Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps are the perfect fusion of savory, sweet, and crunchy. This dish is light yet satisfying, making it an ideal option for those who want a meal that’s healthy, flavorful, and simple to prepare. Imagine juicy teriyaki chicken, perfectly seasoned, nestled in crisp lettuce leaves, and topped with fresh vegetables and your favorite garnishes. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences, and the best part is that it only takes a short amount of time to prepare!

In this recipe, we’ll explore how to make Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps from scratch, including homemade teriyaki sauce, tips for cooking the chicken to perfection, and suggestions for toppings and side dishes. Let’s dive in!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce

Making your own teriyaki sauce gives you control over the flavors and ingredients. Here’s how you can make a quick, homemade sauce.

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, mix the soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, sesame oil, and water.
2. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Add Cornstarch Slurry: To thicken the sauce, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to form a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the saucepan while whisking continuously. The sauce will thicken as it heats.
4. Finish the Sauce: Cook for an additional 2 minutes, then remove the sauce from heat. Stir in sesame seeds and chili flakes (if using). Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add Chicken: Add the ground chicken (or finely chopped chicken breast) to the skillet. Break up the meat with a spatula and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
4. Stir in Onion and Water Chestnuts: Add the chopped onions and water chestnuts to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and soft.
5. Season: Season the chicken mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Add Teriyaki Sauce: Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the chicken mixture. Stir well to coat all the chicken and vegetables in the sauce. Allow it to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 3: Prepare the Lettuce Wraps

1. Wash the Lettuce: Gently wash and pat dry the butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce leaves. Make sure they are large enough to hold the chicken filling.
2. Prepare Vegetables: Shred the carrot, thinly slice the cucumber, and prepare any other vegetables you’d like to use for the filling. These will add freshness and crunch to the wraps.
3. Set Up the Wrap Station: Arrange the lettuce leaves on a large platter, along with the prepared vegetables and garnishes like cilantro, green onions, and lime wedges.

Step 4: Assemble the Lettuce Wraps

1. Add Chicken Filling: Spoon a generous portion of the teriyaki chicken mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf.
2. Top with Vegetables: Add a handful of shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, and any other vegetables you’re using.
3. Garnish: Sprinkle chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, and additional sesame seeds on top of the chicken filling.
4. Serve with Lime: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the wraps for an added burst of flavor.

Tips for Making the Best Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: The key to flavorful lettuce wraps is using fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic, ginger, and lime juice will make a noticeable difference in the taste of the dish.
2. Customize Your Wraps: These wraps are highly customizable. You can switch up the protein by using ground turkey, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
3. Don’t Overfill the Lettuce Leaves: When assembling the wraps, avoid overloading the lettuce leaves with too much filling. This will make the wraps easier to eat and less messy.
4. Add Crunch: Water chestnuts, shredded cabbage, and cucumbers add texture to the wraps. For even more crunch, try topping the wraps with toasted peanuts or cashews.
5. Balance the Sweet and Savory: Teriyaki sauce is typically sweet and savory, but if you prefer a sauce that’s less sweet, reduce the amount of honey or sugar, or increase the soy sauce for more umami.
6. Spice it Up: If you enjoy heat, don’t be shy about adding chili flakes to the sauce or topping the wraps with a drizzle of sriracha or spicy mayo.

Serving Suggestions

Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a light and refreshing main dish, but they also pair well with a variety of sides to create a more filling meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve alongside the wraps:

1. Steamed Rice: A small bowl of jasmine or brown rice is a great accompaniment to balance out the savory flavors of the wraps.
2. Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing can be the perfect side dish.
3. Edamame: Steamed edamame with a sprinkle of sea salt adds a simple and nutritious side.
4. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup is a great way to round out a light meal of lettuce wraps.
5. Fruit Salad: For a sweet contrast to the savory wraps, serve a fresh fruit salad with seasonal fruits like mango, pineapple, or watermelon.

Storing Leftovers

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover teriyaki chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate to prevent them from wilting.
2. Freezing: The teriyaki chicken filling can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
3. Reheating: To reheat the chicken, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Conclusion

Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make meal that’s sure to impress. The balance of sweet and savory teriyaki chicken paired with crisp lettuce and fresh vegetables creates a dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or even meal prep, these wraps are versatile enough to fit into any occasion.

Enjoy the burst of flavors and textures in every bite, and feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite toppings and sides. Whether you’re serving it as a light main course or alongside other dishes, these lettuce wraps are bound to be a crowd-pleaser.

Yield: 4

Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

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Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps are the perfect fusion of savory, sweet, and crunchy. This dish is light yet satisfying, making it an ideal option for those who want a meal that’s healthy, flavorful, and simple to prepare. Imagine juicy teriyaki chicken, perfectly seasoned, nestled in crisp lettuce leaves, and topped with fresh vegetables and your favorite garnishes. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences, and the best part is that it only takes a short amount of time to prepare!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Teriyaki Chicken:
• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• For the Wraps:
• 1 head of butter lettuce or romaine lettuce, leaves separated
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup diced cucumbers
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (optional)
• Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink inside.

2. Make the Teriyaki Sauce:

• While the chicken is cooking, in a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic.
• Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked chicken in the skillet and bring it to a simmer.

3. Thicken the Sauce:

• Stir the cornstarch and water mixture into the simmering teriyaki sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken well.

4. Assemble the Lettuce Wraps:

• To serve, place the lettuce leaves on a plate. Spoon some of the teriyaki chicken mixture into the center of each leaf.
• Top the chicken with shredded carrots, diced cucumbers, chopped red bell peppers, and fresh cilantro if desired.

5. Garnish and Serve:

• Garnish the wraps with green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor.
• Serve the wraps immediately and enjoy!

Notes

• Lettuce Options: Butter lettuce is great for wraps because of its soft texture, but you can also use romaine or iceberg lettuce for a crunchier texture.
• Meal Prep Tip: You can make the teriyaki chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving in the lettuce wraps.
• Customize the Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, or even rice to make these wraps heartier.