Craving something light, flavorful, and a bit addictive? These Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a flavor-packed, low-carb delight that’s perfect for a quick meal or an impressive appetizer. Juicy chicken, crunchy cashews, and a savory sauce come together in crisp lettuce leaves—deliciousness in every bite! Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests!
Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps
If there’s one dish that always hits the spot, it’s these Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps. I remember the first time I tried something similar at PF Chang’s—it was love at first bite. The combination of savory ground chicken, crunchy cashews, and the refreshing crispness of iceberg lettuce was everything I never knew I needed. Since then, I’ve been on a mission to recreate that magic at home (without water chestnuts because, just no), and let me tell you, this version is even better (if I do say so myself). Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make, so you can whip it up any night of the week.
The PF Chang’s Influence
While lettuce wraps have been a staple in Asian cuisine for centuries, they truly gained mainstream popularity thanks to PF Chang’s, a restaurant chain that introduced this delightful dish to a wider audience. The concept is simple yet brilliant—take ground meat, season it with bold Asian flavors, and serve it in a crisp lettuce leaf. It’s the perfect balance of texture and taste, and it’s no wonder these wraps have become a fan favorite.
Their version features finely chopped chicken, water chestnuts (which, as I’ve mentioned, we’re happily skipping), and a signature sauce that hits all the right notes. It’s the dish that launched a thousand copycat recipes—and this one is no exception, minus the water chestnuts. While their recipe is a closely guarded secret, this homemade version is so much better—minus the need for a reservation!
Why This Recipe Works:
• Flavorful Marinade: The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Shaoxing wine in the marinade infuses the chicken with a deep, savory flavor, ensuring every bite is packed with umami goodness.
• Texture Contrast: The crispy lettuce wraps paired with the tender chicken and crunchy cashews create a satisfying contrast in every bite, making the dish feel fresh and exciting.
• Quick Cooking: Ground chicken cooks quickly, especially when stir-fried over high heat. This means you get a delicious meal on the table fast, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatility: This recipe is adaptable—swap cashews for peanuts, add a touch of spice with extra chili sauce, or mix in some of your favorite veggies to make it your own.
Tips to Make This Recipe:
• Marinate for Flavor: Don’t skimp on the marinating time. Even just 15 minutes can make a world of difference in how the flavors develop.
• High Heat Cooking: When you’re browning the chicken mixture, make sure your skillet is hot. This ensures a nice sear, which adds flavor and texture.
• Iceberg Lettuce: Use the crispiest leaves from the head of iceberg lettuce for the best texture contrast. You want that satisfying crunch!
• Customization: Feel free to swap the cashews with peanuts or add some heat with extra chili sauce if you like it spicy.
How to make Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 20 cashews, roughly chopped
- 3 dried shitake mushrooms, softened in hot water, stemmed, and finely chopped
- 3 scallions, 2 finely chopped, the green part of 1 julienned
- 4 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Kosher salt and freshly ground white pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoon peanut oil
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 16 leaves iceberg lettuce
- Sweet chili sauce, for serving
Step 1: Put chicken, cashews, mushrooms, and chopped scallions into a bowl. Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, wine, cornstarch, sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Pour over chicken and toss well. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
Step 2: Heat oil in a 12″ skillet over high heat. Add garlic and cook for 10 seconds. Add chicken mixture and cook, stirring, until browned, about 3 minutes. Transfer chicken to a bowl. To serve, spoon some chicken onto each lettuce leaf. Garnish with julienned scallion and chile sauce.
Wrap It Up: Your New Go-To Dinner!
These Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a quick and easy way to bring a restaurant-quality dish right to your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a light dinner or an impressive appetizer, these wraps have got you covered. What’s your favorite way to customize your lettuce wraps? Drop your tips in the comments below and let’s share the love for this simple, yet satisfying dish! Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes that are easy to whip up and always a hit!
Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps
[stars_rating_avg]Ingredients
1 pound ground chicken
20 cashews, roughly chopped
3 dried shitake mushrooms, softened in hot water, stemmed, and finely chopped
3 scallions, 2 finely chopped, the green part of 1 julienned
4 teaspoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon sugar
Kosher salt and freshly ground white pepper, to taste
2 tablespoon peanut oil
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
16 leaves iceberg lettuce
Sweet chili sauce, for serving
Spicy Hoisin Dipping Sauce
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoons Sriracha
1 tablespoons warm water
Instructions
Put chicken, cashews, mushrooms, and chopped scallions into a bowl. Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, wine, cornstarch, sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Pour over chicken and toss well. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
Heat oil in a 12″ skillet over high heat. Add garlic and cook for 10 seconds. Add chicken mixture and cook, stirring, until browned, about 3 minutes. Transfer chicken to a bowl. To serve, spoon some chicken onto each lettuce leaf. Garnish with julienned scallion and Spicy Hoisin Sauce.
Spicy Hoisin Sauce
Combine all ingredients and mix well
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Nutrition Facts
Calories
296.26
Fat
19.64 g
Sat. Fat
4.38 g
Carbs
7.58 g
Fiber
1.27 g
Net carbs
6.34 g
Sugar
2.32 g
Protein
22.96 g
Sodium
535.36 mg
Cholesterol
97.52 mg
