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Looking for a tasty, easy meal? Try my Savory Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps! This dish combines ground chicken with flavorful teriyaki sauce, crunchy water chestnuts, and fresh ginger. You can whip it up in under 30 minutes! Perfect as a light lunch or a fun dinner. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a healthy twist. Let’s dive into the ingredients and start cooking!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Healthy and Delicious: These lettuce wraps are a guilt-free indulgence, packed with protein and fresh flavors while being low in carbs.
- Quick to Prepare: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level and add your favorite vegetables, making these wraps suitable for everyone.
- Fun to Eat: Assembling your own wraps is not only interactive but also a hit at parties, encouraging everyone to get involved!
Ingredients
To make savory teriyaki chicken lettuce wraps, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Each one adds flavor and texture to the dish. Here’s the list:
– 1 lb ground chicken
– 1/4 cup low sodium teriyaki sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 cup finely chopped water chestnuts
– 1/2 cup sliced green onions (plus extra for garnish)
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 head of butter or romaine lettuce, leaves carefully separated
– Sesame seeds for garnish
– Optional: Sriracha or chili sauce for a spicy kick
These ingredients come together to create a delicious meal. You will find that ground chicken cooks quickly and absorbs the teriyaki sauce’s taste well. The water chestnuts add a nice crunch, while the green onions bring a fresh note. Using butter or romaine lettuce gives you a sturdy wrap for your filling. The sesame seeds on top make it look fancy and add extra flavor. If you like heat, Sriracha or chili sauce is a great choice!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Ingredients
How to prepare garlic and ginger
Start by peeling the garlic cloves. Use a knife to chop them into small pieces. Next, take fresh ginger and peel it too. Use a grater or knife to mince the ginger into tiny bits. This will give your dish a nice flavor.
Chopping water chestnuts and green onions
Grab your water chestnuts and chop them finely. Make sure they are in small pieces to mix well. For the green onions, slice them thinly. Save some of the green tops for later. You will use these for garnish.
Cooking Instructions
Heating the skillet and sautéing aromatics
Place a large skillet on the stove and turn the heat to medium. Pour in the sesame oil. Once the oil is warm, add the minced garlic and ginger. Stir them for about one minute until they smell great. Be careful not to burn them.
Browning the ground chicken
Now, add the ground chicken to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart. Keep stirring as it cooks. Cook until the chicken is brown and no longer pink. This should take about five to seven minutes.
Adding teriyaki sauce and other ingredients
Once the chicken cooks completely, drizzle the teriyaki sauce over it. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly. Next, fold in the finely chopped water chestnuts and half of the green onions. Cook for another two to three minutes to heat everything through.
Assembling Lettuce Wraps
Techniques for using lettuce leaves as wraps
Take a lettuce leaf and lay it flat on your plate. Spoon a generous amount of the teriyaki chicken mixture into the center of the leaf. Fold the sides up to create a cup. This makes it easy to hold and eat.
Presentation tips for serving
Place the filled lettuce wraps on a nice platter. Sprinkle sesame seeds and the remaining green onions on top for flavor. You can add extra sauce and chili on the side for guests who like it spicy. This makes your dish look inviting and fun to eat.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
To ensure your chicken is evenly browned, use a large skillet. Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Stir it often to avoid any raw spots. This helps the chicken cook nicely and taste great.
Be careful when cooking garlic and ginger. These two add a lot of flavor, but they can burn quickly. Sauté them on medium heat for just about one minute. If they turn dark, they may taste bitter.
Serving Suggestions
For a great presentation, arrange the filled lettuce wraps on a nice platter. Sprinkle extra sesame seeds and green onion bits on top. This makes the dish look fresh and colorful.
Pair your wraps with simple side dishes like rice or a salad. These sides balance the meal and add texture. You can also serve some extra teriyaki sauce or chili sauce on the side. This lets guests customize their wraps to their taste.
Garnishing Ideas
You can add more toppings to your wraps for extra flavor. Try diced cucumbers, shredded carrots, or even sliced radishes. These add crunch and freshness to each bite.
Enhance the flavor with sauces. A drizzle of hoisin sauce or a spicy mayo can make a big difference. These sauces bring a new twist to the classic taste of teriyaki chicken.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh ginger and garlic for a more vibrant flavor profile in your teriyaki chicken.
- Customize Your Heat: Adjust the amount of sriracha or chili sauce according to your spice preference; start with a small amount and add more as desired.
- Perfect Lettuce Leaves: Choose intact lettuce leaves that are large enough to hold the filling securely, ensuring a better wrap experience.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the chicken filling in advance and store it in the fridge. Just assemble the wraps right before serving for a fresh taste.

Variations
Alternative Proteins
You can switch things up by using different proteins. Ground turkey works great if you want a leaner option. Tofu is a fantastic choice for a vegetarian dish. Simply crumble firm tofu in the skillet and cook it just like the chicken. It absorbs flavors well and gives a nice texture.
Flavor Variations
To add new tastes, try different sauces. Hoisin sauce brings a sweet flair. Soy sauce can give a salty kick. You may also add a splash of lime juice for a zesty touch. For added depth, consider spices like five-spice powder or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Lettuce Wrap Substitutes
If you want variety in your wraps, consider using other greens. Iceberg lettuce offers a nice crunch. Swiss chard or collard greens are also great options. For a fun twist, try tortillas or rice paper wraps. These can hold more filling and add a different texture to your meal.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your teriyaki chicken mixture fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps keep out air and moisture. Place the mixture in the fridge right after it cools. It should stay good for about three days.
For the lettuce, wrap the leaves in a damp paper towel. Then, place them in a sealed bag. This keeps them crisp and fresh for a longer time.
Reheating Tips
When reheating the chicken, do it slowly. Use medium heat on the stove. Add a splash of water or teriyaki sauce to keep it moist. Stir often to heat it evenly.
If you want to refresh your lettuce, rinse it under cold water. Dry it gently with a towel. This helps restore its crunch before serving again.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze the chicken filling! Place it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. It can last up to three months in the freezer.
When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it on the stove as mentioned earlier. For the lettuce, it’s best to use fresh leaves after thawing.
FAQs
What is the best lettuce for wraps?
I recommend butter or romaine lettuce for wraps. Both types are flexible and sturdy. Butter lettuce has soft leaves that hold fillings well. Romaine provides a nice crunch. Other options like iceberg lettuce can also work, but they break more easily. Choose what you like best!
Can I make Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture in advance. Cook the chicken, then cool it down. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate to stay fresh. Assemble the wraps just before serving. This keeps everything crisp and tasty.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat, use sriracha or chili sauce. Drizzle it over the chicken before serving. You can also mix in red pepper flakes when cooking. Another option is adding chopped jalapeños to the filling. Adjust the spice to your taste!
What can I serve with Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps?
These wraps pair well with a simple salad or steamed rice. You can also serve them with edamame or a light soup. For drinks, try iced green tea or a fruity soda. These sides complement the flavors nicely!
This article covered easy ways to make delicious Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps. We explored key ingredients, preparation, and cooking steps. I shared tips for serving and storing your wraps. You can even try different proteins or flavors to mix things up. With these insights, you can impress your family and friends. Enjoy this fun meal anytim
Savory Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Delicious and healthy lettuce wraps filled with savory teriyaki chicken and fresh vegetables.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup low sodium teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 cup water chestnuts, finely chopped
- 1 cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 head butter or romaine lettuce, leaves separated
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili sauce (optional)
In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until they become fragrant and slightly golden, being careful not to let them burn.
Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the ground chicken to the skillet, using a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Stir frequently and cook until the chicken is evenly browned and no longer pink in the center, roughly 5-7 minutes.
Once the chicken is cooked through, drizzle the teriyaki sauce over the top, stirring well to ensure all the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.
Fold in the finely chopped water chestnuts and half of the sliced green onions. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm through, mixing well.
Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly, making it easier to handle.
To assemble your lettuce wraps, take a generous spoonful of the teriyaki chicken mixture and place it in the center of a lettuce leaf, creating a delightful cup.
Before serving, sprinkle sesame seeds and the remaining sliced green onions over the chicken filling for added texture and flavor.
If you enjoy a bit of heat, drizzle with sriracha or your favorite chili sauce before enjoying.
Arrange the filled lettuce wraps on a platter, garnished with additional sesame seeds and green onion bits for an inviting display. Provide extra sauce and chili on the side for guests to customize their wraps.
Keyword chicken, easy, healthy, lettuce wraps, teriyaki
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