I dig this recipe because it elevates simple ingredients into a vibrant, healthy meal. The spicy ginger garlic combo and rich sauces bring the chicken to life while crunchy water chestnuts add a surprising texture. Fresh lettuce wraps tie the dish together for a quick and satisfying meal.
I love making these Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps for a quick and healthy meal. I think the recipe works really well for my lunch or dinner plans since it delivers a balanced mix of protein and vitamins.
My go-to starts with 1 lb ground chicken cooked in 1 tablespoon vegetable oil along with a medium diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger. I toss in 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon rice vinegar to create a tangy, savory flavor reminiscent of P.F.
Chang’s wraps. I also mix in chopped water chestnuts and diced mushrooms for a satisfying crunch, though you can skip the mushrooms if you prefer.
Salt and pepper finish the taste, served in crisp butter lettuce leaves. I think this dish not only tastes great but is also a good source of protein and essential nutrients while keeping the calories in check.
Enjoy your meal!
Why I Like this Recipe
I really love this recipe because its super quick and easy to make. I mean, who has time to spend hours in the kitchen? I can whip up these tasty wraps in no time, and they always come out delicious.
I also enjoy the crunch from the water chestnuts and the crisp lettuce leaves. There’s something about that texture that makes every bite feel fresh and fun.
Another thing is that it feels healthier than your standard takeout. I like that I’m making something homemade instead of spending money on restaurant food, and it always leaves me satisfied.
Lastly, the mix of flavors from the hoisin, soy, and rice vinegar is just perfect. I can add a little sriracha if im in the mood for some extra spice and that really gives it a cool Asian twist that reminds me of my favorite restaurant wraps.
Ingredients
- Ground chicken offers lean protein and helps the dish build a hearty, savory flavor.
- Onion adds natural sweetness and fiber while creating a balanced, aromatic base.
- Garlic provides a punchy, robust taste and is known for its health benefits.
- Fresh ginger gives a zesty kick and aids in digestion with its spicy warmth.
- Hoisin sauce mixes sweet and tangy notes, adding depth to the Asian vibe.
- Water chestnuts deliver a crisp texture and subtle nutty undertones for crunch.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce (optional)
- 1 can (8 oz) water chestnuts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, diced (you can skip these if theyre not your thing)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 head butter or iceberg lettuce, leaves separated
How to Make this
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it gets soft and slightly browned, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger and stir fry for about 30 seconds until they’re fragrant.
3. Add the ground chicken to the pan breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks until it’s browned and no longer pink.
4. Pour in the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Give it a good mix so the chicken gets well coated with the sauces.
5. Stir in the chopped water chestnuts and diced mushrooms (if using). If you like a little heat, add the sriracha sauce else skip it.
6. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and let the mixture simmer for another 2 minutes so that all the flavors meld together.
7. While your chicken mixture is finishing up, take the lettuce head and carefully separate the leaves, making sure they are clean and ready for filling.
8. Scoop a good amount of the chicken mixture onto each lettuce leaf.
9. Serve immediately while it’s warm and enjoy the crunch of the water chestnuts with the tender chicken.
10. If you want to make it even better, serve with a side of rice or your favorite Asian dipping sauce on the side.
Equipment Needed
1. A large skillet
2. A stove
3. A sharp knife for dicing the onion and chopping the water chestnuts and mushrooms
4. A cutting board
5. A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring and breaking up the chicken
6. Measuring spoons for the garlic, ginger, and sauces
7. A can opener for the water chestnuts (if not already opened)
FAQ
-
Q: Can I substitute ground turkey for the ground chicken?
A: Yeah, you can swap ground turkey if thats what you have, but the flavor might be a bit different. -
Q: What types of mushrooms work best in this recipe?
A: You can use button mushrooms or shiitake, just diced up. They both add a nice texture to the dish. -
Q: Can I make these lettuce wraps spicier?
A: Sure, if you like it hot you can add more sriracha or even toss in some red pepper flakes. -
Q: What can I use instead of lettuce for the wraps?
A: Lettuce works great but you can also try cabbage leaves if you dont have lettuce on hand. -
Q: How long does it take to make these wraps?
A: It usually takes around 20 minutes to prep and cook, making it a pretty quick meal option.
Make This Best Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- If you’re out of ground chicken, you can use ground turkey or pork for a slightly different flavor.
- If you dont have vegetable oil, canola or sunflower oil works just as well.
- No fresh ginger on hand? Use about 1/2 teaspoon of ginger powder instead.
- If hoisin sauce is hard to find, plum sauce or a mix of soy sauce with a little molasses makes a good swap.
- Not into sriracha? Chili garlic sauce is a good milder option.
Pro Tips
1. Make sure you don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the chicken. If you add too much at once, the meat might steam instead of getting that yummy sear which gives it a better flavor.
2. Pay close attention to the garlic and ginger. They only need to cook for about 30 seconds to release their taste, too long and they can burn which makes them bitter.
3. Try adding a few extra water chestnuts if you prefer a crunchier texture. Their crisp bite adds an awesome contrast to the soft chicken even if you use fewer mushrooms.
4. Chill your lettuce leaves for a few minutes before serving to keep them extra crisp. This little step can make your wraps even more refreshing.
Make This Best Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
My favorite Make This Best Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. A large skillet
2. A stove
3. A sharp knife for dicing the onion and chopping the water chestnuts and mushrooms
4. A cutting board
5. A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring and breaking up the chicken
6. Measuring spoons for the garlic, ginger, and sauces
7. A can opener for the water chestnuts (if not already opened)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce (optional)
- 1 can (8 oz) water chestnuts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, diced (you can skip these if theyre not your thing)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 head butter or iceberg lettuce, leaves separated
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it gets soft and slightly browned, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger and stir fry for about 30 seconds until they’re fragrant.
3. Add the ground chicken to the pan breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks until it’s browned and no longer pink.
4. Pour in the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Give it a good mix so the chicken gets well coated with the sauces.
5. Stir in the chopped water chestnuts and diced mushrooms (if using). If you like a little heat, add the sriracha sauce else skip it.
6. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and let the mixture simmer for another 2 minutes so that all the flavors meld together.
7. While your chicken mixture is finishing up, take the lettuce head and carefully separate the leaves, making sure they are clean and ready for filling.
8. Scoop a good amount of the chicken mixture onto each lettuce leaf.
9. Serve immediately while it’s warm and enjoy the crunch of the water chestnuts with the tender chicken.
10. If you want to make it even better, serve with a side of rice or your favorite Asian dipping sauce on the side.