Spicy Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Healthy Dinner Under 30 Min

Spicy chicken lettuce wraps: A close-up of crisp green lettuce leaves filled with a reddish-brown spiced minced mixture and topped with fresh cilantro. The wraps are neatly arranged on a plate over a rustic wooden surface, highlighting their vibrant colors and fresh, appetizing look.

Spicy Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Healthy Dinner Under 30 Min

5 from 1 vote

These Spicy Chicken Lettuce Wraps with peanut sauce deliver bold Asian-inspired flavor in a light, low-carb package. Juicy ground chicken, sautéed with soy sauce, hoisin, ginger, and chili, is wrapped in crisp lettuce cups and topped with a creamy homemade peanut sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings: 4 Servings

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Fusion

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Chicken Filling

1 lb (450 g) ground chicken (93 % lean)
1 Tbsp sesame oil or olive oil
2 cloves garlic minced
1 Tbsp fresh ginger grated
2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 Tbsp hoisin sauce
1 Tbsp sriracha or to taste
1 Tbsp rice vinegar
1 cup diced bell peppers red or yellow
2 green onions sliced
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Peanut Sauce

¼ cup natural peanut butter
1½ Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 Tbsp rice vinegar
1 Tbsp lime juice fresh
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
½ tsp chili flakes optional
2–3 Tbsp warm water to thin

For Serving

8–10 large lettuce leaves Bibb, Boston, butter, or romaine
Chopped peanuts & lime wedges for garnish

Equipment

Large Skillet or Wok For browning ground chicken evenly and sautéing aromatics (garlic, ginger, and vegetables).
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula To break up ground chicken and stir sauces without scratching the pan.
Measuring Cups & Spoons For precise ingredient ratios in both the chicken filling and peanut sauce.
Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board To mince garlic, slice green onions, and chop bell peppers.
2 Mixing Bowls One for mixing the peanut sauce and another for assembling or holding fillings.
Whisk For blending the peanut sauce until smooth and emulsified.
Small Saucepan (optional) If you prefer warming the peanut sauce before drizzling (for a silkier texture).
Tongs or Serving Spoon To portion the filling neatly into lettuce leaves.
Lettuce Spinner or Colander To wash and dry lettuce thoroughly, ensuring crisp wraps.
Plates or Serving Board For arranging wraps attractively at the table.

Method

Prepare the peanut sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar, lime juice, honey, and chili flakes.
Add warm water gradually until smooth and pourable.
Taste and adjust sweetness, spice, or salt. Set aside.

Cook the chicken

Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add garlic and ginger; sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add ground chicken, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook 5–6 minutes until browned and no longer pink.

Add flavor

Stir in soy sauce, hoisin, sriracha, vinegar, and diced peppers.
Cook another 4–5 minutes until peppers soften and sauce thickens slightly.

Assemble wraps

Spoon warm chicken mixture into lettuce leaves.
Drizzle with peanut sauce.
Garnish with green onions, chopped peanuts, and a squeeze of lime.

Notes

Always use lean ground chicken (90–93 %) to reduce excess fat but retain juiciness.

According to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, swapping refined carbs for lettuce-based meals can improve glycemic control.

Use leftover peanut sauce for noodles, spring rolls, or grilled veggies.

Each serving of these spicy chicken lettuce wraps (~350 kcal) supplies 31 g protein — nearly 60 % of an average adult’s daily protein need (USDA DRI 2024).

For best texture and presentation, lightly chill the washed lettuce leaves while you cook the filling — the temperature contrast makes each bite more refreshing.