These Asian chicken lettuce wraps are full of juicy ground chicken, crunchy veggies, all wrapped in a crisp piece of lettuce. They hit the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. Plus, they’re ready in a just 20 minutes. They’re easy, healthy, and might just become your new favorite meal.
Whether you want a quick bite or a filling dinner, these wraps have it all – like ginger for zing and cashews for crunch!
Treat yourself to this flavor-packed meal: Healthy Asian Chicken Wraps! You’ll love the easy prep and the explosion of Asian flavors from fresh ginger and spices. And the added crunch of cashews and fresh carrots takes these wraps to a whole new level of deliciousness.
What Are Asian Chicken Wraps?
Asian Chicken Wraps are a tasty dish from Thailand. They’re made by cooking seasoned ground chicken with flavors like fresh ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sometimes chili paste for a bit of spice. Once the chicken is cooked, it’s spooned onto large lettuce leaves, like iceberg or butter lettuce, which act as natural wraps. These wraps are often served as a snack or light meal. They’re refreshing and crunchy, with the lettuce providing a contrast to the savory chicken filling. You can customize them with toppings like chopped peanuts, cilantro, lime, and veggies. They’re a delicious, low-carb option for a quick and satisfying meal.
Why You Should Try These Easy Chicken Wraps
- Bursting with Flavor: These wraps are loaded with tasty Thai-inspired flavors like ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. Every bite is a flavor explosion!
- Healthy and Light: Since we’re using lettuce instead of bread, these wraps are lighter and lower in carbs. Perfect if you’re watching what you eat but still want something delicious.
- Super Easy to Make: You won’t need any fancy ingredients or complicated steps. Just follow the simple instructions, and you’ll have a tasty meal ready in no time.
- Customizable Recipe: Feel free to get creative! Add toppings like peanuts, cilantro, or veggies to make these wraps even more delicious.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re having a casual dinner at home or hosting a party, these wraps are sure to be a hit. They’re versatile and fit any mealtime or gathering.
Ingredients Needed
You’ll only need a few inexpensive and easily accessible ingredients for this recipe. Here is everything you need:
- Olive Oil – For an enhanced flavor, opt for toasted sesame oil.
- Onion – Contributes sweetness and a complex depth of flavor to the chicken filling.
- Garlic Cloves – Garlic powder or minced garlic from a jar can be used as substitutes, but fresh garlic cloves provide the best flavor.
- Ginger – Adds a fresh, spicy-sweet flavor to the dish. Ground ginger can be used as a substitute, but fresh ginger offers the best flavor and aroma.
- Ground Chicken – Ground turkey or ground pork can be used as substitutes for ground chicken.
- Soy Sauce – Brings a rich saltiness and umami depth. For a gluten-free option, Tamari or coconut aminos are perfect substitutes.
- Hot Sauce – Provides a sweet and tangy flavor with a hint of heat.
- Honey – Acts as a natural sweetener to balance the flavors.
- Green Onion- Gives a mild onion flavor and a pop of color to the dish.
- Carrots – Offer natural sweetness and a crunchy texture to the filling.
- Sesame Seeds – Add a nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the dish.
- Cashews – Add a satisfying crunch and offer healthy fats. Peanuts or almonds can be used as substitutes for cashews.
- Butter Lettuce – Romaine lettuce or iceberg lettuce can be used as substitutes for butter lettuce.
How To Make This Asian Chicken Wraps
Even though it may look impressive, this Asian chicken recipe is quick and easy to prepare without cooking skills. Here are the instructions that you have to follow:
Prepare the Aromatic Base
- Start by heating a pan over medium-high heat and adding a drizzle of oil. As the oil heats up, add the onions. Allow them to cook and soften for approximately 4-5 minutes until they are translucent.
- Now, you can incorporate the garlic and fresh shredded ginger. These aromatic ingredients will infuse the dish as they meld together for about 1 minute.
Cook the Chicken
- Now that the aromatic sauce is ready, it’s time to add the ground chicken. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the chicken as it cooks, ensuring an even distribution of flavors. Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance its taste profile. Allow it to cook until it develops a golden-brown exterior and is fully cooked, typically around 6-7 minutes.
Infusing with Thai Flavors
- Once the chicken has reached its desired doneness, it’s time to add the Thai-inspired flavors that will make this dish absolutely delicious. Add soy sauce, chili sauce, lime juice, and honey, then mix everything together until well combined, ensuring the chicken is coated in this tantalizing sauce.
Add Freshness and Crunch
- With the pan removed from the heat, it’s time to incorporate the vibrant and crunchy elements that will add freshness and texture to the dish.
- Add shredded carrots, chopped green onion, and cilantro to the pan, infusing the dish with their vibrant colors and aromatic flavors. Stir in the chopped cashews, providing a delightful crunch and nuttiness to enhance every bite.
