Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Name: Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 6 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce; 3 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons water; 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger; 3 cloves garlic (minced); zest of 1 orange; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; pinch red pepper flakes; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground chicken; 2 medium carrots (finely chopped); 1 red bell pepper (finely chopped); 3 green onions (white and light green parts only, thinly sliced); ½ cup cashews (or peanuts); 16 leaves butter lettuce (or iceberg or romaine, for serving)

Posted on November 28, 2025

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These Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a delightful and healthy meal option that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner, preparing a quick weeknight meal, or looking for a light appetizer, these wraps deliver on flavor and nutrition. The combination of ground chicken, fresh veggies, and a tangy orange-ginger sauce creates an explosion of taste that makes these wraps stand out. Plus, they’re easy to assemble, allowing everyone to customize their wrap just the way they like it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights.
Flavorful Sauce: The orange-ginger sauce adds a unique zing that enhances the entire dish.
Customizable Ingredients: You can easily modify the veggies or nuts based on your preferences.
Healthy Option: Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, they’re nutritious without sacrificing taste.
Fun to Eat: Assemble your own wraps at the table for an interactive dining experience.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your chicken lettuce wraps, gather your essential kitchen tools. These will help streamline the cooking process and ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Large skillet
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Cutting board
Sharp knife

Why These Tools Matter

Large skillet: Allows for even cooking of the ground chicken and veggies.
Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining sauce ingredients before adding them to the skillet.
Whisk: Ensures a smooth sauce by thoroughly mixing all components together.

Ingredients

These chicken lettuce wraps are a light and healthy 30 minute meal that’s packed with flavor! They’re made with a tangy orange-ginger sauce, ground chicken, veggies and cashews or peanuts for crunch.

Ingredients:
– 6 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
– 3 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons water
– 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger
– 3 cloves garlic (minced)
– zest of 1 orange
– 2 teaspoons cornstarch
– pinch red pepper flakes
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 pound ground chicken
– 2 medium carrots (finely chopped)
– 1 red bell pepper (finely chopped)
– 3 green onions (white and light green parts only, thinly sliced)
– ½ cup cashews (or peanuts)
– 16 leaves butter lettuce (or iceberg or romaine, for serving)

How to Make Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk until fully combined and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken, crumbling it as it cooks. Allow it to brown for about five minutes.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

Once the chicken has browned, add the chopped carrots and red bell pepper to the skillet. Stir occasionally until both the chicken is cooked through and veggies are tender.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in the sliced green onions and cashews (or peanuts).

Step 5: Assemble Wraps

Transfer the chicken mixture into a serving bowl. Let each person assemble their own lettuce wraps at the table using butter lettuce leaves as cups. Enjoy!

How to Serve Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Chicken lettuce wraps are not only delicious but also fun to serve. These wraps allow everyone to customize their meal, making them perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners with friends.

Create a DIY Wrap Station

Lettuce Selection: Offer a variety of lettuce types such as butter, iceberg, and romaine to suit different tastes.
Condiment Bar: Include additional sauces like sriracha, hoisin sauce, or sesame dressing for an extra flavor boost.
Toppings Galore: Provide toppings like shredded carrots, chopped cilantro, or sliced cucumbers for added crunch and freshness.

Pair with Rice or Noodles

Steamed Rice: Serve alongside steamed jasmine or brown rice for a hearty addition.
Noodle Salad: A cold noodle salad can be a refreshing choice that complements the warm chicken mixture.

Make it a Meal

Soup Starter: Begin the meal with a light Asian-inspired soup, such as miso or hot and sour soup, to whet the appetite.
Fruit Platter: A colorful fruit platter can add a sweet touch and balance the savory flavors of the wraps.

How to Perfect Chicken Lettuce Wraps

To ensure your chicken lettuce wraps are always a hit, consider these tips that will elevate your dish each time you make it.

Bold Flavoring: Don’t skimp on seasoning! Ensure the sauce is well-balanced with sweetness and spice for maximum flavor.
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and herbs. Freshness enhances taste and adds vibrant colors to your wraps.
Proper Cooking Technique: Cook ground chicken until fully browned and no longer pink. This ensures food safety and optimal texture.
Customizable Crunch: Experiment with different nuts like peanuts or almonds for varying textures in your wraps.
Chill Before Serving: Allow the filling to cool slightly before serving. This helps prevent wilting in the lettuce leaves.
Batch Preparation: Make extra filling ahead of time. The mixture keeps well in the fridge for quick meals throughout the week.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Adding side dishes can enhance your meal experience with chicken lettuce wraps. Here are some suggestions that pair wonderfully with this dish.

Vegetable Spring Rolls: Light and crispy rolls filled with fresh veggies create a delightful contrast to the warm wraps.
Edamame: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt provides a healthy, protein-rich snack alongside your meal.
Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing offers a refreshing counterpart to the wraps.
Miso Soup: This traditional Japanese soup is light yet flavorful, complementing the main dish perfectly.
Cucumber Salad: Refreshing cucumber salad with vinegar dressing adds a cool element that balances out richer flavors.
Rice Paper Rolls: Filled with shrimp or veggies, these rolls provide another textural contrast while keeping things light and healthy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken Lettuce Wraps, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them:

Skipping the Sauce: Not preparing the sauce ahead can lead to bland wraps. Make sure to mix all sauce ingredients before cooking for maximum flavor.
Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking ground chicken too long can make it dry. Monitor closely, cooking until just browned and cooked through for juicy results.
Neglecting Fresh Veggies: Using old or wilted vegetables can ruin the dish’s freshness. Always use crisp, fresh veggies for the best taste and texture.
Using the Wrong Lettuce: Choosing lettuce that is too thick can make wrapping difficult. Opt for butter lettuce or Romaine for easy handling and perfect wraps.
Not Customizing Ingredients: Sticking strictly to the recipe can limit flavors. Feel free to add your favorite veggies or nuts to personalize your Chicken Lettuce Wraps.

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Chicken Lettuce Wraps will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Place cooled wraps in a freezer-safe container.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months; just remember to label them with the date.

Reheating Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover loosely. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until heated through.
Stovetop: Add a splash of water in a skillet over medium heat. Cover and steam lightly for about 5 minutes until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative that will still yield delicious Chicken Lettuce Wraps, just ensure it is cooked thoroughly.

What type of lettuce is best for wraps?

Butter lettuce is ideal due to its softness and flexibility, making it easier to wrap around the filling.

How do I make Chicken Lettuce Wraps gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Chicken Lettuce Wraps, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Absolutely! The filling can be made a day ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

These Chicken Lettuce Wraps offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures in every bite. They are not only quick and easy but also versatile—customize with your favorite vegetables or nuts! Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to impress your family and friends!