Meal Prep Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps for Busy Schedules

If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and flavor-packed dinner, these Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps are going to be a regular on your weekly menu. Think tender ground chicken tossed in a savory-sweet umami sauce, loaded with fresh veggies, and wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves — it’s everything you want in a bite: crunchy, juicy, and packed with flavor.

I first made these wraps when I was craving something like the famous P.F. Chang’s lettuce wraps — but better and fresher. One bite in and I was hooked. Since then, this recipe has become a favorite for weeknight meals, parties, and even meal prep lunches.

Looking for more fast and healthy chicken dishes? Try our Crispy Chicken Wraps Recipe, Butter Chicken Recipe, or  Creamy Pesto Chicken.

asian chicken lettuce wraps

Ingredients You Will Need

For the Chicken Filling:

  • Ground chicken – 1 lb
    (Lean ground chicken works best for a lighter option.)
  • Sesame oil – 2 tablespoons
    (Adds a rich, nutty flavor.)
  • Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
    (For bold, aromatic taste.)
  • Ginger – 1 tablespoon, freshly grated
    (Bright, warming spice.)
  • Onion – 1 small, finely chopped
  • Water chestnuts – 1/2 cup, chopped
    (For a satisfying crunch.)
  • Carrots – 1/2 cup, shredded
    (Adds color and slight sweetness.)
  • Green onions – 3, chopped
    (For fresh, mild onion flavor.)

For the Sauce:

  • Soy sauce (low sodium) – 1/4 cup
    (For savory umami flavor.)
  • Hoisin sauce – 3 tablespoons
    (Adds a sweet, tangy depth.)
  • Rice vinegar – 2 tablespoons
    (Brightens the flavor.)
  • Sriracha or chili garlic sauce – 1 tablespoon (optional)
    (For a spicy kick.)
  • Brown sugar – 1 tablespoon
    (Balances savory flavors.)
  • Cornstarch – 1 teaspoon (mixed with 1 tablespoon water)
    (For slightly thickening the sauce.)

For Serving:

  • Butter lettuce or romaine lettuce leaves – 8-10
    (Soft yet sturdy, perfect for holding the filling.)
  • Crushed peanuts or cashews – 1/4 cup
    (For a crunchy garnish.)
  • Lime wedges – for serving

Cooking Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Serves: 4

Equipment You’ll Need

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Mixing bowls
  • Knife and cutting board

How to Make Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Step-by-Step

1. Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha (if using), and brown sugar. Set aside.

image 49

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic, ginger, and onions, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Add ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully browned.

image 48

3. Add Vegetables

Stir in chopped water chestnuts and shredded carrots. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the veggies are slightly softened.

image 50

4. Pour the Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and stir to coat the chicken and vegetables. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until the sauce thickens slightly.

5. Assemble the Wraps

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in chopped green onions. Spoon the chicken mixture into lettuce leaves.

image 51

6. Garnish and Serve

Top with crushed peanuts or cashews for added crunch and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve immediately.

image 52

Alternative Cooking Methods

Want to switch things up? Try these options:

Air Fryer

  • You can air-fry finely chopped chicken breast at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, then toss it with sautéed aromatics and sauce on the stove.

Oven-Baked

  • Bake the seasoned ground chicken and veggies in a foil packet at 375°F for 15–20 minutes. Then finish with sauce on the stovetop.

Both options work great for bulk prep or hands-off cooking.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 280
  • Protein: 22g
  • Fat: 14g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
  • Sodium: 650mg

Tips and Variations

  • Make It Low-Carb: Swap soy sauce with coconut aminos and use sugar-free sweetener instead of brown sugar.
  • Try Different Proteins: Substitute ground chicken with ground turkey, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha or chili garlic sauce.
  • Extra Crunch: Add diced bell peppers or shredded cabbage for more texture.
  • Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh cilantro or Thai basil for an aromatic finish.

