Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly crisp, Chicken Lettuce Wraps are the kind of fresh, vibrant meal that instantly brightens your dinner table. This Asian-inspired classic packs a savory punch with tender ground chicken, crunchy veggies, and a sweet-salty sauce, all tucked into cool, crisp lettuce leaves for the ultimate bite. Whether you’re hosting friends or just want a quick weeknight meal, these wraps are endlessly customizable and guaranteed to disappear fast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in these Chicken Lettuce Wraps serves a delicious purpose—bringing a balance of bold flavors, satisfying crunch, and beautiful color. Even better, the list is short and sweet, so you can whip these up without any fuss.
- Sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and authentic Asian flavor right from the start.
- Ground chicken: The star of the show—lean, protein-packed, and soaks up all the saucy goodness.
- Onion: Finely diced for a subtle sweetness and soft texture.
- Garlic: Brings a deep, savory base flavor (don’t skimp here!).
- Fresh ginger: Grated for a zesty, slightly spicy kick that brightens the whole dish.
- Red bell pepper: Diced small for pops of color and a hint of sweetness.
- Water chestnuts: Chopped for that irresistible, refreshing crunch.
- Hoisin sauce: Delivers a sweet-salty umami note that ties everything together.
- Soy sauce (or tamari): Adds depth and saltiness—use tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Rice vinegar: A splash of tang that balances the richness.
- Sriracha (optional): For those who love a little heat in their wraps.
- Green onions: Sliced for a fresh, sharp finish and color.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste.
- Butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce: Separated into cups to cradle all that savory filling.
How to Make Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the ground chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, breaking it up as you go. The idea is to get the chicken beautifully browned and cooked all the way through—those golden bits are pure flavor!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Next, toss in the finely diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Let them sizzle with the chicken for about 2 minutes, stirring often. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells absolutely irresistible, and the onions have softened up.
Step 3: Add Crunchy Veggies
Sprinkle in the diced red bell pepper and chopped water chestnuts. Let everything cook together for another 2 minutes. This is where the texture magic happens—the veggies stay crisp and colorful, while soaking up those fragrant flavors.
Step 4: Pour in the Sauce
Stir in the hoisin sauce, soy sauce (or tamari), rice vinegar, and sriracha if you’re using it. Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, giving the flavors a chance to meld into a sticky, savory filling. It should look glossy and smell amazing!
Step 5: Finish and Season
Turn off the heat and fold in the sliced green onions. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. The filling is now ready—savory, sticky, and bursting with flavor.
Step 6: Assemble the Wraps
To serve, gently spoon the chicken mixture into each lettuce leaf, folding it up taco-style. Get ready for that first, crunchy bite—these Chicken Lettuce Wraps always steal the show!
How to Serve Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Garnishes
Garnishing your Chicken Lettuce Wraps is half the fun! Sprinkle on some extra sliced green onions, a handful of chopped peanuts for nuttiness, or even a drizzle of peanut sauce for a creamy finish. A dash of sesame seeds adds the perfect final touch.
Side Dishes
These wraps pair beautifully with a side of steamed jasmine rice, vegetable stir-fry, or a simple cucumber salad. For a heartier meal, serve over rice or noodles—it’s an easy way to stretch the dish and soak up every bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Hosting a crowd? Set up a Chicken Lettuce Wraps bar! Lay out the filling, lettuce leaves, and a variety of toppings so everyone can build their own. Or, go bite-sized for appetizers by using smaller lettuce leaves—perfect for parties and potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (it’s rare!), store the chicken filling separately from the lettuce leaves in airtight containers. The filling keeps well in the fridge for 2 to 3 days—just scoop and fill fresh leaves when you’re ready to eat.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken filling for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and label them. When cravings strike, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving in crisp lettuce cups.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken mixture gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring until warmed through. If it seems a bit dry, splash in a little water or extra hoisin sauce to bring back that saucy goodness. Always add the filling to fresh lettuce leaves just before serving for maximum crunch.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or beef both work wonderfully in Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Just keep in mind that beef will make the dish a bit richer, while turkey stays light and lean. Adjust seasonings to taste and enjoy the same bold flavors.
What’s the best lettuce for wraps?
Butter lettuce is my top pick for Chicken Lettuce Wraps because it’s tender and forms perfect cups, but iceberg lettuce is a great, crunchy alternative. Romaine leaves can work in a pinch, though they’re a bit less flexible for wrapping.
Are these wraps gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and double-check that your hoisin sauce is gluten-free. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making these wraps a great option for a variety of diets.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Definitely. You can cook the chicken mixture up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat just before serving and fill fresh lettuce cups for the best texture and flavor.
What toppings go well with Chicken Lettuce Wraps?
Crushed peanuts, chopped cilantro, extra green onions, a drizzle of sriracha, and sesame seeds all make fantastic toppings. Feel free to get creative and add your own favorite crunch or heat!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a meal that’s quick, healthy, and full of flavor, Chicken Lettuce Wraps are the answer. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and endlessly adaptable to your tastes. Give them a try—I promise you’ll want to make them again and again!
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Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps featuring ground chicken sautéed with fresh vegetables and Asian-inspired sauces, wrapped in crisp butter lettuce leaves for a low-carb, gluten-free meal perfect as a light main course or appetizer.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 can (8 oz) water chestnuts, drained and chopped
Sauces and Seasonings
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional, for heat)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Wrapping
- 1 head butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce, leaves separated
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Aromatics: Stir in diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add Vegetables: Add finely diced red bell pepper and chopped water chestnuts, cooking for another 2 minutes to combine flavors and slightly soften the vegetables.
- Incorporate Sauces: Stir in hoisin sauce, soy sauce or tamari, rice vinegar, and optional sriracha for heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the flavors meld together.
- Finish and Season: Remove skillet from heat and fold in sliced green onions. Season with salt and black pepper according to taste.
- Serve: Spoon the savory chicken mixture into individual lettuce leaves, folding them like tacos, and serve immediately for the best crispness.
Notes
- These wraps can also be served over rice or noodles for a heartier meal.
- For a nutty twist, sprinkle with chopped peanuts or drizzle with peanut sauce.
- Leftovers keep well for 2–3 days in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 lettuce wraps
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
