Crispy Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Zesty Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe: Fresh & Flavorful

Tangy and crisp, these teriyaki chicken lettuce wraps dance with flavor that will make your taste buds sing.

Bursting with authentic teriyaki chicken flavor, this recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes.

The sizzling chicken comes together quickly, creating a meal that feels both elegant and effortless.

Crisp lettuce leaves cradle the succulent meat, providing a refreshing crunch with every bite.

Light, healthy, and packed with protein, these wraps work brilliantly as a quick lunch or casual dinner option.

Weeknight cooking just got a delicious upgrade with this simple yet impressive dish that promises to become a regular in your meal rotation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 5

Must-Have Ingredients For Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps

For Teriyaki Sauce:
  • Soy Sauce: Brings deep umami flavor and saltiness to the dish, choose low-sodium for better control of salt levels.
  • Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create glossy sauce texture, opt for local raw honey for richer taste.
  • Rice Vinegar: Provides tangy brightness, select seasoned variety for more complex flavor profile.
  • Cornstarch: Essential thickening agent that creates smooth sauce consistency.
  • Water: Helps blend and dilute sauce ingredients for perfect balance.
  • Sesame Oil: Delivers nutty undertone, choose toasted version for more intense aroma.
  • Garlic Powder: Offers concentrated garlic essence without chopping fresh garlic.
  • Ground Ginger: Contributes warm, spicy notes, select fresh ground for maximum potency.
For Protein and Vegetables:
  • Ground Chicken: Lean protein base that absorbs teriyaki flavors beautifully, choose fresh ground meat.
  • Onion: Provides savory foundation and natural sweetness to the dish.
  • Garlic: Adds pungent depth, fresh cloves work best for maximum flavor.
  • Ginger: Brings zingy, aromatic touch, fresh grated ginger recommended.
  • Carrots: Adds crisp texture and subtle sweetness, use fresh shredded carrots.
  • Water Chestnuts: Delivers delightful crunch, select canned for convenience.
  • Green Onions: Introduces fresh, mild onion flavor and bright garnish.
For Serving:
  • Lettuce Leaves: Creates light, crisp wrap base, butter or iceberg lettuce work perfectly.

Tools To Craft Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps

  • Large Skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and creating the perfect, flavorful base.
  • Small Bowl: Perfect for whisking together the delicious teriyaki sauce ingredients.
  • Spatula: Crucial for breaking up ground chicken and stirring the mixture evenly.
  • Whisk: Great for blending sauce ingredients smoothly without any lumps.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping green onions, garlic, and preparing vegetables.
  • Sharp Knife: Helps chop ingredients quickly and precisely.

Instructions For Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps

  • Whip Up the Flavor Boost

Create a zesty teriyaki sauce by blending soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, water, sesame oil, garlic powder, and ground ginger in a small bowl. Let it rest and get ready to work its magic.

  • Sizzle and Transform the Chicken

Fire up a skillet with sesame oil over medium-high heat. Toss in onions and let them dance until they soften. Quickly add garlic and ginger for a burst of aroma. Introduce ground chicken and break it down, cooking until it turns a beautiful golden brown.

  • Build Layers of Deliciousness

Fold in shredded carrots and crunchy water chestnuts. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the mixture, stirring until everything is gloriously coated. Let it simmer and thicken, creating a mouthwatering blend of flavors. Finish with a sprinkle of green onions for a fresh kick.

  • Wrap and Serve with Flair

Scoop the sizzling chicken mixture into crisp lettuce leaves. Scatter sesame seeds on top for an extra crunch if you’re feeling fancy. Invite everyone to dig in and create their perfect wrap.

  • Enjoy the Feast

Serve these tantalizing lettuce wraps immediately while they’re piping hot. Watch as your guests dive into this flavor-packed meal that’s both fun and delicious.

