Thai Chicken Meatball Wraps with a Sweet Chili Kick!

Bold Thai Flavors, Fresh Crunch, and a Sweet Chili Kick—These Lettuce Wraps Have It All!

Thai Chicken Meatball Wraps with a Sweet Chili Kick!

If you're craving a healthy and flavorful Thai-inspired meal, these Thai Chicken Meatball Lettuce Wraps with Sweet Chili Sauce are exactly what you need. Juicy, garlic-ginger chicken meatballs are wrapped in crisp butter lettuce, layered with crunchy vegetables, fresh cilantro, and cashews, then drizzled with a sweet and spicy chili sauce for the perfect balance of flavor. The combination of warm, savory meatballs and cool, refreshing toppings makes each bite an irresistible contrast of textures. Plus, low-carb lettuce wraps have become a go-to for those seeking healthy dinner ideas that don’t skimp on taste—offering all the enjoyment of a delicious, flavorful meal without the heaviness of traditional wraps or buns.

These easy Thai lettuce wraps are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a healthy spring meal, or a fresh and light lunch. Whether you're looking for a gluten-free, protein-packed recipe or a fun way to mix up your usual dinner routine, this dish delivers in both taste and convenience. The crisp vegetables and zesty cilantro bring a bright, refreshing touch, while the sweet chili sauce ties everything together with a kick of Thai-inspired flavor. High in protein, low in carbs, and packed with fresh ingredients, these wraps are the perfect healthy meal prep option for busy days.

What Ingredients do I need?

Produce:

• Yellow onion
• Garlic
• Fresh ginger
• Jalapeño
• Carrots
• Orange bell pepper
• Cucumber
• Scallions
• Cilantro
• Butter or Boston lettuce
• Lime

Protein:

• Ground chicken
• Eggs

Pantry & Dry Goods:

• Panko bread crumbs
• Cashews
• Cooked rice
• Sweet chili sauce
• Soy sauce

Other:

• Cooking spray

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

• Ground chicken → Ground turkey or ground pork (for a similar texture and flavor)

• Butter/Boston lettuce → Romaine or iceberg lettuce (for a sturdier wrap)

• Jalapeño → Red pepper flakes or serrano pepper (for more or less heat) or leave it out all together

• Panko bread crumbs → Crushed crackers 

• Cooked rice → Cauliflower rice or quinoa (for a lower-carb alternative)

Variations

• Spicy Sriracha Peanut Wraps:  Swap sweet chili sauce for a spicy peanut sauce (mix peanut butter, sriracha, soy sauce, and lime juice).  Add crushed peanuts instead of cashews.  Top with a drizzle of extra sriracha for a fiery kick!

• Tropical Thai Wraps:  Add diced mango or pineapple for a sweet and tangy contrast.  Swap cashews for toasted coconut flakes for extra tropical flair.  Use Thai basil instead of cilantro for a unique flavor twist.

• Teriyaki Glazed Wraps:  Swap sweet chili sauce for a homemade or store-bought teriyaki glaze.  Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for a stir-fry-inspired variation.  Sprinkle with sesame seeds for extra crunch.

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• Use a cookie scoop – This ensures evenly sized meatballs, which cook uniformly under the broiler.

• Broiling for a crispy exterior – Broiling gives the meatballs a slight char, but you can also pan-fry or bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes.

• Meal prep friendly – Make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Just reheat and assemble!

• Lettuce storage hack – Keep butter lettuce fresh by storing it in a damp paper towel inside an airtight container in the fridge.

• Make it a rice bowl – If you don’t have lettuce or want a heartier meal, serve everything over jasmine or brown rice instead!

    Equipment You May Need    

• Mixing bowls – For combining the meatball mixture and tossing the veggies.
• Cutting board & knife – For chopping vegetables, herbs, and aromatics.
• Microplane  – To easily grate fresh ginger.
• Baking sheet & foil – For broiling the meatballs (lining with foil makes cleanup easier).
• Cookie scoop (optional) – For evenly portioning the meatballs.
• Tongs or Spoon – For assembling the wraps neatly.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to emails at the top of this page and follow along on Facebook,  and Pinterest for all of the latest updates.

