These Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a quick, flavorful dinner that’s both satisfying and healthy.
Packed with protein from lean ground chicken and fresh aromatic basil, they’re naturally low in carbs and rich in essential nutrients.
With a hint of sweet chili and garlic, they’re perfect for weeknight meals, meal prep, or a light, guilt-free lunch.
Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 chopping board
- 1 sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon fresh ginger grated
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- ¼ cup tamari or soy sauce
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup fresh basil chopped
- Bibb lettuce leaves for serving
- Lime wedges for garnish
- Optional toppings: sliced peppers chopped almonds, sriracha
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients for Cooking: Begin by gathering all your ingredients in one place. Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves, then grate the fresh ginger. Chop the basil leaves and set aside. Wash the Bibb lettuce leaves gently under cold water, then pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Having everything prepped before cooking ensures a smooth workflow and prevents overcooking the chicken.
- Heat Sesame Oil in Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and pour in the sesame oil. Allow it to warm for 1-2 minutes until it shimmers lightly. Heating the oil properly enhances its nutty aroma and ensures the chicken cooks evenly.
- Sauté Garlic for Aromatic Base: Add the minced garlic to the warm sesame oil. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes, cooking just until fragrant and golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. This step releases the essential flavors that form the aromatic foundation of the dish.
- Cook Ground Chicken Thoroughly: Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up into small, even pieces. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Continue cooking for about 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink. Properly breaking up the meat ensures even cooking and a nice texture in every bite.
- Incorporate Fresh Ginger: Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the grated ginger. Allow it to cook for 30-60 seconds, releasing its warm, slightly spicy flavor. Ginger pairs beautifully with garlic and adds a subtle zing that balances the sweetness of the chili sauce.
- Add Sauces and Liquid: Pour in the Thai sweet chili sauce, tamari (or soy sauce), and water. Stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients, coating the chicken evenly. The combination of sauces adds a perfect balance of sweetness, saltiness, and umami, infusing the meat with rich flavor.
- Simmer for Flavor Development: Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally as the sauce thickens slightly. This step allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to develop a glossy, slightly sticky consistency that clings beautifully to the chicken.
- Fold in Fresh Basil: Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the chopped basil. The residual heat will gently wilt the leaves without cooking them down too much, preserving their vibrant color and aromatic fragrance. Basil adds a refreshing herbal note that elevates the dish.
- Prepare Lettuce Cups for Serving: While the chicken simmers, arrange the Bibb lettuce leaves on a serving platter or individual plates. Choose the larger, intact leaves as they form natural cups for holding the chicken filling. This adds a crisp texture and makes each bite refreshing and light.
- Assemble the Lettuce Wraps: Spoon generous portions of the chicken mixture into each lettuce cup. Be careful not to overfill, ensuring each wrap is easy to pick up and eat. The combination of savory, slightly sweet chicken with crisp lettuce is the signature appeal of this dish.
- Garnish and Customize: Top each wrap with optional garnishes such as sliced peppers, chopped almonds, extra basil, or a drizzle of sriracha for heat. Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the wraps. These additions allow you to customize flavor, texture, and spice to your preference.
- Serve and Enjoy Immediately: Serve the Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps fresh while warm. They make a perfect weeknight dinner, light lunch, or meal-prep option. The balance of protein, low carbs, fresh herbs, and vibrant flavors creates a meal that’s satisfying, nutritious, and visually appealing.
Notes
- Use fresh, tender Bibb or butter lettuce for the best texture; iceberg can be used in a pinch but is less flavorful.
- Adjust the sweetness and heat by modifying the Thai sweet chili sauce or adding sriracha.
- Ground chicken is preferred for quick cooking, but ground turkey or lean pork can be substituted.
- Mince garlic and grate ginger finely to ensure even distribution and prevent biting into large chunks.
- For extra crunch, garnish with toasted almonds, cashews, or sliced red peppers.
- This recipe is naturally low-carb and gluten-free when using tamari; choose gluten-free chili sauce to keep it allergy-friendly.
Chef’s Secrets For Maximum Flavor
The key to elevating these wraps is layering flavors carefully.
Sautéing the garlic before adding the chicken releases its natural aroma, creating a savory base.
Adding ginger after the chicken cooks ensures its zingy flavor isn’t lost in the heat.
Letting the sauce simmer until slightly thickened intensifies sweetness and umami, clinging beautifully to the meat.
Folding in fresh basil at the very end preserves its bright, herbal fragrance, giving the dish its signature Thai aroma.
Choosing fresh, high-quality ingredients — particularly aromatic basil and quality sesame oil — makes a noticeable difference in both taste and presentation.
Finally, balancing sweetness, salt, and acidity (with a squeeze of lime) at the end ensures each bite is vibrant and layered.
Serving Suggestions For Every Occasion
Serve these wraps immediately for a crisp, refreshing bite.
They pair wonderfully with a light cucumber salad, steamed jasmine rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
For a casual dinner, arrange lettuce leaves on a platter and let everyone assemble their own wraps — this is especially fun for family or entertaining guests.
You can also create meal-prep portions by storing the chicken mixture separately and filling lettuce cups just before serving to keep them crisp.
Drizzle with extra sriracha, sprinkle with toasted nuts, or top with fresh herbs to customize flavors for individual preferences.
Storage Tips To Keep Fresh
Store leftover cooked chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low-medium heat with a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Do not store pre-assembled lettuce wraps, as the leaves will wilt and become soggy.
For freezing, portion the cooked chicken mixture into freezer-safe containers; it can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving with fresh lettuce leaves and optional garnishes.
Proper storage ensures flavors remain vibrant while maintaining a satisfying texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey, lean pork, or even plant-based meat substitutes can work well. Adjust cooking time slightly if using fattier meats, and ensure the protein is fully cooked before adding sauces.
2. How spicy is this recipe?
The dish has a mild, sweet heat thanks to the Thai sweet chili sauce. You can increase spiciness with sriracha, chili flakes, or fresh chopped Thai chilies according to your preference.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken mixture in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Assemble the lettuce wraps just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp and fresh.
4. What if I don’t have fresh basil?
Fresh Thai basil gives the signature flavor, but regular sweet basil can be substituted in a pinch. Add it at the end of cooking to preserve aroma and freshness. Dried basil is not recommended, as it lacks the vibrant flavor and will change the taste profile.
5. Can I serve this for a low-carb or keto diet?
Absolutely! Using Bibb or butter lettuce keeps the wraps low in carbohydrates. The recipe is naturally gluten-free if tamari is used and avoids heavy sauces, making it a perfect option for low-carb or keto-friendly meals.
