness and texture. Keep the peanut sauce in its own airtight container to avoid the sauce soaking into the veggies prematurely. This way, everything stays vibrant and ready for a quick, tasty meal the next day.
Freezing
The cooked chicken freezes well, so if you want to prep in advance, portion out the chicken into freezer-safe bags or containers. Be sure to label and date them. When you’re ready to enjoy the Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe, thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge and assemble with fresh veggies and sauce. Avoid freezing the sauce and fresh produce to preserve the best taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to prevent it from drying out. If reheating on the stovetop, add a splash of water or a bit of oil to keep it moist. Once warm, assemble the wraps fresh with the raw veggies, lettuce, and peanut sauce for that ideal crisp-tender experience every time.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of nut butter for the peanut sauce?
Absolutely! While peanut butter gives this recipe its classic flavor, you can substitute almond or cashew butter for a slightly different but equally delicious twist. Just choose a creamy nut butter to maintain the smooth sauce texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. All other ingredients are naturally free from gluten, making it a fresh and safe option for gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
What lettuce works best for the wraps?
Boston or butter lettuce leaves are ideal because they have a gentle curve and a sturdy, tender texture that holds the filling well. You can also use romaine or even iceberg lettuce if you prefer a crisper bite.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
For a plant-based version, replace the chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh, and make sure to use a vegan sweetener and soy sauce. The peanut sauce is already vegetarian, and swapping the protein keeps the dish flavorful and satisfying.
How spicy is the Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe?
The recipe has a mild warmth from the cumin, turmeric, and optional cayenne pepper. You can easily adjust the heat by increasing or omitting the cayenne, making this dish suitable for most palates, including kids.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is one of those feel-good meals that brings excitement to your table with every bite. Easy to prepare, packed with vibrant flavors, and wonderfully fresh, it’s perfect for casual dinners or impressing friends at your next gathering. I genuinely encourage you to try it and watch how the combination of tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and creamy peanut sauce turns into a new family favorite.
Print
Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 lettuce wraps (serves 4)
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American with Asian influences
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
These Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps combine tender grilled chicken seasoned with warm spices and a creamy homemade peanut sauce, wrapped in crisp Boston lettuce leaves with fresh, crunchy vegetables. The vibrant flavors and textures create a refreshing, healthy meal perfect for lunch or light dinner. The wraps are easy to assemble and offer a delicious balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes with a delightful nutty finish.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 3/4 of 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 13 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (divided, 1/2 tablespoon for seasoning, 1 tablespoon for optional sauté)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper (divided)
Vegetables and Toppings
- 12 large Boston lettuce leaves or butter lettuce leaves
- 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced into matchsticks (about 1 cup)
- 1–1/4 cup matchstick carrots (julienned)
- 1–1/4 cup matchstick Persian cucumber or English cucumber, julienned (2 to 3 Persian cucumbers or 1 English cucumber)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons chopped peanuts
- Lime juice, for topping
- Fresh cilantro, for topping
Peanut Sauce
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons water
- 1–1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1–1/2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Peanut Sauce: In a small, powerful blender, combine creamy peanut butter, honey, olive oil, water, rice vinegar, soy sauce, pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Blend until smooth. Refrigerate the sauce while you prepare the rest of the ingredients to allow flavors to meld.
- Season the Chicken: Trim any fat from the chicken breasts and slice them lengthwise if they are thick. Pound the chicken to an even thickness using a meat mallet or bottom of a heavy pan for even cooking. Pat the chicken dry, brush 1/2 tablespoon olive oil on one side, then sprinkle half the salt, pepper, turmeric, and cumin. Press the spices gently into the meat. Flip and repeat with remaining oil and seasonings on the other side.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat an indoor or outdoor grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F). Oil the grill grates well. Grill the chicken approximately 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove and cover the chicken with foil; let it rest 5 to 10 minutes to retain moisture. Once cooled slightly, dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Vegetables and Peanuts: While chicken grills, slice red bell pepper into thin matchsticks. Julienne carrots and cucumbers similarly. If peanuts are unsalted, sprinkle a pinch of salt on the vegetables to enhance flavor. Chop peanuts finely for garnish.
- Assemble the Wraps: Wash and dry lettuce leaves thoroughly. Distribute diced chicken evenly onto each lettuce leaf, then top with prepared vegetables and chopped peanuts. Add fresh cilantro leaves and a squeeze of lime juice for brightness. Drizzle generously with the chilled peanut sauce. Serve immediately for the freshest taste and texture.
- Optional Stove-Top Cooking: Alternatively, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, toss with seasonings, and sauté in 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Let the chicken cool slightly, dice smaller if needed, then assemble wraps as above.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase cayenne pepper in the sauce or add a dash of chili flakes to the chicken seasoning.
- Use butter lettuce or Boston lettuce for a sturdy yet tender wrap that holds fillings well.
- If you prefer, the peanut sauce can be made in advance and stored refrigerated up to 3 days.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- Unsalted peanuts allow you to control the saltiness; add salt to taste accordingly.
- Vegetarian variation: substitute chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh and use tamari to keep it gluten-free.
