Description
Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a light, healthy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Made with ground chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory seasonings, these wraps are served in crisp lettuce leaves for a refreshing, low-carb alternative to tacos or sandwiches. They’re easy to prepare, customizable, and great for meal prep or a fun family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or sesame oil for added flavor)
- 1/2 onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small carrot, grated or finely chopped
- 1/2 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 head of iceberg or butter lettuce (for wrapping)
- Chopped green onions, cilantro, or peanuts (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove any excess fat.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, garlic, grated carrot, and bell pepper (if using) to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Season the Filling: Stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Lettuce Wraps: While the filling is cooking, separate the lettuce leaves and carefully wash and dry them. Choose the larger outer leaves for the wraps.
- Assemble the Wraps: Spoon the chicken mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf. Garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, or crushed peanuts for extra flavor and texture.
- Serve: Serve the chicken lettuce wraps immediately, with optional dipping sauces like extra hoisin, soy sauce, or a spicy chili sauce on the side.
Notes
- Customizable Add-ins: Feel free to add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or water chestnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
- Make it Spicy: Adjust the heat by adding more red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot sauce for extra kick.
- For a Low-Carb Version: This recipe is already low-carb thanks to the lettuce wraps, but you can also substitute ground turkey or beef for chicken, depending on your preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired