Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Zingy Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe for Fresh Meals

Crispy, savory teriyaki chicken lettuce wraps burst with flavor that’ll make you crave every single bite.

These handheld delights combine sweet-tangy sauce with tender meat nestled in cool, crisp lettuce leaves.

Fresh ingredients dance together in a simple yet exciting meal that takes minutes to prepare.

Weeknight dinners transform into something special when you craft these protein-packed parcels.

Easy-to-find components ensure you can whip up this delicious dish without complicated shopping trips.

The light, refreshing wraps offer a perfect balance between hearty protein and delicate greens.

Grab some chopsticks and dive into this mouthwatering recipe that promises to become your new favorite quick meal.

Why Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps Are Packed With Flavor

  • Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal: Whip up these teriyaki chicken lettuce wraps in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy families or solo cooks craving a fast, delicious dinner.
  • Healthier Comfort Food Twist: Swap traditional heavy wraps for crisp lettuce leaves, creating a low-carb, protein-packed meal that satisfies without the guilt while delivering bold Asian-inspired flavors.
  • Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Easily adapt the recipe by switching ground chicken for turkey, adding extra veggies, or adjusting spice levels to match your personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Interactive Dining Experience: Encourage family and friends to assemble their own lettuce wraps at the table, turning mealtime into a fun, engaging shared experience that gets everyone involved in the cooking process.

Everything You Need For Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Sauce Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce: Provides deep umami flavor and saltiness to the teriyaki sauce.
  • Honey: Adds sweetness and helps create a glossy sauce texture.
  • Rice Vinegar: Brings a subtle tangy brightness to balance the sauce.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.
  • Water: Helps blend ingredients and adjust sauce consistency.
  • Sesame Oil: Adds a rich, nutty undertone to the sauce.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides a mild, consistent garlic flavor.
  • Ground Ginger: Delivers a warm, slightly spicy aromatic element.
Protein and Aromatics:
  • Ground Chicken, Onion, Garlic, Ginger: Classic combination for a flavorful and lean protein base with depth of flavor.
Vegetable and Garnish Ingredients:
  • Shredded Carrots, Water Chestnuts: Add crunch and freshness to the chicken mixture.
  • Green Onions: Provides a mild onion flavor and bright green color as a garnish.
  • Sesame Seeds: Offers a nutty crunch and visual appeal to the final dish.
  • Lettuce Leaves: Serves as a light, crisp wrap for the chicken mixture.

How To Make Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps At Home

Step 1: Craft Zesty Teriyaki Sauce

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together these flavor-packed ingredients:
  • Soy sauce
  • Honey
  • Rice vinegar
  • Cornstarch
  • Water
  • Sesame oil
  • Garlic powder
  • Ground ginger

Set the sauce aside and let the flavors mingle.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown Chicken

Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in diced onions and let them dance and soften for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle minced garlic and grated ginger into the pan, creating an aromatic base. Add ground chicken and break it into crumbly pieces while cooking until it turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 3: Introduce Colorful Vegetables

Fold in these vibrant mix-ins:
  • Shredded carrots
  • Chopped water chestnuts

Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the chicken mixture. Stir enthusiastically, allowing the sauce to coat every morsel. Let everything simmer and bubble until the sauce transforms into a glossy, clingy coating. Finish by stirring in fresh green onions for a pop of color and zing.

Step 4: Create Crisp Lettuce Wraps

Gently spoon the steaming chicken mixture into crisp lettuce leaves. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and extra green onions for added texture and freshness.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Bring the skillet to the table and let everyone create their own personalized wraps. These teriyaki chicken parcels are best enjoyed hot and fresh, with each bite promising a burst of sweet, savory goodness.

Tips For Better Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps

  • Sauce Mastery: Whisk the teriyaki sauce ingredients thoroughly to ensure smooth, even blending and prevent cornstarch clumping.
  • Meat Browning Technique: Break down ground chicken into small, uniform pieces while cooking to maximize flavor absorption and create perfect texture.
  • Veggie Crunch Boost: Add water chestnuts and carrots for extra texture and nutrition, providing a delightful contrast to the tender chicken.
  • Low-Carb Champion: Swap traditional wraps with crisp lettuce leaves for a lighter, gluten-free meal that's packed with protein and freshness.
  • Customization Station: Offer optional toppings like extra green onions, sesame seeds, or sriracha sauce to let diners personalize their lettuce wraps.

How To Store Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps Easily

  • Refrigerate leftover teriyaki chicken mixture in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Keep lettuce leaves separate to prevent sogginess and maintain their crisp texture.
  • Separate the chicken filling from the lettuce when storing to preserve the best quality and flavor.
  • When reheating, warm the chicken mixture gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even heating.
  • Pro tip: Add a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce while reheating to restore moisture and keep the chicken tender.
  • Avoid freezing the prepared dish, as lettuce and cooked chicken can become watery and lose their appealing texture when thawed.

