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Looking for a light, satisfying dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor? These Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps deliver a craveable sweet-savory-umami combo with just the right kick of heat and they’re ready in about 20 minutes. Tender ground chicken is simmered with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and sriracha, then finished with crunchy water chestnuts and green onions. Spoon the filling into cool butter lettuce leaves, top with peanuts and more sriracha, and you’ve got an easy dinner that tastes like takeout, minus the heaviness.
Whether you’re focusing on Healthy Dinner Ideas, meal-prepping for the week, or just need Quick And Easy Dinner Recipes, this one checks all the boxes. It’s family-friendly, customizable, and naturally gluten-free with coconut aminos.
Why You’ll Love These Wraps
- Ready fast: On the table in about 20 minutes ideal for busy weeknights.
- Fresh and light: Butter lettuce keeps things crisp while the chicken adds lean protein.
- Balanced flavors: Sweet honey meets tangy vinegar, savory soy, and a gentle sriracha kick.
- Easy to customize: Scale the spice, swap sauces, or add veggies to suit your taste.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger paste or freshly grated ginger
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup chopped green onion, plus more for topping
- 1/2 cup diced water chestnuts
For Serving
- 1 large head butter lettuce, leaves separated and patted dry
- Peanuts, extra sriracha, and more green onion for topping
Quick Ingredient Table
| Component | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground chicken | 1 lb | Lean protein base |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | For sautéing |
| Yellow onion | 1 small, diced | Aromatic base |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced | Flavor |
| Ginger | 1 tbsp | Fresh bite |
| Sesame oil | 2 tsp | Nutty depth |
| Sriracha | 1 tbsp | Heat, adjustable |
| Rice vinegar | 2 tbsp | Bright acidity |
| Soy sauce | 1/4 cup | Use coconut aminos if GF |
| Honey | 3 tbsp | Sweet balance |
| Green onion | 1/4 cup + more | Fresh finish |
| Water chestnuts | 1/2 cup, diced | Crunch |
| Butter lettuce | 1 head | Crisp wrap |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add garlic and ginger: Stir in minced garlic and ginger; cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Brown the chicken: Add ground chicken. Break it up with a spatula and cook until mostly cooked through with no pink remaining, about 5–6 minutes.
- Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, sriracha, rice vinegar, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), and honey.
- Simmer to thicken: Pour the sauce over the chicken. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
- Finish with crunch and freshness: Stir in green onion and diced water chestnuts. Cook 1–2 minutes to warm through.
- Prep the lettuce: Separate butter lettuce leaves, wash, and pat completely dry for best texture.
- Assemble: Spoon about 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture into each lettuce leaf. Top with peanuts, extra sriracha, and green onion.
- Serve and store: Enjoy immediately. Store leftover filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days; assemble just before eating.
Tips for Best Results
- Dry the lettuce well: Moisture can make wraps soggy pat leaves dry with paper towels.
- Adjust the heat: Add more or less sriracha to match your spice tolerance. A drizzle of chili oil also works.
- Thicken to taste: Simmer a bit longer for a stickier glaze; thin with a splash of water if needed.
- Add‑in ideas: Finely diced bell pepper, mushrooms, or shredded carrots fold in seamlessly.
- Make it gluten-free: Swap soy sauce for coconut aminos and verify sriracha brand is GF.
- Meal prep friendly: Keep filling and lettuce separate; reheat filling and assemble just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice.
- Add a side of quick pickled cucumbers or a crunchy Asian slaw.
- For a heartier plate, serve with miso soup or roasted edamame.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie or shredded chicken?
Yes use about 3 cups shredded or finely chopped rotisserie chicken. Warm in the pan with the aromatics and sauce until coated and heated through.
What lettuce is best?
Butter lettuce is ideal because it’s tender and flexible. Romaine hearts or iceberg cups also work for extra crunch.
How do I make it less sweet?
Reduce honey to 1–2 tbsp and add a splash more rice vinegar for brightness.
Can I freeze the filling?
Yes. Cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
How do I scale this for a crowd?
Double all ingredients and keep the filling warm in a covered skillet on low. Set out a DIY wrap station with toppings.
Ready to make these light, flavor-forward wraps part of your weeknight rotation? Save this recipe, share it, and come back to it whenever you need a fast, fresh dinner win!