Easy Chicken Lettuce Wraps (Print version)
Savory chicken filling with crunch from water chestnuts, wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves.
# Ingredient List:
→ Chicken Filling
01 - 1 lb ground chicken
02 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
06 - 1 cup shiitake or cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
07 - 1 (8 oz) can water chestnuts, drained and diced
08 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
→ Sauce
09 - 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
10 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
11 - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
12 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
13 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil
14 - 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce
15 - 1 teaspoon brown sugar
→ To Serve
16 - 1 head butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce, leaves separated, washed, and dried
17 - Extra sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
# How To Make It:
01 - Whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha, and brown sugar in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside for later use.
02 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 2 minutes until softened and translucent.
03 - Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
04 - Add ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 4–5 minutes until fully browned and no longer pink, ensuring even cooking throughout.
05 - Add chopped mushrooms to the chicken mixture and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Stir in diced water chestnuts and sliced green onions; cook for 1 additional minute.
06 - Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat evenly. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce is absorbed and the filling appears glossy.
07 - Remove from heat immediately. Spoon the warm filling into prepared lettuce cups. Garnish with additional sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve while warm for optimal texture and flavor.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- You get all those restaurant flavors at home in about 30 minutes
- The combination of textures is incredibly satisfying
- Easy to customize for different dietary needs
02 -
- Drying your lettuce leaves thoroughly with paper towels prevents the filling from getting soggy
- Letting the filling cool slightly before assembling helps the lettuce stay crisp longer
03 -
- Use a potato masher to break up ground chicken more evenly
- Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan for 2 minutes before garnishing