Simple Sesame Chicken Lettuce Wraps - Fresh & Flavorful
Lettuce wraps have been enjoyed for generations, with early versions appearing in Southeast Asian cuisine, where vibrant herbs, savory fillings, and crisp greens came together in perfect balance. Dishes like Korean ssam and Vietnamese spring rolls highlight the tradition of using leafy greens as natural wrappers. As global palates expanded, lettuce wraps gained popularity for their refreshing crunch and low-carb appeal. Today, they’re a go-to choice for clean, customizable meals, perfect for everything from Asian-inspired dishes to creative takes on tacos and handheld lunches.
Simple Sesame Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Craving something bold, fresh, and low-carb that’s ready in minutes?
These Simple Sesame Chicken Lettuce Wraps are just what you need! Made with juicy ground chicken, garlic, sweet onions, and a savory-sweet blend of hoisin, soy sauce, and sesame oil, all served in crisp lettuce leaves for a refreshing crunch. They’re a flavorful, light alternative to takeout that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or entertaining.
Ingredients for Simple Sesame Chicken Lettuce Wraps.
Ingredients
8 large lettuce leaves (2 large lettuce leaves per person)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 teaspoons coconut oil
1 pound extra lean ground chicken
1 sweet onion, chopped
1 bunch green onions, diced
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
How to make Simple Sesame Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Gently rinse the lettuce leaves and pat them dry with a clean towel. Place them in the fridge to keep crisp until ready to use.
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Set aside.
Minced garlic, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar mixed together.
Heat the coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Ground chicken cooking in coconut oil over medium heat. Remove from pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
Diced onion cooking until soft and translucent.
Add the diced green onions and sesame seeds. Stir to combine. Pour in the prepared sauce and mix well.
Diced green onions and sesame seeds added to the cooked onion.
Prepared sauce is added to the mixture.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir gently to combine all ingredients. Reduce the heat and let everything simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Cooked ground chicken is combined with all ingredients and simmering for a few minutes.
To serve, spoon the chicken mixture into each chilled lettuce leaf. Wrap and enjoy!
THE RECIPE
Simple Sesame Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Lettuce wraps have a long history, with roots in Asian cuisine, particularly in Chinese and Thai dishes. The concept of wrapping flavorful fillings in crisp lettuce leaves has been around for centuries, offering a light, healthy alternative to tortillas or bread. The wraps became popular in the West in the 1980s, thanks to the rise of lighter, healthier eating trends. Now, they are a favorite for anyone looking for a fresh, low-carb twist on tacos, burgers, and more, making them the perfect bite-sized treat!
Ingredients
- 8 large lettuce leaves (2 large lettuce leaves per person)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
- 1 pound extra lean ground chicken
- 1 sweet onion, chopped
- 1 bunch green onions, diced
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Instructions
- Gently rinse the lettuce leaves and pat them dry with a clean towel. Place them in the fridge to keep crisp until ready to use.
- In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Set aside.
- Heat the coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Add the diced green onions and sesame seeds. Stir to combine. Pour in the prepared sauce and mix well.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir gently to combine all ingredients. Reduce the heat and let everything simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- To serve, spoon the chicken mixture into each chilled lettuce leaf. Wrap and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories
284Fat
10 gCarbs
16 gProtein
28 gFrequently Asked Questions
Q. What type of lettuce works best for wraps?
Butter lettuce, romaine, and iceberg all work well. Look for large, sturdy leaves that can hold the filling without tearing easily.
Q. Can I use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lean alternative, and beef adds a richer flavor. Just adjust the seasoning to match your preference.
Q. Is hoisin sauce necessary, or can I substitute it?
Hoisin adds a sweet-savory depth, but you can sub with a mix of soy sauce, a touch of honey or maple syrup, and a bit of garlic or peanut butter.
Q. How do I keep the lettuce wraps from falling apart?
If the leaves tear or feel too flimsy, try layering two leaves together for extra strength. You can also serve the filling as a “lettuce bowl” by chopping the lettuce and spooning the mixture over the top - same great flavor, less fuss!
Q. Can I make these wraps ahead of time?
You can prep the filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble the wraps just before serving for the best texture.
Q. Can I make the lettuce wraps gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and hoisin sauce and double-check that all condiments are labeled gluten-free.
Light, flavorful, and fun to eat, these Simple Sesame Chicken Lettuce Wraps are the perfect way to enjoy a satisfying meal without the extra fuss.
Meet Dr. Veronica Allende,
Founder of HealthWealth
Inspired by her Puerto Rican roots & Moroccan family, Dr. Veronica Allende blends culture, wellness & heart into every recipe. Her mission? To make healthy eating feel joyful, simple & full of meaning.
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