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    Home > Asian

    Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps

    Published: Jul 13, 2018 · Modified: Sep 4, 2018 by Nicky Corbishley

    Go to Recipe Go to Video Print Recipe
    Close up image of Asian chicken with chilli and sesame seeds in lettuce wraps

    These Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps are juicy, spicy, fresh and delicious. A fantastic lunch or appetiser. Plus they're less than 100 calories each hoooorah!!
    Close up image of Asian chicken with chilli and sesame seeds in lettuce wraps
    Just feed me lettuce all day....

    So long as it's filled with sweet and spicy chicken, juicy mushrooms and crunchy carrots.

    These Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps really makes a fabulous lunch, and they can also be served cold as a kind of chicken salad minus the cutlery.

    Did i ever mention that i LOVE making Asian recipes?  🙂  These are the perfect appetizer or party food and love to serve them along side my Sticky and Crispy Asian Chicken Wings and my Cauliflower Wings for parties.

    It's also ready in 20 minutes, which is perfect for me right now, as I seem to be ridiculously busy at the moment. Trying to get everything done before the kids finish school for the Summer. Gracey finishes next week, and Lewis finishes a few days later (he's NOT happy about that!).

    Pulling apart leaves from a baby gem letticePulling apart the little gem lettuce leaves

    We've got lots of things planned for our Summer staycation - including Alton towers, a few days in York, Cadbury world, wildlife parks and Albert dock.

    We considered going back to Legoland, but I managed to talk everyone out of it.

    Adding mushrooms and carrot to a wok with Chicken piecesAdding mushrooms and carrots to the wok with the cooked chicken

    It was fun last time we went - the rides were great and everything. But.....

    I hate Lego.

    Flippin stuff get's everywhere.  One thing that drives me mad is when I've just tidied and hoovered the living room, then I walk into the kitchen, and behind me I hear that familiar loud 'Whoooosh' as 5 million pieces of lego are tipped out of the lego box across my whole living room floor.

    Grrrrrr.

    Pouring soy sauce into a wok will Asian chicken and vegetablesAdding soy sauce to the wok

    I take a breath and walk back in.

    I try to step over the lego and the kids (and Chris too - he's definitely NOT a lego hater) with a loving and indulgent smile on my face.  Then I usually stand on a piece and hop around whilst trying to keep to words like 'ouch' and 'owie' - rather than the ones I'm thinking in my head.

    After that I'm usually asked the dreaded question.  'Mummy will you play lego with us?'

    Chicken with Asian-style sauce bubbling in a wokAsian chicken bubbling in the wok to thicken the sauce

    Give me colouring books, board games and train sets, but please not the lego.

    So I hunker down, futiley looking for a 'bluey-black-two-er with a yellow dangly bit' - or some other obscure piece that Lewis can't find (that I probably hoovered up last week).

    And once we've given up on that, I'm expected to produce some amazingly futuristic vehicle to ferry all the evil lego figures about.

    Spoon asian chicken into lettuce wrapsSpooning the chicken mixture into the leaves

    Chris makes some truely amazing creation that the kids 'ooh' and 'ahhh' over.  I make something that looks like it's off 'scrap-heap challenge - the failures' - that falls apart at the merest touch.

    I'd like to say that the kids look at me affectionately and pat me on the back.  But actually they just say 'that's rubbish mummy', and I forlornly agree.

    Stupid lego.

    Overhead image of lettuce wraps filled with asian chicken

    Pro Tips:

    1. You can replace the chicken breast with chicken thigh, or even beef/turkey/pork mince.
    2. Little gem  (which is are small Romaine/Cos lettuces) is the perfect lettuce as it's small, crunchy and holds its shape well, but any small crunchy lettuces leaves are fine. Chicory works well.
    3. If you want the sauce a little thicker, stir in a little cornflour/cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornflour mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) a splash at a time until thickened to your liking.

    Can I make it gluten free?

    Yes! Replace the soy sauce with 2 tbsp tamari and 1 tbsp water mixed with a pinch of bouillon ,or instead, you could use 3 tbsp GF teriyaki sauce.

    Can I make it ahead?

    Yes, you can make the filling ahead, then cool quickly, cover and refrigerate for up to two days. Reheat in a wok with a splash of water until piping hot throughout.

    It's not a good idea to make the whole thing ahead, as the lettuce will go soggy.

    More spicy handheld food ideas:

    Sticky and crispy chicken wings | Lamb samosa cups | Asian Cauliflower wings | Asian baked ribs with crispy onions

    The Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe:

    Square image of Asian chicken lettuce wraps in a marble serving board

    Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps

    By: Nicky Corbishley
    Juicy, spicy, fresh and healthy - these Asian lettuce wraps have got it all!
    5 from 2 votes
    Rate this Recipe Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 20 mins
    Course Lunch
    Cuisine Asian
    Servings 10 wraps
    Calories 94 kcal

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 ½ tbsp vegetable oil
    • 450 g Chicken breast, cut into small chunks - (Note 1)
    • 3 Little Gem Lettuce - - only need the outer leaves (Note 2)
    • 1 large carrot - peeled and sliced into matchsticks
    • 5 small mushrooms - sliced
    • 2 cloves garlic - peeled and minced
    • 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger - peeled and chopped finely
    • 2 red chillies - sliced
    • 3 tbsp dark soy sauce - (use 2 tbsp tamari and 1 tbsp water mixed with a pinch of bouillon for gluten free, or instead you could use 3 tbsp GF teriyaki sauce)
    • 1 ½ tbsp honey
    • 1 heaped tbsp sesame seeds
    • 3 spring onions/scallions - sliced
    • Extra slices of red chilli - to serve

