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Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Hoisin Sauce

Elina James
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizers
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Chicken Filling
  • 1 lb (450g) ground chicken or finely diced chicken breast
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped (optional but recommended)
  • ¼ cup water chestnuts, finely chopped (for crunch)
  • 2 green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
  • For the Hoisin Sauce Mixture
  • ¼ cup hoisin sauce
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional for umami depth)
  • 1 tsp sriracha or chili paste (optional for heat)
  • 1 tsp brown sugar or honey (to balance flavor)
  • For Serving
  • 1 head of butter lettuce, iceberg, or romaine (leaves separated, washed, and dried)
  • Crushed peanuts or sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • Extra hoisin or chili sauce (for drizzling)

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Prepare the Lettuce : Separate the lettuce leaves carefully, rinse them under cold water, and pat them dry with paper towels. Keep them in the fridge until ready to serve for extra crispness.
  • Step 2: Mix the Sauce : In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, oyster sauce, sriracha, and brown sugar. Set aside — this mixture will give the chicken its deliciously sticky, savory flavor.
  • Step 3: Cook the Chicken : Heat sesame oil and vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic, ginger, and onion; sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Add ground chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart until no longer pink.
  • Step 4: Add Vegetables : Stir in diced bell pepper, mushrooms, and water chestnuts. Cook for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are softened and any moisture has evaporated.
  • Step 5: Add the Sauce : Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet. Stir well to coat everything evenly, and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Toss in chopped green onions for freshness.
  • Step 6: Assemble the Wraps : Spoon the warm chicken mixture into chilled lettuce leaves. Garnish with extra green onions, crushed peanuts, or sesame seeds.