Chicken Lettuce Wraps

chicken lettuce wraps

You know those days when you don’t feel like eating much, but know you should have some protein?  When you have a day like that, these Chicken Lettuce Wraps fit the bill.  They’re light, yet filling and so tasty- but just a bit sloppy! 

I made these one evening while in Colorado this summer, and thought for sure my husband would turn his nose up to them, so I made a little something extra just for him.  My husband and kids gobbled up every last morsel and said, “Wow, that was delicious!”  My husband never even touched the other entree I made for him. I was shocked.

These are fantastic as a meal or an appetizer.  I hope you’ll give them a try.

Once you mise en place all the ingredients, the rest is a snap to toss together.

Here’s the recipe……..

Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients:

  • 1-2 heads Boston Lettuce
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2 - inch chunks
  • 1 cup fresh shitake mushrooms, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons  fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup water chestnuts, minced
  • 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons plum sauce
  • 2 teaspoons rice wine vinegar
  • 3/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro, minced

Directions:

1. Clean and separate the lettuce leaves, then pat dry.  Place leaves on a serving platter.

2. Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat until smoking.  Add oil swirling  in a circular motion to cover the base and part way up the sides of the pan.

3.Then add the ingredients in this order, stir-frying after each addition:

  • chicken; stir-fry for 1 minute
  • mushrooms; stir-fry for 30 seconds
  • ginger, garlic, and green onions; stir-fry for 1 minute
  • water chestnuts, hoisin sauce, plum sauce, and vinegar; stir-fry for 1 minute
  • pine nuts then cilantro.

4. Stir to incorporate.  Remove mixture from heat and transfer to a bowl.
Place 2 generous tablespoons of filling in each lettuce leaf and roll up to eat.

Delicious!  Enjoy!!!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

24 comments

  1. Sadly, I almost never have a day when I don’t feel like eating much, but I could eat these everyday! They look wonderful Vicki, I can certainly see why your family gobbled them up!
    I love the chicken lettuce wraps from Pei Wei. They’re so filling and yet so lean. Now you’ve got me inspired to make my own, thanks friend!

    • I’ve never been to Pei Wei and we have one close by. I’ll have to stop in to try theirs. PF Chang’s has some yummy ones as well.

      These are relatively simple to toss together and packed with flavor. Of course you can doctor them up any way you like.

  2. This is what I need for the lunch today…had too much carbs yesterday (that happens whenever I bake bread…wish I could live without bread), so lettuce instead of flatbread to wrap up the delicious chicken…ideal for me!

    • These are low in carbs with the exception of the carbs in the plum sauce and hoisin due to the sugar content. Overall those they’re low in carbs, surprisingly filling, refreshing and satisfying. Please try them.

  3. This sounds like a nice, quick meal! I’ve read a bunch of lettuce wrap recipes, but never tried my own – definitely something I should do. Good stuff – thanks.

    • I love lettuce wraps. I always order them at the Cheesecake Factory. They have one of my favorites with strips of chicken with lots of toppings and 3 sauces. When I eat lettuce wraps I’m almost always satisfied and never stuffed. You should try them.

  4. Lettuce wraps are something I’ve always wanted to try making at home. Yours look amazing!

    • There are so many lettuce wraps out there. My family likes this one and gobbled it up so fast. Whether you try mine or a different recipe they’re sure to please all who try them.

  5. These lettuce wraps look so delicious, Vicki! I love the spicy and sweet flavorings you used. Wonderful weeknight recipe!

  6. I love lettuce wraps- great use for for left over chicken and best served with a Mai Tai, preferably while on vacation 😉
    I’m going to make these soon-thanks for sharing 😉

  7. I love that this version doesn’t use ground chicken…so yummy looking! I hope to add these to our menu soon…it’s been way too long since I’m made lettuce wraps 🙂

  8. This the perfect light lunch or dinner! I love lettuce wraps and your seasoning looks perfect. Thanks for sharing!

  9. Oh Vicki, I love this dish…yours look fabulous…delicious lettuce wraps.
    Hope you are having a fun week 😀

  10. I just had some vegetarian lettuce wrap today with some friends (cos one of them is on a vegan diet). I would go for your Chicken Lettuce Wraps anytime. They look awesome and perfect for summer days light dinner. 🙂 I usually make mine with duck meat. But chickens are definitely easier to find and milder in taste. Lovely presentation. I’m not surprise your hubby would go for these instead of another entree. 😉 Thanks for sharing.

    • Ooh now I would love them with duck. Unfortunately my husband and daughter aren’t fond of duck. I eat it when i order out. I may have to try it with duck sometime though and see if they notice.

  11. I love lettuce wraps and with I’ve only had them with ground chicken, but this looks delcious too.

  12. Such a healthy looking dish. I need a lot of this after a summer of having too much fun eating. I really like how simple you’ve kept this

Leave a Comment »