Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a healthy and delicious option for a quick meal. This recipe has gained popularity due to its simplicity and versatility. Ground chicken is seasoned with Asian-inspired ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and hoisin sauce that’s then wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves. These wraps make for a perfect low-carb, gluten-free, and paleo-friendly meal that’s packed with protein and nutrition. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a light dinner, Chicken Lettuce Wraps are an easy and tasty option to try. So, don’t wait any longer, head to the kitchen and give it a try!
Here is why you might love this Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
1. Healthy: This recipe uses fresh, crunchy lettuce leaves instead of heavy carbs or bread, making it a lighter and healthier option.
2. Customizable: The filling for these lettuce wraps can be customized to your liking, with endless possibilities for seasonings, veggies, and protein additions.
3. Flavorful: The recipe includes a delicious sauce with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, which complements the chicken and veggies perfectly.
Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound (453.6 g) ground chicken
- 1 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon ginger grated
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.2 teaspoon) red pepper flakes
- 1 lettuce head separated into leaves
- 1/2 cup (64.9 g) matchstick carrots
- 1/2 cup (74 g) peanuts chopped
- 1/4 cup (4.1 g) cilantro leaves chopped
- 1 lime cut into wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Cook ground chicken in a pan until brown.
- Add garlic, ginger, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil, stirring until combined.
- Mix in water chestnuts and green onions.
- Wash and dry lettuce leaves.
- Spoon chicken mixture onto each lettuce leaf.
- Garnish with chopped peanuts and cilantro.
- Roll lettuce leaves into wraps.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
2. Marinate the chicken with a flavorful sauce for at least 30 minutes, to impart flavor into the meat.
3. Use fresh, crisp lettuce leaves such as butter lettuce, romaine or iceberg lettuce for the wrap. Wash the leaves thoroughly and pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
4. Prepare the filling by sauteing finely chopped onions, garlic, and ginger in a pan with a small amount of oil. Add the marinated chicken and continue to stir-fry until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Add some chopped vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, and water chestnuts to add flavor, color, and nutrition.
6. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, and other seasoning ingredients to the filling for that authentic Asian flavor.
7. Serve the filling hot, placed in the center of a lettuce leaf. Fold the lettuce over the filling and serve it immediately, garnished with chopped peanuts, scallions, and sesame seeds, to add texture and crunch to the wraps.
8. Avoid overcooking the chicken, as it may turn out dry and tough.
9. If you want to make the wraps more filling, consider adding some cooked rice vermicelli or noodles to the mix.
10. Have fun experimenting with different flavors and combinations, and don't be afraid to get creative with additional toppings and sauces to personalize your chicken lettuce wraps.
Nutrition
Data source: USDA
Main Ingredients Explained
| Main Ingredient | Description | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken | The main protein source for the dish. Typically diced or ground chicken is used. | Tofu, shrimp, beef, or pork can be used instead of chicken for protein. |
| Lettuce | The main wrap for the dish. Butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce is usually used due to their pliability. | Using collard greens or cabbage leaves instead of lettuce is a popular alternative. |
| Sauce | A mixture of various seasonings and sauces used to flavor the chicken and add moisture to the dish. | Hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, fish sauce, and sesame oil are common ingredients used in the sauce. Vegans can use vegan oyster sauce, vegan fish sauce, and soy sauce to make it vegan-friendly. |
Storage Tips
Storing: If you have leftover chicken lettuce wraps, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let them cool down to room temperature before refrigerating.
Freezing: You can freeze chicken lettuce wraps for up to 2-3 months. Wrap each wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place them all in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen lettuce wraps are best eaten within a month of freezing.
Defrosting: To defrost your frozen chicken lettuce wraps, move them from the freezer to the refrigerator 24 hours before you plan to eat them. Once they have thawed out, remove the plastic wrap and reheat them in the microwave or oven.
Remember to always use caution with defrosting and reheating chicken to prevent foodborne illness. Make sure to reheat chicken until it is steaming hot (165°F or higher) before eating.
Recipe Variations
1. Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps – In this variation, the chicken meat is replaced with tofu or other vegetarian protein like chickpeas or lentils, and the oyster sauce is swapped with soy sauce or sweet chili sauce.
2. Beef Lettuce Wraps – In this variation, the ground chicken is replaced with ground beef, and the seasonings are adjusted accordingly to suit the richness of beef.
3. Shrimp Lettuce Wraps – Here, the chicken is replaced with shrimp, and the seasoning mix is similar to the chicken recipe but with added seafood-friendly spices like garlic, paprika, and cumin.
4. Pork Lettuce Wraps – This variation swaps chicken with ground pork, and the oyster sauce is replaced by hoisin sauce to give a sweet and savory flavor to the filling.
5. Korean-style Lettuce Wraps – In this variation, the seasonings and sauce are inspired by Korean cuisine and include gochujang sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. The meat can be chicken, beef, or pork, and is served with pickled vegetables on the side.
6. Thai Lettuce Wraps – This variation includes a tangy peanut sauce, made with peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and honey. The cooked chicken is served with shredded carrots, cucumber, and cilantro, all wrapped in fresh lettuce.
7. Mediterranean Lettuce Wraps – The Mediterranean-style filling is made with ground lamb or beef, seasoned with cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika. The lettuce leaves are filled with the meat, topped with tzatziki sauce, and served with olives, feta cheese, and sliced tomatoes.
What To Serve With
– Bibb or butter lettuce leaves for wrapping
– Sliced green onions
– Chopped cilantro
– Sliced red bell peppers
– Chopped peanuts or cashews
– Bean sprouts
– Hoisin sauce
– Soy sauce
– Sriracha sauce
– Lime wedges for squeezing over the wraps
– Fried rice or garlic noodles as a side dish
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