Name: Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: For the Chicken Filling:; 1 lb ground chicken; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or avocado/olive oil); 3 cloves garlic, minced; ⅓ cup julienned carrots; ½ red bell pepper, finely diced; 1 tablespoon smooth peanut butter (optional); 8 butter lettuce leaves (or romaine/iceberg); For the Sauce:; ½ cup chicken broth; ¼ cup soy sauce; 3 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon sriracha (or hot sauce); ½ teaspoon ground ginger; ¼ teaspoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; For Garnish:; ⅓ cup honey roasted peanuts, chopped; 3 green onions, sliced; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these chicken lettuce wraps bring together fresh flavors, a bit of spice, and a satisfying crunch—all while keeping things light and low-carb. The combination of ground chicken sautéed with garlic, carrots, and bell peppers, all tossed in a savory, slightly sweet sauce, creates a filling that’s just irresistible. Wrapped in crisp lettuce, they’re perfect for a quick dinner or a fun appetizer. And the best part? It comes together in just 30 minutes!

Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients

(Hint: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Filling:

1 lb ground chicken
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon peanut oil (or avocado/olive oil)
3 cloves garlic, minced
⅓ cup julienned carrots
½ red bell pepper, finely diced
1 tablespoon smooth peanut butter (optional)
8 butter lettuce leaves (or romaine/iceberg)

For the Sauce:

½ cup chicken broth
¼ cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon sriracha (or hot sauce)
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch

For Garnish:

⅓ cup honey roasted peanuts, chopped
3 green onions, sliced
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Directions

Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients until the cornstarch is fully dissolved; set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Season the ground chicken with salt and pepper. Heat peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Add the Veggies: Add the minced garlic, julienned carrots, and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for another minute until the vegetables are tender.
Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken mixture and bring it to a boil. Stir in the peanut butter if you’re using it. Let the sauce thicken, then remove from heat.
Assemble the Wraps: Spoon the chicken mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf. Garnish with chopped peanuts, sliced green onions, and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8 wraps
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: Approximately 193 kcal per wrap

Variations

Add Veggies: I sometimes toss in extra veggies like water chestnuts, mushrooms, or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
Sauce Swap: I can switch out soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
Spicy Kick: If I want more heat, I add extra sriracha or some chopped jalapeños to the filling.
Nutritional Boost: I can add chopped spinach or kale for extra greens and nutrients.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce leaves separately.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken filling in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, and serve with fresh lettuce leaves.

FAQs

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Yes! Ground turkey works as a great substitute for ground chicken and provides a similar texture and flavor.

What can I use instead of peanut butter?

If I prefer not to use peanut butter, I can substitute with almond butter or sunbutter for a nut-free version.

Can I make these wraps ahead of time?

The filling can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just assemble the wraps right before serving.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, I can use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.

Can I add more protein?

For a higher protein version, I sometimes add cooked shrimp or tofu to the chicken mixture.

Conclusion

I find these chicken lettuce wraps to be a quick, healthy, and flavorful option for any meal. They’re light yet filling, with a delicious combination of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. Whether I’m making them for a weeknight dinner or serving them at a party, they’re always a hit with friends and family.