Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps

These Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe marinated with teriyaki sauce and topped with water chestnuts, shredded carrots, chopped peanuts and cilantro.

These Thai Chicken Lettuce wraps are one of the most delicious appetizers ever. If you feel like having a light lunch or dinner, I absolutely encourage trying these Thai Chicken Lettuce wraps. They are so full of flavor and you will not regret making this.

I have so many memories of when my family and I moved to Florida and we were staying in the Palm Beach Gardens area while we were house hunting. My mom and I would go to the gardens mall to shop and for lunch we loved going to P.F. Changs. We always ordered their Chicken Lettuce wraps. Although this is not a copycat recipe, it is just as good if not better. This recipe only takes about 15 minutes to make and it is is actually super healthy and tasty!

If you love this recipe, feel free to try my Air Fried Bok Choy and my Miso Tuna.

What are Chicken Lettuce Wraps?

Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a delicious and healthy dish consisting of seasoned ground chicken or diced chicken, cooked and served in lettuce leaves. The chicken is typically cooked with a flavorful combination of spices and sauces, creating a savory filling that is then wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves. This dish is popular in Asian cuisine, particularly in Chinese and Thai cooking, where it is often enjoyed as an appetizer or a light main course.

Chicken Lettuce Wraps offer a combination of textures and flavors. The tender and juicy chicken is complemented by the crisp and refreshing lettuce leaves, creating a satisfying contrast. The seasoned chicken filling is often packed with umami flavors from ingredients like soy sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, and various spices. It can be further enhanced with additional ingredients such as chopped vegetables, herbs, and nuts, adding crunch and extra layers of taste.

Why you will love this recipe

Versatile: I love that chicken is so versatile. You can use so many different sauces, like this teriyaki sauce. Marinating the chicken for 24 hours will give it the most flavor although you will be good marinating for just one hour.

Full of flavor: The sauce will give the chicken so much flavor. I love adding lemon on top at the end for a nice tangy kick.

Great for warm weather: I love making these during the summer, but you can make it int he winter time too. They are great for appetizers for your next dinner party, or the main course.

Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

• Chicken
• Teriyaki sauce
• Cornstarch (or almond flour if keto)
• Butter lettuce
• Peanuts
• Cilantro
• Carrots
• Water chestnuts
• Lemon juice

See recipe card for Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe quantities.

How to make Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Add the sliced chicken in a Ziplock or bowl and add the teriyaki sauce and the cornstarch. Shake and marinate in the refrigerator for an hour or up to 24 hours. The longer the better. 

Heat a medium skillet on over medium high heat. Remove the chicken and cook for 6 minutes total, flipping once halfway, until no longer pink on the inside and the temperature reads 165°F. For thighs or breast, it should be a little longer. Transfer to a serving platter and cut into bite sized pieces. 

Top the chicken on each butter lettuce. 

Garnish with the carrots, water chestnuts, peanuts, and cilantro. Squeeze lemon juice onto each. 

What to serve with Chicken Lettuce Wraps

• Rice or Noodles: Serve steamed white or brown rice, or even rice noodles, on the side. Guests can scoop the chicken filling onto the rice or noodles to create a heartier meal.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: Prepare a colorful medley of stir-fried vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, mushrooms, and onions. The vibrant vegetables add crunch, flavor, and additional nutrients to the meal.
• Asian Slaw: Toss together a refreshing Asian-inspired slaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, and a tangy dressing. The crisp and crunchy slaw complements the soft and flavorful Chicken Lettuce Wraps.
• Fresh Herbs and Greens: Offer a selection of fresh herbs like cilantro, Thai basil, or mint, as well as lettuce leaves or salad greens. These can be used to wrap the chicken filling or added as garnishes for extra freshness and texture.
• Dipping Sauces: Provide an assortment of dipping sauces for guests to enhance the flavors of the Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Popular options include soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sweet chili sauce, peanut sauce, or a homemade spicy-sweet sauce.

Substitutions

• Protein: Instead of chicken, you can use ground turkey, ground pork, or tofu as a vegetarian option. You can also try shrimp, beef, or even a combination of different proteins.
• Sauce: If you don't have teriyaki sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce mixed with a little honey or brown sugar for sweetness. You can also use hoisin sauce or a combination of soy sauce and oyster sauce for a different flavor profile.
• Thickener: If you prefer not to use cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as alternatives. For a keto-friendly option, almond flour may work, although it won't provide the same thickening effect as cornstarch.
• Lettuce: Butter lettuce is a popular choice for lettuce wraps, but you can also use iceberg lettuce, romaine lettuce, or even large cabbage leaves as a substitute.
• Nuts: If you don't have peanuts, you can use chopped cashews, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for a crunchy element.
• Fresh Herbs: If cilantro is not available or you don't prefer its flavor, you can use chopped fres

Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe Variations

• Asian-Inspired Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Stick to the classic flavors of Chinese or Thai cuisine by using ingredients like soy sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, and green onions to season the chicken filling. Add chopped water chestnuts or bamboo shoots for extra crunch.
• Korean-Style Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Infuse the chicken with Korean flavors by marinating it in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Serve with gochujang (Korean chili paste) for a spicy kick and top with kimchi for a tangy and vibrant twist.
• Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Use a teriyaki sauce or marinade to coat the chicken for a sweet and savory flavor. Consider adding pineapple chunks or diced mango for a tropical touch. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
• Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Give your lettuce wraps a spicy kick by tossing the cooked chicken in buffalo sauce. Serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing, diced celery, and shredded carrots for a classic buffalo chicken flavor.
• Mediterranean Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Add a Mediterranean twist by seasoning the chicken with a blend of dried oregano, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Serve with crumbled feta cheese, diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and a drizzle of tzatziki sauce.
• Tex-Mex Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Give your wraps a Tex-Mex flair by seasoning the chicken with taco seasoning or a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder. Serve with diced tomatoes, avocado slices, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.

