Explore the flavors of Thai cuisine with this tantalizing Thai chicken peanut lettuce tacos recipe. Perfect for a light dinner or a vibrant appetizer, these lettuce tacos are a fun and refreshing twist on traditional tacos. Featuring ground chicken sautéed with aromatic garlic and ginger, topped with crunchy veggies and drizzled with a rich, spicy peanut sauce, every bite is a burst of zesty and savory flavors.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples. However, for the sriracha chili sauce and peanut butter, be sure to pick the ones that align with your dietary preferences. There are various types of sriracha and peanut butter available in supermarkets. If you don't usually have ground chicken at home, you can also opt for ground turkey or tofu for a vegetarian version. Fresh iceberg lettuce is recommended for its crispness, but you can also use romaine or butter lettuce.
Ingredients for Thai Chicken Peanut Lettuce Tacos
reduced sodium chicken broth: Used for the peanut sauce, it gives a rich and savory base.
peanut butter: Acts as a main component for the peanut sauce, providing a creamy and nutty flavor.
sriracha chili sauce: Adds a spicy kick to both the peanut sauce and chicken.
honey: Sweetens the peanut sauce, balancing the spicy and savory flavors.
soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness to the peanut sauce and chicken filling.
ginger: Provides a peppery and slightly sweet flavor.
garlic: Gives a strong, pungent flavor that complements the chicken and sauce.
ground chicken: The protein of the dish; can be substituted to preference.
carrots: Adds a crunchy texture and sweet flavor to the tacos.
scallions: Gives a mild onion flavor.
red cabbage: Offers a crunchy texture and vibrant color.
peanuts: Provides a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
cilantro leaves: Adds a fresh and slightly citrusy note.
lime wedges: Served on the side for additional tanginess.
iceberg lettuce: Acts as the taco shell, it gives a crisp, fresh crunch.
One reader, Daffi Hard says:
This Thai chicken peanut lettuce tacos recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are incredible, and the peanut sauce is to die for. It's a refreshing twist on traditional tacos and perfect for a light, yet satisfying meal. I highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for Thai Chicken Peanut Lettuce Tacos Recipe
How to prepare peanut sauce: Combine chicken broth, peanut butter, sriracha, honey, soy sauce, fresh ginger, and crushed garlic in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce becomes smooth and thick.
How to cook the chicken: Heat a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Spray with cooking oil and sauté the ground chicken until cooked through and browned. Add sriracha, garlic, and ginger, and sauté for 1 minute. Then, add soy sauce and cook for an additional minute.
How to assemble the tacos: Divide the cooked chicken equally between 8 lettuce leaves. Top each with shredded cabbage, scallions, and shredded carrots. Drizzle with peanut sauce, and garnish with chopped peanuts and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.
How To Make Thai Chicken Peanut Lettuce Tacos
These light lettuce tacos are filled with chicken, cabbage, carrots, & more. The recipe infuses Thai flavors, particularly in the accompanying peanut sauce.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Peanut Sauce:
- ½cupreduced sodium chicken broth,reduced-sodium
- 3tbsppeanut butter
- ½tbspSriracha chili sauce
- 1tbsphoney
- 1tbspsoy sauce,use tamari for gluten free
- ½tbspginger,freshly grated
- 1clovegarlic,crushed
For Chicken:
- Cooking spray
- 16ozground chicken
- 1tbspSriracha chili sauce,more or less to taste
- 4clovesgarlic,crushed
- 1tbspfresh ginger,grated
- 1tbspsoy sauce,use tamari for gluten free
- ¾cupscarrots,shredded
- ⅔cupscallions,chopped
- ¾cupred cabbage,shredded
- 2tbsppeanuts,chopped
- cilantro leaves,for garnish
- 4lime wedges
- 8iceberg lettuces,(outer leaves)
Instructions
Peanut Sauce:
-
In a small saucepan combine chicken broth, peanut butter, 1/2 tablespoon sriracha, honey, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, ½ tablespoon fresh ginger, and 1 clove crushed garlic and simmer over medium-low heat for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce becomes smooth and thick.
Chicken:
-
Meanwhile, heat a large non-stick skillet or wok over high medium until hot.
-
When hot, spray with oil and sauté the chicken until cooked through and browned, breaking it up as it cooks; add the sriracha, remaining garlic and ginger and saute for 1 minute. Add the tablespoon of soy sauce and cook for 1 minute.
-
Add the shredded carrots, and ½ cup of the scallions and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until tender-crisp. Set aside.
Assemble:
-
Divide the chicken equally between 8 lettuce leaves, top each with shredded cabbage, remaining scallions, drizzle with peanut sauce, chopped peanuts and cilantro, for garnish and serve with lime wedges.
