If you love vibrant flavors and a fresh, satisfying crunch, you are going to adore these Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Cilantro Lime Rice. This dish brings together the rich, savory notes of ground chicken tossed in a luscious peanut sauce with the bright zestiness of cilantro and lime-infused jasmine rice, all wrapped up in crisp butter lettuce leaves. Every bite is a beautiful dance of textures and tastes that feels both indulgent and light. Perfect for a casual dinner or impressively easy entertaining, these wraps are a personal favorite that I can’t wait to share with you.

Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a key role in building flavor, texture, and color. From the aromatic garlic and ginger to the crunchy water chestnuts and peanuts, every component is essential for making these wraps pop with personality.

1 lb ground chicken: A lean and tender protein that absorbs all the delicious seasonings perfectly.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Adds pungent depth and a classic warmth to the filling.
1 teaspoon ginger, minced (or ginger paste): Gives a subtle spicy brightness that wakes up the palate.
1 tablespoon sesame oil: Imparts a nutty aroma and richness right at the start of cooking.
1/4 cup soy sauce: Provides that savory umami backbone essential to Asian-inspired dishes.
1/4 cup hoisin sauce: Brings a sweet and tangy depth that beautifully balances savory flavors.
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar: Adds brightness and a touch of acidity to cut through richness.
1 tablespoon lime juice: Injects fresh citrus notes that tie everything together elegantly.
1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce: Adds just enough heat and garlicky kick without overpowering.
1 teaspoon sriracha (optional): For those who like it spicier, a little extra zip is always a great idea.
8 ounces water chestnuts, drained and roughly chopped: Provide a satisfying crunch and mild sweetness.
Salt and pepper to taste: To enhance all the other flavors perfectly.
1/2 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped: Adds a delightful crunch and rich nuttiness.
2 green onions, thinly sliced: Bring a fresh onion bite and vibrant green color.
Head of butter lettuce, rinsed: Crisp and tender leaves that cradle the filling beautifully.
Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped for garnish: Adds herbaceous brightness and lovely color contrast.
2 cups jasmine rice: Fluffy and fragrant, it’s the perfect canvas for the cilantro lime symphony.
Zest of 1 lime: Infuses the rice with a fragrant burst of citrus.
1 tablespoon cilantro, roughly chopped: Mixed into the rice to keep the flavors fresh and lively.

How to Make Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Cilantro Lime Rice

Step 1: Cook the Rice with a Twist

Start by rinsing the jasmine rice under cold water to remove excess starch, then cook it with salted water until tender. Off the heat, stir in the lime zest and chopped cilantro for that bright and tangy flavor layer that perfectly complements the savory chicken. Fluff gently with a fork and set aside, keeping that citrus-herb infused rice warm and ready for wrapping.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Chicken

Heat your sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground chicken. Let it brown nicely, about five minutes, stirring occasionally to break it up. The sesame oil not only prevents sticking but also adds a toasted nuttiness that’s the subtle foundation for the dish’s complex flavor.

Step 3: Build the Flavorful Sauce

Once the chicken is browned, stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking briefly until fragrant. Then pour in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice wine vinegar, lime juice, chili garlic sauce, and if you like a bit more heat, sriracha. Continue cooking for a few minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and the chicken is beautifully coated in the savory, tangy, and mildly spicy sauce.

Step 4: Add Crunch and Freshness

Mix in the chopped water chestnuts and most of the sliced green onions, reserving some for garnish. The water chestnuts add an irresistible crunch, contrasting delightfully with the tender chicken. Cook a couple of minutes longer so the chestnuts soften just a bit but still keep their texture.

Step 5: Finish and Season

Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the chopped roasted peanuts, saving a handful for topping. Season everything with salt and pepper to your liking, balancing the umami and tang in the sauce with a touch of seasoning.

Step 6: Assemble the Wraps

Take two or three butter lettuce leaves stacked together to create a sturdy yet delicate base. Spoon two to three generous scoops of the cilantro lime rice onto the leaves, then top with heaping tablespoons of the peanut chicken filling. Garnish with remaining green onions, peanuts, and fresh cilantro for a colorful, inviting presentation. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of textures and flavors!

How to Serve Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Cilantro Lime Rice

Garnishes

Simple garnishes elevate these wraps from delicious to unforgettable. Fresh cilantro and chopped roasted peanuts add crunch and herbaceous fragrance, while a wedge of lime on the side lets everyone add an extra splash of brightness. The green onions lend a crisp, mild bite as well, making each mouthful even more exciting.

