Coconut Lime Chicken Wraps

Featured in: Main Dishes

This dish features tender chicken marinated in creamy coconut milk and zesty lime juice, then sautéed until golden. It's served wrapped in fresh, crisp lettuce leaves and topped with vibrant garnishes such as julienned carrot, bell pepper, cucumber, spring onion, cilantro, and optional roasted peanuts. Quick to prepare and light, it's perfect for a fresh summer meal or healthy entertaining. Variations include tofu substitution and added spice for extra flavor.

Updated on Tue, 11 Nov 2025 08:42:00 GMT
Tender Coconut Lime Chicken Lettuce Wraps filled with fresh veggies and zesty toppings.  Save
Tender Coconut Lime Chicken Lettuce Wraps filled with fresh veggies and zesty toppings. | cheerfulchefs.com

Tender chicken marinated in coconut milk and lime, sautéed to perfection, then nestled in crisp lettuce leaves and topped with vibrant, fresh garnishes. A light, zesty dish perfect for summer meals or healthy entertaining.

This dish quickly became a summer favorite in my household thanks to its fresh flavors and easy preparation.

Ingredients

  • 500 g (1.1 lb) boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs: thinly sliced
  • 200 ml (3/4 cup + 1 tbsp) coconut milk: unsweetened full-fat
  • Zest and juice of 2 limes:
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce:
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce: use gluten-free if needed
  • 2 cloves garlic: minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger: grated
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup:
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil:
  • 12 large butter lettuce leaves: or romaine/cos leaves
  • 1 small carrot: julienned
  • 1/2 red bell pepper: thinly sliced
  • 2 spring onions: thinly sliced
  • 1 small cucumber: julienned
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (coriander): chopped
  • 1/4 cup roasted peanuts: chopped optional
  • Lime wedges: for serving

Instructions

Marinate Chicken:
In a large bowl combine coconut milk lime zest lime juice fish sauce soy sauce garlic ginger and honey. Add the sliced chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
Cook Chicken:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken (draining excess marinade) and sauté for 5–7 minutes until cooked through and slightly golden. Remove from heat.
Prepare Lettuce:
Prepare the lettuce leaves by washing and patting them dry. Arrange on a serving platter.
Assemble Wraps:
To assemble spoon the cooked chicken onto each lettuce leaf. Top with carrot bell pepper cucumber spring onion fresh cilantro and peanuts if using.
Serve:
Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing over the wraps.
Save
| cheerfulchefs.com

These wraps bring the family together for light and fun summer meals that everyone enjoys.

Notes

Serve with jasmine rice or rice noodles if desired. Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or cold lager.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl Knife and cutting board Skillet or wok Tongs or spatula

Allergen Information

Contains Soy (from soy sauce) Fish (from fish sauce) Peanuts (if using). Ensure soy sauce is gluten-free if required. Omit peanuts for nut allergies. Always check individual product labels for allergens.

Delectable Coconut Lime Chicken Lettuce Wraps served with lime wedges for a refreshing taste.  Save
Delectable Coconut Lime Chicken Lettuce Wraps served with lime wedges for a refreshing taste. | cheerfulchefs.com

This recipe is a quick healthy meal that never fails to impress.

Recipe FAQs

What cut of chicken works best for this dish?

Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs both work well; thighs offer more juiciness while breast provides a leaner option.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours in advance to deepen the flavors, but cook just before serving for best texture.

What are good alternatives for garnishes?

Fresh herbs like mint or basil and crunchy vegetables such as radish or shredded cabbage can be used to vary the toppings.

How can I add heat to this meal?

Incorporate sliced chili peppers, a drizzle of Sriracha, or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

What pairings complement this dish?

Serve alongside jasmine rice or rice noodles and pair with chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp cold lager for balance.

Coconut Lime Chicken Wraps

Tender chicken with coconut milk and lime, served in crisp lettuce leaves with fresh toppings.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Overall Time
30 minutes
Creator Ruby Smiles

Recipe Type Main Dishes

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Background Fusion / Asian-Inspired

Portions 4 Serves

Dietary Preferences Dairy-Free Option, Gluten-Free Option

What You’ll Need

Chicken and Marinade

01 1.1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
02 3/4 cup plus 1 tbsp unsweetened, full-fat coconut milk
03 Zest and juice of 2 limes
04 2 tbsp fish sauce
05 1 tbsp soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
06 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
08 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
09 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Wraps and Garnishes

01 12 large butter lettuce leaves
02 1 small carrot, julienned
03 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
04 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
05 1 small cucumber, julienned
06 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
07 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped (optional)
08 Lime wedges for serving

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together coconut milk, lime zest, lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and honey. Add chicken slices and toss to fully coat. Cover and marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.

Step 02

Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Drain excess marinade from chicken and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until cooked through and lightly golden. Remove from heat.

Step 03

Prepare the Lettuce Leaves: Rinse and pat dry butter lettuce leaves. Arrange them neatly on a serving platter.

Step 04

Assemble the Wraps: Spoon the cooked chicken onto each lettuce leaf. Top with julienned carrot, sliced bell pepper, cucumber, spring onions, chopped cilantro, and peanuts if using.

Step 05

Serve: Serve wraps immediately with lime wedges for squeezing over.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Skillet or wok
  • Tongs or spatula

Potential Allergens

Inspect ingredients for specific allergens and contact a professional for concerns.
  • Contains soy (soy sauce), fish (fish sauce), and peanuts (optional). Use gluten-free soy sauce if required.
  • Omit peanuts to accommodate nut allergies.

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

Provided as supportive info; always cross-check with your healthcare provider.
  • Calories: 325
  • Fats: 18 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 15 grams
  • Proteins: 27 grams