Assemble the Lettuce Wraps
- Take one of the crisp lettuce leaves and spoon a generous portion of the flavorful chicken mixture onto it. Drizzle some of the remaining pan sauce over the top, then sprinkle sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavor and crunch.
Tips For Making The Best Asian Chicken Wraps
- Fresh ginger, garlic, and herbs like cilantro give the best flavor. Go for fresh ingredients whenever you can to make your wraps taste amazing.
- Don’t cook the ground chicken for too long. Cook until it’s no longer pink and has a nice golden-brown color. Overcooking can make it dry and tough.
- Get creative with toppings! Try chopped peanuts, sliced bell peppers, or shredded cabbage for extra crunch and flavor.
Serving Ideas
- Lettuce Cups: Use large, crisp lettuce leaves such as iceberg or butter lettuce as the base for your wraps.
- Sauces and Dips: Serve with keto-friendly dipping sauces such as peanut sauce made with natural peanut butter, coconut aminos, lime juice, and chili paste. You can also include a sugar-free sweet chili sauce or a spicy Thai dipping sauce made with fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, and chili peppers.
- Vegetable Fillings: Add crunchy and colorful vegetables to your wraps for extra texture and flavor. Thinly sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, cucumber matchsticks, and fresh herbs like cilantro and Thai basil are great options.
- Nuts and Seeds: Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts on top of the chicken filling for added crunch and nuttiness.
- Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the wraps before eating.
- Avocado: Add slices of ripe avocado to your wraps for creaminess and healthy fats. Avocado also helps balance out the flavors and adds a luxurious texture to the dish.
Storing Ideas
Here is how to store these Asian Chicken Wraps and prevent the ingredients from becoming soggy. Here are some storage ideas:
- If you’re preparing the wraps ahead of time, keep the lettuce leaves separate from the chicken filling and any other toppings. Store each component in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
- Wash and thoroughly dry the lettuce leaves before storing them. Place them in a single layer between paper towels to absorb any excess moisture, then store them in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container. You can also wrap the lettuce leaves in damp paper towels to help keep them crisp.
- Store the cooked chicken filling in a separate airtight container. Let it cool completely before sealing the container and refrigerating it. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling the wraps.
- If possible, assemble the wraps just before serving to prevent the lettuce from wilting and the other ingredients from becoming soggy. This ensures that each bite is fresh and flavorful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Asian Chicken Wraps Keto-Friendly?
Yes, these Asian Chicken Wraps can be keto-friendly, especially if you use low-carb ingredients for the filling and sauces.
Can I Make Asian Chicken Wraps Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prepare some components of these Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps ahead of time. However, it’s best to assemble the wraps just before serving to prevent the lettuce from wilting and the ingredients from becoming soggy.
What Type Of Lettuce Is Best For Making Wraps?
Crisp and sturdy lettuce varieties like iceberg, romaine, or butter lettuce work well for making wraps. These lettuce leaves provide a sturdy base for holding the chicken filling and other toppings, and they add a refreshing crunch to each bite.
Can I Use A Different Protein Instead Of Chicken?
Yes, you can customize Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps by using different proteins such as ground turkey, shrimp, tofu, or even beef. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and seasonings accordingly based on the protein you choose.
More Chicken Recipes
Asian Chicken Wraps
Description
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil or toasted sesame oil
- ½ medium onion diced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 ½ tbsp fresh minced ginger or 1 tsp ginger powder
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 4 tbsp low sodium soy sauce Tamari, or coconut aminos
- 2 tbsp Sriracha or more to taste
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup, optional
- ⅓ cup cashews chopped
- 2 green onions sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped or cilantro
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- salt and pepper to taste
To Serve
- 1 head butter lettuce
- Sesame seeds
- ¼ cup cashews or peanuts, crushed
Instructions
- Start by heating a pan over medium-high heat and adding oil. Once the oil is heated, add the onions and cook for approximately 4-5 minutes until translucent. Then, add the garlic and ginger and allow these fragrant ingredients to meld together for about 1 minute.
- Add the ground chicken to the same pan and mix until well combined. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the chicken as it cooks. Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper, allowing it to develop a golden-brown exterior, and cook through for about 6-7 minutes.
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the soy sauce, chili sauce, lime juice, and honey. Mix until well combined.
- Remove the pan from the heat, and then add the carrots, green onions, and chopped parsley.
- Stir in the chopped cashews and assemble the lettuce wraps.
- Take one of the lettuce leaves and spoon a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture onto it.
- Drizzle with some of the remaining pan sauce and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for an extra crunch.
How do we calculate the nutrition info?
These nutrition facts listed are determined using nutrition information from the USDA Food Database. Our nutrition facts are accurate, but if you are using different products, please make your calculations. Net carb count is calculated by subtracting both fiber and sugar alcohols because they don’t raise blood sugar.
