Get ready for a weeknight dinner that feels both incredibly fresh and deeply satisfying. This recipe delivers tender, savory chicken tucked into crisp, cool lettuce cups, all brought together with a vibrant, flavorful sauce. It’s a meal that’s bursting with texture and taste, perfect for when you crave something light yet filling without spending hours in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the Flavorful Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, finely minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Chicken Wraps:
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 lb lean ground chicken or finely diced chicken breast
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 (8 oz) can whole water chestnuts, drained and finely chopped
- 1 large head Butter lettuce or Iceberg lettuce, leaves separated, washed, and dried
- 2 medium carrots, shredded or julienned for garnish
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
Instructions:
- Mix the Sauce:Â In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the sauce: the soy sauce, hoisin, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, minced ginger, and garlic. Set it aside so the flavors have a moment to meld.
- Prepare Your Station:Â While you have your cutting board out, make sure your lettuce leaves are separated and patted dry, and your carrots and green onions are prepped for garnish. This makes assembly quick and easy later.
- Sauté the Onion: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it begins to soften and become translucent.
- Cook the Chicken:Â Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s cooked through and no longer pink.
- Combine and Simmer:Â Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked chicken and add the chopped water chestnuts. Stir everything together to coat the chicken evenly. Let the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and cling to the chicken.
- Assemble and Serve:Â Spoon the warm chicken filling into the crisp lettuce cups. Be generous! Top with a sprinkle of shredded carrots and sliced green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful contrast of warm filling and cool, crisp lettuce.
Recipe Notes:
- Best Lettuce for Wraps:Â Butter lettuce is fantastic for its soft, cup-like shape and pliable texture. For an incredible crunch, Iceberg lettuce is a classic and sturdy choice.
- Protein Variations:Â This recipe works beautifully with lean ground turkey or pork. For a plant-based version, use crumbled firm tofu or finely chopped mushrooms.
- Add Some Heat:Â If you like a little spice, feel free to add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
- Meal Prep Tip:Â The chicken filling is perfect for making ahead! Cook it as directed and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the filling just before serving.
- Storage:Â Store leftover chicken filling and lettuce leaves in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the lettuce from becoming soggy.
There you have it – an incredibly fresh, flavorful, and fast meal that’s perfect for any night of the week! This Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps recipe will quickly become a favorite for its simplicity and restaurant-quality taste. We hope you enjoy this wonderfully light and satisfying dish! Happy cooking!
Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving, using ground chicken and butter lettuce)
Calories:Â 345;Â Protein:Â 32g;Â Carbohydrates:Â 22g;Â Fat:Â 14g;Â Fiber:Â 4g;Â Sugar:Â 13g;Â Sodium:Â 650mg
Disclaimer:Â Nutritional information is estimated and can vary depending on specific ingredients, brands, and serving sizes used. This information is provided for guidance only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or nutritional advice.