Nutrition
- Calories: 608.57kcal
- Fat: 33.28g
- Saturated Fat: 5.25g
- Trans Fat: 0.08g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 17.25g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 8.72g
- Carbohydrates: 52.05g
- Fiber: 16.19g
- Sugar: 29.68g
- Protein: 35.72g
- Cholesterol: 97.52mg
- Sodium: 810.93mg
- Calcium: 258.20mg
- Potassium: 2518.68mg
- Iron: 6.73mg
- Vitamin A: 517.34µg
- Vitamin C: 51.80mg
Essential Technique Tip for Thai Chicken Peanut Lettuce Tacos Recipe
When preparing the peanut sauce, it's important to keep the heat at medium-low and stir occasionally. This will ensure that the sauce doesn't burn and the flavors meld together nicely. Additionally, when sautéing the chicken, breaking it up as it cooks will help it to cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the sriracha, garlic, and ginger. Lastly, when assembling the lettuce tacos, layering the ingredients as instructed not only makes for a beautiful presentation but also ensures a perfect bite every time.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Thai Chicken Peanut Lettuce Tacos
Plan ahead: Prepare a weekly meal plan to streamline your grocery shopping and cooking process.
Prep in advance: Chop vegetables, marinate meats, and make sauces ahead of time to cut down on cooking time during the week.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that can be cooked in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup and save time.
Batch cooking: Cook large portions and freeze individual servings for quick and easy meals on busy days.
Invest in time-saving tools: Use kitchen gadgets like a food processor or slow cooker to simplify meal preparation.
Follow a recipe: When trying a new dish, follow the recipe closely to avoid mistakes that could waste time.
Substitute Ingredients For Thai Chicken Peanut Lettuce Tacos Recipe
reduced sodium chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can provide a similar depth of flavor and saltiness to the dish, while also catering to vegetarian preferences.
peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter can offer a similar nutty flavor and creamy texture, providing a suitable alternative for those with peanut allergies.
sriracha chili sauce - Substitute with sambal oelek: Sambal oelek can provide a similar level of heat and tangy flavor, making it a suitable replacement for sriracha chili sauce.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can offer a similar level of sweetness and depth of flavor, while also catering to those who prefer a vegan alternative to honey.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, providing a similar umami flavor and saltiness to the dish.
ginger - Substitute with ground turmeric: Ground turmeric can provide a warm and earthy flavor, similar to ginger, while also offering potential health benefits and a vibrant color to the dish.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can offer a convenient alternative to fresh garlic, providing a similar flavor profile and ease of use in the recipe.
ground chicken - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey can offer a leaner alternative to ground chicken, while still providing a versatile protein option for the recipe.
carrots - Substitute with jicama: Jicama can provide a similar crunchy texture and mild sweetness, offering a refreshing alternative to carrots in the taco filling.
scallions - Substitute with chives: Chives can offer a mild onion flavor and a similar green color, making them a suitable replacement for scallions in the recipe.
red cabbage - Substitute with green cabbage: Green cabbage can provide a similar crunchy texture and mild sweetness, offering a suitable alternative to red cabbage in the taco filling.
peanuts - Substitute with cashews: Cashews can offer a similar nutty flavor and crunchy texture, providing an alternative option for those with peanut allergies.
cilantro leaves - Substitute with flat-leaf parsley: Flat-leaf parsley can offer a fresh and herbaceous flavor, providing an alternative to cilantro for those who prefer a milder herb in the dish.
Presentation Ideas for Thai Chicken Peanut Lettuce Tacos
Elevate the lettuce wraps: Carefully arrange the lettuce wraps on a large platter, ensuring they are neatly presented and visually appealing.
Garnish with precision: Sprinkle the chopped peanuts and cilantro with precision, ensuring they are evenly distributed and add a pop of color to the dish.
Create a symmetrical layout: Arrange the lime wedges in a symmetrical pattern around the platter, adding a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Incorporate height and layers: Stack the lettuce tacos in a way that creates height and layers, showcasing the vibrant colors and textures of the ingredients.
Use vibrant and fresh ingredients: Ensure that the carrots, scallions, and cabbage are fresh and vibrant, adding to the visual appeal of the dish.
Balance the elements: Pay attention to the balance of colors and textures on the platter, creating a visually appealing and harmonious presentation.
Emphasize the peanut sauce: Drizzle the peanut sauce in a decorative pattern over the lettuce wraps, drawing attention to this flavorful component of the dish.
Attention to detail: Pay close attention to the placement of each component, ensuring that every element is thoughtfully presented for a visually stunning dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Thai Chicken Peanut Lettuce Tacos
- Saucepan: A saucepan is a deep cooking pan with a long handle and a lid, used for cooking sauces, boiling liquids, or reheating food.
- Skillet or Wok: A skillet or wok is a flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and stir-frying. It typically has sloped sides and a long handle.