Side Dishes

Although the peanut chicken lettuce wraps come with cilantro lime rice, pairing them with a light Asian-style cucumber salad or quick pickled veggies brightens the meal beautifully. A side of miso soup or edamame could also complement the flavors well without overwhelming the freshness of the wraps.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, try arranging the butter lettuce leaves fan-style on a large platter with separate bowls of the peanut chicken and cilantro lime rice. This invites everyone to build their own wraps. You could also serve the chicken mixture over steamed rice in a bowl topped with fresh herbs and peanuts for those who prefer to eat with a fork.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken filling, cilantro lime rice, and lettuce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The filling and rice should keep well for up to three days. Keeping the lettuce separate will help maintain its crispness until you’re ready to serve again.

Freezing

The cooked chicken filling freezes beautifully for up to two months. Package it tightly in a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving space for expansion. While the rice can be frozen, it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated since its texture changes after freezing. Avoid freezing the lettuce leaves as they won’t hold their crispness.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken filling gently on the stove or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. Warm the rice in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Serve immediately with fresh lettuce and garnishes for that crisp, fresh contrast.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey has a similar texture and mild flavor that works just as well with the peanut sauce. Just be mindful that turkey tends to be leaner, so you might want to add a bit more sesame oil or sauce to keep things juicy.

What type of lettuce works best for these wraps?

Butter lettuce is ideal because its leaves are soft yet sturdy enough to hold the filling. You could also try Bibb lettuce or even romaine hearts if you want a bit more crunch. Just make sure the leaves are large and flexible enough for wrapping.

Is there a vegetarian version of Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Cilantro Lime Rice?

Definitely! You can swap the ground chicken for finely chopped or crumbled tofu or tempeh and follow the same cooking method. Adding extra mushrooms or grated vegetables can also add satisfying texture and umami punch.

How spicy is this dish?

The recipe has a mild to medium heat level thanks to the chili garlic sauce and optional sriracha, but you can always adjust to your taste. Consider reducing or omitting these if you prefer a gentler flavor, or add extra if you like a spicy kick.

Can I prep this dish in advance for a party?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken filling and cilantro lime rice ahead of time and refrigerate them. Just keep the lettuce and garnishes separate until serving so everything stays fresh and crisp. This makes the assembly quick and stress-free when guests arrive.

Final Thoughts

Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Cilantro Lime Rice are an absolute joy to make and even more delightful to eat. They balance rich, savory, nutty flavors with fresh, bright, and crunchy elements that will keep you coming back for more. Whether for a family dinner or a fun get-together, this dish is a winner that offers wholesome comfort and impressive flair. Give this recipe a try soon—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy chicken!

Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 23 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Cilantro Lime Rice is a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make dish combining savory ground chicken cooked with garlic, ginger, and hoisin sauce, topped with crunchy peanuts and fresh herbs. Served in crisp butter lettuce leaves alongside fragrant jasmine rice infused with lime zest and cilantro, this meal is perfect for a light lunch or dinner that bursts with Asian-inspired flavors and textures.

Instructions

Make the rice: Rinse the jasmine rice thoroughly with water and drain. In a medium pot, combine the rice with 3 cups of salted water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 12 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed. Remove from heat, then stir in lime zest and cilantro. Fluff the rice gently with a fork and set aside, keeping it warm.
Cook the chicken: While the rice is cooking, heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until it is fully browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Add seasonings: Stir in minced garlic, minced ginger, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice wine vinegar, lime juice, chili garlic sauce, and sriracha (if using). Cook the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.
Incorporate crunch: Add the chopped water chestnuts and sliced green onions to the skillet, reserving about a tablespoon of the green onion for garnish. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the water chestnuts are softened but still crunchy.
Finish filling: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the chopped roasted peanuts, reserving a tablespoon or so for garnish. Season the filling with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the wraps: Lay 2 to 3 butter lettuce leaves stacked together on a plate. Spoon two to three large spoonfuls of the cilantro lime rice onto the lettuce, then add heaping tablespoons of the chicken filling on top. Garnish with the reserved green onions, peanuts, and fresh cilantro leaves. Serve immediately and enjoy these fresh, crunchy, and savory wraps.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey or tofu for the chicken for a different protein option.
Adjust the level of chili garlic sauce and sriracha to your preferred spice level.
Butter lettuce works best for wraps due to its soft, pliable leaves, but iceberg lettuce can be used as a crunchy alternative.
For gluten-free versions, substitute soy sauce with tamari and ensure hoisin sauce is gluten-free.
These wraps can be prepped in advance, but assemble just before serving to keep lettuce crisp.
Leftover filling can be served over rice or noodles if preferred.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop Cooking, Simmering
Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 wrap with rice
Calories: 390
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: peanut chicken lettuce wraps, Asian chicken wraps, cilantro lime rice, healthy chicken wraps, low fat chicken recipe, ground chicken lettuce wraps