Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Name: Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, minced; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1/2 cup green onions, chopped; 1 head of lettuce (romaine or butterhead); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon chili paste (optional); 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Highlighted under: Wholesome Treats

I love making Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps for a quick and healthy meal. The freshness of the lettuce paired with the savory ground chicken makes a delicious combination that satisfies my cravings without the heaviness of traditional wraps. They're perfect for entertaining or just enjoying a light dinner at home. Plus, they come together in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen!

Created by

Chantel Rivers

Last updated on 2026-02-23T22:01:37.099Z

When I first experimented with Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps, I was amazed at how satisfying they can be. Cooking the ground chicken with garlic, ginger, and a splash of soy sauce really brings out the flavor, and the crunch of the lettuce adds a delightful texture. I serve them with a spicy dipping sauce that elevates the dish even further.

One tip I found invaluable is to choose sturdy lettuce varieties like romaine or butterhead. They provide the perfect vessel for the filling and hold up well even when loaded. These wraps are not just delicious but also a great way to sneak in veggies!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Fresh, crisp lettuce provides a perfect contrast to savory chicken.
Quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Versatile recipe that can be easily customized to your taste.

Discovering Flavor Combinations

The combination of garlic and ginger in the ground chicken mixture infuses a robust flavor that is essential for an authentic Asian-inspired dish. This aromatic base not only enhances the savory profile of the chicken but also complements the brightness of the fresh peppers and green onions. When you sauté the garlic and ginger, aim for just until fragrant; this usually takes about a minute on medium heat. If allowed to brown, they can turn bitter, compromising the dish's overall flavor.

Incorporating hoisin sauce adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the ground chicken. This sauce not only balances the savory elements but also contributes a shiny glaze to the mixture. It’s important to stir well after adding it so that each piece of chicken is evenly coated. If you’re looking for a low-sodium option, consider using low-sodium soy sauce while maintaining the hoisin for flavor; just be mindful to adjust the salt levels accordingly.

Choosing the Right Lettuce

For these wraps, romaine or butterhead lettuce are both excellent choices due to their sturdy yet pliable leaves. Romaine provides a delightful crunch, while butterhead offers a more tender texture that wraps beautifully around the chicken. When preparing your lettuce, carefully separate the leaves and rinse them under cold water. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel to prevent sogginess, which can make the wraps less enjoyable. If you find your lettuce is slightly wilted, a quick soak in ice water can revive it.

Another tip is to assemble your wraps just before serving. This ensures that the lettuce stays crisp and doesn’t become soggy from the chicken filling. If you're preparing ahead of time, store the chicken mixture and the lettuce separately, and only combine them right before serving. This will keep both components fresh and maintain the enjoyable texture of every bite.

Dipping Sauce Variations

The dipping sauce for these lettuce wraps adds a delightful tang and umami kick. However, you can customize it to suit your taste. For a spicier version, increase the amount of chili paste or add a dash of Sriracha. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, a teaspoon of honey or a splash of agave syrup can balance the acidity beautifully. Experimenting with flavors can lead you to your personal favorite, so don't hesitate to adjust the ingredients as per your preference.

For a creamier alternative, consider adding a dollop of creamy peanut butter to the dipping sauce. This will create a richer texture and nutty flavor that complements the chicken. Just be sure to mix thoroughly until smooth. I recommend tasting as you go along; you can always add ingredients incrementally until you achieve the flavor profile you enjoy the most.

Ingredients

For the Wraps

1 lb ground chicken
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup green onions, chopped
1 head of lettuce (romaine or butterhead)

For the Dipping Sauce

2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon chili paste (optional)
1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Instructions

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the Sauces

Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Toss in the diced red bell pepper and chopped green onions. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the bell pepper is slightly tender.

Prepare the Lettuce Wraps

Wash and separate the lettuce leaves. Lay them out on a serving platter.

Make the Dipping Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste, and sesame seeds to create the dipping sauce.

Serve

To serve, spoon the chicken mixture into each lettuce leaf and drizzle with the dipping sauce. Enjoy immediately!

Pro Tips

For added crunch, include shredded carrots or chopped water chestnuts in the chicken mixture.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you're looking to prepare these Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps ahead of time, cook your chicken mixture and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken in a skillet over low heat until warmed through—this typically takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure not to overheat to avoid drying out the chicken, keeping it juicy and tender.

For the lettuce, you can wash and store the leaves in a sealed bag with a paper towel to help absorb moisture, extending their freshness for a few days. When serving, lay them out on a platter along with the reheated chicken and dipping sauce for an easy assembly without compromising texture or flavor.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable, making it great for larger gatherings. If you're doubling the quantities, keep in mind that cooking the chicken in batches may be more efficient and help with even browning. Use a large skillet or wok, and spread the chicken out to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of browning.

For larger groups, consider pairing the lettuce wraps with additional sides like steamed rice or quinoa. This not only complements the wraps but also makes the meal more filling. Adjust any dipping sauce quantities accordingly, so that every guest can enjoy a generous portion without running short.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store the chicken filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble fresh wraps when ready to eat.

→ Can these be made in advance?

While you can prepare the filling in advance, it's best to assemble the wraps just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.

→ How spicy can I make these?

You can adjust the heat by adding more chili paste to the dipping sauce or using spicy ground chicken.