Name: Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 small yellow onion, finely diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced; ½ cup canned water chestnuts, drained and finely chopped; ½ cup shiitake mushrooms, finely chopped (optional); 1 carrot, grated; ¼ cup hoisin sauce; 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; 1 teaspoon Sriracha (optional, for heat); 2 green onions, thinly sliced; ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated and washed; Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish; Chopped peanuts, for garnish (optional); Lime wedges, for serving

Looking for something light, bold, and bursting with Asian-inspired goodness? These Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps are absolutely irresistible-juicy ground chicken, savory-sweet sauce, crunchy water chestnuts, and fresh herbs all bundled up in crisp lettuce leaves.

This is the ultimate 30-minute recipe. Each bite is refreshing yet deeply flavorful, with the perfect balance of salty, sweet, tangy, and umami. You'll love how easy it is to make a restaurant favorite right at home!

These lettuce wraps are ideal for busy weeknights, healthy lunches, or crowd-pleasing appetizers that vanish fast. Inspired by my favorite takeout spots, they've become a go-to for casual dinners, lunch meal prep, and game day snacks alike.

I know you're going to love making and sharing these fresh, healthy, and downright delicious wraps!

Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps arranged on a platter with toppings

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Super quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
Healthy yet incredibly flavorful: Packed with lean protein, crunchy veggies, and a crave-worthy Asian sauce.
Customizable for any diet: Easily make it gluten-free or dairy-free, and swap in your favorite proteins or veggies.
Fun to eat and perfect for parties: Serve DIY-style-everyone builds their own fresh wraps just the way they like them.

Key Ingredients for Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Ground Chicken

This is the heart of the recipe, providing lean protein and a perfect canvas for all those big, bold flavors. Ground chicken cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce beautifully. You can use ground turkey or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian spin.

Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce gives the wraps their signature sweet-savory depth. It's the secret to achieving a restaurant-worthy taste in minutes. If you don't have hoisin, a blend of soy sauce, a touch of honey, and a sprinkle of five spice makes a good substitute.

Water Chestnuts

Chopped water chestnuts bring a unique, delightful crunch to every bite. They're mild in flavor but add standout texture. Canned water chestnuts work perfectly-just be sure to drain and chop before adding. Feel free to swap in finely diced celery or jicama for a similar crunch.

Fresh Lettuce Leaves

Butter lettuce is ideal-its cups are sturdy yet tender and have a gentle, sweet flavor. Romaine or iceberg lettuce also work great if that's what you have on hand. Make sure the leaves are washed, dried, and crisp before assembling.

Aromatics: Garlic and Ginger

Freshly minced garlic and ginger are key for that bold, authentic flavor you crave. Don't skip these! You can also use pre-minced garlic or ginger in a pinch, but fresh truly delivers the best punch.

Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps cooking process

Instructions for Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep the Lettuce and Veggies

Wash and dry each lettuce leaf gently-this helps them stay crisp and sturdy for filling. Finely dice the onion, mushrooms, water chestnuts, and grate the carrot so that everything cooks quickly and mixes evenly into the chicken. Set out your garnishes and lime wedges.

Sauté Aromatics and Veggies

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, and ginger. Stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant-this base builds crazy depth and aroma! Stir in the mushrooms and carrots, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until just softened.

Cook the Ground Chicken

Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it into small crumbles as it cooks. Stir occasionally until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes.

Make It Saucy

Stir in the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Add the chopped water chestnuts and Sriracha if desired. Let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld and the mixture gets glossy and slightly sticky.

Stir in Green Onions and Cilantro

Remove from heat. Add sliced green onions and fresh cilantro, folding them gently into the filling. The herbs add a big hit of freshness to finish.

Assemble and Serve

Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into the center of each lettuce cup. Top with toasted sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, and a squeeze of lime juice if you like. Serve immediately, and enjoy!

Recipe Variations

Make It Veggie-Only

Swap out the ground chicken for extra-firm tofu or cooked lentils for a satisfying vegetarian take! Just crumble the tofu and sauté as you would the chicken. Add extra mushrooms and bell pepper for added veggies.

Boost the Heat

If you love things spicy, double the Sriracha or toss in a finely diced Thai chili with the aromatics! You can also sprinkle your finished wraps with chili crisp for a more intense kick.

Go Gluten-Free

Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and check your hoisin sauce label for gluten content. Most lettuce wrap fillings are naturally gluten-friendly with these tweaks.

Try Different Proteins

Ground turkey, pork, or finely chopped shrimp work beautifully here. Or go retro and use diced rotisserie chicken for a super quick version.

Add Crunchy Toppings

Don't be afraid to pile on chopped peanuts, crispy chow mein noodles, or matchstick cucumbers on top of each wrap for extra flavor and crunch!

Serving Suggestions

Round out your meal with a side of steamed jasmine rice or garlic noodles for extra heartiness. These wraps also pair well with smashed cucumber salad, miso soup, or some quick-pickled carrots. Garnish every wrap with toasted sesame seeds, fresh herbs, and plenty of lime wedges for a bright, zesty finish.

Storage and Reheating

Store the chicken filling and lettuce leaves separately to keep everything fresh. The filling can go in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat the filling in a skillet over medium heat or quickly in the microwave. Lettuce leaves are best kept dry and crisp in a zip-top bag with a paper towel. Freezing isn't recommended, as the veggies lose texture, but the filling can be frozen for up to 2 months if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps (FAQ)

Q: Can I make these lettuce wraps ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! Prepare the filling up to 3 days in advance. Just reheat and assemble with fresh lettuce when ready to serve.

Q: What type of lettuce works best for wraps?

A: Butter lettuce is ideal, but iceberg or even romaine hearts make great wraps. Choose leaves that are large, flexible, and crisp.

Q: Are Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps gluten-free?

A: They can be! Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and check your hoisin sauce label to ensure it's gluten-free.

Q: Can I double the recipe for a party?

A: Yes! This recipe doubles easily. Just be sure to use a big skillet and offer extra garnishes so everyone can customize their wraps.

Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps deliver that unbeatable crunch, flavor, and freshness you crave-all in under 30 minutes! If you try this recipe, let me know how much you love it in the comments or by leaving a rating. Happy wrapping!

Why You'll Love This Recipe