There is a reason why this Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe has stolen my heart and my dinner table time and time again. It’s refreshing, vibrant, and packed full of textures and flavors that feel like a celebration in every bite. Imagine tender shredded chicken spiced with a garlicky hoisin mayo dressing, all wrapped snugly in crisp, buttery lettuce leaves with fresh spring onions, cucumber, and carrot adding a cool crunch. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting friends, this dish brings effortless sophistication and a burst of freshness that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from the creamy tang of mayo to the earthy sweetness of hoisin sauce, creating a perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. Gathering these ingredients is easy, and once combined, they transform into something truly special.
- 1/2 cup mayo: Provides a creamy, smooth base that binds the flavors together beautifully.
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar: Adds a gentle acidity to brighten and balance the richness.
- 4 teaspoons hoisin sauce: Brings a sweet and savory depth that’s essential in Asian cooking.
- 1-2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses a subtle pungency, awakening all the other flavors.
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken: The hearty protein that makes this wrap satisfying and filling.
- 1 head butter leaf lettuce: Offers soft, tender leaves perfect for wrapping without tearing.
- Spring onions/scallions (green parts) (to taste): Adds a mild oniony crunch and fresh green color.
- Cucumber (chopped, to taste): Delivers cool, juicy crunch that refreshes the palate.
- 1 medium carrot (julienned): Adds a sweet, crisp texture and vibrant orange contrast.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to elevate the flavors.
- Lime wedges (for serving): A squeeze of lime juice adds zesty brightness right before eating.
How to Make Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the flavorful dressing
Start by whisking together mayo, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and minced garlic in a bowl. This dressing will blend creamy texture with tanginess and sweetness, perfectly coating the chicken to infuse every bite with bold, harmonious flavors. Set it aside to let the flavors meld while you prep the veggies.
Step 2: Chop fresh veggies for crunch
Chop the spring onions and cucumber to your preferred size, making sure they’re bite-sized for easy eating. Julienning the carrot adds a delicate crispness and pretty strips of color. These fresh ingredients will bring exciting contrasts in taste and texture to the wraps.
Step 3: Choose and prepare your lettuce leaves
Carefully peel away the leaves of the butter leaf lettuce, selecting those with a good shape to hold the filling without tearing. Rinse and gently pat them dry. The tender leaves serve as the perfect low-carb alternative to bread, wrapping all your ingredients in a refreshing crispness.
Step 4: Assemble your delicious wraps
Lay out the lettuce leaves and spoon shredded chicken onto each one. Top with spring onions, cucumber, and carrot. Drizzle the prepared mayo-hoisin dressing generously over the top, then season with salt and pepper as desired. A quick squeeze of lime juice just before serving adds the ultimate uplifting note. Serve these wraps immediately for the best texture.
How to Serve Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra chopped spring onions or even finely chopped cilantro for an added herbal burst. Toasted sesame seeds also make a fantastic sprinkle, lending a nutty crunch that complements the creamy filling. Don’t forget the lime wedges on the side to keep things zesty and fresh.
Side Dishes
Pair your Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe with a light and fluffy jasmine rice or a simple cold soba noodle salad to soak up any extra dressing. A crisp cucumber salad or edamame with sea salt can also keep the meal refreshing and well-rounded without overwhelming the delicate flavors of the wraps.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange the lettuce leaves fan-style on a large platter and let everyone build their own wraps, turning it into an interactive meal. Alternatively, serve the shredded chicken mixture in a colorful bowl alongside the lettuce cups, cucumbers, and carrots, creating a vibrant, build-your-own wrap station that’s perfect for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store the shredded chicken mixture and dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate and wrapped in paper towels inside a sealed bag to prevent wilting, so everything stays fresh when you’re ready to enjoy leftovers.
Freezing
This Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is best enjoyed fresh due to the crisp lettuce and creamy dressing. However, you can freeze the shredded chicken mixture without the dressing for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before use, and mix with fresh dressing just before serving for optimal flavors.
Reheating
Gently warm the shredded chicken mixture on the stovetop or in the microwave until just heated through. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender. Reassemble the wraps with fresh lettuce and add chilled veggies and dressing at serving time for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of shredded chicken?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works wonderfully and will soak up the dressing nicely. Just cook it thoroughly before mixing with the dressing and toppings.
What if I don’t have hoisin sauce on hand?
You can substitute with a mix of soy sauce and a bit of honey or plum sauce for that sweet-savory dimension, but hoisin sauce gives the dish its signature flavor that’s hard to replicate exactly.
Is butter lettuce the only option for wraps?
Butter lettuce is preferred for its soft, pliable leaves that hold fillings well, but you can also use other tender lettuce varieties like Bibb or Romaine depending on your texture preference.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the chicken for diced tofu, tempeh, or even chopped mushrooms, and make sure to adjust seasonings and dressing to your taste.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is mild and approachable, perfect for all palates. Feel free to add a dash of chili sauce or chili flakes to the dressing if you’re craving some heat.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe enough. It’s quick, fresh, and endlessly customizable — the kind of dish you want to keep in your recipe rotation for busy days and casual get-togethers alike. The vibrant flavors, crisp textures, and ease of assembly make it a true winner every time. Give it a try, and watch it become your new favorite go-to meal!
Print
Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 15 wraps
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
These Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps offer a fresh and flavorful way to enjoy a light meal or appetizer. Tender shredded chicken combines with crunchy vegetables and a savory, tangy dressing, all wrapped in crisp butter lettuce leaves for a delicious, low-carb bite.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 4 teaspoons hoisin sauce
- 1–2 cloves garlic (minced)
Wrap Filling
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken (or more, to taste)
- Spring onions/scallions (green parts) (to taste)
- Cucumber (chopped, to taste)
- 1 medium carrot (julienned)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1 head butter leaf lettuce
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, combine the mayo, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and minced garlic. Mix well until smooth and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Chop the spring onions/scallions and cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Julienne the medium carrot into thin strips to add crunch and color to the wraps.
- Prepare Lettuce Leaves: Carefully separate the butter leaf lettuce head into individual leaves, selecting those that are intact and shaped well to hold the filling securely.
- Assemble the Wraps: On each lettuce leaf, spoon a portion of shredded chicken, then top with spring onions, cucumber, and julienned carrot. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the fillings. Season with salt and pepper according to taste and finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For added protein, increase the chicken amount or add tofu for a vegetarian alternative.
- Use butter leaf lettuce or other soft lettuce varieties like romaine or green leaf for best wrapping capability.
- These wraps are best served fresh to maintain the crispness of the lettuce.
- Can be adjusted to taste by adding chili flakes or sriracha for heat.
- Make sure the chicken is thoroughly cooked and shredded finely to fit well in the wraps.
