Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps

These healthy chicken lettuce wraps are one of those meals that feels light but doesn’t leave you hungry.
They’re made with lean ground chicken, a flavorful stir-fry sauce, and fresh, crisp lettuce leaves that you fill and wrap right at the table.

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Everything cooks in one skillet and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a reliable option for busy weeknights or quick lunches.
They’re naturally low in carbs, easy to customize, and fun to eat—perfect for feeding a family or prepping ahead for solo meals throughout the week.

The filling is rich, garlicky, and savory, but the lettuce balances it all out with a cool crunch.
Each bite is juicy, satisfying, and full of flavor without weighing you down.

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Why These Lettuce Wraps Work So Well

This is the kind of recipe that proves healthy food doesn’t have to be boring.
You get great texture from the lettuce, umami depth from the sauce, and flexibility in how you serve it.

It uses basic pantry staples, comes together quickly, and the entire dish is cooked in one skillet.
You can prep the filling ahead of time and spoon it into wraps whenever you’re ready to eat. The leftovers taste just as good cold or warm.

• One skillet, no stress – All the cooking happens in one pan with minimal cleanup.
• Bold, balanced flavor – Soy sauce, hoisin, and sesame oil give it depth without needing a long ingredient list.
• Naturally low-carb – Skipping tortillas keeps it light without losing satisfaction.
• Perfect for meal prep – Store the filling separately and use it all week.
• Customizable to your taste – Add spice, change the protein, or stir in veggies.

This is one of those meals that you can make over and over again without getting tired of it.

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What You’ll Need to Make It

You only need a few simple ingredients to pull off big flavor here.
The filling builds fast once you start cooking, so it’s best to prep everything ahead of time.

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• Ground Chicken – Lean but flavorful, cooks fast and absorbs sauce well.
• Garlic – Fresh minced garlic brings a sharp, savory base to the filling.
• Ginger – Adds warmth and depth that pairs beautifully with hoisin and soy.
• Green Onions – Stirred in at the end for freshness and color.
• Soy Sauce – Salty, umami-rich backbone of the sauce. Use low-sodium if preferred.
• Hoisin Sauce – A slightly sweet, thick sauce that brings everything together.
• Rice Vinegar – Cuts through the richness with mild acidity.
• Sesame Oil – Just a splash adds tons of aroma and finishes the sauce.
• Olive or Avocado Oil – Neutral oil for sautéing the chicken.
• Water Chestnuts (Optional) – Chopped and added for extra crunch.
• Lettuce Cups – Butter lettuce, Bibb, or Romaine all work. You want something soft but sturdy enough to hold the filling.

Optional garnishes: crushed peanuts, shredded carrots, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime.

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How to Make Chicken Lettuce Wraps in One Skillet

This recipe moves fast once you start cooking, so make sure everything is chopped and measured before heating the pan.
The entire process takes about 10 minutes, and the result is a filling that’s flavorful, juicy, and ready to wrap.

• Sauté the chicken – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through.
• Add aromatics – Stir in the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
• Make the sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir to coat the chicken. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
• Finish the filling – Stir in chopped green onions and water chestnuts if using. Cook another minute, then remove from heat.
• Serve and build – Spoon warm chicken filling into chilled lettuce cups. Add your favorite toppings and serve immediately.

The contrast of warm filling and cold lettuce makes every bite feel fresh and satisfying.

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What to Serve with Lettuce Wraps

While these wraps make a great light main dish, they also work well as part of a bigger spread.
Here are a few side dishes and topping options that pair perfectly.

Side Dish or Topping	Why It Works
Sriracha or chili paste	Adds heat and bold contrast to the sweet-salty filling
Crushed peanuts	Crunch and a nutty finish
Shredded carrots	Bright, raw texture and natural sweetness
Cucumber slices	Cool and refreshing with every bite
White or brown rice	Turns it into a rice bowl if you want more heft
Miso soup or broth	Light and warming contrast to the wraps
Avocado or guacamole	Creamy, cooling balance for spicy toppings

Build your own combo, or serve everything family-style for easy customization.

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How to Store and Reheat the Filling

These wraps are perfect for prepping ahead and assembling later.
The filling keeps its flavor and texture, and it’s just as good warm or chilled.

Storage Tips
Let the cooked filling cool before transferring.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Keep the lettuce separate to avoid sogginess.

Reheating Tips
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if it looks dry.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between rounds for even warming.

Freezer: The chicken mixture can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.
Lettuce and toppings should always be fresh.

These are just as easy to enjoy the next day—just scoop, wrap, and eat.

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Chicken Lettuce Wraps FAQ

Can I use ground turkey or beef?
Yes—either one works. Just use lean meat and adjust the seasoning to taste.

What’s the best lettuce for wraps?
Bibb or butter lettuce works best. Romaine is good too. Just avoid iceberg—it’s too brittle.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Definitely. Use crumbled tofu, tempeh, or chopped mushrooms as the base.

Is this recipe spicy?
Not as written, but you can add chili flakes, sriracha, or diced jalapeños to turn up the heat.

Do I have to serve it in wraps?
Nope. Serve the filling over rice, in a bowl with veggies, or even in a tortilla.