Check out this Salmon Rice Bowl for another light dish.

Equipment

To make Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps, you'll need the following equipment:

• Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board will be useful for chopping and preparing the ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: A sharp knife will make it easier to chop the chicken, vegetables, and herbs.
• Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized mixing bowl will be needed to combine the teriyaki sauce with the chicken.
• Skillet or Wok: A skillet or wok will be used to cook the chicken and vegetables. Choose a non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned wok for easy cooking and cleanup.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: You'll need a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring and tossing the chicken and vegetables as they cook.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements are important for the teriyaki sauce and other ingredients, so have a set of measuring cups and spoons on hand.
• Serving Platter or Plate: Prepare a platter or plate to arrange the lettuce wraps for serving.
• Optional Garnishes: If desired, have additional garnishes like sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or chopped peanuts ready to sprinkle on top of the lettuce wraps.

How to store Chicken Lettuce Wraps

• Separate the Components: If your Chicken Lettuce Wraps include separate components like the chicken filling, lettuce leaves, and toppings, it's best to store them separately to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
• Chicken Filling: Allow the chicken filling to cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to prevent any odors from permeating the chicken.
• Lettuce Leaves: Keep the lettuce leaves separate from the filling to maintain their crispness. Wash and dry the lettuce leaves thoroughly, then store them in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container lined with paper towels. Place them in the refrigerator and use them within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
• Toppings and Sauces: If you have any toppings like peanuts, cilantro, or carrots, store them in separate containers or resealable bags. Keep any sauces or dressings in separate small containers or individual-sized dressing containers to prevent them from making the lettuce leaves soggy.
• Assembly: When you're ready to enjoy the leftover Chicken Lettuce Wraps, simply reheat the chicken filling in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Arrange the lettuce leaves on a plate or platter and fill them with the reheated chicken filling and desired toppings. Add sauces or dressings just before serving.

Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe Top tips

• Use a Flavorful Marinade: Marinate the chicken in a flavorful sauce or marinade to infuse it with delicious flavors. Teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness from honey or brown sugar work well. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance its taste.
• Cook the Chicken Just Right: Cook the chicken until it's tender and fully cooked, but be careful not to overcook it, as it can become dry. Stir-fry or sauté the chicken over medium-high heat until it's no longer pink in the center and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• Add Crunchy and Fresh Elements: Incorporate ingredients like water chestnuts, carrots, peanuts, and fresh herbs like cilantro to add texture and freshness to your Chicken Lettuce Wraps. These crunchy and vibrant elements provide a contrast to the tender chicken and bring extra flavor to each bite.
• Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Taste the chicken filling as you cook and adjust the seasonings accordingly. If you prefer it spicier, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. If you prefer it sweeter, add a bit more honey or brown sugar. Customizing the flavors to your liking will make the wraps more enjoyable.
• Choose the Right Lettuce: Select lettuce leaves that are large and sturdy enough to hold the chicken filling. Butter lettuce, iceberg lettuce, or romaine lettuce work well as they can be easily wrapped around the filling. Wash and dry the lettuce leaves thoroughly to remove any excess moisture before using them.
• Serve with Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces like soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sweet chili sauce, or even a homemade peanut sauce. These sauces complement the flavors of the Chicken Lettuce Wraps and allow everyone to customize their wraps according to their taste preferences.

Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

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• Author: Maxine Dubois
• Total Time: 1 Hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is marinated with teriyaki sauce and topped with water chestnuts, shredded carrots, chopped peanuts and cilantro. 

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• ½ pound boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins, thighs, or breasts
• ⅓ cup teriyaki sauce
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch (or almond flour if keto)

Lettuce wraps:

• 4-5 butter lettuce leaves
• 2 tablespoons peanuts, chopped
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
• ½ cup carrots, julienned
• ¼ cup water chestnuts, chopped
• 1-2 tablespoon lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Add the sliced chicken in a Ziplock or bowl and add the teriyaki sauce and the cornstarch. Shake and marinate in the refrigerator for an hour or up to 24 hours. The longer the better. 
2. Heat a medium skillet on over medium high heat. Remove the chicken and cook for 6 minutes total, flipping once halfway, until no longer pink on the inside and the temperature reads 165°F. For thighs or breast, it should be a little longer. Transfer to a serving platter and cut into bite sized pieces. 
3. Top the chicken on each butter lettuce. Garnish with the carrots, water chestnuts, peanuts, and cilantro. Squeeze lemon juice onto each. 

Notes

• Marinate up to 24 hours for maximum flavor

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 269
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 502 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 98 mg

Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.