Save These Skinny Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps are light, flavorful, and filled with lean ground chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a savory hoisin-based sauce. They are easy to prepare, making them perfect for a healthy appetizer or a quick weeknight meal.
Save This Asian-inspired main dish serves 4 and is a great way to enjoy a delicious, balanced meal at home using fresh ingredients like garlic, ginger, and green onions.
Ingredients
- Chicken Filling: 1 lb (450 g) lean ground chicken, 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated), 1/2 cup (75 g) diced red bell pepper, 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded carrots, 1/2 cup (45 g) chopped water chestnuts, 2 green onions (thinly sliced).
- Sauce: 3 tbsp hoisin sauce, 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, 1/2 tsp sriracha (optional).
- Assembly: 1 head butter or Bibb lettuce (washed and dried), 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional).
Instructions
- Step 1
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 2
- Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until no longer pink (about 5–6 minutes).
- Step 3
- Stir in the diced bell pepper, shredded carrots, and chopped water chestnuts. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until vegetables are slightly softened.
- Step 4
- In a small bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and sriracha (if using).
- Step 5
- Pour the sauce over the chicken mixture. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes to heat through and combine flavors.
- Step 6
- Remove from heat and stir in the sliced green onions.
- Step 7
- Spoon the chicken filling into the lettuce leaves. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds if desired.
- Step 8
- Serve immediately and enjoy with extra hoisin sauce on the side if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To prepare this Easy dish, you will need a large skillet, a spatula, mixing bowls, and a knife and cutting board. The recipe takes only 15 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking time, making it efficient and simple.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For different dietary preferences, you can substitute the ground chicken with ground turkey or crumbled tofu. To ensure it is gluten-free, use a gluten-free version of hoisin sauce.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these wraps immediately while the filling is warm. For a complete dining experience, pair this meal with a crisp, aromatic white wine such as Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc.
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Quick, healthy, and packed with flavor, these savory lettuce wraps are sure to become a favorite in your weeknight rotation.
Kitchen Help
- → Can I make these lettuce wraps ahead of time?
Prepare the chicken filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a skillet before serving. Assemble the wraps just before eating to keep the lettuce crisp and prevent sogginess.
- → What type of lettuce works best for wraps?
Butter lettuce and Bibb lettuce are ideal choices because their leaves are large, pliable, and naturally cup-shaped. Iceberg lettuce also works well and provides satisfying crunch. Avoid delicate greens like spinach or arugula as they won't hold the filling properly.
- → Can I substitute the ground chicken?
Absolutely. Ground turkey works beautifully as a lean alternative. For a vegetarian version, use crumbled firm tofu or tempeh. You could also use ground pork for a richer flavor profile, though it will increase the fat content slightly.
- → How can I make these gluten-free?
Replace regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Many commercial hoisin sauces contain wheat, so look for a certified gluten-free brand or make your own using bean paste, molasses, and gluten-free soy sauce.
- → What can I serve with lettuce wraps?
These wraps pair wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, coconut rice, or Asian-style cucumber salad. For a complete meal, serve alongside miso soup or a light Asian slaw. Crisp white wines like Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc complement the flavors beautifully.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store the cooked chicken filling separately from the lettuce leaves. The filling will keep refrigerated for 3-4 days. Lettuce leaves are best used within 1-2 days—wrap them in paper towels and store in a sealed container to maintain crispness.