These Chicken Lettuce Wraps are fresh, fast, and bursting with bold flavor. Made with tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a savory-sweet Asian-inspired sauce, they’re a healthy dinner or appetizer that’s low-carb, high-protein, and ready in under 25 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These lettuce wraps strike the perfect balance between health and flavor. They’re light but filling, with lean protein and crunchy vegetables wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves. The sauce adds rich umami and just the right amount of sweetness and spice. Ready in minutes and easy to customize, they’re ideal for quick weeknight meals, appetizers, or even meal prep. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free with a simple substitution.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Filling:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup water chestnuts, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sriracha (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp honey or brown sugar
To Serve:
- Butter lettuce or romaine leaves
- Extra green onions, sesame seeds (optional)
Directions
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha (if using), and honey. Set aside.
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the sesame oil. Add the diced chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until fragrant and the onion is softened.
- Add water chestnuts and sauce: Stir in the chopped water chestnuts and pour in the sauce mixture. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is bubbly and thickened.
- Serve: Spoon the hot chicken mixture into washed and dried lettuce leaves. Garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.
Servings and timing
Servings: Serves 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: 22–25 minutes
Variations
- Ground Meat Option: Use ground chicken or turkey for faster prep and even cooking.
- Add Veggies: Stir in diced mushrooms, shredded carrots, or bell peppers for more nutrition and crunch.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free hoisin and tamari in place of regular soy sauce.
- Lettuce Alternatives: Use iceberg lettuce or cabbage leaves if butter lettuce is unavailable.
- Low-Sugar Option: Omit the honey or replace it with a sugar-free alternative.
Storage/Reheating
Store the chicken filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Store lettuce leaves separately in a sealed container lined with paper towels to keep them crisp. Assemble wraps just before serving to maintain texture.
FAQs
What type of lettuce is best for wraps?
Butter lettuce is ideal because of its tender texture and cup-like shape, but romaine or iceberg also work well.
Can I use ground chicken instead of diced?
Yes, ground chicken or turkey makes a great substitution and can save time in preparation.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from sriracha, which is optional. Adjust the amount to your spice preference or omit it entirely.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the filling in advance and store it separately from the lettuce. Reheat before serving.
Are these wraps gluten-free?
They can be made gluten-free by using tamari and a certified gluten-free hoisin sauce.
How do I keep lettuce leaves crisp?
Store them in the fridge in a container lined with dry paper towels and do not wash until ready to serve.
What can I substitute for water chestnuts?
Diced celery or chopped jicama offers a similar crunch if water chestnuts are unavailable.
Can I freeze the chicken filling?
Yes, the filling freezes well. Cool completely, store in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Can I add rice or noodles to this dish?
For a more filling meal, serve the chicken mixture over steamed rice or vermicelli noodles.
What sauces go well as toppings?
In addition to sesame seeds and green onions, try a drizzle of spicy mayo, peanut sauce, or extra hoisin.
Conclusion
Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Asian Sauce are a quick, nourishing, and flavorful option for dinner or entertaining. Packed with protein and customizable to fit various diets, these wraps prove that healthy eating can be just as delicious as it is simple. Whether served as a light entrée or shared as a party appetizer, they’re sure to become a repeat favorite.
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Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Asian Sauce
These Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a fresh, flavorful, and healthy meal made with tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a bold Asian-inspired sauce. They’re quick to prepare, low-carb, high-protein, and perfect as a dinner or appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients
- For the Filling:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup water chestnuts, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sriracha (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp honey or brown sugar
- To Serve:
- Butter lettuce or romaine leaves
- Extra green onions, sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha (if using), and honey. Set aside.
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until browned, about 5–6 minutes.
- Add garlic, ginger, and chopped onion. Sauté for another 2–3 minutes until fragrant and soft.
- Stir in chopped water chestnuts and prepared sauce. Cook for 2–3 more minutes until sauce is bubbly and slightly thickened.
- Scoop warm filling into lettuce cups and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Use ground chicken or turkey for a quicker prep option.
- Mix in diced mushrooms or shredded carrots for added texture and nutrients.
- Ideal for meal prep—store filling and lettuce separately for freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg