Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Introduction

These Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ground chicken is cooked with aromatic ginger and garlic, tossed with crunchy water chestnuts, and wrapped in crisp butter lettuce for a light and satisfying dish.

This image shows three lettuce wraps placed on a white plate with a dark texture, sitting on a white marbled surface. Each wrap has a fresh, bright green large lettuce leaf as the base layer, cradling a layer of small, cooked chicken pieces coated in a shiny, rich brown sauce. On top of the chicken, chopped green onions add a pop of lighter green color, mixed with small bits of peanuts, adding crunch and texture. The wraps have a fresh, vibrant look with a crisp and glossy finish on the lettuce and chicken layers. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 12 butter lettuce leaves, rinsed and patted dry
  • 3 green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 cup water chestnuts, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Finely chop the garlic, ginger, green onions, and water chestnuts. Rinse the lettuce leaves under cold water and gently pat them dry to keep them crisp.
  2. Step 2: Heat a drizzle of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until no longer pink and slightly browned.
  3. Step 3: Stir in the garlic, ginger, and green onions. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly.
  5. Step 5: Fold in the chopped water chestnuts carefully, preserving their crisp texture to avoid sogginess.
  6. Step 6: Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into the center of each butter lettuce leaf. Wrap like a handheld taco and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, add a splash of toasted sesame oil right before serving.
  • Use iceberg lettuce if butter lettuce is unavailable for a crunchier wrap.
  • Add chopped fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for a fresh twist.
  • Substitute ground turkey or finely chopped mushrooms for a different protein option.
  • Serve with a side of steamed rice or noodles to make it a more filling meal.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate to prevent wilting. Reheat the chicken filling in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Assemble wraps just before serving for best texture.

How to Serve

The image shows three lettuce wraps placed on a white plate sitting on a white marbled surface. Each wrap has a large green lettuce leaf as the base layer, holding small chunks of cooked chicken covered in a shiny brown sauce. On top of the chicken, green chopped scallions are scattered, along with some small peanuts, adding texture and color contrast. The lettuce leaves have visible veins and slightly curled edges, while the chicken pieces are glossy and tender-looking. The overall composition is neat, fresh, and vibrant. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these lettuce wraps gluten-free?

Yes, use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce and make sure the hoisin sauce you select is gluten-free.

What can I use instead of water chestnuts?

If water chestnuts aren’t available, finely chopped jicama or celery can add a similar crunch to the wraps.

Print

Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

These Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a quick and flavorful appetizer or light meal featuring ground chicken cooked with garlic, ginger, and green onions, then tossed with soy sauce, hoisin, and crunchy water chestnuts. Served in crisp butter lettuce leaves, they offer a refreshing, low-carb alternative perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

  • Author: luca
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Mixture

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 3 green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 cup water chestnuts, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Wraps

  • 12 butter lettuce leaves, rinsed and patted dry

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Finely chop the garlic, ginger, green onions, and water chestnuts. Rinse lettuce leaves under cold water and gently pat dry to keep them crisp.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a drizzle of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until no longer pink and slightly browned.
  3. Add Aromatics and Sauces: Stir in garlic, ginger, and green onions; cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then add soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly.
  4. Mix in Crunchy Water Chestnuts: Fold in the chopped water chestnuts carefully, preserving their crisp texture and preventing sogginess.
  5. Assemble the Wraps: Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into the center of each butter lettuce leaf. Wrap like a handheld taco and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
  • Butter lettuce is recommended for its soft, pliable leaves that wrap easily.
  • These wraps are best served fresh to maintain lettuce crispness.
  • To make ahead, prepare the chicken mixture and store separately from the lettuce leaves in the refrigerator.

Keywords: Asian chicken lettuce wraps, ground chicken recipe, healthy lettuce wraps, low carb chicken wraps, quick Asian appetizer

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