- Non-stick skillet: A non-stick skillet is a pan with a special coating that prevents food from sticking, making it easier to cook with less oil.
- Large mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is used for combining and mixing ingredients, especially for recipes that require a lot of space for tossing or stirring.
- Food processor: A food processor is a kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients quickly and efficiently.
Storing and Freezing Thai Chicken Peanut Lettuce Tacos
To store leftover thai chicken peanut lettuce tacos, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store the lettuce leaves, chicken filling, and peanut sauce separately to prevent the lettuce from getting soggy.
If you want to freeze the chicken filling, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the filling in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
The peanut sauce can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Pour the sauce into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. This allows you to thaw only the amount of sauce you need for future use.
To reheat the frozen chicken filling, place it in a skillet over medium heat and stir until heated through. If the filling seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water to help moisten it.
It's not recommended to freeze the lettuce leaves as they will become limp and lose their crispness upon thawing. It's best to use fresh lettuce leaves when assembling the tacos.
How To Reheat Leftover Thai Chicken Peanut Lettuce Tacos
- To reheat leftover thai chicken peanut lettuce tacos, start by separating the components. Remove the chicken mixture from the lettuce leaves and place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to prevent the chicken from drying out during reheating.
- Microwave the chicken mixture on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until it's heated through and steaming. Be careful not to overheat the chicken, as it can quickly become dry and tough.
- While the chicken is reheating, prepare the toppings. Shred some fresh red cabbage, chop a handful of peanuts, and slice a few lime wedges. If you have any leftover peanut sauce, give it a quick stir to recombine any separated ingredients.
- Once the chicken is heated through, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave using oven mitts or a towel. Give the mixture a final stir to ensure even heat distribution.
- Arrange the lettuce leaves on a plate and spoon the warm chicken mixture into each one. Top with the freshly prepared red cabbage, peanuts, and a drizzle of the peanut sauce.
- Serve the reheated thai chicken peanut lettuce tacos immediately, garnished with a few sprigs of fresh cilantro and the lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Enjoy your leftovers as a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal!
Interesting Fact About Thai Chicken Peanut Lettuce Tacos
The Thai Chicken Peanut Lettuce Tacos recipe is a fusion of Thai and Mexican cuisine, combining the flavors of peanut sauce and spicy chicken with the freshness of lettuce. This dish offers a unique and delicious way to enjoy a taco, with a blend of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. It's a great option for those looking to try something different and explore new culinary combinations.
Is Making Thai Chicken Peanut Lettuce Tacos at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this Thai chicken peanut lettuce tacos recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of ingredients. Ground chicken and peanut butter can be affordable, while fresh vegetables and spices may vary in price. The overall verdict for this recipe is a solid 8, considering its flavorful and nutritious elements. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20-$25, making it a reasonable option for a satisfying meal.
Are Thai Chicken Peanut Lettuce Tacos Healthy?
The Thai chicken peanut lettuce tacos recipe is a relatively healthy dish with a good balance of protein, vegetables, and healthy fats. The use of ground chicken provides lean protein, while the lettuce wraps offer a low-carb alternative to traditional taco shells. The inclusion of carrots, scallions, and red cabbage adds essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the dish. The peanut sauce, made with peanut butter, provides healthy monounsaturated fats and adds flavor without relying heavily on salt or sugar.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of sriracha chili sauce to lower the sodium content and make the dish less spicy, which may be more appealing to a wider range of people
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to further reduce the overall sodium content of the dish
- Increase the amount of vegetables used, such as adding more carrots, cabbage, or even incorporating additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to boost the nutrient content and fiber
- Opt for natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils to keep the sauce as wholesome as possible
- Serve the tacos with a side salad or additional steamed vegetables to make it a more well-rounded meal
Editor's Opinion on Thai Chicken Peanut Lettuce Tacos Recipe
This Thai chicken peanut lettuce tacos recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The peanut sauce brings a rich, nutty undertone with a hint of heat, complementing the savory chicken filling. The vibrant crunch of shredded carrots, scallions, and red cabbage adds a refreshing contrast, while the cilantro and lime provide a zesty, aromatic finish. The use of lettuce leaves as taco shells not only enhances the dish's visual appeal but also provides a lighter, healthier alternative. Overall, this recipe promises a tantalizing culinary experience that balances sweet, savory, and spicy elements in perfect harmony.
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Why trust this Thai Chicken Peanut Lettuce Tacos Recipe:
This recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, combining savory ground chicken with a creamy peanut sauce and crunchy vegetables. The use of fresh ginger and garlic adds depth to the dish, while the sriracha provides a hint of heat. The inclusion of peanuts and cilantro offers a delightful finish. Trust the expertise behind this recipe to deliver a delightful Thai chicken peanut lettuce tacos experience that will surely impress your taste buds.
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