If you’re on the lookout for a meal that bursts with flavor yet feels light and fresh, you’re going to adore this Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe. It’s an inviting dish that perfectly balances savory, sweet, and a hint of spice, all wrapped up in crisp lettuce leaves that add a refreshing crunch. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests with something fun and interactive, these wraps are simple to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and endlessly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, yet each plays a crucial role in bringing out the delicious taste, inviting texture, and vibrant color that make this dish so special. From the tender ground chicken to the crunchy water chestnuts and fresh lettuce, you’re in for a flavor and texture party.
- 1 pound ground chicken: The lean protein base that soaks up the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing ingredients to build a flavorful foundation.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Adds aromatic depth and zest to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated): Brings a bright, slightly spicy note.
- 1 small onion (diced): Provides sweetness and texture.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Adds natural sweetness and a splash of color.
- 1/2 cup water chestnuts (chopped): Gives a crunchy contrast that keeps every bite exciting.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce: The salty backbone of the teriyaki flavor.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Balances the savory with a touch of natural sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Provides acidity for brightness and balance.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Infuses a nutty richness that’s signature to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water: Thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat that livens up the flavor profile.
- 1 head butter lettuce or romaine leaves: The fresh, crunchy vessel for your delicious chicken.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds: Classic garnishes that bring fresh flavor and visual appeal.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and diced onion. Sauté these aromatic ingredients for about 2 to 3 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. This step is essential because it lays down a savory-sweet foundation that infuses the whole dish with incredible aroma and flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Chicken
Next, add the ground chicken to the skillet. Cook it thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spoon to ensure even browning. Watching that golden color develop on the chicken is so rewarding—you’ll know the mix of flavors is deepening with every minute.
Step 3: Add Vegetables for Crunch and Sweetness
Once the chicken is cooked through, stir in the shredded carrots and chopped water chestnuts. These veggies don’t just add essential texture, but they bring a natural sweetness and satisfying crunch that makes every bite playful and delicious.
Step 4: Whisk and Add the Teriyaki Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Pour this flavorful sauce into the skillet, stirring well to combine all ingredients evenly. You’ll see the colors meld together, and the kitchen will start to smell heavenly.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Pour the cornstarch slurry into the skillet and cook everything for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. This thickening step is key because it transforms the sauce into a luscious glaze that beautifully coats the chicken mixture, making it perfect for scooping into your lettuce cups.
Step 6: Assemble the Wraps
Remove the skillet from the heat, and it’s time to get wrapping! Spoon generous portions of the chicken mixture into fresh butter lettuce or crisp romaine leaves. Finish off with a sprinkle of sliced green onions and sesame seeds for that extra pop of flavor and crunch.
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t skip the garnishes—they add freshness and a touch of elegance. Thinly sliced green onions lend a mild bite, while toasted sesame seeds give a nutty crunch that harmonizes perfectly with the sweet-savory chicken.
Side Dishes
These wraps are fantastic on their own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving with a light cucumber salad or steamed edamame. A bowl of miso soup also complements this Asian-inspired dish beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the chicken in colorful lettuce cups arranged on a platter, inviting everyone to build their own wraps. You could also add chopped peanuts or cashews on top to boost the texture and add a nutty surprise with every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be tricky!), store the cooked chicken mixture separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the lettuce fresh and crisp by wrapping it in a damp paper towel inside a container or bag.
Freezing
While the chicken filling freezes well if tightly sealed, the lettuce leaves do not freeze well and will become soggy upon thawing. For best results, prepare the chicken mixture ahead, freeze in portioned containers, and assemble with fresh lettuce when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken filling gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overheating so it stays tender and juicy. Then, scoop it into fresh lettuce leaves for maximum crunch and freshness every time you serve.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic substitute for ground chicken and has a similar flavor. For a vegetarian or vegan option, finely chopped tofu or plant-based crumbles work wonderfully when cooked with the same sauce.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
You can increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of Sriracha sauce to the teriyaki mix. Fresh diced chili peppers also pack a punch if you’re craving more heat.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe can be gluten-free if you use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce replacement. Always check your ingredient labels to be sure.
What type of lettuce works best?
Butter lettuce and romaine are the top choices because their sturdy, wide leaves hold the filling well and provide a cool, crisp contrast to the warm chicken.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Definitely! The sauce can be mixed and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Adding it to the cooked chicken at the last moment keeps the texture perfect.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so rewarding about making and sharing this Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe. It’s vibrant, easy to put together, and hits all the right notes of flavor and texture. Whether you’re a kitchen novice or a seasoned pro, these wraps will quickly become one of your go-to favorites. Give them a try, and I promise, you’ll be reaching for them again and again!
Print
Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
These Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a flavorful and healthy Asian-inspired main course featuring ground chicken cooked with garlic, ginger, and vegetables, then coated in a savory-sweet teriyaki sauce. Served in crisp butter lettuce leaves and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, they offer a fresh, low-carb dinner option perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup water chestnuts, chopped
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)
For Serving
- 1 head butter lettuce or romaine leaves
- Sliced green onions for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics and Sauté: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and diced onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Cook Ground Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon until fully browned and no longer pink.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in shredded carrots and chopped water chestnuts. Cook for another 2 minutes to combine flavors and slightly soften the vegetables.
- Make Teriyaki Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Combine Sauce and Chicken Mixture: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Thicken Sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Assemble Wraps: Remove the skillet from heat. Spoon the teriyaki chicken mixture into individual butter lettuce or romaine leaves. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve: Serve the lettuce wraps immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped peanuts or cashews on top before serving.
- You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the ground chicken with finely chopped tofu.
