Chicken lettuce wraps are fresh, tasty and simple to make. They are light but still full of flavor and work well for lunch dinner or even as a quick snack.
You can make them in one pan with basic ingredients. The crisp lettuce and warm chicken filling make a great mix that everyone enjoys. This step by step chicken lettuce wraps recipe will help you make a tasty and fresh meal at home with ease.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Takes Almost No Time: From chopping to eating, this whole thing takes 20 minutes. Perfect for those crazy weeknights.
Good for the Body: Low carbs, high protein. Fills up the belly without that heavy, sluggish feeling after.
Beats Takeout Every Time: Lots of people say this tastes better than P.F. Chang’s. Save some cash and know what’s actually in the food.
Make It However: If you prefer mild flavors you can skip the spice. If you enjoy extra vegetables, you can add plenty. This recipe is easy to adjust and fits your taste.
Light on Calories: Each wrap has only 150-200 calories. Way less than most restaurant versions. Chicken lettuce wraps calories stay low while taste stays high.
Works for Picky Eaters: These wraps fit most diets. Already gluten-free. Also, it is easy to make dairy-free.
Step-by-Step Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Ingredients You Will Need
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Ground chicken | 1 pound |
| Butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce | 1 head |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Fresh ginger (minced) | 1 tablespoon |
| Water chestnuts (diced) | 1 can (8 oz) |
| Green onions (chopped) | 4 stalks |
| Soy sauce | 3 tablespoons |
| Hoisin sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Rice vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Sesame oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Sriracha (optional) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
For Serving:
- Extra green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Lime wedges
Easy Steps of Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Lettuce and Toppings
Gently wash the leaves of the lettuce and dry them by patting to prevent them from becoming soft. Put them in the fridge and prepare the filling. Peel the green onions and peanuts, and save them.
Step 2: Heat the Pan
Put a big pan on medium heat and pour in the vegetable oil. Let it warm up for a short time so the chicken cooks evenly.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Put the ground chicken into the pan and chop it into small bits using a spatula. Bake until the meat becomes light brown with no pink. Bake frequently to make it cook evenly and develop flavor.
Step 4: Add Aromatics
Push the chicken to one side of the pan and add in the sesame oil. Add the chopped ginger, onion, and garlic. Cook several minutes, till the onion is tender and all smells good.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
Combine soy, hoisin, brown sugar and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Add a little water or broth and stir well. Sauce the chicken and stir until the filling is covered.
Step 6: Simmer and Thicken
Reduce the heat, and allow the filling to simmer several minutes. The sauce will become sticky and thick to the chicken. Try it and sprinkle it with salt, pepper, or chili flakes, in case you desire a little more flavor.
Step 7: Finish and Assemble
Turn off the heat and mix in the chopped green onions. Fill each lettuce leaf with some filling and some peanuts or cashews to add some crunch.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Prepare the wraps in a platter and place the extra sauce and wedges of lime on the side. Eat them when the filling is hot and the lettuce is fresh.
Read Also: American Chop Suey Recipe – A Classic Comfort Food Favorite
Tips for Perfect Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Use fresh, crisp lettuce. Butter or iceberg works best.
- Do not overfill the leaves. Two tablespoons of filling keep wraps neat.
- For a deeper flavor, brown the chicken well. Maillard browning adds taste.
- If your kitchen is small, use a single wide pan and a cutting board that fits over the sink.
- Make the filling ahead and keep the lettuce cold. Fill right before serving to avoid soggy leaves.
- Swap hoisin for a mix of hoisin and peanut butter for a richer sauce.
- To make it spicy, add sriracha or chopped fresh chilli.
- To cut calories, use low oil and skip peanuts.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken?
Finely chop or mince cooked chicken breast. Use the same sauce and warm it in the pan.
How does the lettuce stay crispy?
Wash it, dry it, wrap it in damp paper towels, and keep it in the fridge. Don’t build wraps until ready to eat.
Can this be made ahead?
Cook the filling up to 2 days early. Keep it covered in the fridge. Warm it up before serving.
How long do the wraps last?
A. Keep filling in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep lettuce separate and add only when ready to eat.
Conclusion
This chicken lettuce wraps recipe is quick, easy and full of fresh flavor. It suits busy nights or small kitchens. The steps are simple and clear. You can change toppings and heat to match your taste.
Try it once and tweak the sauce until it feels perfect for you. If you liked this recipe, please share it or leave a comment. Enjoy your fresh, tasty wraps.
For more information about recipes or catering, visit Modern Food Catering.
