Savory Asian-inspired chicken in crisp lettuce cups
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4
12 wraps
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Savory Asian-inspired chicken in crisp lettuce cups
Seasoned ground chicken with water chestnuts, ginger, and garlic served in crisp butter lettuce cups. A low-carb version of the restaurant favorite that comes together in 20 minutes.
10m
Prep Time
10m
Cook Time
20m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
(Updated )
Lettuce wraps are one of those dishes that became a restaurant appetizer but work even better as a quick weeknight dinner at home. The filling is fast — ground chicken cooked with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil, with water chestnuts adding a welcome crunch.
Butter lettuce is the best wrapper. Its leaves are naturally cup-shaped, tender enough to bite through easily, and sturdy enough to hold the filling without tearing. Fill them generously, top with some sliced scallions, and eat them with your hands.
Heat sesame oil and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground chicken, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes.
Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the water chestnuts, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, and sriracha if using. Cook for 2 more minutes until the sauce coats the chicken.
Remove from heat and stir in most of the sliced scallions, reserving some for garnish.
Spoon the filling into butter lettuce leaves. Top with reserved scallions and sesame seeds.
Serve over steamed jasmine or sticky rice
Pair with a side of pickled vegetables or kimchi
Add a drizzle of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor
Arrange on a platter for easy sharing at your next gathering
Turkey is leaner; pork is richer
Coconut aminos are slightly sweeter and soy-free
Similar crunch with a slightly different flavor
Test Kitchen Pick
Rice Vinegar
Helpful Pantry Staple
This recipe wants a softer acidity than standard distilled vinegar. Rice vinegar keeps the flavor cleaner and more balanced.
It sharpens the dish without making it harsh.
Rice vinegar is one of those pantry staples that quietly improves a lot of weeknight cooking.
Shop rice vinegar for this recipeUse cold water to separate butter lettuce leaves cleanly without tearing.
Double the sauce ingredients if you like your wraps saucy.
These are also great with ground turkey or ground pork.
Store the filling and lettuce separately. The filling keeps for up to 4 days refrigerated.
Reheat the filling in a skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes. Assemble with fresh lettuce leaves.
Per serving (3 wraps) · 4 servings
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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Mexican
Korean
American
Italian
Italian