Thai Chicken Meatball Wraps with a Sweet Chili Kick!

serves 4

1 recipe Thai Chicken Meatballs (see below)
1 cup shredded carrots
1 small orange bell pepper, julienned to 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 cup cucumbers, julienned
2 scallions, white and green parts sliced
1 small heads Butter or Boston lettuce, leaves separated
1 cups cooked rice
1/4 cup chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish
1/4 cup cashews
Sweet chili sauce
Lime wedges

 
In a medium bowl toss together carrots, bell peppers, cilantro, cucumber, and scallions.

 
To serve: Top a lettuce leaf with a spoonful of rice, 2 or 3 warm meatballs, and some of the vegetable mixture, extra cilantro, and cashews. Drizzle with chili sauce and a squeeze of lime.

Thai Chicken Meatballs

yield:  15 meatballs  

1/2 small yellow onion, small diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoons fresh grated ginger
1/2 jalapeño, seeded, small diced
1 pound ground chicken
1/4 cup packed cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
1 egg whites

In a large bowl, combine onion, garlic, ginger, and jalapeño, chicken, cilantro, soy sauce, bread crumbs and egg whites.  Using a gentle hand mix until incorporated and ingredients are spread throughout.  

Heat broiler to high and place rack 6 inches from heat. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly coat with cooking spray.

Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion mixture into about 15 balls. Shape into meatballs. Arrange on prepared baking sheet.

Broil until meatballs are lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Turn meatballs over and broil another 4 minutes. 

adapted from:  Live Life Deliciously by Tara Teaspoon

Spiced Ginger-Pear Scones - Buttery, Flaky, and Irresistible!

Spiced Ginger-Pear Scones – A Buttery, Flaky Treat with the Perfect Touch of Sweet & Spice!

 

Spiced Ginger-Pear Scones - Buttery, Flaky, and Irresistible!

There’s nothing quite like the warm, buttery goodness of homemade scones, and these Spiced Ginger-Pear Scones take things to the next level! Delicately flavored with juicy pears and a touch of sweetness, these scones get a little kick from crystallized ginger, creating the perfect balance of warmth and spice. With a golden, flaky texture that rivals any bakery-style treat, they’re an irresistible addition to your breakfast or brunch spread. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to prepare—using my go-to scone recipe with just a few flavorful add-ins!

These scones are perfect for spring brunches, cozy Sunday breakfasts, or an afternoon pick-me-up with a cup of coffee or tea. Whether you're hosting friends or simply treating yourself, they bring a hint of elegance to any occasion without requiring hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender pears and spicy-sweet ginger makes them feel special yet approachable—an ideal bake for both seasoned scone lovers and beginners alike.

So why should you make these? Because they’re simple, bakery-worthy, and full of flavor! The buttery layers create the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth experience, while the fruity, spiced notes make each bite truly memorable. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven with a drizzle of honey or served alongside your favorite tea, these Spiced Ginger-Pear Scones are bound to become a new favorite in your baking routine!

What Ingredients do I need?

Pantry Staples

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt

Dairy

• Butter (unsalted)
• Whole milk
• Eggs

Produce

• Pears (ripe but firm)  I used D'Anjou pears

Baking Add-Ins

• Crystallized ginger

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

• Flour Substitutes:  Whole wheat flour (use half whole wheat, half all-purpose for a heartier texture)

• Sugar Substitutes:  Brown sugar (for a deeper, caramel-like flavor), Coconut sugar (for a less refined option), Sugar Substitute (for a lower carb version)

• Milk Substitutes:  Heavy cream (for an even richer scone), Buttermilk (adds a slight tang and tender texture)

Variations

• Maple Pecan Pear Scones:  Swap the crystallized ginger for chopped pecans,  Add 1-2 tbsp maple syrup to the dough for extra warmth, Drizzle with a maple glaze (powdered sugar + maple syrup + a touch of milk)

• Chai-Spiced Pear Scones:  Add ½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp cardamom, and a pinch of cloves for a chai-inspired flavor.  Substitute brown sugar for a deeper sweetness,  Serve with honey butter for a cozy treat.

