Name: Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-492162H47M11S
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground chicken; 4 ounces mushrooms chopped; 1/2 cup matchstick carrots; 1/2 cup water chestnuts chopped; 2 teaspoons fresh ginger grated; 3 cloves garlic minced; 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 2 green onions thinly sliced; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe · Leave a Review

Chicken lettuce wraps are a delightful combination of juicy, savory chicken mingling with crisp vegetables all wrapped up in cool, refreshing lettuce leaves. They’re light yet satisfying, making them perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a snack. What’s more, the vibrant flavors and textures create an experience that reminds you of your favorite Asian bistro but can easily be crafted at home.

Pin this for later!

I vividly remember the first time I tried chicken lettuce wraps at a nearby restaurant. I was enchanted by the contrast between the tender chicken filling and the crunch of fresh lettuce, all dipped in a savory sauce that tied it all together. This recipe offers a simple and budget-friendly way to replicate that charming dish in your own kitchen, perfect for casual gatherings or a cozy night in. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these easy-to-make chicken lettuce wraps!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whipped up in just 10 minutes, these wraps are the perfect weeknight meal.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of ginger, garlic, and hoisin sauce creates an incredibly fragrant and savory filling.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The fresh, green lettuce cups make the dish visually appealing, elevating any meal occasion.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for lunch, appetizers, or a light dinner that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free, and can easily be made low-carb by swapping out the filling.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 tablespoon olive oil: A staple for sautéing that adds flavor and helps in cooking the chicken.
1 pound ground chicken: This is the heart of the meal, giving the wraps their protein-packed punch. You can substitute with turkey or even plant-based ground meat for a healthier or vegetarian option.
4 ounces mushrooms, chopped: They add a rich umami flavor and a meaty texture to the filling.
1/2 cup matchstick carrots: For a touch of sweetness and crunch, they bring color and freshness.
1/2 cup water chestnuts, chopped: These add a delightful crunch and a subtle sweetness that balances the savory filling.
2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated: Essential for adding warmth and zest to the dish.
3 cloves garlic, minced: A must-have for aromatic flavor, enhancing the dish with its savory essence.
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce: This sweet and tangy sauce brings the whole filling together beautifully.
3 tablespoons soy sauce: Offers depth and saltiness—be sure to use low-sodium for a lighter option.
2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce: A kick of heat that contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness of hoisin.
2 teaspoons sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma that rounds out the flavor profile.
2 green onions, thinly sliced: These provide a fresh bite and add a pop of color.
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds: For garnish, they add a touch of elegance and crunch.

How to Make Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Sauté the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes, crumbling as you go. The chicken won’t be fully cooked yet, but that’s okay.
Add Vegetables: Toss in 4 ounces of chopped mushrooms, 1/2 cup of chopped water chestnuts, 1/2 cup of matchstick carrots, 2 teaspoons of grated fresh ginger, and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender-crisp.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of hoisin sauce, 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of chili garlic sauce, and 2 teaspoons of sesame oil until well combined.
Combine and Cook: Pour the sauce over the chicken mixture and stir well. Cook over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes until everything is nicely coated with the sauce and heated through.
Assemble and Serve: Spoon the filling into fresh lettuce cups. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Feel free to drizzle additional sauce on top for extra flavor before enjoying!

Storing & Reheating

To store chicken lettuce wraps, keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you happen to have leftover filling, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. The lettuce wraps will lose some of their crispness in refrigeration, so consider freshening them up with a dash of sauce for an extra flavor boost.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be careful not to overcook the chicken at the start; you want it just crumbling and lightly browned to maintain juiciness.
Chop your vegetables uniformly for even cooking and a pleasant texture.
Adjust the level of chili garlic sauce to suit your taste; balance the heat with additional hoisin if needed.
Lettuce can wilt if prepared too far in advance. Assemble closer to serving time for the best crispness.

The beauty of chicken lettuce wraps lies in their versatility and the ease of making them. For those who love experimentation, consider adding different vegetables or proteins to the mix. You can even switch up the sauces, using teriyaki or sriracha for varied flavor profiles.

Adding these chicken lettuce wraps to your meal rotation provides a quick, satisfying option that doesn’t compromise on taste. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share them with those you love!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make chicken lettuce wraps ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just remember to assemble the wraps right before serving to maintain the crispness of the lettuce.

What type of lettuce is best for wraps?

Butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce works wonders for wraps because they are sturdy and have a nice curve, making them easy to hold and bite into. Plus, they add a refreshing crunch!

Can I substitute other proteins in this recipe?

Definitely! Ground turkey, beef, or even tofu work great in this recipe. Aim for similar cooking times, and adjust seasoning as needed to ensure it’s flavorful.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

You can easily replace ground chicken with plant-based ground meat or finely chopped mushrooms and nutrient-rich vegetables. Increase the flavors with extra ginger, garlic, and hoisin sauce for an umami punch!

More Dinner Recipes

Sesame Ground Chicken

👉 If you make my Chicken Lettuce Wraps recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating — it really helps others discover the recipe.
Follow me on Pinterest for more easy recipes.