Craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor and keeps you feeling great? These Spicy Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a perfect, light meal. You’ll love how quickly you can create this vibrant, healthy chicken recipe, perfect for a busy weeknight.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Ground Chicken: You can use ground turkey for a similar healthy chicken recipe base.
- Fresh Basil: Thai basil offers the best flavor, but regular fresh basil works well too.
- Soy Sauce: Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
- Lettuce Cups: Butter lettuce, romaine, or even large kale leaves make excellent wraps.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 head butter lettuce, separated into cups
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped peanuts
- Lime wedges
- Fresh cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350 calories
- Tools Needed: Large skillet, chopping board, knife
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Cook the Chicken
Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until it’s fully browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Add Vegetables and Sauce
Stir in the sliced red bell pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender-crisp. Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, sriracha, and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. Stir in Basil
Remove the skillet from the heat. Gently fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves until they wilt. The heat from the chicken mixture will be enough to soften them.
5. Assemble Your Wraps
Spoon the spicy chicken mixture into the prepared lettuce cups. Garnish with chopped peanuts, a squeeze of lime, or fresh cilantro if you like. You’ve just made a delicious healthy chicken recipe!
Variation Ideas
- Add grated carrots or water chestnuts for extra crunch.
- Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Serve with a side of cauliflower rice for a heartier, low-carb meal.
Storage Instructions
You can store leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Keep the lettuce wraps separate until serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can cook the chicken mixture up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.
Q: What kind of lettuce is best for these wraps?
A: Butter lettuce is ideal because its leaves are pliable and form perfect cups. Romaine hearts or even large collard green leaves also work well.
Q: Is this recipe very spicy?
A: The recipe includes 1 tablespoon of sriracha, which provides a medium spice level. You can easily adjust this amount up or down to suit your preference.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to this healthy chicken recipe?
A: Absolutely! Diced zucchini, mushrooms, or green beans would be great additions. Add them with the bell pepper in step 3.
Q: How do I make this dish lower in sodium?
A: Use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos to significantly reduce the sodium content. You can also adjust the amount of soy sauce you use.