• Lemon Ginger-Pear Scones:  Add 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest to the dough for a bright citrusy twist, Swap the milk for buttermilk to enhance tanginess, Drizzle with a lemon glaze (powdered sugar + lemon juice).  

• Honey Almond Pear Scones:  Replace crystallized ginger with toasted sliced almonds, Use honey instead of sugar for a natural sweetness, Top with a light honey drizzle after baking.

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• Keep Ingredients Cold:  Use cold butter straight from the fridge and cut it into the flour quickly to create flaky layers. You can even freeze the butter and grate it for even distribution.

• Don’t Overmix the Dough:  

  Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined—overworking the dough can make the scones tough instead of tender.

• Handle the Dough Gently:  When kneading, use a light touch—just enough to bring the dough together.  Press the dough straight down with the biscuit cutter rather than twisting it—this helps the scones rise evenly.

• For Extra Flakiness:  After cutting, place the unbaked scones in the freezer for 10–15 minutes before baking. This chills the butter again, resulting in better layers.

• Serving & Storage:  Best served warm, fresh out of the oven with butter, honey, or jam.  Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat in a 300°F oven for a few minutes.

    EQUIPMENT YOU MAY NEED    

• Large mixing bowl – for combining dry and wet ingredients

• Pastry cutter – to cut in the cold butter for a flaky texture

• (Optional) Box Grater – Instead of cutting butter in with a pastry cutter, freeze the butter and grate it with a box grater for quick, even distribution.

• Measuring cups & spoons – for accurate ingredient portions

• Whisk – for mixing the dry ingredients and whisking the egg

• Biscuit cutter – to shape the scones

• Baking sheet – for placing the scones before baking

• Parchment paper – to prevent sticking and ensure even baking

• Cooling rack – to cool the scones slightly before serving

• (Optional) Bench Scraper – Perfect for lifting and shaping dough without sticking to your hands. Also great for cleaning up flour from your work surface!

• (Optional) Fluted Biscuit Cutter – Gives your scones a bakery-style look with beautifully crimped edges.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to emails at the top of this page and follow along on Facebook,  and Pinterest for all of the latest updates.

Spiced Ginger-Pear Scones 

yield:   18 scones

3 cups all purpose flour

3 tbsp sugar

1/2 tsp salt

4 tsp baking powder

3/4 cup butter (cold)

1 egg

1 cup whole milk

1 1/2 pears, peeled and small diced

1/3 +1/4 cup crystallized ginger 

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Add the dry ingredients to a large bowl and combine.

Using a pastry cutter cut cold butter into flour mixture until there are pea-sized pieces of butter throughout.  Add the milk, egg, pear and ginger and mix just until combined. 

Remove the dough to a generously floured work surface and knead just until it comes together. Pat the dough out to 3/4 - 1 inch thickness and cut with a biscuit cutter.  

Place the scones on a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown on top.  Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack for several minutes.  Serve warm.

Zesty Southwest Turkey & Rice Skillet – Easy, Cheesy, & Loaded with Flavor!

 A one-skillet Southwest sensation—savory turkey, vibrant veggies, and melty cheese come together for an easy, flavor-packed meal the whole family will love!

Zesty Southwest Turkey & Rice Skillet – Easy, Cheesy, & Loaded with Flavor!

