ground chicken lettuce

Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a fresh, flavorful, and healthy meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. Tender ground chicken is cooked with garlic, ginger, vegetables, and a savory-sweet sauce, then spooned into crisp lettuce leaves for a satisfying dish that’s naturally low in carbs and packed with protein. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or appetizers, these wraps deliver restaurant-quality flavor right at home.

Whether you’re looking for a lighter dinner option or a crowd-pleasing party dish, these chicken lettuce wraps are easy to customize and guaranteed to disappear quickly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ready in about 25 minutes
  • High in protein
  • Low-carb and gluten-free adaptable
  • Fresh and flavorful
  • Great for meal prep
  • Family-friendly
  • Better than takeout
  • Easy to customize

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4

Equipment Needed

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon

Ingredients

For the Chicken Filling

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
  • 1 small red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Sauce

  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)

For Serving

  • 1 large head butter lettuce or romaine leaves
  • Chopped peanuts (optional)
  • Extra green onions
  • Sesame seeds
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Lettuce

Wash and dry the lettuce leaves carefully.

Separate the leaves and set aside.

Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve for maximum crispness.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together:

  • Soy sauce
  • Hoisin sauce
  • Rice vinegar
  • Sesame oil
  • Honey
  • Sriracha

Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Temperature

  • Medium-high heat (approximately 375°F/190°C)

Add:

  • Onion
  • Mushrooms
  • Bell pepper

Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.

Add garlic and ginger.

Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Cook the Ground Chicken

Add ground chicken to the skillet.

Break it apart using a wooden spoon.

Cook for 6–8 minutes until fully browned and no pink remains.

Safe Internal Temperature

  • Ground chicken must reach 165°F (74°C)

Step 5: Add the Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet.

Stir well to coat the chicken mixture.

Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.

Stir in sliced green onions.

Remove from heat.

Step 6: Assemble the Lettuce Wraps

Spoon the warm chicken mixture into the lettuce leaves.

Top with:

  • Chopped peanuts
  • Sesame seeds
  • Extra green onions

Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the wraps.

Tips for Success

Use Crisp Lettuce

Butter lettuce provides soft, flexible cups, while romaine offers extra crunch.

Don’t Overcook the Chicken

Cook just until it reaches 165°F (74°C) to keep it juicy.

Finely Chop Vegetables

Small pieces create the perfect texture and make the wraps easier to eat.

Make It Ahead

Prepare the filling up to 3 days in advance and reheat before serving.

Variations

Asian-Inspired Lettuce Wraps

Add:

  • Water chestnuts
  • Bamboo shoots

for extra crunch.

Spicy Version

Increase sriracha or add:

  • Crushed red pepper flakes

to taste.

Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Stir in:

  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter

for a rich, nutty sauce.

Low-Sodium Version

Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce added salt.

Extra Veggie Wraps

Add:

  • Shredded carrots
  • Zucchini
  • Cabbage

for more nutrition and texture.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store the chicken filling in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Keep lettuce leaves separate until serving.

Freezer

Freeze the cooked filling for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

These lettuce wraps pair wonderfully with:

  • Steamed rice
  • Cauliflower rice
  • Asian cucumber salad
  • Stir-fried vegetables
  • Egg drop soup
  • Fresh fruit

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (without optional toppings)

  • Calories: 290
  • Protein: 27g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 5g

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

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