Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a fresh, flavorful, and wholesome meal perfect for lunch or a light dinner. These wraps feature seasoned ground chicken sautéed with aromatic vegetables and savory sauces, all tucked into crisp lettuce leaves. They’re easy to make, low in carbs, and packed with satisfying flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Low-carb and nutritious: Swapping bread or tortillas for lettuce keeps things light while adding a fresh crunch.
• Fast and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weekdays.
• Packed with flavor: A savory blend of garlic, ginger, soy, and hoisin makes each bite irresistible.
• Customizable: You can adjust spice levels, switch up proteins, or add extra vegetables.
• Great for meal prep: The filling stores well, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground chicken
• Olive oil
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Yellow onion, finely chopped
• Fresh ginger, grated
• Water chestnuts, diced
• Low-sodium soy sauce
• Hoisin sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Sriracha or chili sauce (optional)
• Green onions, sliced
• Butter lettuce leaves

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent.
3. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Add ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
5. Stir in diced water chestnuts and green onions.
6. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sriracha (if using).
7. Pour sauce over chicken mixture and stir to coat. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
8. Spoon the mixture into washed lettuce leaves.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with extra green onions if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Use different proteins: Try ground turkey, beef, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Add extra vegetables: Finely diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or shredded carrots work well.
• Make it spicy: Increase the sriracha or add crushed red pepper flakes.
• Add crunch: Sprinkle chopped peanuts or cashews on top for texture.
• Try a different sauce: Swap hoisin for teriyaki or add a peanut sauce twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cooked chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store lettuce leaves separately.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken mixture in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Assemble the wraps fresh before serving.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, the chicken filling can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. Assemble the wraps right before eating.

What type of lettuce is best?

Butter lettuce is ideal because of its soft, cup-shaped leaves, but romaine or iceberg can also work.

Can I use leftover chicken?

Yes, just finely chop it and sauté with the sauce and vegetables until heated through.

Are these wraps gluten-free?

They can be if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and check labels on other sauces.

Can I freeze the filling?

Yes, the chicken mixture freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

How do I keep lettuce leaves crisp?

Store them dry in the refrigerator, wrapped in paper towels inside a container or zip-top bag.

What can I serve with these wraps?

They go well with rice, a cucumber salad, or a light soup like miso or broth-based soup.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, use tofu or a plant-based meat substitute and follow the same method.

Is hoisin sauce necessary?

Hoisin adds sweetness and depth, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with a mix of soy sauce and a bit of honey or brown sugar.

How spicy are they?

They’re mild unless you add extra chili sauce. Adjust the spice level to your preference.

Conclusion

Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a flavorful, nutritious option that’s as fun to eat as it is easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a light dinner, a party appetizer, or a meal prep solution, these wraps deliver on taste and simplicity. Customize them to suit your preferences and enjoy a wholesome, satisfying dish every time.

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