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Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps - Light, Flavorful, and Easy

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground chicken (use 93–98% lean for best texture)
  • 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped (optional but adds depth)
  • 1/2 cup water chestnuts, diced (for crunch)
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 head butter lettuce or romaine (butter lettuce is easiest to wrap)
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (or coconut aminos + a pinch of brown sugar)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1–2 teaspoons sriracha or chili-garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • To serve (optional): lime wedges, sesame seeds, extra sriracha

Instructions

  • Prep the lettuce. Rinse and gently separate the lettuce leaves. Pat dry with a clean towel. Keep them chilled so they stay crisp.
  • Make the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, hoisin, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sriracha. Taste and adjust heat or salt as needed. Set aside.
  • Cook the aromatics. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Brown the chicken. Add ground chicken, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook 5–7 minutes until no longer pink and lightly browned in spots.
  • Add the veggies. Stir in bell pepper and mushrooms. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Fold in water chestnuts and half the green onions.
  • Simmer with the sauce. Pour the sauce over the mixture. Stir to coat. If you prefer a thicker glaze, add the cornstarch slurry and simmer 1–2 minutes until glossy.
  • Finish and taste. Turn off the heat. Squeeze in a little lime if you like brightness. Adjust seasoning with soy sauce, pepper, or chili sauce.
  • Assemble the wraps. Spoon warm filling into chilled lettuce cups. Top with remaining green onions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sriracha if desired. Serve immediately.