Skinny Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps (Printable version)

Crisp lettuce cups with seasoned chicken and vegetables in hoisin glaze.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Chicken Filling

01 - 1 lb lean ground chicken
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
05 - 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
06 - 1/2 cup shredded carrots
07 - 1/2 cup chopped water chestnuts
08 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced

→ Sauce

09 - 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
10 - 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
11 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar
12 - 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
13 - 1/2 tsp sriracha, optional for heat

→ Assembly

14 - 1 head butter or Bibb lettuce, leaves separated, washed, and dried
15 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, optional for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
02 - Add ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until no longer pink, approximately 5-6 minutes.
03 - Stir in diced bell pepper, shredded carrots, and chopped water chestnuts. Cook for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are slightly softened.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and sriracha if using.
05 - Pour sauce over chicken mixture, stir well, and cook for 2 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
06 - Remove from heat and stir in sliced green onions.
07 - Spoon chicken filling into separated lettuce leaves. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds if desired.
08 - Serve immediately with extra hoisin sauce on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in 30 minutes flat, which means you can have dinner on the table faster than takeout delivery arrives.
  • The lettuce wraps stay light and satisfying without any of that heavy, stuffed feeling afterward.
  • Once you nail the sauce balance, you'll find yourself making this on repeat for weeknight dinners and casual entertaining.
02 -
  • Don't overcook the vegetables thinking they need to be soft, because lettuce wraps live or die by their textural contrast, and mushy filling defeats the whole purpose.
  • Toast your own sesame seeds in a dry pan for 2 minutes if you have time, as they taste exponentially better than raw ones and add a warmth that feels intentional.
03 -
  • Wash and thoroughly dry your lettuce leaves ahead of time so they're ready to go, and keep them in the fridge on a damp paper towel so they stay crisp.
  • If you're making these for a group, cook the filling and keep it warm while everyone assembles their own wraps at the table, which feels more interactive and lets people customize heat level and toppings.
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