Name: 20-Minute Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 3 tbsp soy sauce; 3 tbsp hoisin sauce; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1 can (8 oz) water chestnuts, chopped; 3 green onions, sliced; 1 head butter lettuce (or romaine)

A quick weeknight dinner that tastes like your favorite takeout but healthier? That’s exactly what these 20-Minute Chicken Lettuce Wraps deliver. Juicy ground chicken gets tossed in a savory sauce full of garlic, ginger, and hoisin, then piled into crisp lettuce cups for a crunchy, satisfying bite. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to whenever you need something fast, fresh, and packed with flavor.

The magic is in the contrast: warm, umami-packed chicken against cool, crisp lettuce with just the right amount of crunch from water chestnuts. You can serve it as a main dish or as an appetizer when guests are over. Either way, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “takeout who?”

Why You’ll Love This 20-Minute Chicken Lettuce Wraps

These wraps check all the boxes. They’re light but filling, quick yet packed with flavor, and easy enough to pull off on the busiest weeknight. They also happen to be naturally low-carb, customizable for picky eaters, and a fun way to switch up the usual dinner routine. Plus, the cleanup is minimal — just one skillet, one bowl, and a stack of napkins.

What Kind of Lettuce Works Best for Lettuce Wraps?

Butter lettuce is the gold standard for wraps like these. Its soft, pliable leaves form perfect cups and have a mild flavor that lets the filling shine. If you can’t find butter lettuce, Romaine hearts or even iceberg can work in a pinch, though they’ll be a bit crunchier and more rigid.

Ingredients for the 20-Minute Chicken Lettuce Wraps

This ingredient list keeps things simple and pantry-friendly. Each component brings texture and flavor, building a balanced bite every time.

Ground chicken: Lean and quick to cook, this forms the protein base of the filling.
Garlic and ginger: These aromatics give the dish its bold, savory backbone.
Soy sauce: Adds saltiness and umami to the sauce.
Hoisin sauce: Brings a touch of sweetness and depth that makes the wraps addictively good.
Rice vinegar: Offers a bit of acid to balance the richness.
Water chestnuts: Their crunch contrasts beautifully with the soft chicken.
Green onions: Fresh and mild, they brighten the mix.
Sesame oil: A little goes a long way for toasty flavor.
Lettuce leaves: Choose sturdy, cup-shaped ones like butter or romaine.

How To Make the 20-Minute Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil and the ground chicken. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until no longer pink, about 5 to 6 minutes.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Stir in the garlic and ginger. Let them cook with the chicken for 1 to 2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Pour this mixture into the skillet and stir to coat the chicken.

Step 4: Toss in Water Chestnuts and Green Onions

Add the chopped water chestnuts and green onions. Stir everything to combine and let cook for another 2 minutes to heat through.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Spoon the chicken filling into individual lettuce cups. Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect blend of warm filling and cool crunch.

How to Serve and Store Chicken Lettuce Wraps

This recipe yields enough for about 4 servings, making it perfect for a family dinner or a few rounds of seconds. Serve the filling hot with fresh lettuce leaves on the side so everyone can assemble their own. If you have leftovers, store the filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Lettuce leaves should be kept separate and only rinsed before serving to keep them crisp.

What to Serve With Chicken Lettuce Wraps?

Coconut Rice

Creamy and slightly sweet, coconut rice complements the savory wraps without overpowering them.

Asian Cucumber Salad

A chilled cucumber salad with vinegar and sesame makes a refreshing side.

Vegetable Spring Rolls

Keep it light with rice paper rolls packed with veggies and served with peanut dipping sauce.

Miso Soup

Warm and comforting, miso soup makes a gentle starter or side.

Edamame with Sea Salt

Steamed edamame pods sprinkled with coarse salt are fun to snack on alongside the wraps.

Crispy Baked Wontons

These make a crunchy contrast to the soft lettuce and tender filling.

Mango Sticky Rice

For a sweet finish, mango sticky rice is light, fruity, and satisfying.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If these chicken lettuce wraps have you craving more fast and flavorful chicken meals, check out these popular options on the blog:

Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta when you’re in a comfort food mood.
Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl for a fresh twist on classic flavors.
Creamy Smothered Chicken with Spinach, Potatoes, and Mushrooms when you want something hearty and cozy.
White Chicken Enchilada Casserole for a family favorite with creamy layers.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go classic or give it a spicy kick? Maybe added some chopped peanuts or sriracha drizzle?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dishes on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for flavor-packed meals.

Conclusion

Chicken lettuce wraps are one of those recipes that hit the sweet spot of healthy, fast, and absolutely satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers on all fronts. Keep it simple, make it often, and enjoy every bite of that savory crunch combo.