Chicken Breast Lettuce Wraps: Asian-Style Savoury Appetisers
Choose a dry wok to prepare these chicken breast lettuce wraps so the meat sears without steaming. Use medium-high heat to create a savoury crust on the 400 g of chicken breast. This ensures the filling stays firm and the romaine leaves remain crisp. Pat the leaves dry after rinsing to prevent water from diluting the sauce.
These wraps consist of diced chicken, mushrooms, and red bell pepper tossed in a soy-hoisin sauce. You get a balance of textures from the sliced water chestnuts and crushed roasted peanuts. Squeeze fresh lime wedges over the filling just before serving to brighten the savoury notes. The total time from preparation to plate is 30 minutes.
Chicken Breast Lettuce Wraps: Asian-Style Savoury Appetisers
Recipe cardIngredients
Watch how it's made
Instructions
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Sear the chicken
Heat the wok over medium-high heat with 15 ml vegetable oil. Sear the chicken cubes in a single layer for 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the chicken once browned to prevent overcooking.
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Sauté the aromatics
Add the remaining oil if needed. Sauté the red onion, garlic and ginger for 1 minute. Stir until the mixture becomes fragrant.
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Cook the vegetables
Add the mushrooms, bell pepper and water chestnuts. Stir for 2 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. This ensures they hold their structure in the wrap.
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Simmer the sauce
Whisk the soy sauce, hoisin, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha and honey in a bowl. Pour this over the vegetables. Bring to a gentle simmer for 1 minute to thicken the glaze.
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Combine and heat
Return the browned chicken to the wok. Toss everything together for 2 minutes. Ensure the chicken is heated through and coated in the savoury sauce.
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Meld the flavours
Lower the heat and cover the wok. Let the mixture rest for 1 minute. This allows the ingredients to absorb the sauce fully.
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Assemble the wraps
Spoon the filling onto rinsed and dried romaine leaves. Top with chopped spring onions and crushed peanuts. Serve with lime wedges to add a fresh acidity.
Ensure your wok is completely dry before adding the oil. If the pan is damp, the chicken will steam rather than sear, leaving you with grey meat instead of a savoury crust. A proper sear keeps the filling concentrated and prevents the lettuce from becoming soggy.
What to serve with it
Pair these wraps with a simple cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar and sesame oil. For a more filling meal, serve them with a side of sticky or fluffy jasmine rice. You can also add fresh cilantro and a drizzle of lime-coconut sauce for a Thai-inspired twist.
Storing and reheating
Keep the filling in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature, provided it stays under 24°C (75°F). You can freeze the filling for 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and heat it gently before spooning it into fresh lettuce leaves.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 310
- Protein
- 28.5 g
- Carbs
- 18.2 g
- Fat
- 14.1 g
- Fiber
- 3.4 g
- Sugar
- 8.8 g
Estimated, and offered as a guide rather than a medical figure.
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Questions people ask
What goes in a chicken lettuce wrap?
The filling consists of diced chicken breast, red onion, garlic, ginger, mushrooms, red bell pepper, and water chestnuts. These ingredients are tossed in a soy-hoisin sauce and topped with crushed peanuts and spring onions for a balance of savoury and crunchy textures.
What sauce is good for chicken lettuce wraps?
A blend of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil works best. This combination provides a tangy and savoury profile. You may add sriracha for heat or honey for a touch of sweetness to suit your taste.
Are chicken lettuce wraps healthy?
Yes, these wraps are a wholesome option. They are low-carb, high-protein, gluten-free, and halal. Using romaine lettuce instead of tortillas reduces the calorie count while providing a crisp, fresh base for the protein-rich chicken filling.
What goes well with chicken lettuce wraps?
A side of jasmine rice or a vinegar-based cucumber salad complements the flavours well. Squeezing fresh lime wedges over the filling adds a bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the hoisin sauce and the roasted peanuts.
About the author
Mary C. Rivero
Mary C. Rivero specializes in comforting home‑cooked meals, from hearty pastas and sheet‑pan dinners to quick weeknight snacks. Her recipes feature clear, step‑by‑step directions and practical tips, helping readers create flavorful dishes with confidence and ease.
