A Healthy, Flavor-Packed Meal for Any Occasion
Chicken lettuce wraps are the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and freshness. Whether you’re looking for a light meal, an appetizer for a gathering, or a quick and nutritious lunch, this recipe is for you. Packed with protein, crunchy vegetables, and a savory-sweet-spicy sauce, these wraps will quickly become a household favorite.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile, allowing for substitutions and adjustments to cater to different dietary needs. Plus, with the spicy dipping sauce on the side, you can control the heat level to your liking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy & Nutritious – Low in carbs, high in protein, and packed with veggies.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in about 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Customizable – Adjust the spice level, swap out proteins, or make it vegetarian.
- Great for Meal Prep – The filling can be made ahead and stored for easy meals throughout the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Spicy Dipping Sauce
- 1/8 cup chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon chili sauce (sriracha)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Lettuce Wrap Filling
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/4 cup yellow or white onion, minced
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1/2 cup diced water chestnuts (drained, 4-ounce can)
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons ginger, grated
- 3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon peanut butter
- 1/2 teaspoon oyster sauce
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 head Boston lettuce or iceberg lettuce
- 3 tablespoons green onions, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Spicy Dipping Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix together all the dipping sauce ingredients.
- Stir until well combined and place in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the wraps.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Filling
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the avocado oil, ground chicken, and minced onion.
- Stir and cook for about 3 minutes until the chicken starts to brown.
- Add diced water chestnuts, red and green bell peppers, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
- Continue to cook for 4-6 more minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables soften slightly.
Step 3: Create the Flavorful Sauce
- Pour in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, peanut butter, oyster sauce, white pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir everything together and let cook for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and coat the mixture evenly.
Step 4: Assemble & Serve
- Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
- Spoon the chicken mixture into lettuce leaves. For extra durability, double or triple up on the leaves.
- Top with chopped green onions.
- Serve immediately with the spicy dipping sauce on the side.
Tips & Variations
- Protein Swap – Substitute ground turkey, pork, or tofu for a different take.
- Nut-Free Option – Omit the peanut butter or replace it with sunflower butter.
- Extra Crunch – Add shredded carrots or chopped peanuts for more texture.
- Make It a Bowl – Serve over steamed rice or cauliflower rice instead of using lettuce wraps.
Storage & Meal Prep
- Refrigeration: Store the chicken mixture in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: The filling can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet before serving.
- Reheating: Warm up in a pan over medium heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Assembly Tip: Store lettuce separately to maintain crispness.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or wok
- Mixing bowls
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Wooden spoon or spatula
What to Serve with Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Pair these wraps with complementary sides and drinks to round out your meal:
- Side Dishes: Steamed edamame, miso soup, or a cucumber salad.
- Drinks: Green tea, sake, or a refreshing cucumber-mint water.
FAQ
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the ground chicken for crumbled tofu, tempeh, or finely chopped mushrooms.
What’s the best type of lettuce to use?
Boston lettuce and iceberg lettuce work best due to their sturdy yet flexible leaves.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! The chicken mixture can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
How do I make this recipe spicier?
Increase the sriracha in the dipping sauce or add more red pepper flakes to the filling.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! This recipe scales easily. Just double the ingredients and cook in batches if needed.
Try It & Share!
We hope you love these chicken lettuce wraps as much as we do! If you try this recipe, share your photos on social media and tag us. Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes!
Happy cooking!
