If you are looking for something fresh, flavorful, and fun to eat, this Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful medley of savory ground chicken mixed with a vibrant sauce and crunchy vegetables, all wrapped in crisp, cool bibb lettuce leaves. This dish offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes, from the tender mushrooms and water chestnuts to the subtle sweetness and zing of the sauce. Whether you’re after a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these wraps bring together all the flavors you crave in a light, handheld package.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each item plays a vital role, whether it’s highlighting the umami, adding a crunch, or delivering a burst of color that brightens the plate.
- 1 pound ground chicken: The lean protein base that soaks up all the wonderful flavors of the sauce.
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce: Adds a depth of savory umami that is classic in many Asian dishes.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings salty and slightly sweet notes, enhancing the overall taste.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Provides a mild tang that balances the richness in the dish.
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil: Offers a fragrant nuttiness that is unmistakably Asian in character.
- 1 teaspoon honey: A touch of natural sweetness that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Pinch red pepper flakes: Adds just enough heat to give the wraps a subtle kick.
- 1 carrot, grated: For vibrant color and a crunchy, fresh texture.
- 1 celery rib, minced: Adds a crisp bite and light herbal note to the mix.
- 5 oz shiitake mushrooms, sliced: Earthy, meaty mushrooms that bring heartiness and umami.
- 8 oz can water chestnuts, drained & roughly chopped: Their signature crunch makes every bite exciting.
- 2 green onions (scallions), sliced: Offers a mild oniony brightness to finish off the filling.
- 1 head of bibb or butter lettuce: The delicate and tender leaves serve as the perfect wrap, holding all the goodness together.
How to Make Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the flavorful sauce
Start by combining fish sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and a pinch of red pepper flakes in a bowl. This sauce is the heart of the Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe, delivering that savory, tangy, and slightly sweet profile that makes every bite irresistible. Set it aside while you move on to the next steps.
Step 2: Brown the chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and brown the ground chicken for about 6 to 7 minutes until fully cooked. This step builds the base flavor and texture of the wraps. Once browned, make sure to drain any excess liquid to keep the filling from getting soggy.
Step 3: Add vegetables and sauce
Next, pour in the prepared sauce, then toss in the grated carrot, minced celery, and sliced shiitake mushrooms. Stir everything together with the chicken and let it cook for another 6 to 7 minutes. This allows the vegetables to soften just a bit and the flavors to meld beautifully into the filling.
Step 4: Stir in crunchy ingredients
Now add the roughly chopped water chestnuts and sliced green onions to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to warm through without losing that fantastic crunch. This step ensures the filling has a wonderful variety of textures that keep every bite interesting.
Step 5: Assemble your wraps
Finally, separate the bibb or butter lettuce leaves to form neat cups. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into each leaf and get ready to dig in. These lettuce wraps are convenient, handheld, and bursting with flavor – the perfect way to enjoy a light yet satisfying meal.
How to Serve Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes elevate this Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe from simple to spectacular. Consider sprinkling toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch or drizzling sriracha for extra heat. Fresh cilantro or chopped peanuts can add a refreshing or crunchy finish that complements the savory filling beautifully.
Side Dishes
While these wraps are wonderful on their own, pairing them with complementary sides can turn your meal into something special. Steamed jasmine rice, a light cucumber salad, or even some quick pickled vegetables bring extra textures and flavor contrasts that round out the dining experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Feel like shaking things up? Try serving the filling in small individual bowls alongside plates of lettuce leaves, encouraging everyone to assemble their own wraps. Alternatively, present the wraps on a wooden board with an assortment of dipping sauces for a fun, interactive meal perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers from your Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe, store the chicken filling and lettuce leaves separately in airtight containers. This keeps the lettuce crisp and prevents the filling from becoming soggy, making for a fresh, tasty meal the next day.
Freezing
The chicken filling freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep. After cooking, cool the mixture completely before placing it in freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly before assembling your wraps.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken filling gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm it evenly. Avoid overheating to keep the filling juicy and tender. Then, assemble with fresh lettuce leaves and your favorite garnishes for a quick and delicious meal.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken?
Absolutely! While ground chicken is traditional for this Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe, ground turkey or beef works well too and can provide a slightly richer or different flavor profile depending on your preference.
What kind of lettuce is best for wraps?
Bibb or butter lettuce are ideal because they have soft, flexible leaves that are perfect for wrapping without tearing. You can also use romaine or iceberg in a pinch, but the texture and tenderness won’t be quite the same.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe has a mild hint of spice thanks to the red pepper flakes, but it’s not overwhelmingly hot. You can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or less red pepper flakes or topping with sriracha for extra kick.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground chicken with finely chopped tofu or a meat substitute, and swap fish sauce for soy sauce or tamari to keep true vegetarian flavors while maintaining that signature taste and texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To keep it gluten-free, be sure to use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. The other ingredients like fish sauce, vegetables, and lettuce are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe adaptable to various dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
This Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is a fantastic way to brighten up your meal routine with fresh flavors, delightful textures, and a hands-on dining experience. It’s easy to prepare, fun to eat, and a real crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how quickly it becomes a go-to favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a flavorful and healthy meal option featuring ground chicken cooked with a savory sauce, fresh vegetables, and served in crisp bibb lettuce leaves. Perfect as a light lunch or appetizer, this recipe balances umami from soy and fish sauces with the crunch of water chestnuts and mushrooms, finished with a hint of spice.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Pinch red pepper flakes
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 celery rib, minced
- 5 oz shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 8 oz can water chestnuts, drained and roughly chopped
- 2 green onions (scallions), sliced
- 1 head of bibb or butter lettuce
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, combine fish sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground chicken. Brown and crumble the chicken, cooking for 6 to 7 minutes until no longer pink. Drain any excess liquid to avoid sogginess.
- Add vegetables and sauce: Add the prepared sauce, grated carrot, minced celery, and sliced shiitake mushrooms to the skillet with the chicken. Mix well and continue cooking for another 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors and cook vegetables through.
- Finish with crunchy ingredients: Stir in the roughly chopped water chestnuts and sliced green onions. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to heat through but maintain some crunch. Remove from heat.
- Assemble and serve: Separate the bibb lettuce leaves, wash and dry them thoroughly. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken and vegetable mixture into the center of each leaf to form wraps. Optionally, garnish with sesame seeds and a drizzle of sriracha for extra flavor and heat.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of sriracha sauce.
- Shiitake mushrooms add a rich umami flavor, but button mushrooms can be substituted if unavailable.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure the soy sauce used is gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days; assemble fresh with lettuce to prevent sogginess.
- For added crunch and texture, garnish with toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts.