Flavor Variations

  • Add mushrooms – Finely chopped shiitake or cremini mushrooms stretch the filling and add umami.
  • Make it spicy – Add more sriracha or a spoonful of chili oil.
  • Use tofu or tempeh – Great for vegetarians. Just press the tofu first to remove moisture.
  • Try Thai-style – Use fish sauce, lime juice, and cilantro for a Southeast Asian flair.
  • Sweeten it up – Add a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar for a sweeter profile.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Refrigerate:

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

Freeze:

Yes! You can freeze the cooked filling for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet.

Reheat:

Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth, or microwave for 1–2 minutes.

Do not freeze or refrigerate filled lettuce wraps—only store the filling separately.

Why You’ll Love These Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps

These wraps aren’t just a healthy option—they’re crave-worthy.

  • Quick to Make – You can have these on the table in under 30 minutes.
  • Healthy and Low-Carb – Using lettuce instead of bread or rice keeps it light.
  • Customizable – Swap chicken for tofu or turkey. Add spicy mayo, chopped peanuts, or pickled veggies!
  • Meal Prep Friendly – The filling stores and reheats beautifully.
  • Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for family dinners, parties, or meal prep lunches.

These wraps strike the perfect balance between savory, sweet, spicy, and fresh—everything you want in a meal!

Why You’ll Love These Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Credit : joyfoodsunshine.com

What to Serve with Lettuce Wraps

Round out your meal with:

  • Steamed Jasmine Rice or Brown Rice
  • Black Pepper Chicken
  • Asian Cucumber Salad
  • Egg Drop Soup
  • Spring Rolls or Dumplings

Or serve them appetizer-style with a mix of finger foods and dipping sauces

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these wraps ahead of time?

Yes! Prep the filling in advance, store it in the fridge, and reheat before serving.

What’s the best lettuce for wraps?

Butter lettuce or Bibb lettuce works best. Romaine hearts can be used in a pinch but may be less flexible.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. Just chop it finely and add to the sauce. A great shortcut!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and hoisin sauce to make it gluten-free.

My Final Thoughts

These Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps prove that healthy eating can be bold, satisfying, and exciting. With their juicy, savory filling and crisp lettuce wraps, they bring a burst of flavor in every bite—without weighing you down. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb lunch, a fun appetizer, or a family-friendly dinner idea, this recipe delivers on all fronts.

And the best part? They’re endlessly versatile. Mix and match your add-ins, adjust the heat level, and make them your own. Once you try them, they’ll earn a regular spot in your meal rotation.

Looking for more flavorful meals? Don’t forget to browse all our fresh recipes at Mealova Recipes. Happy cooking!

asian chicken lettuce wraps
0095802ee202efe69de966dd8f17ba2b27faf45d38bcf4c3bba2d8c8e90c138dSofia

asian chicken lettuce wraps

Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps are made with savory ground chicken sautéed in a sweet and tangy Asian-style sauce, then spooned into crisp lettuce cups. They’re healthy, low-carb, and loaded with flavor!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

For the Filling:
  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
  • 1 can 8 oz water chestnuts, drained and diced
  • 2 green onions sliced
For the Sauce:
  • ¼ cup hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha optional for spice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon cornstarch to thicken
For Serving:
  • 1 head butter lettuce Bibb, or iceberg lettuce (separated into cups)
  • Crushed peanuts or sesame seeds optional garnish
  • Extra green onions for garnish

Method
 

Cook Aromatics:
  1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Sauté diced onion for 2–3 minutes until soft. Add garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute.
Cook Chicken:
  1. Add ground chicken to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned—about 5–7 minutes.
Add Sauce and Chestnuts:
  1. Stir in hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sriracha.
  2. Mix in diced water chestnuts and green onions. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to combine flavors.
  3. If sauce is too thin, add cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp water to thicken slightly.
Assemble Wraps:
  1. Spoon a few tablespoons of the chicken mixture into each lettuce cup.
Garnish and Serve:
  1. Top with crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, or more green onions if desired.
    Serve immediately.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or tofu for a lighter or vegetarian version.
  • Prepare the filling ahead and refrigerate—just reheat before serving.
  • Add shredded carrots or diced bell peppers for extra crunch.

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