Introduction

Chicken lettuce wraps are a flavorful and fresh appetizer or light meal that’s easy to prepare. Ground chicken is cooked with savory mushrooms, water chestnuts, and a tangy hoisin-based sauce, then wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves for a satisfying crunch. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.

The image shows five lettuce wraps arranged on a large white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. Each wrap has two main layers: a bright green, soft lettuce leaf on the bottom with a rough textured ground meat mixture on top. The meat is brown with bits of dark sauce and some sliced green chili peppers scattered throughout. One wrap is being held by a woman's hand, with fingers gently lifting the edges of the lettuce to hold the filling inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 to 5 tablespoons hoisin sauce

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional)

1 pound ground chicken

2 teaspoons vegetable oil, divided

8 ounces white button or cremini mushrooms, finely chopped

Optional vegetables: finely diced onions, finely diced bell peppers, finely diced or grated carrots

1 (8-ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon peeled and minced fresh ginger

1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions (from about 6 scallions), divided

2 small heads Bibb or butter lettuce

Serving options: red pepper flakes, sriracha hot sauce

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil. If you prefer a thicker, glossy sauce, whisk in 1 teaspoon cornstarch as well. Set the sauce aside near the stove.

Step 2: Heat 1 teaspoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it up into small pieces, until fully cooked and no longer pink, about 7 to 8 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean bowl and set aside.

Step 3: Add the remaining 1 teaspoon oil to the same skillet. Stir in the finely chopped mushrooms and any optional vegetables you choose to use. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 4 to 5 minutes.

Step 4: Add the chopped water chestnuts, minced garlic, and minced fresh ginger to the skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in half of the sliced scallions.

Step 6: Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce bubbles and is warmed through, about 30 to 60 seconds. Taste and add more hoisin sauce if desired.

Step 7: Separate all the lettuce leaves and place them on a plate in the center of the table. Provide small dishes with sriracha hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and the remaining sliced scallions.

Step 8: Transfer the hot chicken mixture to a serving dish or serve directly from the skillet. Let everyone spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto a lettuce leaf, top with scallions and optional hot sauce or red pepper flakes, then wrap and enjoy immediately.

Tips & Variations

Try using ground turkey or pork instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.

Add finely diced bell peppers or grated carrots to increase the vegetable content and add color.

Use iceberg lettuce or romaine hearts if Bibb or butter lettuce is unavailable.

For extra heat, mix sriracha directly into the chicken mixture before serving.

To keep the lettuce wraps fresh and crisp, wrap the lettuce leaves in a damp paper towel and refrigerate until ready to serve.

FAQs

Can I make chicken lettuce wraps ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the wraps just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.

What can I use instead of hoisin sauce?

If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can substitute with a mixture of soy sauce, peanut butter, honey, and a bit of garlic powder for a similar sweet-savory flavor.