    INSTRUCTIONS
     

    • Heat the oil on a high heat in a large frying pan and add the chicken. Cook for 5-6 minutes, turning regularly until the chicken starts to brown.
    • Whilst the chicken is cooking remove and wash the outer leaves from the little gem lettuces. You'll need 10 of the larger leaves. Pat them dry and arrange on a plate.
    • Add the carrots and mushrooms to the chicken and cook for a minute, then add in the garlic, ginger and chillies and cook for another minute.
    • Add in the soy sauce and honey and bring the mixture to a bubble. Allow to bubble gently for a couple of minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated. (Note 3)
    • Spoon the chicken mixture out into the lettuce leaves and sprinkle with sesame seeds, spring onion and chilli slices.
    • Serve immediately.

    Video

    ✎ Notes

    1. You can replace the chicken breast with chicken thigh, or even beef/turkey/pork mince.
    2. Little gem  (which is are small Romaine/Cos lettuces) is the perfect lettuce as it's small, crunchy and holds its shape well, but any small crunchy lettuces leaves are fine. Chicory works well.
    3. If you want the sauce a little thicker, stir in a little cornflour/cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornflour mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) a splash at a time until thickened to your liking.

    Can I make it gluten free?

    Yes! Replace the soy sauce with 2 tbsp tamari and 1 tbsp water mixed with a pinch of bouillon ,or instead, you could use 3 tbsp GF teriyaki sauce.
    .

    Can I make it ahead?

    Yes, you can make the filling ahead, then cool quickly, cover and refrigerate for up to two days. Reheat in a wok with a splash of water until piping hot throughout.
    It's not a good idea to make the whole thing ahead, as the lettuce will go soggy.
    .
    Nutritional Information is per lettuce wrap.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 94kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 10gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 362mgPotassium: 283mgSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1685IUVitamin C: 16.2mgCalcium: 13mgIron: 0.6mg
    Keywords appetiser, appetizer, Healthier, Party Food, spicy, summer
    Tried this recipe?Mention @KitchenSanctuary or tag #KitchenSanctuary on Instagram!

    This recipe was first published in May 2015. Updated for July  2018 with prep photos, new finished photos, video and pro tips.

    Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links – which means if you buy the product I get a small commission (at no extra cost to you). If you do buy, then thank you! That’s what helps us to keep Kitchen Sanctuary running. The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors. For more information please see our Terms & Conditions.

    Hi I’m Nicky

    I love to cook and I want to share with you my favourite, delicious family friendly recipes. I want to inspire you to create fantastic food for your family every day.

    Read More
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    Reader Interactions

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    1. michelle padgett says

      January 28, 2021 at 1:02 am

      5 stars
      Lovely lunch. Very tasty with a kick. Will be making it again.

      Reply
    2. Peter says

      June 09, 2020 at 7:42 pm

      Nicky.... I love your food mate I live on it my sons love it when I cook it they always ask if Nick is in the kitchen this week lol lol

      But in all honesty .. Truely the Best

      Reply
    3. Christian says

      January 23, 2020 at 6:22 am

      Can the honey be left out of this recipe or other substitute?

      Reply
      • Nicky Corbishley says

        January 23, 2020 at 2:20 pm

        Hi Christian, yes you could replace with 1 1/2 tbsp light brown sugar.

        Reply
    4. Kathryn says

      July 16, 2018 at 8:20 am

      5 stars
      Love this low cal, super tasty lunch. Your story about lego took me back to when my children used to do the very same to me😊

      Reply
    5. Michele says

      November 16, 2016 at 10:47 pm

      Thanks for doing everything except actually connecting me to your recipe

      Reply
    6. philthyanimal says

      May 28, 2015 at 8:02 am

      I saw your recipe yesterday evening, just as I was leaving the office, and thought "yes". Made it last night, and it tasted as good as it looks! Another great recipe, and done in just under 20 mins too! I had to promise my gf i'll make it again next week.

      Reply
      • Nicky Corbishley says

        May 30, 2015 at 8:14 pm

        Thank you so much for coming back and letting me know how it went Phil. So glad you like them 🙂

        Reply
    7. Julie is Hostess At Heart says

      May 28, 2015 at 4:16 am

      I love lettuce wraps and your photos have me drooling!

      Reply
      • Nicky Corbishley says

        May 30, 2015 at 8:14 pm

        thanks Julie 🙂

        Reply
    8. Erin @ Simple, Sweet & Savory says

      May 27, 2015 at 4:48 pm

      Hey Nicky, I saw these on Food Foto Gallery and just had to come see them for myself. These look amazing! So fresh and so healthy. Pinning to make for dinner soon!

      Reply
      • Nicky Corbishley says

        May 30, 2015 at 8:11 pm

        Thanks for coming over to visit the blog Erin, hope you enjoy them 🙂

        Reply

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    Hi I’m Nicky

    I love to cook and I want to share with you my favourite, delicious family friendly recipes. I want to inspire you to create fantastic food for your family every day.

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