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Sesame Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Quick, Fresh, and Totally Delicious
Hey friend, ready to whip up something that’s healthy, delicious, and makes you look like a kitchen superstar? These Sesame Chicken Lettuce Wraps are light, flavorful, and so easy to make, you’ll have dinner on the table faster than it takes to order takeout. Let’s do this!
Recipe Details
Detail
Time/Quantity
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Servings
4
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken 🐓:
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, diced
2 tablespoons cornstarch (for that crispy finish)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Sauce 🥣:
3 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
2 tablespoons honey 🍯 (maple syrup works, too)
1 tablespoon sesame oil 🌾
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (or peanut butter for a fun twist!)
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon sriracha 🌶️ (optional, for a little kick)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
For Serving 🌱:
8–10 large lettuce leaves (romaine, butter lettuce, or iceberg—your choice!)
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional, but so fresh!)
Extra sesame seeds for garnish
How to Make It
1. Prep Like a Pro
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. While it warms up, toss the diced chicken with cornstarch. This little trick gives the chicken a crispy, golden finish.
Take a deep breath—you’ve already nailed the first step!
2. Sizzle That Chicken
Add vegetable oil to the skillet and toss in the chicken. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Trust me, it’s about to get even better.
3. The Sauce of Dreams
In the same skillet, stir together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, hoisin, ginger, garlic, and sriracha (if you like it spicy).
Let it simmer for a minute, then add the chicken back in. Toss to coat in the glossy, delicious sauce, and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Sprinkle in sesame seeds for that final flourish.
4. Wrap It Up
Lay out your lettuce leaves on a plate. Spoon a generous amount of chicken into each one, then top with shredded carrots, green onions, and cilantro if you’re feeling fancy. Sprinkle on some extra sesame seeds for good measure.
5. Serve and Savor
Arrange the wraps on a platter and bring them to the table like the kitchen rockstar you are. Don’t forget to drizzle any extra pan juices over the top—it’s too good to waste!
Tips & Tricks
Save Time: Use pre-chopped veggies or even rotisserie chicken for a faster version.
Crispier Chicken: Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if needed.
Perfect Lettuce: If your lettuce leaves feel too fragile, double up for sturdier wraps.
Extra Sauce: Double the sauce recipe—it’s amazing drizzled over rice or steamed veggies!
Meal Prep: Store the chicken and lettuce separately for a fresh and crisp meal the next day.
Variations
Protein Options
Swap chicken for ground turkey, shrimp, or tofu for a new twist.
Spice It Up
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or more sriracha to the sauce for extra heat.
Vegan-Friendly
Use crispy tofu and swap honey for maple syrup.
Add Crunch
Top with chopped peanuts, crushed wontons, or water chestnuts for a satisfying crunch.
Wrap Alternatives
Try collard greens, cabbage leaves, or even rice paper wraps for a different texture.
Why You’ll Love It
🕒 Quick: 30 minutes from start to finish.
🌱 Healthy: Packed with fresh veggies and light, flavorful chicken.
🤩 Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or switch up the protein.
Pro Tip
Save this recipe for busy weeknights or your next meal-prep session. These wraps are perfect for feeding your family, wowing your friends, or just treating yourself to something fresh and fabulous.