Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wraps (Print View)

Fresh lettuce cups with grilled chicken, crisp veggies, and sweet-sour sauce. Light, vibrant Asian-inspired dish.

# Components:

→ Chicken Marinade

01 - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
02 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
03 - 1 tablespoon sesame oil
04 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
05 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
06 - 1 garlic clove, minced
07 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
08 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Wrap Assembly

09 - 8 large butter lettuce or Bibb lettuce leaves
10 - 1 medium carrot, julienned
11 - 1/2 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
12 - 1/4 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
13 - 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
14 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
15 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

→ Dipping Sauce (Optional)

16 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
17 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
18 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
19 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil
20 - Chili flakes or sriracha, to taste (optional)

# Directions:

01 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat. Cover and let marinate for at least 15 minutes or refrigerate up to 4 hours.
02 - Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place marinated chicken on the grill and cook 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a cutting board, rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
03 - Wash and thoroughly dry lettuce leaves. Arrange leaves on a large platter. Prepare carrot, cucumber, bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro as instructed.
04 - Place sliced chicken in each lettuce leaf. Top with carrot, cucumber, bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
05 - In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and chili flakes or sriracha if using.
06 - Arrange the lettuce wraps on a serving platter. Serve immediately with the dipping sauce on the side or drizzle sauce over the wraps as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Easy to assemble with minimal prep time
  • Protein-packed and lower carb for light but filling meals
  • Versatile for gluten-free dairy-free and many dietary needs
  • Customization friendly with toppings and sauces
  • Perfect for meal prepping and family dinners
02 -
  • Packed with protein and nutrients from fresh veggies
  • Great for low carb or gluten free diets with easy swaps
  • Assembles quickly and keeps well for meal prep
03 -
  • Use a meat thermometer for perfect juicy chicken every time
  • Slice vegetables as uniformly as possible for even texture in every bite
  • If grilling outdoors let a bit of marinade glaze the chicken during the last minute for more caramelized flavor
  • Try lightly toasting sesame seeds before sprinkling on top for deeper nutty notes
  • Let each person assemble their wrap to keep things social and hands-on at the table