Best Matches For Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps

  • Craft a Crisp Beverage Pairing: Complement the savory teriyaki chicken with a light, slightly sweet Japanese beer like Asahi or Sapporo, which cuts through the richness and enhances the Asian-inspired flavors.
  • Select a Refreshing Cucumber Cooler: Mix a cucumber mint mocktail or cocktail that provides a cool, crisp contrast to the warm, saucy chicken, balancing the teriyaki's sweetness with herbal freshness.
  • Recommend a Zesty White Wine: Choose a slightly acidic Riesling or Gewürztraminer, whose fruity and slightly sweet notes harmonize perfectly with the teriyaki sauce's complexity and the lettuce wrap's light texture.
  • Suggest a Citrus-Infused Sparkling Water: Pour a lime or yuzu-flavored sparkling water to cleanse the palate between bites, offering a bright, tangy counterpoint to the rich chicken mixture.

Tasty Variations Of Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps

  • Spicy Sriracha Chicken Wraps: Kick up the heat by adding sriracha sauce to the teriyaki mixture. Blend in red pepper flakes for an extra zingy flavor that'll wake up your taste buds.
  • Tropical Pineapple Chicken Lettuce Cups: Incorporate diced fresh pineapple into the chicken mixture for a sweet and tangy Hawaiian-inspired version. Sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes for added texture.
  • Vegetarian Tofu Lettuce Wraps: Swap ground chicken with crumbled firm tofu. Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option. Add diced bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
  • Asian Fusion Rice Bowl Alternative: Transform the recipe by serving the teriyaki chicken over cauliflower rice or jasmine rice instead of lettuce. Garnish with crispy wonton strips for a restaurant-style presentation.

FAQs About Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps

FAQs for Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps:

  • Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or beef work great as substitutes for ground chicken. Just make sure to cook the meat thoroughly and drain any excess fat.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this dish completely gluten-free. Standard soy sauce contains wheat, so check your labels carefully.

  • How spicy are these lettuce wraps?

These wraps are mild and kid-friendly. If you want more heat, add a dash of sriracha sauce or red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce for a kick.

  • What lettuce works best for these wraps?

Butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce are perfect because they’re crisp and hold the filling well. Romaine can work too, but might be a bit more rigid and harder to wrap.

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
Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps bring Asian-inspired flavors to your dinner table with a delightful blend of sweet and savory notes. Crisp lettuce leaves cradle tender chicken glazed in rich teriyaki sauce, offering you a light yet satisfying meal perfect for quick weeknight dining.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground chicken

Vegetables:

  • ½ small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • ½ cup diced water chestnuts
  • 2 green onions, chopped

Sauce and Seasoning:

  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger

For Serving:

  • 1 head butter lettuce or romaine (leaves separated and rinsed)
  • Sesame seeds
  • Extra chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Craft a vibrant teriyaki sauce by blending soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, water, sesame oil, garlic powder, and ground ginger in a compact mixing vessel. Allow the mixture to rest momentarily.
  2. Ignite a large skillet with sesame oil over medium-high temperature. Introduce diced onions, sautéing until they transform into a translucent, soft landscape.
  3. Infuse the pan with minced garlic and fresh ginger, releasing their aromatic essence for a brief moment. Incorporate ground chicken, systematically fragmenting the protein until it achieves a rich, golden-brown complexion.
  4. Cascade shredded carrots and crisp water chestnuts into the skillet, creating a textural medley. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce, ensuring every morsel becomes lavishly coated.
  5. Simmer the mixture, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling magnificently to the chicken and vegetables. This process intensifies the flavor profile and creates a glossy, inviting appearance.
  6. Extinguish the heat and gracefully fold in freshly chopped green onions, introducing a final layer of zesty brightness.
  7. Delicately nestle the warm, fragrant chicken mixture into crisp lettuce leaves, transforming them into elegant wraps.
  8. Embellish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and additional green onions, offering an optional yet enticing garnish.
  9. Present immediately, inviting diners to construct their personalized teriyaki chicken lettuce wraps at the table.

Notes

  • Swap ground chicken with ground turkey or tofu for a different protein twist that keeps the dish versatile and exciting.
  • Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt intake without compromising the rich teriyaki flavor profile.
  • Prep ingredients beforehand to make cooking faster and more streamlined, chopping vegetables and measuring sauce components in advance.
  • Create a gluten-free version by using tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and confirming cornstarch is certified gluten-free.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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