Skinny Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps

These Skinny Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps bring all the flavors of your favorite restaurant appetizer right to your kitchen, but with a healthier twist. The combination of tender ground chicken, fresh vegetables, and that irresistible sweet-savory hoisin sauce creates a delightful balance that makes these wraps both satisfying and guilt-free. Each bite offers a perfect contrast between the warm, savory filling and the cool, crisp lettuce cups.

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This dish originated as a healthier homemade version of the popular P.F. Chang's lettuce wraps. The secret is in the sauce – a beautiful blend of hoisin, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil that transforms simple ground chicken into something extraordinary. The water chestnuts add an unexpected crunch that complements the tender meat perfectly.

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground chicken
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1/2 cup (75 g) diced red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup (45 g) chopped water chestnuts
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp sriracha (optional, for heat)
• 1 head butter or Bibb lettuce, leaves separated, washed, and dried
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2

Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until no longer pink (about 5–6 minutes).

Step 3

Stir in the diced bell pepper, shredded carrots, and chopped water chestnuts. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until vegetables are slightly softened.

Step 4

In a small bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and sriracha (if using).

Step 5

Pour the sauce over the chicken mixture. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes to heat through and combine flavors.

Step 6

Remove from heat and stir in the sliced green onions.

Step 7

Spoon the chicken filling into the lettuce leaves. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds if desired.

Step 8

Serve immediately and enjoy with extra hoisin sauce on the side if desired.

Make sure your lettuce leaves are thoroughly dried after washing to prevent the filling from becoming soggy. If you're preparing this dish ahead of time, store the lettuce leaves and filling separately in the refrigerator, then assemble just before serving. The filling can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

This recipe is incredibly adaptable. For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with crumbled tofu or tempeh. If you're avoiding soy, try using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and a plum sauce in place of hoisin. For extra texture, mix in some chopped cashews or peanuts just before serving. Add diced mushrooms for an earthy flavor dimension that complements the Asian-inspired sauce perfectly.

These lettuce wraps make an excellent appetizer for an Asian-themed dinner party, but they're substantial enough to serve as a main course too. For a complete meal, pair them with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for those keeping it low-carb. A side of simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing creates a refreshing contrast to the savory filling. Serve with extra hoisin sauce, sriracha, or a homemade peanut sauce for dipping.

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These Skinny Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps bring the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nutrition to your table. They're proof that healthy eating doesn't have to sacrifice taste or satisfaction. Whether you're serving them as an appetizer at your next gathering or enjoying them as a light weeknight dinner, these wraps are bound to become a staple in your recipe collection. The combination of lean protein, fresh vegetables, and that irresistible hoisin sauce will have everyone reaching for seconds!

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What kind of chicken is best for these wraps?

Lean ground chicken is preferred for a light, healthy filling that cooks quickly and mixes well with the vegetables.

→ Can I substitute the lettuce leaves?

Butter or Bibb lettuce works best for wrapping, but crisp romaine or iceberg leaves can also be used for a refreshing crunch.

→ How can I adjust the heat level in the sauce?

Add or omit the optional sriracha to control the spiciness according to your taste preference.

→ Are there any common allergies to watch for?

The sauce contains soy and sesame products and may have wheat in hoisin sauce; consider gluten-free versions if needed.

→ What are good side pairings with these wraps?

A crisp white wine like Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors well, as do light, fresh sides such as cucumber salads.