Teriyaki Tips & Substitutes

  • Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps Cooking Tips & Variations
  • Lettuce Selection Magic: Butter lettuce or crisp iceberg leaves work best for sturdy, leak-proof wraps that hold the delicious filling without falling apart.
  • Protein Power Switch: Swap ground chicken with ground turkey, tofu, or plant-based meat alternatives for different dietary preferences and exciting flavor profiles.
  • Low-Carb Hero Hack: Replace honey with sugar-free sweetener and serve over cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version that keeps all the original teriyaki deliciousness.
  • Spice Adventure Boost: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the teriyaki mixture for those who love an extra kick of heat in their wraps.
  • Veggie Explosion Option: Experiment by adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or edamame to increase nutritional value and create more texture in the filling.

How To Serve Teriyaki Lettuce Wraps

  • Fresh Family Feast: Create a fun, interactive meal where everyone builds their own lettuce wraps.
  • Colorful Toppings Bar: Set out extra chopped herbs like cilantro, sliced jalapeños, crushed peanuts, and lime wedges for personalized flavor boosts.
  • Asian-Inspired Side Dishes: Pair with steamed white rice, quick cucumber salad, or crispy edamame for a complete and satisfying meal that complements the teriyaki chicken's bold flavors.
  • Dipping Sauce Station: Offer additional teriyaki sauce, sriracha, or sweet chili sauce on the side so guests can adjust the heat and sweetness to their preference.

Keep Teriyaki Lettuce Wraps Fresh

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover teriyaki chicken mixture in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for 35 days. Keep lettuce leaves separately wrapped in damp paper towels to maintain crispness and prevent wilting.
  • Quick Freezing Technique: Freeze the cooked chicken mixture without lettuce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet, adding a splash of water to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
  • Lunch Prep Magic: Divide chicken mixture into individual meal-sized containers with separate compartments for lettuce, creating grab-and-go lunches that stay fresh and crisp. Pack sesame seeds and green onions in small sealed bags to add just before eating.
  • Temperature Wisdom: Always reheat chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure food safety. Use a quick microwave method or gentle stovetop warming to maintain the sauce's texture and prevent meat from becoming tough or dry.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Crispy Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Crispy Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Zesty teriyaki chicken lettuce wraps showcase Asian-inspired flavors with fresh ingredients. Simple preparation delivers a light, delicious meal perfect for quick dinners or casual gatherings you will savor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) ground chicken
  • 1 head butter lettuce or romaine (leaves separated and rinsed)
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • ½ cup diced water chestnuts
  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsps honey
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • ½ small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • Sesame seeds
  • Extra chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Sauce Preparation: Whisk soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, water, sesame oil, garlic powder, and ground ginger in a bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
  2. Sauté Foundation: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Introduce diced onions and cook until translucent, creating a flavorful base for the dish.
  3. Protein Development: Add minced garlic and ginger, then incorporate ground chicken. Break down the meat while cooking until it achieves a rich, golden-brown color, ensuring thorough cooking and maximum flavor infusion.
  4. Vegetable Integration: Fold in shredded carrots and water chestnuts, then pour the prepared teriyaki sauce. Stir continuously to coat all ingredients evenly and develop a harmonious flavor profile.
  5. Sauce Reduction: Simmer the mixture, allowing the sauce to thicken and create a glossy, luxurious coating that clings perfectly to the chicken and vegetables.
  6. Final Touches: Remove from heat and gently mix in chopped green onions. Transfer the aromatic mixture into crisp lettuce leaves, creating ready-to-serve wraps.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and additional green onions over the wraps. Present immediately, inviting diners to enjoy these vibrant, flavor-packed teriyaki chicken lettuce wraps.

Notes

  • Control Sauce Consistency: Whisk cornstarch thoroughly to prevent lumpy teriyaki sauce, stirring continuously during thickening to achieve smooth, glossy texture.
  • Optimize Chicken Browning: Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the skillet, allowing ground chicken to develop deep golden-brown color and enhance overall flavor complexity.
  • Manage Lettuce Freshness: Select crisp, sturdy lettuce leaves like iceberg or butter lettuce, washing and drying completely to prevent soggy wraps and maintain structural integrity.
  • Customize Dietary Adaptations: Replace ground chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for vegetarian version, use tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free alternative, and adjust sesame oil quantity for lower-fat preparation.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star