Introduction

Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Teriyaki Sauce are a light, fresh, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or appetizer-style meals. Juicy chicken, sautéed with vegetables and coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, is nestled in crisp lettuce leaves, making every bite a perfect combination of crunch and flavor.

This recipe is inspired by Asian cuisine and is a healthy, low-carb alternative to traditional wraps or sandwiches. With the balance of protein, vegetables, and a sticky, umami-rich teriyaki glaze, these wraps are delicious, satisfying, and visually appealing.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fresh, flavorful, and customizable. The crisp lettuce balances the rich teriyaki chicken, and the combination of vegetables adds texture and color. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

The teriyaki sauce ties everything together with sweet, savory, and slightly tangy notes, making these wraps irresistible. They’re also fun to serve family-style, letting everyone assemble their own wraps according to their taste.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Healthy and light: Low in carbs while still packed with flavor.
• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Versatile: Works as a lunch, dinner, or appetizer.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults love building their own wraps.
• Customizable: Add extra veggies, rice, or noodles to suit your preferences.

Preparation and Cooking Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~280 kcal per serving

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Main Course / Appetizer
• Cuisine: Asian / Fusion

Ingredients

For the Chicken Filling:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small carrot, finely diced
• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1/2 cup water chestnuts, chopped (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated

For Serving:

• 1 head butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce, leaves separated
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Extra green onions for garnish

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare Teriyaki Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger.
2. Mix cornstarch and water in a separate bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Cook Chicken

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add diced chicken, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook 5–6 minutes until browned and cooked through.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

1. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and bell pepper to the skillet.
2. Cook 3–4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
3. Stir in water chestnuts and green onions; cook 1 more minute.

Step 4: Add Teriyaki Sauce

1. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
2. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken.
3. Simmer 2–3 minutes until sauce is glossy and slightly thickened.

Step 5: Assemble Wraps

1. Spoon chicken mixture into lettuce leaves, using them as cups.
2. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and extra green onions.

How to Serve

• Serve warm as a main course or appetizer.
• Pair with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles for a more filling meal.
• Serve family-style for a DIY wrap experience, letting everyone build their own wraps.

Recipe Tips

• Lettuce choice: Butter lettuce or iceberg works best for cups.
• Don’t overcook chicken: Keeps it tender and juicy.
• Vegetables: Dice finely for easier wrapping and even cooking.
• Make ahead: Chicken filling can be prepared in advance; assemble wraps just before serving.
• Extra crunch: Add chopped peanuts or cashews for texture.

Variations

1. Spicy Teriyaki: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
2. Ground Chicken or Turkey: Swap diced chicken with ground meat for a different texture.
3. Vegetarian: Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken.
4. Noodle Wraps: Use rice paper or thin tortillas for a twist on traditional lettuce cups.
5. Sweet & Tangy: Add pineapple chunks for a tropical flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store chicken filling (without lettuce) in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken mixture for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet or microwave; assemble wraps fresh to maintain crispness.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Mixing bowl for sauce
• Knife and cutting board
• Spoon for assembling wraps

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, dice and sauté briefly with vegetables and sauce to heat through.

Q2. Can I make this gluten-free?
Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.

Q3. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the chicken mixture in advance; assemble wraps just before serving.

Q4. Can I add rice or noodles?
Yes, for a more filling meal, serve chicken mixture over rice or noodles instead of lettuce.

Q5. What other sauces work?
Hoisin or teriyaki glaze variations can be used for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Teriyaki Sauce are a light, fresh, and flavorful meal that’s quick, easy, and versatile. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, healthy lunches, or party appetizers.

The combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and sweet-savory teriyaki sauce makes every bite satisfying. Quick to make, healthy, and delicious—these wraps are a must-try for anyone who loves Asian-inspired dishes!