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If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors, textures, and colors while staying light and totally guilt-free, this Easy Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s super quick to whip up, packed with protein, crunchy veggies, and a sweet-savory glaze that will have you reaching for seconds – perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a fun appetizer at your next gathering. Plus, it’s delightfully fresh and feels like a mini handheld celebration of good, wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these simple, fresh ingredients together is all it takes to create a spectacular dish. Each component not only brings essential flavors but also adds to the perfect balance of texture and nutrition that makes these wraps so irresistible.
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that absorbs all the delicious sauce and spices beautifully.
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: Adds a rich umami depth without overpowering the lightness of the dish.
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup: Brings a natural sweetness that balances the savory flavors perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons orange marmalade: A zesty twist that brightens up the sauce and gives a hint of citrus charm.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Introduces a hint of complexity and slight tang to the mixture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Essential for sautéing, adding smoothness while keeping it heart-healthy.
- 1/2 cup white onion (finely diced): For subtle sweetness and that lovely aromatic foundation.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Adds crunch, color, and a natural sweetness.
- 3 cloves garlic (finely minced or grated): The unmistakable kick that brings everything to life.
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors gently without overwhelming.
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper: Provides mild warmth and seasoning.
- 1/2 cup cashews (plus a few extra for garnish if desired): A buttery crunch that complements the soft lettuce and chicken.
- 10 lettuce leaves (Bibb or Boston butter lettuces preferred): The fresh, crisp, and tender wraps that hold everything with elegance.
- 2 tomatoes (small, finely chopped): Adds juicy bursts of freshness and color.
- 1 cucumber (small, peeled, seeded, finely chopped): Provides a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm filling.
How to Make Easy Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, maple syrup, orange marmalade, and hoisin sauce until combined. Don’t stress if the marmalade looks a bit chunky — it will dissolve beautifully once it hits the heat and starts cooking.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium heat and add the diced onion and shredded carrots. Sauté them for two to three minutes until the onions soften, releasing their natural sweetness and aroma into your kitchen.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken and Garlic
Add the minced garlic along with the chicken breasts, then season with salt and pepper. Stir frequently and cook for about two to three minutes until the chicken is nearly cooked through. This step ensures every bite is tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Combine Sauce and Nuts
Pour in the prepared sauce and continue cooking, stirring often until the mixture comes to a gentle bubble. This should take about a minute. Stir in the cashews and let them heat through, adding a delightful crunch to every mouthful. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Assemble the Wraps
Take a sturdy lettuce leaf and spoon roughly a quarter cup of the warm chicken mixture onto it. Top with chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and a few extra cashews if you like. These wraps are best enjoyed immediately to maintain that perfect crisp and freshness.
How to Serve Easy Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions add an extra burst of flavor and a pop of color that’s simply irresistible. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds also provides a lovely nutty finish that makes the wraps even more visually appealing and tasty.
Side Dishes
Pair these wraps with a light Asian-inspired cucumber salad or a simple steamed rice for a fuller meal experience. For an extra health boost, try serving with a chilled miso soup or roasted edamame on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these Easy Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe on a beautiful platter lined with whole lettuce leaves for a communal “build your own wrap” experience that’s perfect for entertaining. You can also provide small dipping bowls with extra sauce or a spicy chili dressing for those who love a little kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store the cooked chicken mixture separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the lettuce and fresh veggies refrigerated separately to prevent sogginess and maintain their crisp texture.
Freezing
The chicken filling freezes well! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to two months. Avoid freezing the lettuce leaves, as they lose their texture when thawed.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken mixture gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep it moist and tender. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent drying out. Once warmed through, simply re-assemble your wraps with fresh lettuce and toppings.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works wonderfully in this recipe and cooks quickly, absorbing the sauce just as well. It also makes the filling easier to scoop into your lettuce leaves.
What type of lettuce is best for these wraps?
Bibb or Boston butter lettuce leaves are ideal because they’re tender yet sturdy enough to hold the filling without tearing. Iceberg lettuce works too if you want extra crunch, but avoid fragile greens like spinach.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! The chicken mixture can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just keep the lettuce and fresh toppings separate until ready to serve for the best texture.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the chicken for firm tofu or a mix of sautéed mushrooms and cashews for a tasty vegetarian version that’s just as satisfying and packed with flavor.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I add heat?
This Easy Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is mild by default, making it great for all palates. If you crave some heat, add a dash of sriracha, chili flakes, or chopped fresh chilies to the sauce or as a garnish.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites because it’s deliciously fresh, incredibly quick, and wonderfully versatile. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do and find yourself turning to it as a go-to meal that feels just as good as it tastes.
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Print
Easy Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 wraps
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Easy Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps recipe offers a flavorful and nutritious meal that’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Tender chicken breasts are sautéed with fresh vegetables, garlic, and a delicious blend of soy, maple syrup, orange marmalade, and hoisin sauce. Served in crisp bibb or Boston butter lettuce leaves and garnished with chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and crunchy cashews, these wraps provide a delightful combination of textures and flavors that are both satisfying and health-conscious.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons orange marmalade
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Vegetables and Garnishes
- 1/2 cup white onion, finely diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
- 1/2 cup cashews, plus a few extra for garnish if desired
- 10 lettuce leaves (Bibb or Boston butter lettuces)
- 2 small tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 small cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the low-sodium soy sauce, pure maple syrup, orange marmalade, and hoisin sauce. Mix well and set aside. Note that the marmalade may not fully blend at this stage but will incorporate during cooking.
- Sauté vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and shredded carrots, and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions begin to soften.
- Cook the chicken and garlic: Add the minced garlic and boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces) to the skillet. Season with kosher salt and pepper. Cook while stirring frequently for 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken is mostly cooked through.
- Add the sauce and cashews: Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce starts to bubble, about 1 minute. Stir in the cashews and cook just until heated through. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the wraps: Spoon about one-quarter cup of the chicken mixture onto each lettuce leaf. Top with finely chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and garnish with extra cashews if desired. Serve immediately for best freshness and texture.
Notes
- Use Bibb or Boston butter lettuce for the best wrap texture and flavor.
- For a nut-free version, omit cashews or substitute with toasted seeds.
- Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by modifying the amount of maple syrup and orange marmalade according to your taste.
- Ensure the chicken is cut into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Serve these wraps immediately to maintain the crispness of the lettuce.
