Easy Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a delicious, quick weeknight dinner that’s bursting with flavor and super healthy too, you’re going to adore this Easy Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe. Trust me, it’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to when I want a satisfying meal that feels special but doesn’t keep me in the kitchen forever. The combination of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy notes wrapped in crisp lettuce is total magic—I love sharing this with friends because it’s always a hit!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The wonderful thing about this Easy Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is how simple the ingredients are, yet they come together in such a delicious way. You’ll want to pick up fresh veggies and quality sauces for the best flavor—and if you can find crunchy water chestnuts, it adds a fantastic texture I swear by.

• Ground chicken: Lean and versatile, it cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully.
• Peanut oil: Great for stir-frying because it handles heat well and adds a subtle nutty note.
• Onion: Finely diced for sweetness and depth.
• Minced garlic: Essential for that aromatic punch.
• Red or green pepper: Adds color, crunch, and a mild sweetness.
• Water chestnuts: Drained and diced, for a satisfying crunch that can’t be skipped.
• Soy sauce: The salty umami backbone of the dish; use low sodium if preferred.
• Hoisin sauce: Adds a sweet and tangy complexity that’s hard to beat.
• Sesame oil: A little goes a long way in delivering that signature Asian flavor.
• Rice vinegar: Brings brightness and balances out the sweetness.
• Peanut butter: Creamy and nutty, it enriches the sauce and takes it to the next level.
• Honey: Naturally sweetens the mixture and helps everything meld.
• Sweet chili sauce: For just the right gentle heat and sweetness combo.
• Garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor without overpowering.
• Powdered ginger: A warm spice note that rounds out the sauce.
• Crushed peanuts: Adds crunch and gorgeous nuttiness as a garnish.
• Sliced green onions: Fresh and slightly pungent, perfect for topping off.
• Lettuce or Asian salad: Crisp leaves like Butter or Romaine lettuce work best for wrapping.

Variations

I love customizing this Easy Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe to suit what’s on hand or the mood I’m in. It’s flexible and forgiving, which means you can tweak it without worry—plus, each variation brings a little something unique to the table.

• Make it vegetarian: Swap ground chicken for diced tofu or chopped mushrooms; I’ve done it both ways, and both are super tasty with the sauce.
• Spicy kick: If you like a heat boost, add sriracha or extra sweet chili sauce to the mix; a friend once doubled the chili sauce, and we all agreed it made it perfectly spicy.
• Nut-free option: Skip the peanut butter and crushed peanuts, replacing peanut oil with vegetable oil; the recipe still shines without nuts for those with allergies.
• Add crunch: Toss in shredded carrots or snap peas for extra freshness and texture; these fresh veggies keep things lively and colorful.

How to Make Easy Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Sauce

Start by mixing all your sauce ingredients—soy sauce, hoisin, sesame oil, rice vinegar, peanut butter, honey, sweet chili sauce, garlic powder, and powdered ginger—in a bowl. If your peanut butter is on the firm side, don’t hesitate to microwave the mix in 30-second bursts until smooth; this little trick makes sure the sauce is perfectly blended and coats your chicken evenly.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken and Sauté Onions & Garlic

Heat 2 tablespoons of peanut oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot and shimmering, add the ground chicken, finely diced onion, and minced garlic. Stir often to break the chicken into crumbles as it cooks. This usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for golden brown chicken with translucent onions—this is when the flavor really starts developing.

Step 3: Add Peppers and Water Chestnuts

Toss in your finely diced red or green peppers and the diced water chestnuts. These add a fresh crunch and sweetness that contrasts nicely with the savory chicken. Cook everything together for around 5 minutes, or until the peppers soften just a bit. Don’t overcook—you still want some snap!

Step 4: Pour in the Sauce and Simmer

Reduce the heat to low and pour in your prepped sauce. Stir it gently to coat all the chicken and veggies in that luscious mixture. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly and everything is heated through. You’ll notice the sauce transforming the filling into something irresistibly inviting.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

To serve your Easy Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe, spoon generous portions of the filling into crunchy lettuce leaves. I love sprinkling crushed peanuts and sliced green onions on top for that added crunch and fresh bite. You can also pile the filling over an Asian-style salad, or even serve it over steamed rice or noodles if you want extra carbs.

How to Serve Easy Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Garnishes

For garnishes, I genuinely love crushed peanuts and sliced green onions—they add such a lovely texture and fresh flavor contrast. Sometimes I toss on a few fresh cilantro leaves or sprinkle sesame seeds for an extra layer of yum. A drizzle of extra sweet chili sauce can also brighten it up if you like it a bit saucier.

Side Dishes

When I make these wraps, I often serve them alongside steamed jasmine rice or quick sesame noodles to round out the meal. A light Asian cucumber salad or pickled veggies also work beautifully to add crunch and coolness that balance the savory filling.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to lay out all the ingredients buffet-style—lettuce leaves, filling, garnishes, and sides—so everyone can build their own wraps. It’s fun, interactive, and always gets people chatting. Another trick I discovered is serving the filling over crispy wonton cups as bite-sized appetizers; they disappear fast every time!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I store the chicken filling (without lettuce) in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days. The lettuce doesn’t hold up as well, so I keep that separate and fresh for the next meal.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the cooked filling successfully—just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When thawed, the texture is still great, though I prefer fresh-made if I have the time.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir frequently until warmed through. This helps retain the texture without drying out the chicken or veggies.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is one of those meals that feels both comforting and refreshing, and honestly, it’s been a game-changer in my kitchen. I love how it balances being hearty and healthy with incredible flavor, and how adaptable it is to whatever you have on hand. Next time you want an impressive dinner without the fuss, give this a try—you’ll thank me later!

Print