If you love fresh, crunchy, and flavorful meals that come together quickly, this Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is absolutely perfect for you. It combines tender grilled chicken seasoned with warm spices, crisp matchstick vegetables, and a luscious, creamy peanut sauce that ties everything together beautifully. Each bite offers a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes, all wrapped up in cool Boston lettuce leaves for a refreshing and healthy meal that never feels heavy. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or impressing friends at a casual gathering, these wraps are a total crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as they are to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe lies in its simple yet vibrant ingredients. Each item plays a vital role in delivering fresh textures, bright colors, and a depth of flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (3/4 of 1 pound): The star protein that’s juicy and tender when grilled or sautéed.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon plus 1/2 tablespoon for seasoning and 1 tablespoon for cooking): Adds richness and helps the chicken cook to a golden finish.
- Ground cumin (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a warm, earthy undertone to the chicken seasoning.
- Ground turmeric (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle, aromatic flavor and a beautiful golden hue.
- Salt (1 teaspoon) and pepper (1/8 teaspoon plus more to taste): Essential for balanced seasoning throughout.
- Boston lettuce leaves (12 large): Crisp and sturdy leaves perfect for handheld wraps.
- Red bell pepper (1 large, thinly sliced): Provides sweetness and crunch.
- Matchstick carrots (1-1/4 cups): Adds vibrant color and a subtle sweetness.
- Matchstick Persian or English cucumber (1-1/4 cups): Brings a cooling, crisp contrast.
- Chopped peanuts (2 to 3 tablespoons): Gives a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
- Lime juice: Adds fresh acidity that brightens the wraps.
- Fresh cilantro: Offers a fragrant, herbaceous note that lifts the dish.
- Creamy peanut butter (1/4 cup): The creamy base for the signature peanut sauce.
- Honey (3 tablespoons): Balances the savory sauce with gentle sweetness.
- Water (1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons): Thins the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Rice vinegar (1-1/2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle tang that cuts through the richness.
- Reduced-sodium soy sauce (1-1/2 tablespoons): Imparts umami and saltiness.
- Cayenne pepper (1/8 teaspoon, optional): Adds a touch of heat for those who like a bit of spice.
How to Make Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Sauce
This peanut sauce is the heart of the Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe, and it’s so easy to whip up. Simply blend creamy peanut butter, honey, olive oil, water, rice vinegar, soy sauce, pepper, and optional cayenne pepper until silky smooth. Pop it in the fridge to let those flavors meld while you prep everything else.
Step 2: Season and Prep the Chicken
Cleaning and pounding the chicken breasts ensures they cook evenly. Coating them in olive oil followed by a seasoning mix of salt, pepper, turmeric, and cumin creates a beautifully spiced, flavorful base. Pressing the spices into the meat locks in those tastes, delivering tender, seasoned chicken in every bite.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken to Perfection
Whether you choose an indoor or outdoor grill, aim for a hot medium-high heat and oil your grates well to prevent sticking. Grill the chicken 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F internal temperature. Letting the chicken rest keeps it juicy, and dicing it into bite-sized pieces makes it easy to assemble in the wraps.
Step 4: Prepare the Fresh Vegetables and Peanuts
While the grill does its magic, slice the red bell pepper into slim matchsticks and julienne the carrots and cucumbers. These crisp, colorful veggies add layers of texture and brightness. A pinch of salt on unsalted peanuts or veggies enhances the flavor balance before chopping the peanuts finely for that unmistakable crunch.
Step 5: Assemble the Wraps
Wash and dry your Boston lettuce leaves thoroughly to avoid sogginess. Then, layer diced chicken, fresh veggies, and chopped peanuts evenly onto each leaf. Don’t forget to add freshly chopped cilantro and a lively squeeze of lime juice. Drizzle the glorious peanut sauce generously over the top for that final irresistible touch.
Step 6: Alternative Cooking Method
If you don’t have access to a grill, sauté the seasoned chicken pieces in olive oil over medium heat until cooked through. This method is just as flavorful and perfect for quick, weeknight dinners. Let the chicken cool slightly before dicing and assembling your wraps.
How to Serve Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh, vibrant garnishes really elevate these wraps. Try adding chopped cilantro, extra crushed peanuts, or a sprinkle of sliced green onions. A wedge of lime on the side lets everyone add a zesty brightness just before eating, enhancing the overall flavor experience.
Side Dishes
Though hearty on their own, Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps pair wonderfully with light, complementary sides. Think simple jasmine rice or a crisp cucumber salad drizzled with sesame oil. Asian-inspired slaws or lightly pickled veggies add a tangy crunch that echoes the wraps’ fresh ingredients perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual gathering, arrange the lettuce leaves and fillings separately on a platter and let everyone build their own wraps. Alternatively, stack the filled wraps on a beautiful wooden board with small bowls of additional peanut sauce for dipping. It’s interactive, fun, and visually stunning!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken and peanut sauce can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce and fresh veggies stored separately as well to avoid sogginess, so your wraps stay crisp and fresh when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Freezing
This Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe doesn’t freeze well once assembled due to the fresh vegetables and lettuce. However, you can freeze cooked, seasoned chicken separately in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and assembling.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftover chicken in a skillet over low to medium heat or microwave briefly until warm. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken juicy and tender. Then assemble your wraps fresh with crisp lettuce and vegetables for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use peanut butter alternatives for the sauce?
Absolutely! If you have a peanut allergy or prefer a different flavor, try almond or cashew butter as a tasty substitute in the sauce. Just keep in mind these may alter the final flavor slightly but still provide a creamy texture.
What type of lettuce works best for this recipe?
Boston or butter lettuce leaves are ideal because of their large size and sturdy, flexible texture. They hold the fillings well without tearing and have a tender crunch. Iceberg could work but is less flavorful and more prone to breaking.
Is it necessary to grill the chicken?
Not at all! While grilling adds a lovely smoky char, sautéing the chicken is a perfectly delicious alternative, especially for indoor cooking or quick meals. Follow the seasoning and cooking times to ensure juicy, flavorful results.
How spicy is the Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe?
The recipe includes cayenne pepper as optional, so you control the heat level. It adds just a gentle kick, but you can skip it altogether or increase it slightly if you like a spicier bite. The peanut sauce balances any heat with sweetness and creaminess.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or even roasted chickpeas to keep the dish plant-based. Use maple syrup or agave instead of honey for a vegan version of the peanut sauce. The fresh veggies and flavorful sauce make it just as satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to meals because it’s fresh, flavorful, and fun to assemble. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy healthy protein and vibrant vegetables without spending hours in the kitchen. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try and discover how easy it is to bring so much deliciousness to your table. Your taste buds will thank you!
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
Description
These Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps combine juicy, spiced grilled chicken with a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables and a creamy, tangy peanut sauce. Wrapped in crisp Boston lettuce leaves, these wraps make a perfect light lunch or appetizer, balancing savory, sweet, and crunchy textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 3/4 of 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 13 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper (divided)
Vegetables & Garnishes
- 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 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.
- Season 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.
- Optional Sauté Method for Chicken: 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
- You can substitute butter lettuce leaves if Boston lettuce is unavailable for a milder flavor and tender texture.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper in the peanut sauce for desired heat level or omit for a milder taste.
- For extra crunch, toast the peanuts lightly before chopping.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Prepare peanut sauce ahead and refrigerate up to 3 days for convenience.
- Serve immediately after assembly to keep lettuce leaves crisp and fresh.
