Chicken Lettuce Wraps

From the first time I made Chicken Lettuce Wraps, I knew I had stumbled onto something special. It was a busy weeknight, and I needed a dish that was quick, healthy, and packed full of flavor. I had some fresh chicken and a head of butter lettuce waiting for me, and I thought, why not? The idea of folding up all those tasty ingredients in crisp lettuce leaves seemed like the perfect solution. The aroma of the ginger and garlic wafting through the air as I cooked made my mouth water in anticipation. They turned out to be not just a meal, but an experience! Each bite was a delightful crunch followed by a burst of flavor that left everyone at the table wanting more.

What Goes Into Chicken Lettuce Wraps

When it comes to making Chicken Lettuce Wraps, the quality of your ingredients matters. Fresh, vibrant produce and high-quality protein come together in this dish to create a meal that is not only delicious but also nourishing. The balance of flavors—from the sweet honey to the tangy soy sauce—makes each bite a delight.

• Honey: Acts as a natural sweetener, balancing out the salty flavors in the dish.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a refreshing tang that brightens the overall flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Provides that umami punch, enriching the taste of the chicken.
• Fresh Ginger: Infuses a warm, spicy flavor that’s essential for a rich taste.
• Sriracha: Offers a kick of heat, but feel free to adjust according to your spice preference.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty aroma and flavor that enhances the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the dish to perfection.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the onion and garlic, bringing out their flavors.
• Onion: Sweetens as it cooks and adds a depth of flavor.
• Garlic: Essential for its aromatic qualities and enhances the savory notes.
• Ground Chicken: The star of the show, providing protein and flavor.
• Water Chestnuts: Adds a delightful crunch to the wraps.
• Green Onions: Bright and fresh, they add a nice garnish.
• Dijon Mustard: Offers a subtle tang.
• Chili Garlic Sauce: Provides an extra flavor punch.
• Butter Lettuce: The perfect vehicle for all the delicious fillings!

Recipe Directions for Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Making Chicken Lettuce Wraps is a fun and engaging process that results in a wonderful meal. Follow these detailed steps to achieve delicious wraps everyone will love!

1. In a small saucepan, combine honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, Sriracha, and sesame oil. Bring this mixture to a boil, allowing it to simmer while you prepare the chicken, for about ten minutes. Taste the sauce and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as necessary.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and heat until shimmering. Introduce the diced onion, cooking until softened, which should take about three to five minutes. Then, stir in minced garlic, cooking until fragrant, around thirty seconds.
3. Add the ground chicken to the skillet, stirring and breaking it up with a spoon until it turns golden brown, about three to five minutes. This cooking process enhances the flavor and makes the chicken tender.
4. Now, stir in the water chestnuts and green onions, cooking until tender for another one to two minutes. The combination of textures here is fantastic.
5. Once combined, pour the sauce over the chicken mixture, stirring well to ensure everything is coated with that delicious sauce.
6. While the chicken is cooking, take another small bowl and add Dijon mustard, honey, and chili garlic paste. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined, creating a fantastic dipping sauce.
7. To serve, take several tablespoons of the chicken mixture and spoon them into the center of each butter lettuce leaf. These leaves will serve as the perfect wrap, holding everything together.
8. Pour the dipping sauce over the chicken wraps or serve it on the side for a flavorful touch.
9. Finally, gather everyone around the table, and let them enjoy assembling their own Chicken Lettuce Wraps. This hands-on approach makes for a delightful dining experience!

Expert Tips about Chicken Lettuce Wraps

When making Chicken Lettuce Wraps, there are a few tips to keep in mind to elevate your experience.

• Storage: Store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Just keep the lettuce leaves separate to maintain their crunch.
• Freezing: You can freeze the filling for up to three months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Pairing: Serve these wraps with a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal that everyone will love.
• Make it Spicy: If you enjoy heat, add extra Sriracha or chopped chili peppers to the filling for an added kick.
• Garnish: Enhance the presentation by adding chopped cilantro or peanuts on top for a flavorful crunch.
• Portion Control: Use smaller lettuce leaves for appetizer-sized servings or larger leaves for main course wraps, making them versatile for any occasion.

Great Combinations for Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Pairing your Chicken Lettuce Wraps with the right sides and drinks can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

• Steamed Rice: A bowl of fluffy white or brown rice is perfect to balance the flavors of the wraps.
• Fresh Salad: A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette can complement the wraps beautifully.
• Vegetable Stir-Fry: Serve alongside a colorful vegetable stir-fry to amp up the nutrition and taste.
• Appetizers: Start your meal with light appetizers like spring rolls or edamame to keep it fresh.
• Occasions: These wraps are perfect for casual dinners, lunch gatherings, or even festive occasions like game night.
• Seasonal Pairing: During summer, light and refreshing drinks like iced tea or lemonade can be a great pairing.

FAQ

Conclusion

Chicken Lettuce Wraps are not just a meal; they’re a culinary experience that brings joy to the table. With their vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients, they make for a satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to try making them tonight, and I promise you won’t be disappointed. Enjoy the process and the delightful crunch of each bite!

Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Craving something fresh and flavorful? These Chicken Lettuce Wraps are the ultimate quick meal. Filled with juicy ground chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a savory sauce, they make for an easy weeknight dinner that you can serve any night of the week!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Asian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1/4 cup Honey
• 1/4 cup Rice Vinegar or white vinegar
• 1/4 cup Soy Sauce
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Ginger grated (see note 1)
• 2 tablespoons Sriracha optional
• 2 teaspoons Sesame Oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 Onion peeled and diced
• 2 cloves Garlic minced
• 1 pound Ground Chicken or ground turkey
• 8 ounces Sliced Water Chestnuts drained and diced
• 4 Green Onions thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup Dijon Mustard
• 1/4 cup Honey
• 1/4 cup Chili Garlic Sauce or Sriracha (see note 2)
• 1 head Butter Lettuce separated into leaves

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Mixing Bowl
• Peeler
• Cutting Board
• Large Pot
• Grater
• Skillet
• Frying Pan
• Chef's Knife
• Saucepan
• Whisk

Method

 

1. In a small saucepan, combine honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, Sriracha, and sesame oil. Bring to a boil and simmer while preparing the chicken, about ten minutes. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil until shimmering. Add onion and cook until softened, about three to five minutes. Stir in garlic until fragrant, about thirty seconds.
3. Add ground chicken and stir, breaking up with a spoon, until browned, about three to five minutes. Stir in water chestnuts and green onions and cook until tender, about one to two minutes. Pour sauce over chicken and stir to combine.
4. While the chicken is cooking, add Dijon mustard, honey, and chili garlic paste in a small bowl and whisk to combine.
5. To serve, spoon several tablespoons of the chicken mixture into the center of the lettuce leaf. Serve with the dipping sauce.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store the whole root ginger in the freezer (peeled or unpeeled) for up to four months and grate it as needed using a box grater or microplane grater.
• Tip 2: Chili garlic sauce, also known as Sambal Oelek, adds a sweet and spicy taste to your dipping sauce. Huy Fong and Lee Kum Kee are two brands that I trust.
• Tip 3: This recipe makes four appetizer-sized servings (two to three lettuce wraps each) or two entrée-sized servings (four to six lettuce wraps each).
• Tip 4: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to four days.

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Meet Nora Wells

The Hearth Keeper For me, cooking is about hospitality. I want every recipe we create to make people feel welcome and safe. I love the old ways of cooking cast iron skillets, wooden spoons, and recipes passed down through generations. I work with the team to add that touch of nostalgia to our dishes. Whether we are making a modern pasta or a vintage cake, I’m there to ensure it tastes like home.