If you have been searching for a fresh, flavorful meal that excites your taste buds and delights your senses, this Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is going to be your new go-to! Combining tender grilled chicken with a creamy, tangy peanut sauce and crisp, vibrant veggies, these wraps burst with texture and color in every bite. Whether you are entertaining friends or craving a healthy weeknight dinner, this dish balances savory, sweet, and slightly spicy notes perfectly, all wrapped up in refreshing lettuce leaves for a light but satisfying meal experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each component is chosen for its role in building layers of taste, adding crunchy or creamy textures, and creating vibrant colors that make the dish as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides lean protein while soaking up spices beautifully for a juicy, flavorful base.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the chicken cook to a perfect golden brown without sticking.
- Ground cumin and turmeric: These warm spices elevate the flavor profile with subtle earthy and aromatic undertones.
- Salt and pepper: The fundamentals for seasoning, balancing all the other ingredients harmoniously.
- Boston or butter lettuce leaves: Crisp and sturdy, perfect for holding the filling without wilting.
- Red bell pepper: Brings crunch and sweetness along with a pop of bright red color.
- Matchstick carrots: Adds a fresh, crisp texture plus vibrant orange brightness.
- Matchstick Persian or English cucumber: Cool and hydrating, offering a subtle contrast to the warm spices.
- Chopped peanuts: Introduces a delightful crunch and rich nuttiness that complements the peanut sauce.
- Lime juice and fresh cilantro: These toppings brighten the entire dish with a refreshing zing and herbal freshness.
- Creamy peanut butter, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and cayenne pepper: This combination creates a luscious, slightly sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy peanut sauce that ties everything together beautifully.
How to Make Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Sauce
Start by blending together creamy peanut butter, honey, olive oil, water, rice vinegar, soy sauce, pepper, and cayenne pepper in a powerful blender until perfectly smooth. This luscious sauce is the heartbeat of the dish, imparting that irresistible peanut flavor with a hint of spice and sweetness. Let it chill in the refrigerator while you work on the rest of the recipe.
Step 2: Season and Prep the Chicken
Trim any fat from the chicken breasts and slice them lengthwise if they are thick, then pound to an even thickness. Dry the chicken thoroughly to ensure a beautiful sear. Rub each side with olive oil and evenly sprinkle the cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper, pressing the spices gently into the meat to create a flavorful crust once grilled.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken to Perfection
Heat your grill to medium-high and oil the grates well to prevent sticking. Grill the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden, juicy, and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F. Rest the chicken covered with foil for a few minutes before dicing it into bite-sized pieces — this step locks in the juices and keeps the meat tender.
Step 4: Prep the Fresh Vegetables and Peanuts
While the grill is warming and chicken cooks, slice the red bell pepper, carrots, and cucumbers into thin matchstick shapes for a crunchy, fresh bite. If your peanuts are unsalted, sprinkle a pinch of salt over the veggies to enhance their natural flavors. Chop the peanuts finely so they’ll distribute evenly in every wrap.
Step 5: Assemble the Wraps
Make sure your lettuce leaves are thoroughly washed and completely dry to avoid sogginess. Lay out the leaves and evenly distribute the diced chicken, followed by the crunchy vegetables and chopped peanuts. Add fresh cilantro leaves and a generous squeeze of lime juice for that bright pop, then drizzle the creamy peanut sauce over the top. Serve immediately to enjoy every layer of texture and flavor at its freshest.
Step 6: Optional Cooking Method
If grilling isn’t an option, simply dice the chicken and toss it with the seasonings before sautéing in olive oil over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until cooked through. This method achieves a similar flavor-packed result and still works beautifully in the wraps.
How to Serve Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe thoughtfully elevates its presentation and flavor. Fresh cilantro leaves bring a burst of herbal brightness, chopped peanuts add texture and nuttiness, and a squeeze of lime juice provides the perfect citrusy contrast that cuts through the richness of the peanut sauce. These finishing touches truly make the dish sing.
