If you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and downright addictive, then this Thai Sweet Chili Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. It’s the perfect balance of tender chicken coated in a sticky, sweet chili glaze, paired with crisp, cool lettuce that adds a fresh crunch. This dish bursts with vibrant Thai-inspired flavors and comes together in under half an hour, making it a go-to for a quick lunch or light dinner that impresses without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet each plays a crucial role in creating the mouthwatering flavors and textures that make this dish unforgettable. From the savory chicken to the tangy lime, every element is essential to bring this recipe to life.
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb): The star protein, diced for easy, tasty bites.
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant, savory base that wakes up the palate.
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce: Brings the signature sweet heat that makes this dish pop.
- 8 large iceberg or butter lettuce leaves: Crisp, cooling wraps that contrast perfectly with the saucy chicken.
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced: Adds a mild onion bite and a fresh pop of color.
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional): Offers a bright, herbal note that scents the dish beautifully.
- 1 tsp sesame oil: Gives a subtle nutty richness that complements the flavors.
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce: Adds umami depth without overpowering the sweet chili sauce.
- Juice of 1 lime: A zesty finish that balances the sweetness and brightens the overall flavor.
How to Make Thai Sweet Chili Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by dicing your boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, perfect for scooping into lettuce leaves later. This helps them cook quickly and ensures every single bite is coated with flavor. It’s also a great way to control your portion size with ease.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Heat the sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about one minute, just until it’s fragrant but not browned, to release all those amazing aromas that set the stage for the dish.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Next, toss the diced chicken into the skillet with the garlic and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the pieces are beautifully browned and cooked through. The chicken develops a lovely texture and absorbs the sesame oil and garlic’s subtle flavors.
Step 4: Add Sauces for Flavor
Stir in the Thai sweet chili sauce and low-sodium soy sauce, making sure every piece of chicken is evenly coated. This combination provides the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that define the dish’s irresistible taste.
Step 5: Assemble the Wraps
Lay out your crunchy lettuce leaves on a platter, ready to be filled. Spoon the saucy chicken mixture right into each leaf, creating little bundles bursting with flavor and texture.
Step 6: Garnish and Finish
Top your wraps with sliced green onions and chopped cilantro for freshness and a burst of color. Finish with a generous squeeze of lime juice on top to add a lively zing that brings all the flavors together beautifully.
How to Serve Thai Sweet Chili Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like sliced green onions and cilantro turn these wraps from everyday to special in seconds. The fresh herbs add a lovely contrast in flavor and an extra layer of brightness that’s essential for this dish. A final squeeze of lime juice ties everything together with a refreshing citrus note that lifts the whole experience.
Side Dishes
Serve your wraps alongside steamed jasmine rice or a light cucumber salad for a meal that’s balanced and satisfying. If you want to keep it light, some crunchy carrot sticks or a quick Asian slaw complement the wraps perfectly without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests? Arrange the filled lettuce leaves on a large platter, garnish with edible flowers or extra herbs, and provide lime wedges at the side. You can also serve the chicken mixture in a bowl alongside separate lettuce leaves, letting everyone build their own wraps for a fun, interactive meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the cooked chicken mixture separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This prevents the lettuce from wilting and keeps the chicken flavorful and fresh.
Freezing
The cooked chicken mixture freezes well for up to 2 months. Just place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, making it easy to thaw and whip up a quick meal whenever you’re short on time. Avoid freezing the lettuce to maintain its crisp texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken mixture in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Serving with fresh lettuce leaves ensures the wraps stay crispy and light. Adding fresh garnishes after reheating keeps the flavors vibrant and enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use different types of lettuce for the wraps?
Absolutely! While iceberg and butter lettuce are the classics due to their crispness and size, you can experiment with romaine, bibb, or even endive leaves. Just look for those sturdy, scoopable leaves to hold the delicious chicken mixture.
Is this recipe spicy?
The Thai sweet chili sauce lends a mild to moderate sweetness with a gentle heat that is typically quite approachable. If you prefer a spicier kick, you can always add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh, diced into small pieces, and sauté similarly. The sweet chili sauce will work beautifully as a glaze, delivering the same vibrant flavors in a vegetarian-friendly way.
How long does it take to make?
This recipe comes together quickly, taking about 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a tasty and healthy meal ready fast.
What wine pairs well with Thai Sweet Chili Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe?
A crisp, slightly sweet white wine such as Riesling or Gewürztraminer pairs wonderfully to balance the sweet and spicy notes of the dish. For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, a chilled jasmine iced tea is refreshing and complements the flavors beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Thai Sweet Chili Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser and a personal favorite I can’t recommend enough. It’s light, fresh, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for any occasion where you want a fuss-free yet exciting meal. Give it a try for your next lunch or dinner—you’re going to fall in love with this easy and delicious dish!
Print
Thai Sweet Chili Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Thai Sweet Chili Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a quick and flavorful appetizer or light meal. Tender diced chicken breasts are sautéed with garlic, then coated in a tangy and sweet Thai chili sauce. Served in crisp lettuce leaves and topped with fresh green onions, cilantro, and a splash of lime juice, these wraps offer a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), diced
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 8 large iceberg or butter lettuce leaves
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick and even cooking.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat the sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the skillet and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Add Sauces: Stir in the Thai sweet chili sauce and low-sodium soy sauce, making sure the chicken is evenly coated in the flavorful sauce.
- Assemble Wraps: Lay out the lettuce leaves flat on a serving platter. Spoon the sauced chicken mixture into each leaf, distributing evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Top each lettuce wrap with sliced green onions and chopped cilantro if using. Finish with a fresh squeeze of lime juice over the wraps for added brightness.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle with sriracha sauce.
- Use butter lettuce for softer wraps or iceberg for a crunchier texture.
- Chicken can be pre-cooked and refrigerated, then quickly reheated with the sauce for meal prep convenience.
- These wraps are perfect for low-carb or gluten-free diets when using gluten-free soy sauce.
- Leftover chicken mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
