Spicy Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe That Kids Love

Bursting with fresh flavors, these zesty chicken lettuce wraps will revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine.

Crisp lettuce leaves cradle a mouthwatering chicken filling that dances with Asian-inspired seasonings.

Tender, juicy chicken combines with a vibrant blend of aromatics and spices.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of protein and crunch.

The recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy households.

Packed with nutrition and irresistible taste, these wraps promise to become a new family favorite.

You’ll want to keep this simple yet spectacular dish in your regular meal rotation.

Ingredients to Make Chicken Lettuce Wraps

• Ground Chicken: A lean protein that forms the base of the filling and provides a hearty texture to the dish.

• Hoisin Sauce, Soy Sauce, Rice Wine Vinegar, Sesame Oil, Cornstarch: A flavorful and slightly thickening mixture that coats the filling with a rich, tangy Asian-inspired sauce.

• Water Chestnuts, Bell Pepper, Garlic, Ginger, Onion: A combination of crunchy and aromatic vegetables that add texture, depth, and complexity to the chicken filling.

• Romaine Lettuce Leaves: A fresh, crisp wrapper that provides a light and healthy alternative to traditional tortillas or bread.

• Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil used to prevent sticking and help cook the chicken and vegetables evenly.

How to Build Tasty Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Whip Up The Flavorful Sauce

In a small bowl, blend hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch until smoothly combined.

The cornstarch creates a perfect clingy texture that elevates the entire dish.

Step 2: Sizzle The Chicken

Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.

Toss in ground chicken and break it apart with a spatula.

Stir-fry until the meat turns completely white and loses its raw appearance.

If the chicken starts sticking, splash a bit of water to keep things moving.

Step 3: Introduce Colorful Vegetables

• Diced water chestnuts
• Chopped bell pepper
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Diced onion

Stir-fry the vegetables until they’re tender yet maintain a slight crunch.

For deeper caramelization, let the onions cook an extra minute.

Step 4: Coat With Magical Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture.

Stir thoroughly to ensure even coating.

Allow the mixture to simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and creates a glossy finish.

Step 5: Create Delicious Lettuce Wraps

Scoop the hot filling into crisp romaine lettuce leaves.

Serve immediately for the best taste and texture experience.

Smart Tips for Chicken Lettuce Wraps

• Add cornstarch to the sauce to create a perfect clingy texture that ensures every bite is flavor-packed and evenly coated.
• Use a splash of water when ground chicken starts sticking to the pan, helping release the meat without adding extra oil and maintaining a clean cooking surface.
• Stir-fry vegetables briefly to maintain their tender-crisp texture, ensuring they retain a delightful bite and don't become mushy or overcooked.
• Assemble lettuce wraps immediately after cooking, serving hot filling in crisp lettuce leaves to maximize flavor and texture contrast.
• Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes to achieve the ideal glossy consistency that beautifully coats the chicken and vegetables.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Chicken Wraps

• Store leftover filling in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain texture.
• Transfer chicken mixture to freezer-safe containers, leaving small space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place filling in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Warm filling in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of water or extra sauce to restore moisture. Stir gently until heated thoroughly, about 3-4 minutes. Avoid overcooking to keep chicken tender.

What Goes with Lettuce Wraps

• Refresh with Crisp Riesling: Select a chilled, slightly sweet German Riesling that balances the savory chicken with its bright acidity and fruity undertones, cutting through the rich hoisin sauce.
• Complement with Asian Slaw: Prepare a tangy coleslaw with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and julienned carrots to add crunch and provide a cool contrast to the warm chicken filling.
• Match with Jasmine Rice: Serve steamed jasmine rice on the side to soak up extra sauce and provide a neutral base that enhances the lettuce wrap's complex flavors.
• Enhance with Pickled Vegetables: Add quick-pickled cucumber or radish slices to introduce a zesty, acidic element that cleanses the palate between bites of the rich chicken mixture.

Fun Variations for Chicken Lettuce Wraps

• Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps: Replace ground chicken with crumbled extra-firm tofu or plant-based ground meat. Season with additional soy sauce and garlic for robust flavor.
• Low-Carb Asian Wraps: Swap romaine lettuce with butter lettuce or large cabbage leaves. Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative.
• Spicy Asian Chicken Wraps: Add sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the mixture. Incorporate diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat.
• Protein-Packed Version: Mix ground chicken with quinoa or finely chopped mushrooms to increase nutritional value. Top with crushed peanuts or cashews for added crunch and protein.

FAQs

• Is hoisin sauce spicy?

Hoisin sauce is not typically spicy. It’s a sweet and savory sauce with a rich, slightly tangy flavor that adds depth to Asian-inspired dishes.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute for chicken in this recipe. It has a similar texture and will absorb the sauce flavors just as well.

• What can I do if I don't have water chestnuts?

If you can’t find water chestnuts, try using diced jicama or chopped celery as a replacement. These alternatives will provide a similar crisp texture to the filling.

• How do I prevent the lettuce from getting soggy?

Choose crisp, fresh romaine lettuce leaves and serve the filling immediately after cooking. Pat the lettuce dry before filling to help maintain its crispness and prevent excess moisture.

Why These Chicken Lettuce Wraps Work So Well

• Lean ground chicken combined with crisp vegetables creates a nutritious meal that satisfies hunger without weighing you down.
• Easily adjust spice levels, swap vegetables, or experiment with different sauces to match your taste preferences and keep dinner exciting.
• Interactive eating experience where everyone can build their own lettuce wraps, making mealtime playful and engaging for all ages.

Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 16 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy chicken lettuce wraps deliver a symphony of Asian-inspired flavors dancing across your palate. Fresh ingredients and zesty seasonings combine to create a light, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 g) ground chicken

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 8 ounces (226 g) water chestnuts (diced)
• 1 small bell pepper (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) ginger (chopped)
• 1 small onion (finely diced)
• 1 head romaine (8 large leaves)

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
• 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty sauce by whisking hoisin, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth. Cornstarch ensures the sauce clings perfectly to the filling, creating an ideal texture.
2. Warm a non-stick skillet over medium heat with oil. Introduce ground chicken, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the meat loses its pink color, using a splash of water if the chicken begins to stick.
3. Relocate the chicken to one side of the pan and add water chestnuts, bell pepper, garlic, ginger, and onion. Sauté the vegetables for 3-4 minutes, maintaining a slight crunch. Allow onions extra time for caramelization if desired.
4. Drench the chicken and vegetable mixture with prepared sauce, stirring thoroughly to ensure even coating. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and develops a glossy appearance.
5. Transfer the sizzling filling into crisp romaine lettuce leaves. Serve immediately to preserve the warmth of the filling and the freshness of the lettuce wraps.

Notes

• Add cornstarch to the sauce for a perfect clingy texture that ensures every bite is flavorful and well-coated.
• Break up ground chicken quickly using a spatula to prevent clumping and ensure even cooking throughout the skillet.
• Feel free to swap water chestnuts with chopped mushrooms or swap bell peppers with carrots for a personalized touch while maintaining the dish’s crunch factor.
• Replace ground chicken with tofu or plant-based ground meat for vegetarian/vegan versions, ensuring the same delicious flavor profile remains intact.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 570 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg