20-Minute Chicken Lettuce Wraps

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Fast, fresh, and bursting with bold flavor—these 20-Minute Chicken Lettuce Wraps are your weeknight dinner hero. They deliver all the savory, slightly sweet, and umami-packed flavors of your favorite Asian takeout, but in a light, crisp lettuce shell. Perfectly seasoned ground chicken gets tossed in a rich sauce and topped with crunchy green onions and sesame seeds for that irresistible bite.

Not only are these wraps incredibly delicious, but they’re also versatile and healthy. Whether you’re trying to cut carbs, serve up something fun for guests, or simply craving something different, these wraps will satisfy. In just 20 minutes, you’ll go from stovetop to table with minimal cleanup—and maximum satisfaction.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this recipe quick and easy, the right tools are everything. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large Skillet or Wok: This is key for evenly cooking the ground chicken and helping the sauce caramelize quickly without burning. A nonstick skillet works best.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: These help break the meat into small, crumbled bits and stir the sauce thoroughly.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping green onions, garlic, and optional veggies.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: To keep the sauce flavors balanced and consistent every time.
• Lettuce Spinner or Clean Towel: Dry lettuce is essential so your wraps don’t get soggy. A spinner makes it fast, but a towel works too.

Investing in the right kitchen tools not only saves time but ensures better cooking results. Once you have your station set up, the rest comes together with ease.

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Ingredients for the 20-Minute Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a specific role in creating balance and flavor:

• Ground Chicken: The lean base of the dish. It soaks up the sauce beautifully and cooks quickly.
• Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami and saltiness.
• Hoisin Sauce: Brings a touch of sweetness and rich depth to the mix.
• Rice Vinegar: For a little acidic balance that keeps the flavors bright.
• Garlic & Ginger: Fresh aromatics that give the dish its signature savory zing.
• Green Onions: Add freshness, color, and a little crunch.
• Water Chestnuts (optional): If you love extra crunch, these are a great addition.
• Sesame Oil: A small splash gives a toasted, nutty flavor that’s hard to beat.
• Butter or Bibb Lettuce Leaves: The perfect crisp and pliable vessel for all the saucy goodness.
• Sesame Seeds (optional): For texture and visual appeal.

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How To Make the 20-Minute Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Add ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink.

Step 3: Add the Sauce

Pour in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir to combine, and simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken.

Step 4: Toss in Crunchy Additions

Stir in chopped green onions and optional water chestnuts. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 5: Assemble the Wraps

Spoon the chicken mixture into lettuce leaves. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and more green onions if desired.

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How to Serve and Store These Lettuce Wraps

These chicken lettuce wraps are best served fresh and warm, right after cooking. Lay out a platter of lettuce leaves alongside a bowl of the hot filling so everyone can build their own.

If you have leftovers, store the chicken mixture separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. Keep the lettuce dry and stored in a container with a paper towel to maintain freshness.

These wraps also make fantastic meal prep components—just build them fresh when you’re ready to eat.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works just as well and tastes equally delicious.

What type of lettuce is best?

Butter or Bibb lettuce is ideal, but you can use romaine or iceberg if that’s what you have on hand.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely. Swap ground chicken for crumbled tofu or plant-based crumbles.

Is hoisin sauce gluten-free?

Some are, but not all. Check the label or use a gluten-free alternative.

Can I make this spicy?

Definitely! Add sriracha or red pepper flakes while cooking the chicken for heat.

What goes well as a side dish?

Steamed rice, egg rolls, or a cucumber salad complement these wraps beautifully.

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Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love these 20-Minute Chicken Lettuce Wraps, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

• Longhorn Parmesan Chicken for a crispy and cheesy dinner.
• Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot for set-it-and-forget-it ease.
• One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese for a cozy comfort dish.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini if you’re craving a pasta twist.
• Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet for that steakhouse flavor at home.

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Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use turkey? Add sriracha? Try a fun topping?

I love hearing how others make these wraps their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

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