If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet light enough to feel good about, then this Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine juicy, savory ground chicken glazed with a perfectly balanced teriyaki sauce, paired with crisp, refreshing lettuce leaves that add just the right crunch. This recipe is a delightful blend of sweet, salty, and tangy notes that come together effortlessly, making every bite a celebration of texture and taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh, and essential ingredients is the key to creating these delicious wraps. Each component brings its own special touch—whether it’s the sweetness of honey or the crunch of fresh veggies—combining to build a beautifully balanced and vibrant dish.
- Sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and depth of flavor that’s unmistakably Asian-inspired.
- Ground chicken: The lean protein base that cooks up tender and absorbs all the saucy goodness.
- Diced onion: Brings a gentle sweetness and slight bite to the filling.
- Minced garlic: Infuses the dish with fragrant warmth and savory depth.
- Diced red bell pepper: Adds vibrant color and a fresh, crisp texture.
- Shredded carrots: Offer subtle sweetness and a fun crunch inside each wrap.
- Chopped green onions: Brighten up the flavor and add a mild oniony punch.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Provides umami richness and saltiness without overpowering.
- Honey or brown sugar: Balances the savory with a touch of natural sweetness.
- Rice vinegar: Lends a mild acidity that cuts through the richness, making the flavors pop.
- Cornstarch slurry: Thickens the sauce to cling beautifully to the chicken mixture.
- Fresh grated ginger: Adds warmth and a slight zing for complexity.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to perfect the overall taste.
- Butter lettuce or romaine leaves: Crisp, tender vessels perfect for scooping up the filling.
- Optional toppings (sesame seeds, extra green onions, sriracha): Customize your wraps with crunch, extra freshness, or a spicy kick.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken Base
Start by heating sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat—it’s this toasty oil that sets the stage for that authentic Asian flavor. Add the ground chicken and cook until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart so every bite will have that perfect tenderness.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies
Next, toss in the diced onion and cook for a few minutes until it softens and becomes fragrant. Then, add garlic, red bell pepper, shredded carrots, and fresh grated ginger to the skillet. The colorful veggies not only make it visually appealing but also provide varied textures that keep each bite interesting.
Step 3: Whisk and Add the Teriyaki Sauce
While your chicken and veggies are cooking, mix together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and the cornstarch slurry in a small bowl. Pour this luscious sauce over the skillet filling and stir well to coat everything evenly. The cornstarch will help the sauce thicken quickly, turning it into a glossy glaze that locks in all that savory-sweet flavor.
Step 4: Final Seasoning and Assembly
Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, then remove the pan from heat and fold in the chopped green onions—they add an amazing freshness right at the end. Now, spoon this flavorful filling into the crisp butter lettuce or romaine leaves. If you want to elevate the wraps, sprinkle with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or even drizzle some sriracha for a hint of heat.
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes can truly take your Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe to the next level. Toasted sesame seeds lend a subtle crunch and a nutty burst, while extra green onions bring a fresh bite. For those who love a little spice, a drizzle of sriracha adds a perfect kick that complements the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce without overwhelming it.
Side Dishes
When serving these wraps, think light and complementary. A simple miso soup or steamed edamame can keep the meal balanced. Alternatively, a side of pickled cucumbers or a crisp Asian slaw adds a refreshing contrast in flavor and texture, rounding out your meal wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your lettuce wraps on a large platter with the filling in a bowl at the center and lettuce leaves arranged around it so everyone can customize their own wraps. For gatherings, setting out a variety of toppings like chopped peanuts, fresh herbs, or even sliced chilies invites fun interaction and lets everyone tailor the wraps exactly to their liking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe, store the chicken filling separately from the lettuce leaves in airtight containers. This helps keep the lettuce crisp and prevents the leaves from becoming soggy, ensuring your wraps stay fresh and delicious.
Freezing
The cooked chicken filling freezes beautifully for up to two months. Just cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat gently, and grab some fresh lettuce for wrapping.
Reheating
Reheat your filling in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to maintain its juicy texture. Avoid overheating which might dry out the chicken. Then, assemble into fresh lettuce leaves just before serving to keep your Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe at their freshest.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or lean ground beef will work just fine and will absorb the teriyaki flavors beautifully. Just be mindful of cooking times and adjust seasoning if needed.
Is this Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you substitute low-sodium soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Always check labels to ensure your ingredients meet your dietary needs.
What lettuce is best for wraps?
Butter lettuce and romaine leaves are ideal because they’re sturdy yet tender, making them perfect to hold the filling without breaking or overwhelming the flavors.
Can I add crunchier vegetables to the filling?
Definitely! You can toss in chopped water chestnuts or chopped nuts for extra crunch. Cooked rice noodles also add a nice texture and help make the wraps even more filling.
How spicy is this recipe?
The base Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is mild and friendly to all palates, but adding sriracha or chili flakes as a topping is a great way to customize the heat level to your preference.
Final Thoughts
This Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a comforting hug wrapped in crisp leaves, satisfying your hunger and delighting your taste buds all at once. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or sharing it with friends, it’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and endlessly adaptable. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own!
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Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a flavorful and healthy Asian-inspired main course perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Ground chicken is sautéed with fresh vegetables and coated in a homemade teriyaki sauce, then served in crisp butter lettuce leaves for a low-carb, gluten-free meal. Optional toppings like sesame seeds and sriracha add extra texture and heat, making this recipe versatile and delicious.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Wraps and Toppings
- 1 head butter lettuce or romaine leaves, separated and washed
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, extra green onions, sriracha
Instructions
- Heat the oil and cook chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the sesame oil. Add the ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic, diced bell pepper, shredded carrots, and grated ginger. Sauté for another 2–3 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Make and add the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, and the cornstarch slurry. Pour this sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture, stirring well to combine.
- Thicken the sauce: Continue cooking the mixture for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and evenly coat the filling. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finish with green onions: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped green onions for fresh flavor.
- Assemble the wraps: Spoon the teriyaki chicken filling into individual butter lettuce or romaine leaves. Top with optional sesame seeds, extra green onions, or a drizzle of sriracha for added spice if desired.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy the wraps fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ground turkey or tofu can be used as a substitute for chicken for variation or dietary preferences.
- Add chopped water chestnuts to the filling for an extra crunch.
- Incorporate cooked rice noodles for additional texture and heartiness.
- These wraps are excellent for meal prepping; store filling and lettuce separately and assemble when ready to serve.