Side Dishes
Pair your wraps with light and refreshing sides such as a crisp cucumber salad, pickled vegetables, or a simple fruit salad to balance the savory richness. If you want something heartier, steamed jasmine rice or a homemade slaw tossed with zesty dressing make excellent companions that complement the main flavors without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe family-style by placing all components in separate bowls so everyone can build their own wraps. Alternatively, use colorful lettuce varieties or even crunchy cabbage leaves to add visual appeal and variety to the texture. You can also skew the chicken pieces and veggies for an appetizer platter or serve deconstructed in a bowl for an easy yet impressive meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover cooked chicken and chopped vegetables separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the peanut sauce chilled in its own container to maintain its creamy texture and fresh flavor. Avoid assembling the wraps in advance since the lettuce leaves may wilt and lose their crunch.
Freezing
While not ideal to freeze the fully assembled wraps because lettuce leaves do not freeze well, the cooked chicken pieces and peanut sauce freeze beautifully. Place well-wrapped chicken and sauce in separate containers or freezer bags and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and assembling the wraps fresh.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent drying out. Warm the peanut sauce briefly in the microwave or in a small saucepan over low heat before drizzling over the wraps. Always add fresh veggies and lettuce leaves only when ready to serve to keep them crisp.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great alternative and will work well with the spices and peanut sauce. Just cook it thoroughly in a pan before assembling your wraps.
Is this Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe gluten-free?
It can be, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive eaters.
How spicy is the dish, and can I adjust the heat?
The recipe includes a small amount of cayenne pepper, which is optional and adds a mild kick. You can easily omit it or increase it depending on your heat preference.
What type of lettuce is best for wraps?
Boston or butter lettuce leaves work best because they are large, pliable, and have a mild flavor that lets the filling shine without overwhelming it.
Can I make the peanut sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the peanut sauce can be made a day in advance and refrigerated. This actually helps the flavors meld together for an even tastier sauce when you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about making and sharing this Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe with the people you love. It’s fresh, flavorful, and wholesome with an addictive peanut sauce that keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether you make it on a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this dish never fails to impress and delight. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a cherished favorite in your meal rotation!
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: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps feature tender grilled chicken breast seasoned with warm spices and topped with fresh julienned vegetables, chopped peanuts, and a creamy, tangy peanut sauce. Wrapped in crisp Boston or butter lettuce leaves, this light yet satisfying recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ideal for a healthy appetizer or a quick, gluten-free meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Spices
- 3/4 of 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 13 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
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
- Make the Peanut Sauce: In a small, powerful blender, combine the creamy peanut butter, honey, olive oil, water, rice vinegar, soy sauce, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Blend until smooth and refrigerate while preparing the rest of the dish.
- Prepare the Chicken: Remove any fat from the chicken breasts and halve them lengthwise if thick. Pound the chicken to an even thickness using a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy frying pan. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Drizzle 1/2 tablespoon olive oil on one side and rub it in, then sprinkle half the salt, pepper, turmeric, and cumin on the same side. Press the spices gently into the chicken, flip it over, and repeat with the remaining oil and spices.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat an indoor or outdoor grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F). Oil the grill grates generously using a paper towel soaked in oil held with tongs. Grill the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken, cover with foil, and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. Dice into bite-sized pieces once slightly cooled.
- Prepare the Vegetables and Peanuts: While the chicken is grilling, slice the red bell pepper into thin matchsticks. Julienne the carrots and cucumbers into matchstick shapes as well. If your peanuts are unsalted, sprinkle a pinch of salt over the veggies to enhance flavor. Chop the peanuts finely.
- Assemble the Wraps: Wash and thoroughly dry the lettuce leaves. Divide the diced chicken evenly among the lettuce leaves, followed by the prepared vegetables and chopped peanuts. Add fresh cilantro leaves and a squeeze of lime juice on top. Drizzle the peanut sauce generously over each wrap and serve immediately.
- Alternative Cooking Method: Alternatively, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, toss with seasonings, and sauté in 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken cool, then dice smaller before assembling.
Notes
- The peanut sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- If you prefer a spicier wrap, increase the cayenne pepper to 1/4 teaspoon or add a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
- Use unsalted peanuts if you want to control the salt content better.
- Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning for better grilling results.
- Best served immediately to maintain the crispness of the lettuce leaves.
- Substitute the grilled chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option, though this will change the protein content.
