I like making chicken lettuce wraps when I want something light, fresh, and full of flavor without feeling heavy. I use seasoned ground chicken wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves for a simple meal that is both satisfying and easy to assemble.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I enjoy how these wraps give me all the flavor of a savory stir-fry in a lighter, low-carb form. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic seasonings, and crunchy lettuce makes every bite refreshing. I also like how quick they are to prepare, making them perfect for busy days or a fast dinner.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- ground chicken
- lettuce leaves (romaine or butter lettuce)
- garlic, minced
- onion, finely chopped
- soy sauce
- hoisin sauce (optional)
- sesame oil
- olive oil or cooking oil
- ginger, grated (optional)
- carrots, shredded (optional)
- green onions, chopped
- salt
- black pepper
- chili flakes or sriracha (optional)
Directions
I start by heating oil in a pan over medium heat. I add chopped onion and garlic and cook them until fragrant and soft.
Next, I add the ground chicken and break it apart as it cooks until it is fully browned. I stir in ginger if I’m using it, along with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
I let the mixture cook until the flavors combine and the sauce slightly thickens. I then add shredded carrots and green onions for extra crunch and freshness.
To assemble, I wash and separate the lettuce leaves and spoon the chicken mixture into each leaf. I serve them immediately while everything is warm and fresh.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings and takes around 25 minutes total to prepare and cook.
Variations
I sometimes add mushrooms or water chestnuts for extra texture. When I want more heat, I include chili paste or extra sriracha. I also like swapping ground chicken for ground turkey or tofu depending on what I have available.
storage/reheating
I store the cooked chicken filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm it in a pan or microwave and assemble the wraps fresh to keep the lettuce crisp.
FAQs
What type of lettuce works best?
I like using romaine or butter lettuce because the leaves are sturdy and easy to fold.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
I can prepare the chicken filling ahead, but I assemble the wraps just before eating.
Can I make this gluten-free?
I use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it suitable for a gluten-free diet.
What can I use instead of hoisin sauce?
I sometimes replace hoisin with a mix of soy sauce and a little honey or brown sugar.
Can I freeze the chicken filling?
I can freeze the cooked filling for up to 2 months and reheat it before serving.
Conclusion
I keep these chicken lettuce wraps in my meal rotation because they are quick, flavorful, and easy to customize.
PrintChicken Lettuce Wraps
Light and flavorful chicken lettuce wraps made with seasoned ground chicken, aromatic ingredients, and crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh and satisfying low-carb meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 12–16 lettuce leaves (romaine or butter lettuce)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated (optional)
- 1/2 cup carrots, shredded (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant.
- Add ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart, until fully browned.
- Stir in ginger (if using), soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook for a few minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and flavors combine.
- Add shredded carrots and chopped green onions, stirring to combine.
- Wash and separate lettuce leaves.
- Spoon the chicken mixture into each lettuce leaf.
- Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Romaine and butter lettuce work best for sturdy, flexible wraps.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Add mushrooms or water chestnuts for extra crunch and texture.
- Swap ground chicken with ground turkey or tofu if desired.
- Adjust spice level by adding more chili flakes or sriracha.
- Store cooked filling in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- The filling can be frozen for up to 2 months and reheated before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