If you're looking for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner, this Zesty Southwest Turkey & Rice Skillet is about to become your new favorite go-to meal! I first came across a similar version of this dish on another food blog, and the vibrant mix of ingredients immediately caught my attention. The combination of lean ground turkey, colorful veggies, bold spices, and melty cheese seemed like the perfect way to bring a Southwest-inspired dish to my table. After trying it, I was completely hooked! The flavors are absolutely mouthwatering, and best of all, it comes together in just 30 minutes with only one pan—making cleanup a breeze.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Everything cooks in a single skillet, layering flavors as you go, so you get a rich, well-seasoned meal without any extra hassle. The zucchini, corn, tomatoes, and green chiles add just the right amount of freshness and spice, while the Greek yogurt and Monterey Jack cheese create an irresistibly creamy finish. It’s a wonderful balance of savory, cheesy, and zesty goodness that the whole family will love.

Whether you're meal prepping for the week, feeding a hungry crowd, or just craving a cozy, flavor-packed dinner, this Southwest Turkey & Rice Skillet is the answer. It’s proof that wholesome, homemade meals don’t have to be complicated—sometimes, all you need is one pan, a handful of ingredients, and 30 minutes to create something truly spectacular!

What Ingredients do I need?

Proteins

• Lean ground turkey

Dairy

• Monterey Jack cheese
• Plain Greek yogurt

Produce

• Yellow onion
• Garlic
• Zucchini
• Tomatoes
• Cilantro (for garnish)

Canned Goods

• Diced green chiles
• Corn (canned or frozen)

Pantry Staples

• Long grain rice
• Olive oil
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Salt & pepper

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

• Ground Turkey → Ground Chicken, Ground Beef, or Black Beans (for a vegetarian option)

• Monterey Jack Cheese → Cheddar, Pepper Jack, or Mexican Blend Cheese

• Plain Greek Yogurt → Sour Cream, Regular Yogurt, or Dairy-Free Yogurt

• Diced Green Chiles → Chopped Jalapeños, Bell Peppers, or a Dash of Hot Sauce

• Long Grain Rice → Brown Rice, Quinoa, Cauliflower Rice (for a low-carb option), or Couscous

Variations

• Tex-Mex Black Bean & Corn Skillet (Vegetarian):  Swap the ground turkey for black beans or pinto beans.  Add diced bell peppers for extra crunch.  Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.

• Southwest Quinoa & Chicken Skillet (Protein-Packed):  Use diced or shredded chicken instead of ground turkey.  Swap the rice for quinoa for a higher-protein option.  Stir in baby spinach at the end for extra greens.

• Spicy Chorizo & Rice Skillet (Bold & Flavorful):  Replace the ground turkey with chorizo for a smoky, spicy twist.  Add smoked paprika for even deeper flavor.  Use cotija cheese instead of Monterey Jack for a more authentic touch.

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• Use Pre-Cooked Rice for Speed – To keep this a true 30-minute meal, use leftover rice or pre-cooked rice packs.

• Brown the Turkey for More Flavor – Let the ground turkey develop some golden brown bits before stirring. This adds a richer, more savory depth to the dish.

• Customize the Spice Level – Want more heat? Add cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños. Prefer it mild? Stick to just the chili powder and cumin.

• Make It a Meal Prep Favorite – This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheats easily, making it great for meal prep. Add a splash of broth or salsa when reheating to keep it moist.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to emails at the top of this page and follow along on Facebook,  and Pinterest for all of the latest updates.

Zesty Southwest Turkey & Rice Skillet 

serves 4-6

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound lean ground turkey
1/2 cup diced yellow onion
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin

salt & pepper to taste

1 clove garlic, minced
1 large zucchini, diced
4 oz. can diced green chiles
1/2 cup corn
1 cup diced tomato
2 cups cooked long grain rice
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
cilantro, chopped (garnish)

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the skillet is hot swirl the oil to coat the bottom and add in the ground turkey, onion, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper. Cook, crumbling the meat until meat is no longer pink.

 
Add in the garlic, green chiles, zucchini, corn and tomato. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the zucchini is tender.

Add in the cooked rice and 1/2 cup of the cheese. Stir everything together until heated through and the cheese is melted.

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Greek yogurt and then top with the remaining cheese.  Cover with a lid for a few minutes to melt the cheese.  Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve.

adapted from Recipe Runner