If you’re looking for a fresh and flavorful dinner idea that’s simple to make yet packed with vibrant tastes, this Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is an absolute winner. Combining tender, savory ground chicken with a punchy blend of seasonings, crunchy water chestnuts, and toasted cashews, all wrapped in crisp bibb lettuce, these wraps are light but satisfying. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun dish to share with friends, this recipe brings together an irresistible texture and a perfect balance of savory, zingy, and spicy flavors that will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role in making these wraps irresistible. From the buttery sweetness of sautéed onions to the crunchy texture of water chestnuts and cashews, every component adds a layer of deliciousness and color.
- 2 tablespoons salted butter: For a rich base that softens the onions and infuses flavor.
- 1 yellow onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
- 1 pound ground chicken: The lean and tender protein star of the recipe.
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce: Brings umami and saltiness, elevating the overall taste.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy contrast.
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce: Delivers a gentle heat and subtle sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Enhances freshness and balances flavors.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A savory, aromatic addition.
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger: Provides a warm, spicy note.
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: For just a hint of extra kick.
- 1 green onion (sliced, plus more for garnish): Adds mild oniony crunch and freshness.
- ¼ cup chopped water chestnuts: Introduces a pleasantly crisp texture.
- ¼ cup chopped cashews: Nutty crunch that complements the savory filling.
- 1 head bibb lettuce: The perfect tender and sturdy wrap for the filling.
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish): Adds a slight nuttiness and a beautiful finishing touch.
How to Make Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
Start by melting the salted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the chopped yellow onions and sauté them gently until just softened. This step releases their natural sweetness and forms the flavorful base for your wraps.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Chicken
Add the ground chicken to the skillet with the softened onions. Cook it thoroughly, stirring occasionally until it’s evenly browned all over. As the chicken cooks, drain any excess fat to keep the dish light and avoid sogginess in your wraps.
Step 3: Season the Chicken Mixture
Now comes the magic moment where the dish really comes to life. Stir in fish sauce, apple cider vinegar, chili sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, ground ginger, and cayenne pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly and let it cook over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes so all those bold, balanced flavors meld beautifully.
Step 4: Add Crunchy Ingredients
Stir in the sliced green onion, chopped water chestnuts, and chopped cashews. These additions bring texture contrast and refreshing bursts of taste. Let everything cook for another 3 minutes, then remove the skillet from heat.
Step 5: Prepare the Lettuce Leaves
While the filling cools slightly, wash the bibb lettuce leaves well. Pat them completely dry – very important, so the wraps don’t get soggy. The leaves will serve as your fresh, crisp vessel for the delicious filling.
Step 6: Assemble the Wraps
Scoop a hearty spoonful of the chicken mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf. To finish, garnish with extra green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you’re using them. These little details add an eye-catching pop and extra flavor.
How to Serve Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like additional sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, or even a little shredded carrot bring brightness and a pop of color to the wraps. Sesame seeds add a subtle crunch and nutty aroma that complement the earthy chicken filling perfectly.
Side Dishes
These lettuce wraps pair wonderfully with light, refreshing sides like a crisp cucumber salad or quick pickled vegetables. A bowl of steamed jasmine rice or some simple edamame can round out your meal while keeping it balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving these wraps deconstructed for guests to build their own. Alternatively, use mini butter lettuce cups or even crunchy endive leaves for a bite-size appetizer version that’s perfect for entertaining. The versatility of this Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe makes it a crowd-pleaser every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover chicken filling, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It keeps well and actually tastes even better after the flavors settle overnight in the fridge.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked ground chicken mixture for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. Keep the lettuce separate, as it does not freeze well.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken filling in a skillet over low heat or microwave it in short bursts until heated through. Spoon it back into fresh, crisp lettuce leaves for the best texture and flavor experience.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully in this recipe and will provide a similarly lean and mild-flavored protein base for the tasty seasonings and crunchy mix-ins.
What type of lettuce is best for wraps?
Bibb lettuce is ideal because of its tender, yet sturdy leaves that hold the filling well without tearing. Butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce also make great alternatives if you want a bit more crunch.
Is fish sauce necessary?
Fish sauce offers a unique umami depth that’s key to the authentic flavor of these wraps. If you’re allergic or prefer not to use it, substitute with soy sauce or tamari, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, swap the ground chicken for crumbled tofu or finely chopped mushrooms. Use soy sauce instead of fish sauce, and perhaps add a touch of sesame oil for richness.
How spicy are these lettuce wraps?
The chili sauce and cayenne add a mild to moderate heat, but you can easily adjust the spice levels to your taste by using more or less chili sauce or omitting cayenne altogether.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is a fantastic way to combine fresh, crunchy textures and bold, punchy flavors into one satisfying dish. Whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests with something fun and light, these wraps are always a hit. Give them a try and you’ll soon have a new favorite meal that’s as healthy as it is delicious!
Print
Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a quick and flavorful meal perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Featuring seasoned ground chicken sautéed with onions, water chestnuts, and cashews, then served in crisp bibb lettuce leaves, these wraps offer a delightful combination of textures and tangy, spicy flavors from fish sauce, apple cider vinegar, chili sauce, and a touch of cayenne pepper. They are easy to make, healthy, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons salted butter (¼ stick)
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 green onion, sliced, plus more for garnish
- ¼ cup chopped water chestnuts
- ¼ cup chopped cashews
- 1 head bibb lettuce
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, melt the butter and sauté the chopped yellow onions until they are just softened, about 3-4 minutes. This step builds the base flavor for the wraps.
- Cook Ground Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the mixture from becoming greasy.
- Season Chicken: Stir in the fish sauce, apple cider vinegar, chili sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, ground ginger, and cayenne pepper. Cook and stir for 1-2 minutes over medium heat to allow the flavors to meld together and the seasonings to become fragrant.
- Add Mix-ins: Mix in the sliced green onion, chopped water chestnuts, and cashews. Continue cooking for another 3 minutes to heat through and combine flavors, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Prepare Lettuce: Wash the bibb lettuce leaves thoroughly and pat them completely dry. These crispy leaves will act as the wraps holding the flavorful chicken mixture.
- Assemble Wraps: Scoop a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf. Garnish with additional sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately for best enjoyment.
Notes
- For a spicier wrap, increase the cayenne pepper or add fresh chopped chili.
- Substitute ground turkey if you prefer a milder flavor.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure your chili sauce and fish sauce are gluten-free brands.
- For added crunch, you can toast the cashews lightly before adding them.
- Leftover filling can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated before assembling the wraps.
