Spicy Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Name: Spicy Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 green onions, chopped; 1/2 cup water chestnuts, chopped; 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 head butter lettuce, separated into leaves; Fresh cilantro for garnish; Lime wedges

I love making Spicy Chicken Lettuce Wraps for a quick, healthy meal that packs a flavor punch. The crunch of the lettuce combined with the savory, spicy chicken filling creates a wonderful texture and taste explosion. Plus, it’s a dish that my family enjoys together, making it a fantastic option for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The best part? It comes together in just 30 minutes, allowing for a fresh and satisfying dinner without the fuss.

Created by

Lina

Last updated on 2026-01-13T11:30:33.656Z

Every time I make Spicy Chicken Lettuce Wraps, I'm reminded of the excitement of hosting friends for a casual dinner. The combination of flavors and textures makes each bite exhilarating. I’ve found that using ground chicken gives the wraps a succulent flavor, while a dash of soy sauce and chili sauce elevates the taste. It's simple, yet so satisfying!

I've experimented with different types of lettuce, but butter lettuce has become my favorite for its softness and ability to hold the filling. The wrap stays intact and doesn’t become soggy, which is crucial for enjoying every bite. Trust me, these wraps will quickly become a staple in your home!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Refreshing crunch from fresh lettuce leaves
Savory and spicy chicken mixture bursting with flavor
Quick and easy to prepare for busy weeknights
A healthy alternative to traditional wraps

      

Understanding Ingredients

The key to a successful filling in Spicy Chicken Lettuce Wraps lies in the balance of flavors achieved through the carefully selected ingredients. Ground chicken serves as a great base due to its mild taste, allowing the bold flavorings like soy sauce and chili garlic sauce to shine. As you cook the chicken, make sure to break it into small, even pieces to ensure that every bite is packed with flavor and that it cooks uniformly, which typically takes about 6-8 minutes over medium heat.

Water chestnuts add a delightful crunch that contrasts well with the tender chicken, so don’t skip them! If you can’t find water chestnuts, you can substitute with finely chopped jicama for a similar crunch. Fresh ginger and garlic not only enhance the aroma but also lend a zesty kick that complements the overall flavor, so always opt for freshly grated or minced versions rather than jarred.

Assembly and Serving Tips

When assembling your wraps, ensure the lettuce leaves are clean, dry, and sturdy. Butter lettuce, also known as Boston or Bibb lettuce, is ideal because it holds up well and offers a slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the spicy filling. To make wrapping easier, choose leaves that are large enough to hold a good amount of filling without tearing; this avoids mess and enhances the eating experience. Aim for about 2 tablespoons of filling per leaf.

For an extra touch, consider adding toppings such as sliced avocado or thinly sliced radishes for added texture and freshness. Serving the wraps with lime wedges allows guests to customize their dish with a fresh squeeze, enhancing the overall tanginess. Lastly, presentation matters—arranging the wraps on a platter with cilantro scattered on top gives a visually appealing and inviting look to your meal.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make the wraps.

For the Chicken Filling

1 lb ground chicken
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 green onions, chopped
1/2 cup water chestnuts, chopped
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
1 clove garlic, minced

For Serving

1 head butter lettuce, separated into leaves
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Lime wedges

Enjoy your filled lettuce leaves!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a delicious meal.

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.

Add Flavor

Stir in the soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, ginger, garlic, water chestnuts, and green onions. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until heated through.

Assemble the Wraps

Remove the skillet from heat. Spoon the chicken mixture into the center of a lettuce leaf, fold, and garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.

Serve immediately for best freshness!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add chopped fresh chili peppers to the filling. You can also substitute ground turkey or tofu for a different protein option.

Make-Ahead & Storage

These Spicy Chicken Lettuce Wraps are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the chicken filling in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in a skillet over medium heat before assembling your wraps. This saves time on busy weeknights and allows the flavors to meld even further, making your dish even more flavorful.

If you find yourself with leftovers, store the chicken filling in an airtight container and the lettuce leaves separately. The filling can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just allow it to cool completely before freezing in small portions. When ready to eat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop. This versatility is one of the great strengths of this recipe.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue when making the filling can be overcooking the chicken, leading to a dry texture. To avoid this, cook the chicken just until fully browned and no longer pink. Also, remember to add the sauces and vegetables only after the chicken is cooked to maintain moisture and avoid any mushy texture.

If your mixture feels too salty from the soy sauce, you can dilute it by adding a bit more ground chicken or incorporating finely chopped veggies like bell peppers. On the other hand, if you desire more heat, additional chili garlic sauce can be added gradually to achieve your preferred spice level. Making a quick flavor adjustment can lead to the perfect balance in your wraps!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I meal prep these wraps?

Absolutely! Prepare the chicken filling in advance and store it in the fridge. Just assemble the wraps when you're ready to eat.

→ What can I serve with these wraps?

These wraps pair well with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad to keep the meal refreshing.

→ Can I use different types of lettuce?

Yes! While butter lettuce works best, you can also use romaine or iceberg lettuce for a crispier texture.

→ Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate spice level due to the chili garlic sauce. You can adjust the spice by reducing or omitting it.