Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a fantastic way to enjoy a low-carb meal packed with flavor and nutrition. The combination of seasoned ground chicken, fresh vegetables, and a tangy sauce wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves makes for a refreshing and satisfying dish.

This recipe breaks down each step to ensure your wraps are a hit, whether you’re serving them for a casual dinner or a gathering with friends. The best part is how easily customizable they are—feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the sauce to your taste!

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Chop the Vegetables: Finely chop the garlic, ginger, green onions, bell pepper, mushrooms, carrot, and water chestnuts. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Lettuce: Gently separate the leaves of the lettuce head and rinse them under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels and set aside.
3. Make the Dipping Sauce (Optional): In a small mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and Sriracha. Mix well and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Filling

1. Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the Ground Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. Stir until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Incorporate Vegetables: Add the chopped green onion (white parts), bell pepper, mushrooms, and carrot to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Mix in Water Chestnuts: Add the chopped water chestnuts, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, and Sriracha (if using). Stir well to combine, allowing the mixture to cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
6. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the filling and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more soy sauce or Sriracha for extra flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Lettuce Wraps

1. Prepare Serving Station: Set out the lettuce leaves, the chicken filling, chopped peanuts or cashews, additional green onions, and cilantro on a serving platter.
2. Fill the Lettuce Leaves: To serve, take a lettuce leaf and spoon a portion of the chicken filling into the center.
3. Top with Garnishes: Add a sprinkle of chopped peanuts or cashews and green onions for added texture and flavor.
4. Wrap and Enjoy: Fold the lettuce leaf around the filling, creating a wrap, and enjoy it fresh!

Tips for Success

• Choosing the Right Lettuce: Iceberg lettuce is great for its crunch and ability to hold the filling. Butter lettuce is also a delicious option if you prefer a softer leaf.
• Customize the Filling: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, shredded cabbage, or bean sprouts. You can also substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Make it Spicy: Adjust the amount of Sriracha or chili sauce based on your spice preference. You can also top the wraps with sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.
• Prepare Ahead: You can prepare the chicken filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Appetizer or Main Course: These lettuce wraps can be served as a light appetizer or as a main course when paired with rice or noodles.
• Side Dishes: Serve with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or Asian-style coleslaw for a complete meal.
• Pair with Drinks: These wraps pair well with light beverages like iced tea, sparkling water, or even a light beer.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 250-300
• Protein: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 12-15g
• Fat: 15-18g
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Sugar: 3g

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)

Variations of Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps

These Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps are versatile and can be modified to suit your tastes. Here are some delicious variations to try:

1. Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

• Add Thai basil or cilantro to the chicken filling for a fragrant twist. Serve with a sweet chili sauce for dipping.

2. Mango Chicken Lettuce Wraps

• Incorporate diced ripe mango into the chicken mixture for a sweet and fruity flavor.

3. Spicy Korean Lettuce Wraps

• Use gochujang (Korean chili paste) in the filling for a spicy kick, and top with kimchi for added flavor.

4. Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps

• Substitute ground chicken with diced tofu or tempeh and add more vegetables for a hearty vegetarian option.

5. Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

• Use cooked shrimp instead of chicken, mixing in some lime juice and fresh herbs for a zesty flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftover Chicken Filling

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover chicken filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the filling in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Instructions

1. Microwave: Place the chicken filling in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
2. Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Conclusion

Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a delightful dish that brings together a medley of flavors and textures in every bite. With the savory chicken filling and fresh vegetables wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves, they make for a healthy and satisfying meal option.

This recipe provides step-by-step instructions to help you prepare these delicious wraps effortlessly. Feel free to customize the filling and dipping sauce to suit your taste preferences.

Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a quick and healthy dinner, these Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps are sure to impress everyone at the table. Enjoy the freshness, crunch, and explosion of flavors in each bite!

Yield: 4

Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

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Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a fantastic way to enjoy a low-carb meal packed with flavor and nutrition. The combination of seasoned ground chicken, fresh vegetables, and a tangy sauce wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves makes for a refreshing and satisfying dish.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken Filling:
• 1 pound ground chicken (or diced chicken breast)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or sesame oil)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped (red or yellow)
• 1 carrot, shredded
• 3 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
• ½ cup water chestnuts, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Sauce:
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
• For Serving:
• 1 head of iceberg or butter lettuce (for wrapping)
• Chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
• Lime wedges (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and cornstarch mixture (if using). Set aside.
   
2. Cook the Chicken:
   In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
   Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
   Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
   
3. Add Vegetables and Chicken:
   Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
   Stir in the chopped mushrooms, bell pepper, carrot, water chestnuts, and the white parts of the green onions. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
   
4. Combine with Sauce:
   Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through. If you want a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer for an additional minute.
   
5. Prepare the Lettuce Wraps:
   While the filling is cooking, separate the lettuce leaves carefully. Rinse and pat them dry with a paper towel.
   
6. Assemble and Serve:
   To serve, spoon the chicken mixture into the center of a lettuce leaf.
   Garnish with the green parts of the green onions and cilantro, if desired.
   Squeeze a little lime juice over the top for extra flavor.
   Wrap the lettuce around the filling and enjoy!

Notes

• Customization: Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite vegetables, such as shredded cabbage, zucchini, or snap peas.
• Spice it Up: If you enjoy some heat, add a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Make-Ahead: The chicken filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat before serving.