Introduction

Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a fresh and flavorful way to enjoy a healthy meal. Tender grilled chicken combines with crunchy vegetables and a creamy peanut sauce, all wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

The dish shows a fresh lettuce cup filled with layers starting with grilled chicken pieces that have a light brown char. On top of the chicken are thin strips of orange carrot, green cucumber, and red bell pepper, all mixed together. The whole filling is covered with a light brown creamy sauce, and fresh cilantro leaves are placed on the top, adding a bright green color. This lettuce cup sits on a round white plate with two wedges of lime nearby. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3/4 pound (about 13 ounces) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
12 large Boston or butter lettuce leaves
1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced into matchsticks (about 1 cup)
1 1/4 cups matchstick carrots (julienned)
1 1/4 cups matchstick Persian cucumber or English cucumber (2 to 3 Persian or 1 English cucumber)
2 to 3 tablespoons chopped peanuts
Lime juice, for topping
Fresh cilantro, for topping
Peanut sauce/dressing:
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, for heat)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small blender, combine peanut butter, honey, olive oil, water, rice vinegar, soy sauce, pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Blend until smooth and refrigerate while preparing the rest.
Step 2: Remove any fat from chicken breasts. If thick, halve them lengthwise and pound to even thickness using a meat mallet or heavy pan bottom. Pat dry with paper towels.
Step 3: Drizzle 1/2 tablespoon olive oil on one side of the chicken and rub in. Sprinkle half the salt, pepper, turmeric, and cumin on that side, pressing in the spices. Flip and repeat with remaining oil and spices.
Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high (400–450°F) and oil the grates. Grill chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove, cover loosely with foil, and let rest 5–10 minutes. Dice into bite-sized pieces.
Step 5: While chicken cooks, prepare veggies: slice bell pepper, julienne carrots and cucumber. If nuts aren’t salted, sprinkle a pinch of salt on veggies. Chop peanuts finely.
Step 6: Wash and dry lettuce leaves completely. Divide diced chicken among them, then add veggies and peanuts. Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
Step 7: Drizzle the peanut sauce generously over each wrap and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

For less sweetness in the sauce, add honey gradually or include red pepper flakes for more heat.
To sauté instead of grilling, cut chicken into bite-size pieces, toss with seasonings, and cook in 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes until cooked through.
Use crunchy peanuts for texture contrast or swap for cashews if preferred.
Try adding fresh herbs like mint or basil for a different flavor twist.

Storage

Store leftover chicken, veggies, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken before assembling fresh wraps to maintain crispness. Avoid storing assembled wraps to keep lettuce from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows two lettuce wraps served on a white plate with a speckled blue design, placed on a white marbled surface. Each wrap has a base layer of fresh, bright green butter lettuce leaves. Inside the lettuce, there are small cubes of grilled golden-brown tofu, surrounded by thin sticks of orange carrot and pale green cucumber. The wraps are topped with a generous handful of fresh green cilantro leaves and drizzled with a smooth light brown peanut sauce. A wedge of lime with a pale yellow-green color is placed next to the wraps on the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these wraps vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the chicken with firm tofu or cooked chickpeas, and follow the same seasoning and preparation steps for a delicious vegetarian option.

How spicy is the peanut sauce?

The sauce has a mild heat from the optional cayenne pepper, but you can adjust the spice level to your taste by adding more or omitting it entirely.